Your beagle may seem like the most intelligent dog around, but they have the unfortunate distinction of being one of the hardest dog breeds to teach. next door’s growling Doberman? They pick things up quickly.
Like human intelligence, canine intelligence takes many different forms. There are fixed facts when it comes to your animal’s fundamental qualities, even though owners who are prepared to put in the time and effort may bring out the best in any breed.
The dog is more likely to be nimble on its feet, eager to work, move, and please you if it was bred to hunt, herd, or retrieve. Faster learning is expected. It could appear disoriented and a little bit dense if it was bred to be a livestock guard dog or a scent hound.
Although some breeds are more agile than others, trainers claim that any dog can learn the fundamental commands of sitting and staying. They might simply take longer to understand it. Knowing what your dog is built for and how to inspire them are the keys, but keep in mind that the smartest dogs often don’t make the best pets. Your job is to find a breed that suits your lifestyle and to focus on bringing out the best in your dog.
In his bestselling book, The Intelligence of Dogs, neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, PhD, focuses on trainability as a marker of intelligence.
The University of British Columbia psychology professor relied on the assessments of 110 breeds by more than 200 professional dog obedience judges who scored breeds based on working/obedience tests.
The best dogs picked up instructions quickly and complied with them 95% of the time or better. Here is the list and a description of each breed provided by the American Kennel Club:
1. Border Collie: A workaholic, this breed is the world’s premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability.
2. Poodle: Exceptionally smart and active. Bred to retrieve things from the water. The miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting
3. German Shepherd: The world’s leading police, guard, and military dog — and a loving family companion and herder.
4. Golden Retriever: Intelligent and eager to please. Bred as a hunting companion; ideal as a guide and as assistance with search-and-rescue operations.
5. Doberman Pinscher: Known for its stamina and speed. Bred to be a guardian and in demand as a police and war dog.
6. Shetland Sheepdog: The “Sheltie” is essentially a miniature working Collie. A rough-coated, longhaired working breed that is keenly intelligent. Excels in herding.
7. Labrador Retriever: An ideal sporting and family dog. Gentle and intelligent.
8. Papillon: A happy, alert breed that isn’t shy or aggressive. Known as Dwarf Spaniels in the 16th and 17th centuries, they reach 8-11 inches high.
9. Rottweiler: Robust and powerful, the breed is happiest with a job. Suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor, and devoted companion.
10. Australian Cattle Dog: Happiest doing a job like herding, obedience, or agility. Energetic and intelligent.
