The Top Ten Smartest Dogs: How Smart Is Your Dog?

We know that dogs are smart. But there is no question that some are smarter than others. Just right like people right?

Now celebrity dog trainer Brandon McMillan (above) has produced a list of what he considers to be the top ten smartest breeds based on his years of training and focusing on dog obedience and social intelligence in an home environment. The list is further supported by details derived from Stanley Coren’s study entitled The Intelligence of Dogs. Coren is a psychology professor and neuropsychological researcher who is best known  for his best selling and award winning books regarding the intelligence, mental abilities and history of dogs.

Brandon’s Top Ten

Border Collie – One of the Smartest Dog Breeds

Originally bred to herd livestock, especially sheep in the Scottish region, studies show that the Border Collie is highly regarded for their keen sense of intelligence and obedience.

Australian Shepherd – Very Intelligent Dog Breed

These dogs are known for their trainability and their agility. Australian Shepherds have tons of energy, are very obedient and are always eager to please their humans.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd looking brilliant

This breed’s intelligence is so often recognized that they are a very popular choice for service dogs and search-and-rescue dogs around the world today.

Malinois

Malinois are intelligent working dogs often used in the military

These dogs are so intelligent that the soldiers of the United States military often entrust them with their lives. You may have noticed that the star of the recent Warner Bros. film, Max, was a Malinois.

Standard Poodle

Are poodles smart – yes

Poodles come in all shapes and sizes but not only are they super smart, they have hypoallergenic qualities that make them very popular for the modern family!

Papillon

Papillons are surprisingly smart

Known as excellent watchdogs for their small size, Papillons are known to be very affectionate in addition to displaying great intelligence.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are smart and friendly

One of the most popular breeds today, the Lab’s intelligence makes them a likely choice as seeing-eye dogs. Their emotional intelligence is also a good reason why many are therapy dogs for those with autism.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are Smart Dogs

These active and fun-loving dogs are known for their obedience-command trainability that shows a correlation with intelligence. Add all of this up and you get a prototypical family pet!

Doberman Pinscher

Pinschers are much smarter than people give them credit for.

Known for its high energy, the Doberman consistently ranks near the top in experimental studies and expert evaluations. Dobies are known for their protective instincts over their owner families.

Rottweiler

Rotts are strong, loyal and smart.

Originally bred to herd cattle, these strong and loving dogs are known for their protective instincts. Rotts are highly trainable as puppies but may require more patience if training an adult dog.

The list appears on a site called CompanionAnimals.org which is also an excellent reference to learn more about service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs.