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The World’s Smartest Dogs According to Stanley Coren
Which are the most intelligent dog breeds? Stanley Coren has put together a ranking of dog intelligence, yet not everyone agrees with him. While the fact that dogs are intelligent is common knowledge, some people went a step further by classifying dog breeds on the basis of their intelligence.
The following list was made by Stanley Coren, a professor and researcher at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, who has studied our four-legged friends’ mental capabilities for a long time. He became worldwide famous when his book The Intelligence of Dogs was published. This book was translated into 26 different languages and resulted in several awards.
As the title suggests, Coren compiled a ranking of the most intelligent dog breeds based on their ability to learn new commands quickly and execute them continuously over time.
Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds
1- Border Collie
The Border Collie ranks highest on the podium of the most intelligent dogs in the world. It is an English dog, traditionally used for livestock herding. It is believed that the problem-solving ability of this breed was enhanced as it had to guide hundreds of sheep and often autonomously or at a certain distance from the shepherd or herder.
In addition, by carrying out a job that requires close coordination with the herder and often with other dogs, the Border Collie has developed both intuition and the ability to understand at once, even if only by means of small signals, the commands of humans or signals coming from other animals.
2 – Poodle
The Poodle is the second most intelligent dog in the world. It is an excellent life companion; it is athletic, obedient, eager to please and overall a happy pup. It provides infinite joy and love to its family, who are really lucky to share a life together with this dog.
3 – German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog could not be out of the top positions of the world’s most intelligent dogs. It is a very versatile dog. It is not only a beautiful dog to the eye, it is also agile and proportionate. The well-balanced temperament and absolute loyalty to their owner have made the German Shepherd one of the most popular and loved breeds over the last two centuries.
4 – Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a wonderful companion or service dog, but it is also a rescue dog used by Civil Defense in avalanches, building collapses, etc. As they adore being in the water, they also help in maritime rescues. Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs. They are quiet and warm; they want to be part of the family. It is considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world.
5 – Doberman Pinscher
In the past, the obedient Doberman Pinscher was used by the army. Today, it is used as a search-and-rescue dog. Marines call him the “Devil’s Dog”. They got this dark nickname due to the intimidating appearance they got after going through elective surgeries, such as ear cropping and tail docking. Fortunately, nowadays many countries are banning this practice, even forbidding dogs from being recognized if they have cropped ears. It ranks fifth on Stanley Coren’s list of the smartest dogs in the world.
6 – Shetland Shepherd
Some of the characteristics of this breed that make it a shepherd dog are its temperament, habits, harmonious build, and ability to protect the flocks. The Shetland Shepherd is an excellent companion dog that can also be used as a guard dog. Besides, we are in front of a champion of the dog sport known as agility. For this reason, this breed had to be part of the most intelligent dogs in the world.
7 – Labrador Retriever
The main characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is that it is an incredibly versatile dog. This dog breed is not just a pet. It is also suitable for training as a hunting dog, especially as a hound.
It does its best, either as a drug-sniffing dog, explosive-sniffing dog or as a tracking dog. In several countries, it is used as a guide dog for the blind. Due to its sociability and low aggressiveness, it is a perfect breed for pet therapy. It ranks seventh in the list of the most intelligent dogs in the world.
8 – Papillon
Papillón: These dogs are beautiful! Besides, they are really calm and affectionate. And it is not a minor fact that the Papillon is in the ranking of the smartest dogs in the world.
9 – Rottweiler
It is smart, calm, and very obedient if it has established a good relationship with its owner. This breed has German origins; these specimens are not only used as guard dogs but also in the police and army forces. Of course, the Rottweiler could not be missing in ranking the most intelligent dogs in the world.
10 – Australian Sheepdog
It is a great sheepdog, but it is also a good drug-sniffing dog, a search-and-rescue dog, and an excellent guide dog for the blind. The Australian Sheepdog is docile and becomes attached to the whole family. This dog loves helping humans and living with them. It is considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world.
If you have fallen in love with one of the smartest dogs in the world, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend who is surely waiting for you.
