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Dog
intelligence, like human intelligence,
comes in various forms.
They can learn tricks, obey commands even
find their way home from being lost.
However dog trainers and owners generally
find it difficult to agree on how intelligent
dogs are. One difficulty is confusing
a breed’s genetic characteristics
and predisposition plus a dog’s
obedience training with intelligence.
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If
they are bred to hunt, herd, or retrieve, dogs
are more likely to be quick on their feet, eager
to work, to move, and to please you and therefore
can appear to be learning faster, conversely
If bred to be a livestock guard dogs or a scent
hounds, they may often appear distracted and
less intelligent.
Ranking Dog Breeds by intelligence is subjective
at best; but as a guide, a survey by over 200
professional dog obedience judges ranked 110
dog breeds on the basis of their intelligence
and their findings concluded that the top ten
dogs in terms of intelligence were as follows:-
1. Border Collies
2. Poodle
3. German Shepherd
4. Golden Retriever
5. Doberman Pincher
6. Shetland Sheepdog
7. Labrador Retriever
8. Papillon
9. Rottwieler
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Not
everyone will necessarily agree with these actual
positions but they will recognise that the list
does contain all the generally accepted intelligent
Dog Breeds.
Below
are fuller descriptions of these selected breeds.
1) Border Collie
This breed is generally considered one of the
smartest dog breeds because of its sheepdog
traits. They are intelligent, astute and quick
learners. Quick to learn new commands and because
of their intelligence they are great in competitions
for skills such as agility and obedience. To
maintain their smartness, they must be exercised
often.
Border collies are legendary, generally thought
as the brightest of all dogs with a strong work
ethic, an eagerness to please and a desire to
bond.
2) Poodle
Poodles are known to be one of the easiest breeds
to train. They are great pets as well as guard
dogs (standard poodles).
Poodles are active, extremely intelligent and
social dogs, eager to learn they thrive on attention
from their owners and form close bonds. When
it comes to agility and obedience competitions,
Poodles are great choices.
3)
German Shepherd
Family pet, police, guard, and search dogs these
courageous dogs are comfortable in all of these
roles. German Shepherds are intelligent and
courageous-making them a great breed for families
looking for a dog to love and protect them.
The ideal military and police dog, the German
shepherd is a highly adaptable dog and natural
protector, they are keen and quick to learn.
German shepherds are an active and protective
breed that develop close ties to human family
members, they are great with children and other
dogs when correctly socialised.
4) Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most most popular
and smartest dog breeds. They have great intelligence,
an eagerness to learn and a great ability to
retain new found skills.They are great candidates
for obedience competitions and also for performing
tricks.
Golden Retrievers are some of the most trainable
dogs; they were the first American Kettle Club
obedience champions. With a name like “retriever”
the dogs have been bred as hunters to retrieve
fowl from water and land.
5) Doberman Pinscher
This breed is great for guarding and protecting
its master. Brave and intelligent they make
great family dogs if trained and socialised
at a young age. Doberman Pinschers also have
great stamina and are very loyal and confident,
making them one of the most intelligent breeds.They
require clear and consistent training and enjoy
exercise.
6) Shetland Sheepdog
They are fantastic concentrators, intelligent,
cunning, obedient, responsive, loyal, and affectionate.
Shetland Sheepdogs were originally bred to herd
hundreds of sheep and cattle. They have the
ability to do a number of tasks while contributing
fun and love to any family. Eager to learn and
enjoys training
7) Labrador Retriever
Labs are known for their patience. They are
great seeing -eye dogs and drugs search dogs.
Intelligent, easily trained with pliable and
thoughtful nature. Can be taught several tricks
if training begins at a young age.
8)
Papillion
Although they are tiny, they are possessive
of their owners and territory. Papillons are
easy to train, proving their intelligence. They
are both alert and responsive with a loyal nature.
9) Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a bad reputation for being
aggressive. However, if trained properly, they
make great family pets. They are intelligent,
obedient and immensely loyal to handler and
family. Very courageous and one of the best
guard and security dog breeds.
10) Australian Cattle Dog
These dogs are independent, but protective of
their owners and property. They are intelligent,
alert, well balanced and loyal. Easily trained
and eager to work.