Smartest dog breeds: The top 10 clever canines
What does “smart” really mean when it comes to dogs? Intelligence in dogs isn’t just about tricks or obedience, it includes learning speed, adaptability, problem-solving, memory, instinctive abilities, and how well a dog can understand human cues. Decades of scientific and expert studies, particularly The Intelligence of Dogs by Dr. Stanley Coren, a renowned dog researcher, have helped clarify which breeds tend to excel at tasks such as these.
Below are ten dog breeds that consistently rank among the smartest. Most of these breeds appear in Coren’s “Working & Obedience Intelligence” rankings, which assess how quickly a breed learns new commands and how well they obey first commands.
If your best friend isn’t on the list, don’t despair. Intelligence is multifaceted: obedience/working intelligence is only one dimension. Other dimensions include adaptive intelligence (how well they solve problems without human instruction), instinctive intelligence (tasks the breed was developed for), and social/emotional intelligence. Some breeds may score lower on obedience but high in other types.
And if your best friend is on the list but doesn’t seem fulfil its reputation, know that individual variation is large. Just because a breed tends to be “smart” doesn’t guarantee every dog of that breed will behave that way—training, early socialisation, environment, physical health, and stimulation play big roles.
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is considered by many to be the world’s smartest dog breed. Originally developed as a herding dog, they are known for their unmatched energy, focus and problem-solving ability, making them the ultimate working companions.
They are highly energetic dogs with great stamina, so they need ample exercise. Without enough work, exercise, and mental stimulation, they can become bored and destructive. In the right environment, however, they shine as extraordinary companions and workers.
Border Collies have thick, double coats which vary from smooth to rough and they come in a variety of colours with black and white being the most popular. The dog should be brushed or combed regularly to keep a gleaming, healthy coat, and it should only be bathed when necessary.
Healthy males usually weigh between 14 and 20 kg and stand around 48 – 56 cm tall. Females are usually 12-19 kg and stand at 46 – 53 cm tall.
The average lifespan of a Border Collie is about 12 years, but dogs living longer than 16 years is not that rare. In fact, the fourth longest-living dog was a Border Collie.
Why are Border Collies so smart?
Bred for herding sheep, they can make independent decisions in complex situations and manage livestock with precision. They are known problem-solvers, capable of figuring things out without instruction. They excel at obedience, agility, and advanced trick training, learning tasks faster than almost any other breed.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Coren’s rankings place them in first place for working and obedience intelligence, the Border Collie is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed in the world. Studies show they can learn new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions and follow first commands more than 95% of the time.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Border Collies:
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2. Poodle
The Poodle is an intelligent and lively domesticated dog, known for its thick, tightly curled coat and enthusiastic nature. The Poodle’s original work was as a water retriever hunting dog, officially adopted by the French but believed to have originated in Germany.
Regardless of its beautiful and delicate appearance, the Poodle’s hunting background is reflected in its eager and energetic nature. Poodles have a reputation for getting into mischief if they’re not stimulated with games and exercise and the breed can develop ongoing behavioural problems if not given enough human attention.
The Poodle comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy.
Why are Poodles so smart?
They are very trainable, high in obedience, and fast learners, with strong adaptive intelligence (figuring things out independently). They are highly people-oriented, reading cues well, and are able to learn complex commands quickly.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Ranked second in Coren’s studies, they can learn a new command in fewer than 5 repetitions and obey the first command about 95% of the time.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Miniature Poodles:
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3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds were bred for their intelligence, and are generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds. Their intelligence, obedience and trainability make them one of the most adaptable and versatile dog breeds in the world and they are often employed in military, search & rescue and police roles.
The appearance of a German Shepherd is something of a lucky dip – its coat colour is not known until it sheds its puppy coat, but it is generally a mixture of black and gold. They’re famous for their bushy, thick tails, pointy ears and wolf-like appearance.
Healthy male German Shepherds generally weigh in at 30 – 40 kg and stand at 60 – 65 cm tall. Females are usually between 22 and 32 kg and stand at about 55 – 60 cm tall.
Their life span is usually around 9-13 years, but some have been known to reach the ripe old age of 20.
Why are German Shepherds so smart?
Loyal, reliable, obedient, and versatile, they have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to stay focused under pressure. They are highly obedient and eager to work, can quickly adapt to new tasks and environments, and learn routines and commands with ease.
How researchers rate them:
Coren’s third most intelligent breed, they can learn a new command in fewer than 5–15 repetitions and obey the first command about 85–90% of the time. They are valued worldwide for their working intelligence, and are often utilitsed in police, military, service, and guarding roles.
Commonly claimed health conditions for German Shepherds:
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4. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the world’s favourite dog breeds. Originally bred as gun dogs, the Golden Retriever is a smart, trainable and friendly companion. Because of their intelligence, they make great working dogs and can be seen performing a number of different roles including seeing-eye dogs, hearing dogs, hunting & detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
The breed has a double coat which sheds throughout the year but particularly around the change of the season. It has a thicker, water-repellent top coat and a soft undercoat to keep the dog cool in warmer months and warm in cooler months.
Healthy male Golden Retrievers weigh between 29 and 34 kg on average and stand at about 58 – 61cm tall. Females weigh in at 27 – 32 kg and stand at 55 – 57 cm tall.
The average lifespan of a Golden Retriever is around 11-12 years.
Why are Golden Retrievers so smart?
They are eager to please and are highly attuned to people, excelling at reading human cues and learning quickly. They are very responsive and easy to train, making them ideal for first-time dog owners.
How researchers/experts rate them:
In fourth place on Coren’s original top 10, they are considered to be outstanding guide dogs, therapy dogs, assistance dogs, and search-and-rescue. They perform well in obedience, agility, fieldwork, and even scent detection.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Golden Retrievers:
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5. Doberman
Although they are often portrayed as aggressive due to their history as working dogs, modern Dobermans have a much more even temperament. Extremely smart, loyal and trainable, well-trained and well-socialised Dobermans are usually very sociable with humans and other dogs.
Dobermans generally have a square, compact build and short coat which reflects their athleticism, endurance and agility. They are very energetic and need to be taken on a long walk or jog every day.
Healthy male Dobermans usually weigh between 34 and 45 kg and stand at an average of 68 cm tall. Females weigh between 27 and 41 kg and stand at about 64 cm tall. The average lifespan of a Doberman is 10-11 years old, but some live up to around the age of 13.
Why are Dobermans so smart?
They are quick to learn commands and and thrive on structured training, excelling in obedience and working disciplines. They think independently, making them both adaptable and capable of making quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Rank 5th in Coren’s list. Originally bred as guard dogs, they’re valued worldwide for police, military, and protection roles.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Dobermans:
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6. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small to medium-sized herding dog that has an excitable nature is very enthusiastic for exercise. Loyal, hard-working and protective, it is a popular choice for families with plenty of space for running and exploring.
Extremely intelligent and highly energetic, they require the dedication of a family that will provide continued mental and physical stimulation throughout the dog’s life. A loyal, people-orientated dog, the Shetland Sheepdog needs consistent human contact.
Armed with a thick, longhaired coat, the Shetland Sheep dog comes in a variety of colours, including blue myrtle, sable and tri-colour.
The average Shetland Sheepdog will grow to between 33 and 41cm tall and a healthy example should weigh somewhere between 5 and 11kgs. Shetland Sheepdogs will generally live to the age of 12 or 13 years.
Why Shetland Sheepdogs are so smart:
They are incredibly quick learners, have strong problem-solving abilities and keen awareness, are very responsive to human direction, and excel in obedience and agility sports.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Number 6 in Coren’s ranking. Shelties can learn a new command in 5–15 repetitions and obey the first command around 85% of the time. Frequently top performers in obedience trials and dog sports, often outperforming larger breeds.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Shetland Sheepdogs:
- Skin infection or allergy
- Liver/gall bladder/biliary tract condition
Discover our pet insurance options for Shetland Sheepdogs.
7. Labrador
Bred originally as gun dogs, today’s Labrador is famous for its roles as assistance dogs for visually impaired and autistic people, detection & screening dogs, therapy dogs and law enforcement dogs.
Labradors vary widely in appearance, but they are generally quite large and muscular with a short, dense, water-repellent coat, a broad head, brown or hazel eyes, strong jaws, a medium muzzle, and an “otter tail” which is thick at the base and narrower at the tip. There are three main colour varieties in Golden Retrievers: black, yellow, and chocolate, and occasionally all three can be present in the same litter.
Healthy male Labradors should weigh between 29 and 36 kg and stand at about 57 – 62 cm tall. Females should weigh about 25 – 32 kg and stand at 55 – 60 cm tall.
Labradors are energetic dogs and therefore need to be taken on a long, brisk walk or jog at least once a day. They tend to gain weight quite easily, so exercise and a proper diet are especially important for the Labrador.
Life expectancy in Labradors is around 10-13 years.
Why are Labradors are so smart?
They are stable, social, eager to please, and quick to train, read human emotions and cues exceptionally well, can solve problems, remember routines, and adjust easily to new environments or challenges.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Rank 7th on Coren’s list and consistently feature in other top 10 canine intelligence lists. They excel as guide dogs, therapy dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and detection dogs.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Labradors:
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8. Papillon
The Papillon is small, fine boned, energetic dog with distinctive butterfly ears that are fringed with long hair and a proud tail that is also feathered with hair.
The hair on the Papillion’s body is medium in length and feathering also covers both the rear of the fore and hind legs. This confident and cheeky little package makes the perfect lap dog.
Male Papillons weigh around 4 kg to 5kgs and females weigh between 3 kg to 4kgs. Male
Papillons stand about 20 to 28cms and females 20 to 28cms.
The average lifespan of a Papillon is about 12 years.
Why are Papillonss so smart?
They excel in agility and learn commands rapidly; they are famous for their responsiveness and sharp attention.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Ranking number 8 in Coren’s top 10, they can learn a new command in 5–15 repetitions and obey the first command about 85% of the time.
Common health conditions for Papillons:
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hypoglycaemia
Discover more about Papillons.
9. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler (a.k.a. “Rottie”) is a loyal, courageous and confident dog breed who is known for its unwavering devotion to its owners, whom they will defend at all costs. Originally bred as herding dogs, today’s Rottweiler is often used as a guide dog, guard dog, police dog, and search & rescue dog.
As they are big, active dogs, the Rottweiler needs at least one walk per day. Therefore, they are suited to individuals and families who are equally as active and who have enough time to give their dog an adequate amount of exercise.
Rottweilers are famous for their large, muscular build, unique coat colours.
Healthy male Rottweilers weigh between 50 and 60 kg and stand at 61 – 69 cm tall. Females weigh in at about 35 – 48 kg and stand at about 56 – 63 cm tall.
The average lifespan of the Rottweiler is 8-10 years, but some have been known to live up to 16 years old.
Why are Rottweilers are so smart?
They are confident, and intelligent dogs that excel with consistent training and working roles. They are independent thinkers that respond well to structured training and thrive when given clear rules and tasks.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Top-tier obedience rankings, ranking the 9th smartest breed out of more than 130 studied.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Rottweilers:
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10. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle dogs are sturdy, medium-sized working dogs used on farms and cattle stations. Highly intelligent, hard-working and versatile, they need a huge amount of activity and stimulation. As family pets they are best suited to very active families with a large, fenced yard. Beware – as they are born herders, they may try to herd or nip small children.
Australian Cattle Dogs have a sturdy, muscular build designed to maximize strength and endurance. They have a smooth, double coat comprised of a short, dense undercoat and a close outer-coat, with each hair straight, hard and lying flat, making it water-resistant. They are also known as Blue Heelers or Red Heelers, depending on their coat colour.
Their weight range is from 15 to 22 kg and their life span is usually around to 16 years.
Why are Australian Cattle Dogs so smart?
They have a very strong innate working intelligence (herding, problem solving, stamina), high persistence, and learn quickly with consistency. They are known to excel at tough tasks, endurance, and adaptability in challenging conditions.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Coren’s list places them tenth among the smartest breeds. They can learn a new command in 5–15 repetitions and obey the first command around 85% of the time.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Australian Cattle Dogs:
Discover our pet insurance options for Australian Cattle Dog.
Honourable mention: Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd (also known as the Aussie) is loveable medium sized working dog with a huge amount of energy and drive. While this dog is known as the Aussie it actually hails from the United States where it is used as a working dog.
The Aussie has a coat that is straight to slightly wavy and they also have a naturally bobbed tail. They do tend to shed a fair bit so regular brushing is recommended especially when they shed heavily twice a year due to seasonal changes in the weather.
Male Aussie’s usually weigh between 23 and 29 kg and stand at about 50-58 cm tall. Females should weigh about 14 to 20 kg and stand at 45 – 53 cm tall. The average life span of the Aussie is 12 to 18 years.
This breed is well-suited to active families because they love plenty of exercise and most of all they love to work.
Why are Aussie Shepherds so smart?
They are excellent problem-solvers, and masters of agility and herding tasks who need constant mental and physical stimulation.
How researchers/experts rate them:
Widely recognised as a very intelligent breed, though it does not appear in Dr. Stanley Coren’s original Top 10 list. Trainers and experts often rate the Australian Shepherd closer to the top tier, often in the top 10 to 15 smartest breeds.
Commonly claimed health conditions for Australian Shepherds:
- Skin infection or allergy
- Liver/gall bladder/biliary tract condition
Discover our pet insurance options for Australian Shepherds.
In summary
Choosing a smart dog breed can bring many rewards, such as easier training, better responsiveness, and a more interactive, engaging companionship. However, “being smart” comes with additional responsibilities. Most intelligent breeds often need mental stimulation, consistency in training, and plenty of activities to keep their minds active.
The breeds listed above are excellent examples of dogs that shine in obedience, problem-solving and working alongside humans. If you’re considering one, think about your ability to meet their mental and physical needs just as much as their reputation for being clever canines. Because the happiest intelligent dogs are the ones given the most opportunities to use their smarts.
If you’re interested in looking at some other intelligent dog breeds, visit our complete list of smartest dog breeds available in Australia.
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