There are a lot of intelligent dogs in the world, but there are some breeds that are especially known for their high intelligence. There are several factors that determine a dog’s intelligence, including word comprehension, problem-solving skills, responsiveness to training, communication skills (with humans and other animals), memory, and the ability to predict human behavior. The smartest dog breeds usually score well in all of these categories.

Breed characteristics

Most intelligent dogs are also high-energy dog breeds. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from getting bored. Otherwise, they may find themselves with entertainment activities that aren’t always ideal, such as tearing up your couch. Still, these dogs can be trained quickly and often make excellent working dogs and service animals. They like to do a job that allows them to use their brains.

Here are the 10 smartest dog breeds.

1. Border Collie

The Border Collie is often considered the smartest of all dogs and the best in the canine world. The Border Collie was originally bred as a collie dog, and it can do almost anything you give them the job. They are energetic, athletic, driven, and always open to learning new things. In fact, if you don’t keep them moving and working, they may start to wreak havoc in your home.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 18 to 22 inches
• Weight: 28 to 48 pounds
• Physical characteristics: coarse or smooth medium-long double coat, body slightly longer than height, long head, reaching the nose, ears erect, tips curled

2. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, lively, and friendly. The background of the Shepherd makes it a hard-working worker with a thirst for physical activity and mental challenges. Australians are quick learners and are always looking for new challenges. These dogs need to keep their work busy, otherwise they may get bored and frustrated. Dog sport is perfect for this breed.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 18 to 23 inches
• Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
• Physical characteristics: medium-long hairs of blue, red, black or red in color, feathers on the back of the legs, broad mane on the neck

3. Poodle

Poodles are toys, whether miniature or standard-sized, that have some of the best canine intelligence. Poodles originated as hunting dogs and remain hardworking workers and trusted companions. They can easily learn even the most complex tricks. For example, you can teach a Poodle to balance on a ball, jump over hoops, or act as a service dog.

Overview of the breed

• Height: Standard: 15 inches, Miniature: 10 to 15 inches, Toys: 10 inches and below
• Weight: Standard: 45 to 70 lbs., Miniature: 15 to 18 lbs., Toys: 5 to 9 lbs
• Physical characteristics: Curly, dense, single-coat coat that may be one of several solid colors, including white, black, gray, brown, and apricot

4. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a very focused and driven dog breed that has developed a close bond with its owner. This dog is bred for herding cattle and likes to do the job the most. Without stimulation, it may find undesirable ways to stay busy (e.g., disruptive behavior or walking away to explore). But like most intelligent dogs, cattle dogs are very good at reading humans and are usually able to predict what humans will do next.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 17 to 20 inches
• Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
• Physical characteristics: strong, muscular body, short, dense double coat, wide and erect ears, small, round feet, short toes, long tail pressed and curved upward

5. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a loyal, protective breed that is energetic, intelligent, and sometimes gives the impression of being highly nervous or anxious. German Shepherds need a job to do. Something as simple as supervising and protecting children can give this breed a sense of purpose. These dogs are usually trained quickly and thrive on tasks for humans.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 22 to 26 inches
• Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
• Physical characteristics: tall, athletic, double coat consisting of a thick undercoat and a thick, slightly wavy or straight outer coat, tan and black or red and black coloration

6. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is always observant of its surroundings, eager to learn or waiting for you to signal to carry out a task. The Sheridan is very good at reading people’s minds and can easily understand what people expect to behave towards them. They tend to develop a close bond with their owners and are very sensitive to training.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 13 to 16 inches
• Weight: 15 to 25 pounds
• Physical characteristics: coarse outer fur, soft, dense undercoat, full mane, feathers on legs and tail

7. Papillon

Don’t let the delicate body of the papillon fool you; it’s not just a pug. These puppies are friendly, alert, and active. They may snuggle up to your lap for a while, but then look for something fun to do. Like many small dogs, butterfly dogs have a somewhat stubborn character. However, if you make training worthwhile (with high-value rewards), then the dog will learn quickly.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 8 to 11 inches
• Weight: 6 to 10 lbs
• Physical characteristics: straight, long, single-layer coat, erected ears, alert demeanor

8. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are experts at interpreting people by studying body language and facial cues. These dogs are usually very kind and playful to people they know, but can be more restrained and stoic towards strangers. Once you’ve earned the trust of the Rotties, they can easily get trained. They can learn to perform many actions and always keep an eye on the environment to ensure everyone’s safety.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 22 to 27 inches
• Weight: 80 to 130 pounds
• Physical characteristics: tall, muscular, short, somewhat rough but shiny black coat, clear, rich tan facial markings

9. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier and the closely related Parson Russell Terrier are fearless, energetic dogs with a keen intelligence and a stubborn character. Due to their energy and brain power, these terriers excel at dog sports, such as agility. Their desire to keep going can make training challenging at the start. But motivate them with rewards, and you’ll see how many complex tricks these dogs can learn.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 10 to 15 inches
• Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
• Physical characteristics: square and compact, small, lumpy head with almond-shaped black eyes and drooping ears in a high position, and elongated, erect tail

10. Golden Retriever

On the surface, the Golden Retriever may just be a happy, goofy dog. But the Golden Retriever is smart and likable, so he excels in training. These traits make Golden Retrievers excellent service animals. This breed also excels in dog sports. On top of that, golden retrievers can learn to adapt to many different types of families.

Overview of the breed

• Height: 21 to 24 inches
• Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
• Physical characteristics: strong, muscular, broad head, light to dark golden coat, friendly and intelligent eyes