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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.

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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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Pomeranian Portuguese Water Dog Pug Puli Rat Terrier 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.
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