1. Home
  2. Dogs
  3. Dog Breeds
  4. Smartest dog breeds

Smartest dog breeds

The smartest dogs in the world tend to be amongst Australia’s favourites. Regardless of the original role these bright pups were bred for, they’ve all found a special place in our hearts and homes.

Intelligence in dog breeds can refer to many characteristics. Some dog breeds are easier to train and listen well to commands while others make great working dogs who are able to herd livestock.

To make the task of choosing your perfect dog easier, we have put together a list of the most popular smart dog breeds in Australia. You will find comprehensive information about each dog breed and can learn more about their history, characteristics, temperament, common conditions and lots of other interesting facts.

If you’re interested in looking at the most popular smart dog breeds, see Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds.

Search dogs by category or name

Toy dog breeds Small dog breeds Medium dog breeds Large dog breeds Giant dog breeds Ancient dog breeds Apartment-friendly dog breeds Australian dog breeds Blue-Eyed dog breeds Chinese dog breeds Companion dog breeds Cute dog breeds Dog breeds that don’t bark much Dog breeds that tolerate being alone Expensive dog breeds Family dog breeds Fluffy dog breeds German dog breeds Guard dog breeds Herding dog breeds Hound dog breeds Hunting dog breeds Hypoallergenic dog breeds Japanese dog breeds Long haired dog breeds Longest living dog breeds Low energy dog breeds Low maintenance dog breeds Mixed dog breeds Mixed poodle dog breeds Most popular dog breeds Mountain dog breeds Non shedding dog breeds Rare dog breeds Red dog breeds Russian/Siberian dog breeds Senior-Friendly dog breeds Short coat dog breeds Sighthound dog breeds Smartest dog breeds Tallest dog breeds Terrier Dog Breeds Therapy dog breeds Water-loving dog breeds White dog breeds Working dog breeds
OR
Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akita Alaskan Husky Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Eskimo Dog American Foxhound American Staffordshire Terrier Australian Bulldog Australian Cattle Dog Australian Cobberdog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Beaglier Bearded Collie Bedlington Terrier Belgian Shepherd Malinois Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Bloodhound Boerboel Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Boxer British Bulldog Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) Bull Arab Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Caucasian Shepherd Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavoodle Chihuahua Chinese Crested Dog Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Collie (Rough) Dachshund Dalmatian Dobermann Dogue De Bordeaux Elkhound English Pointer English Toy Terrier Field Spaniel Finnish Lapphund Fox Terrier French Bulldog German Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retriever Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greyhound Groodle Harrier Havanese Hungarian Vizsla Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Spitz Kangal Keeshond Labradoodle Labrador Lhasa Apso Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Maltese Maltese Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Fox Terrier Miniature Pinscher Miniature Poodle Miniature Schnauzer Moodle Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Papillon Pekingese Pomeranian Portuguese Water Dog Pug Puli Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schnauzer Schnoodle Scotch Collie Scottish Terrier Shar Pei Shetland Sheepdog Shiba Inu Shih Tzu Siberian Husky Silky Terrier Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Spoodle Springer Spaniel Staffordshire Bull Terrier Standard Poodle Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Toy Poodle Weimaraner Welsh Corgi Welsh Terrier West Highland White Terrier Whippet Yorkshire Terrier

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle dogs, also known as Blue and Red Heelers, are sturdy medium-sized working dogs used on farms and cattle stations.

Australian Cobberdog

Australian Cobberdogs are loving and highly intelligent dogs that descend from the original Labradoodles. They work as therapy and assistance dogs.

Australian Kelpie

Kelpies are intelligent, active and energetic medium size dogs that are popular working dogs on Australian farms.

Australian Shepherd

Aussie Shepherds are medium size dogs with a huge amount of energy and drive, ideal for active famiies.

Belgian Shepherd Malinois

These highly intelligent working dogs excel at many different occupations. Requiring a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation, they are well suited to police work and the military.

Border Collie

Border Collies are extremely smart and energetic working dogs that have become popular family pets. They require considerable physical and mental stimulation.

Collie (Rough)

Rough Collies, also known as Long-Haired Collies, are a medium-large sized dog that were originally bred for herding.

Dobermann

Dobermanns are loyal, affectionate and intelligent large sized dogs. Very energetic and highly trainable, they make great companions for active, experienced owners, as well as excellent watch dogs.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dogs are smart and energetic large sized dogs that are popular with active families. They have a unique instinct to protect and are superb watchdogs.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are friendly, loveable and charming large-sized dogs with a distinctive, lustrous, thick, golden coat.

Labrador

Labradors are sociable, intelligent and energetic large size dogs that are extremely popular with families. They are highly trainable, love people and make great companions and assistance dogs.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

These compact, medium sized, red-coated retrievers have boundless energy and are always ready for action. Intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please, they are well suited to active families.
Page 1 2
Find the right dog breed for you with our Breed Selector   
Take the Quiz
Get this offer

Get advice at each stage of your puppy journey

Sign up to receive our popular Puppy Guide booklet, along with regular emails with helpful information to guide you through the crucial first six months of your puppy’s life.

Sign up

Why do puppies and kittens need pet insurance?

Get a quick quote

Go

Puppies & kittens get 2 months free2!

Get a quote
Dog insurance Pet insurance Bow Wow Meow

Receive our Pet Talk email newsletter


    Get 2 months free for your puppy!

    Congrats on your new bundle of joy

    To ensure your precious fur baby is covered from the start, we'd like to offer your first 2 months of our Nose-to-Tail Cover for free2!
    Get a quick quote

    10% discount for multiple pets1

    Free engraved pet ID tag on sign up3

    Customer Satisfaction

    21 day cooling off
    Easy to use Pet Portal
    GapOnly® in vet claims

    Protect your loved ones

    Sign up to get your first 2 months free and start saving on eligible vet bills!
    Get a quick quote
    Claim paid in 24hrs. Amazing service!
    Marc , Sept 23
    Claims process is fantastic!
    Monique, Apr 23
    Using the portal was quick & easy.
    Terry,Oct 23
    Peace of mind. Very friendly staff.
    Marilyn, March 23
    Exceptional service & quick payment!
    Simon, June 23
    One of the best insurers I have dealt with.
    John, Aug 23
    Very surprised at how much we saved.
    Fishman, Jan 23
    Has been a lifesaver!
    Cat, Oct 22
    Would not be without it.
    Alex, Jun 22
    Fast, efficient claims process.
    Clare, Nov 22
    Read more reviews