How Clever is your Dog?

Border Collie Portrait

Do YOU own one of the smartest dogs in the world? We all know that every dog is unique and that means their intelligence comes in various forms. Although the best in any breed can be nurtured by owners putting blood, sweat and tears into training, there are fixed realities when it comes to their intelligence. Some dog breeds are known for being incredibly intelligent, quick to learn tricks and will often outsmart you, whereas other breeds like beagles are among the slow learners of the canine world.

Take a peek at our list to see if your dog’s breed is one of the top 5 smartest dog breeds in the world.

1. Border Collie

Border Collie Portrait

Border collies are the top dogs in the intelligence category, with some even capable of understanding up to 200 words. Originally known as the “sheep dog,” the border collie is a workaholic. As one of the world’s premier sheep herder, they are bred to think independently, and are prized for their intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability. These are fantastic traits for training but considerably more problematic if they’re without a job to do. Left to their own devices, they can wreak havoc!

2. Poodle

Poodle Portrait

Poodles have often been known to stand out from the crowd due to their impressive coats but did you know they have beauty and brains? Originally bred in Germany, the poodle is known for for bird hunting and retrieving things from water. Poodles are very active dogs, who thrive on learning and not only that, they are also known have a great sense of humour too!

3. German Shepherd

German Shepherd Portrait

Typically a natural protector, the world’s leading police dog is highly intelligent and learns commands very quickly. The german shepherd also makes a loving family companion but he’s that protective of his home and family you need to make sure he knows that you’re the boss or he will appoint himself boss and can become overly protective and territorial. They love to spend time playing, running, hiking, working or doing something else that uses up some of that energy.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Portrait

This gorgeous, friendly dog is best known for its intelligence, patience and gentleness, making them the perfect companion. Golden retrievers are easily trained, and in fact, are one of the top dogs chosen for search and rescue, assisting the police and the disabled. They are also known to self-train, observing behaviours in humans and repeating them — a great asset in emergency situations.

5. Doberman

Golden Retriever Portrait

Due to their fearlessness, stamina and speed, the doberman is known for being one of the most popular breeds of guard dog. They have a range of skills and therefore need tasks with lots of mental stimulation to keep them occupied and happy. Dobermans often appear fearsome but are actually quite gentle and their loyalty makes them a great companion.

Want to memorise best moments with your small friends? Consider to hire professionals in pet photography!