Which Dog Breeds Are the Smartest? These Pups Top the List

1) Doberman Pinscher

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

Dr. Alex Crow points out that dobermans have "exceptional intelligence and trainability." The dogs are bred with protection in mind, and thrive at obedience with proper training. Although most well known for their physical attributes, including their distinctive shiny coats and muscular frames, the breed is also highly alert.

  • Height: 24-28 inches
  • Weight: 60-100 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

2) Belgian Malanois

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

The distinguished Malanois is famous for its work in the military and on police forces, plus you've probably seen videos of them jumping to incredible heights. Dr. Julie Hunt says, "The Belgian Malinois is commonly trained as a working dog, and they are quite intelligent. However, they generally do not make ideal pets, as they can be hypervigilant and overactive in a home environment."

  • Height: 20-26 inches
  • Weight: 40-80 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

3) German Shorthaired Pointer

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

The highly active German shorthaired is adept at hunting and following commands. The energetic breed requires plenty of activity and stimulation. If you adopt a GSP puppy, plan on beginning training right away—they are highly intelligent but require a positive training environment.

  • Height: 21-25 inches
  • Weight: 45-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

4) Great Pyrenees

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

Dr. Julie Hunt notes that Great Pyrenees are known for their intelligence. This beautiful breed originated in the Pyrenees Mountains as livestock guard dogs, and they have natural protective instincts. They tend to be good with families and require moderate exercise. As you can imagine by their luxurious white coat, there is some grooming required, and heavy shedding is to be expected.

  • Height: 25 to 32 inches
  • Weight: 85 to 100 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

6) Shetland Sheepdog

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

The Shetland Sheepdog looks similar to a Collie but comes in a smaller package. While a collie can tip the scales at 60 to 75 pounds, Shetland sheepdogs are closer to 15 to 25. The two breeds were grouped together by the AKC until 1911. Thanks to its trainability and obedience, they tend to do well in agility competitions.

  • Height: 13-16 inches
  • Weight: 15-25 lbs
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

When it comes to hunting dogs, it's hard to beat the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. They're highly intelligent and adapt well to training, plus they make excellent family pets. Their protective coat also makes them great swimmers.

  • Height: 20-24 inches
  • Weight: 25-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

10) Poodle

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs. They're loyal, easy-going, and eager to please their owners. The pups excel at obedience and agility and often beat out the competition in those categories at dog shows. Poodles are bred in standard, miniature, and toy sizes, and they don't shed but do require grooming.

  • Height: Over 15 inches (standard)
  • Weight: 40-70 pounds (standard)
  • Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

13) German Shepherd

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

German Shepherds are versatile, easy to train, and are born with an innate instinct to protect. These hardworking dogs have a lot of stamina, and perform well in agencies like the military police force, making them one of the best choices for people in search of a guard dog.

  • Height: 22-26 inches
  • Weight: 50-90 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

14) Papillon

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

If you're looking for a small breed, the adorable papillon might be a great option for your family. Affectionate, confident, and perceptive, Papillons are as intelligent as they are adorable. They're one of the easiest to train and pick up commands quickly. Marie Antoinette was known to be a fan of this toy breed.

  • Height: 8-11 inches
  • Weight: 5-10 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

15) Rottweiler

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

Known to be exceptional guard dogs, the imposing breed is highly trainable when paired with a skilled trainer. Weighing up to 135 pounds, Rottweilers certainly look imposing, but they're generally calm, confident, and loyal family members. They can also be playful and cuddly, just be sure to provide plenty of socialization and training as Rotties can be territorial.

  • Height: 22-27 inches
  • Weight: 80-135 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

17) Australian Cattle Dog

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

Australian Cattle Dogs were bred for herding. If you have a lot of outdoor space, these dogs were made for you as they love to flex their herding and chasing skills as much as possible.

  • Height: 17-20 inches
  • Weight: 35-50 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

18) Collie

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

Lassie set the standard for dog intelligence, and for good reason. Although you might not need your pup to find someone in a well, Collies make the perfect problem-solving family dog. They're known to be protective and alert. They excel at herding, obedience, and agility. Collies are bred with two coat types: rough and smooth.

  • Height: 22-26 inches
  • Weight: 50-75 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

19) Bloodhound

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

For centuries humans have relied on the Bloodhound's sharp sense of smell for tracking and hunting. Often called upon for search and rescue missions, you'll also love having one at home. They have a keen sense of smell and love to explore, and, while they're good family dogs, they tend to be stubborn, especially when they're on a scent.

  • Height: 23-27 inches
  • Weight: 80-110 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

20) Miniature Schnauzer

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

Don't let their cute, bearded faces fool you. Miniature Schnauzers were bred to work on farms and thrive when they have a job to do. They require lots of mental stimulation and physical activity to ensure they don't get bored and misbehave.

  • Height: 12-14 inches
  • Weight: 11-20 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

21) Standard Schnauzer

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

It stands to reason that the larger Standard Schanuzer is smart, just like its miniature version. Originally bred in the Bavarian Alps to watch over homes and farms, Giant Schnauzers remain excellent guard dogs, and are affectionate with their families, intelligent, and easy to train. They require plenty of exercise, as well as weekly grooming.

  • Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
  • Weight: 55-85 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

22) English Springer Spaniel

1) Doberman Pinscher, 2) Belgian Malanois, 3) German Shorthaired Pointer, 4) Great Pyrenees, 6) Shetland Sheepdog, 8) Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, 10) Poodle, 13) German Shepherd, 14) Papillon, 15) Rottweiler, 17) Australian Cattle Dog, 18) Collie, 19) Bloodhound, 20) Miniature Schnauzer, 21) Standard Schnauzer, 22) English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a sporting dog that's friendly, agile, and alert. They aim to please and are highly trainable, plus they're top-notch hunters. Who wouldn't want to have one of these sweet pooches around?

  • Height: 19-20 inches
  • Weight: 40-50 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Post Related