Dogs known for their loyalty, companionship and unconditional love. But did you know that there are also dogs that are exceptionally intelligent? Some dog breeds are smarter than others and can quickly learn new skills and tricks. In this article, we will talk about the “smartest dog breeds”, according to the classification of Stanley Coren, a world-renowned canine psychologist, author of several books on canine behavior and recognized for his research on the intelligence of dogs. In his book “The Intelligence of Dogs,” Coren ranked dog breeds according to their ability to understand and obey new commands in fewer than five repetitions.
Stanley Coren’s classification
In his book, Coren classified dog breeds into three categories: dogs with “excellent” intelligence, dogs with “good” intelligence, and dogs with “work/obedience” intelligence. Next, we will talk about the dog breeds in each category.
Dog breeds with “excellent” intelligence
Dogs with “excellent” intelligence can understand a new command in less than five repetitions and obey it 95% of the time. Dog breeds with “excellent” intelligence are:
Border Collie
This breed of dog is known for its ability to herd sheep. In addition, Border Collies are easy to train and can learn a variety of tricks and orders.
Poodle the Poodle
Poodles are very intelligent dogs and are also known for their ability to learn new tricks and commands quickly. Poodles are also a good choice for allergy sufferers, as they don’t shed much hair.
Alsatian
German Shepherds are very loyal and protective dogs, and they are also very intelligent. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are used in many tasks, such as policing and drug detection.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for being very friendly and sociable dogs, as well as being very intelligent. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are used in many tasks, such as drug screening and therapy.
Doberman
Dobermans are very protective and loyal dogs, as well as being very intelligent. They are used in many tasks, such as policing and drug detection.
Dog breeds with “good intelligence”
Dogs with “good” intelligence can understand a new command in less than 15 repetitions and obey it 85% of the time. Dog breeds with “good” intelligence are:
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are very friendly and sociable dogs, as well as being very intelligent. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are used in many tasks, such as drug screening and therapy.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are very protective and loyal dogs, as well as being very intelligent. They are used in many tasks, such as policing and drug detection.
Boxer
Boxers are very energetic and playful dogs, and they are also very intelligent. They are a good choice for active families.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are very energetic dogs and are also very intelligent. They are known for their ability to work in teams and pull sleds.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are very friendly and sociable dogs, as well as being very intelligent. They are a good choice for people who live in apartments, as they don’t need much exercise.
Dog breeds with “work/obedience” intelligence
Dogs with “work/obedience” intelligence can understand a new command in less than 25 repetitions and obey it 50% of the time or more. Dog breeds with “work/obedience” intelligence are:
Beagle
Beagles are very energetic dogs and are also very intelligent. They are known for their ability to follow traces and smells.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus dogs are very friendly and sociable dogs, as well as being very intelligent. They are a good choice for people who live in apartments, as they don’t need much exercise.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are very energetic and playful dogs, and they are also very intelligent. They are a good option for allergy sufferers, as they do not shed much hair.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are very energetic dogs and are also very intelligent. They are known for their ability to follow traces and smells.
Butterfly
Papillons are very energetic dogs and are also very intelligent. They are known for their ability to perform tricks and stunts.
Does the intelligence of dog breeds depend only on their breed?
Although the breed of the dog can be an important factor in its intelligence, it is not the only factor. The dog’s environment and training can also influence its intelligence. A dog that receives good training and is properly socialized from an early age is more likely to be smarter than a dog that does not receive that training.
In addition, it is important to note that all dogs are individuals and can have different levels of intelligence, regardless of their breed. Some dogs may be very intelligent at a specific task, but not as intelligent at other tasks.
What makes a dog smart?
A dog’s intelligence can be measured in different ways. Some indicators of a dog’s intelligence include the following abilities:
- To learn new commands and tricks in no time.
- To solve problems and adapt to new situations.
- To remember orders and previous training.
- To understand and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues.
- To work as a team and collaborate with other dogs and humans.
How can you improve a dog’s intelligence?
A dog’s intelligence can be improved through proper training and socialization from an early age. Some ways to improve a dog’s intelligence is to provide the following:
- A healthy and balanced diet.
- Sufficient exercise and physical activity.
- Mental stimulation through games and interactive toys.
- Obedience training and tricks.
- Early and ongoing socialization with other dogs and humans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intelligence of dogs can vary greatly depending on their breed, training and environment. The most intelligent dog breeds in general terms are those that can quickly learn new commands and tricks, and are also able to solve problems and adapt to new situations. However, it is important to remember that all dogs are individuals and can have different levels of intelligence, regardless of their breed. To improve a dog’s intelligence, it is important to provide a healthy diet, sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, as well as proper training and socialization from an early age.