Is your dog one of the smartest dog breeds on the planet? Find out with our research-backed listing.
Border Collie

Many people consider the Border Collie to be the smartest dog breed, period.
Apart of the herding group, Border Collies are workaholics, and require a lot of time and energy from owners.
Border Collies are highly intelligent, trainable, and athletic, making them a perfect breed for herding and other work-related tasks.

Poodle

Regardless of size (Standard, Miniature, Toy), Poodles are one of the most versatile dog breeds and they possess exceptional learning abilities.
Poodles are intelligent, strong, and athletic, and demand a trainer who can help exercise their many underrated talents.
Poodles have a high degree of instinctive and adaptive intelligence, making them great companions as service and therapy dogs.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most loyal, smartest dog breeds in America. Used mostly as working dogs, German Shepherds are brave, alert, fearless, obedient, and eager to learn.
German Shepherds have a distinct wolf-like appearance, and arguably the strength to match that of a wolf. This is a one reason why German Shepherds are great for police work.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of America’s most popular dogs, but they are also one of the one of the smartest dog breeds.
Known to be workaholics, Golden Retrievers are sturdy, medium-sized dogs. Instantly recognizable by their shining golden coats, Golden Retrievers are very loyal, smart dogs that are very popular as family pets.
Relatively easy to train, Golden Retrievers are very affectionate, always looking to please whomever is willing to entertain them.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel, originally bred for hunting, is a great companion dog, and one of the smartest dog breeds you can have.
What’s not to love about those big eyes and long ears? Trusting and intelligent, Cocker Spaniels are loving, chill, and very affectionate pets to have as part of the family.
Cocker spaniels are very lively and easy-going, and make for great companions for family and children.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is another one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Out of 138 different breeds, Labrador Retrievers are the 7th smartest dog breed.
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, cheerful companions are have enough love and energy for the entire family.
Labrador Retrievers are incredibly agile and make for great swimmers. Labradors were were originally bred and owned by fisherman to assist with ice fishing.

Papillon

In addition to having the cutest ears, did you also know that the Papillon is one of the most intelligent dog breeds around?
Papillons are alert, fun-loving dogs with keen senses. Paillons are classified as toy dogs, but they behave nothing of the sort!
Papillons are highly active and agile, making them perfect candidates to teach all kinds of tricks to, as well as enter into competitions.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds make for great companions and work dogs, especially for owners who lead an active lifestyle.
Traditionally used for herding cattle, Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train.
A decent amount of training and stimulation is required to truly keep an Australian Shepherd engaged and out of trouble.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the epitome of “Man’s Best Friend”, has the intelligence to proudly own the title.
Loyal and ready for anything, Pembrokes are active and amongst the smartest dog breeds. Originally bred to herd cattle, horses, and sheep, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is not one to shy away from a hard day’s work, or play.
