With over 200 different breeds, which dogs are the most intelligent? Read on to see our rankings of the world’s smartest dog breeds and what makes them unique. 

What makes a dog breed “smart”?

Curious what factors define the smartest dog breeds? It’s not quite the same as a human IQ test. In fact, intelligence is defined somewhat differently in dogs than it is in humans. 

We measure a dog’s intelligence by their listening and comprehension skills. A dog that learns quickly and responds to training faster than another pup is considered smart. Intelligent dogs can process information and respond faster than a dog of average intelligence. 

Taking breed out of the equation, cleverness varies from dog to dog. But some breeds are acclaimed for having a naturally higher intelligence level than others. Don’t be surprised if your savvy pup isn’t on this list of the smartest dog breeds. 

1. Border Collie

Height: 18-22 inches

Weight: 30-55 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Personality: Active, vocal, intelligent

The limit does not exist to what a Border Collie can do. This breed loves to learn and is happiest when they have a job to do. Border Collies are famous for their ability to learn the meaning of human words. This skill makes the breed so easy to train and teach new commands. 

With that keen brain, Border Collies need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to work off their energy. This breed is athletic and enjoys daily walks, runs, hikes, or sheep herding (if available). When Border Collies get little exercise and mental stimulation, they may develop destructive behaviors. 

2. Poodle

Height: 15+ inches (standard), 10-15 inches (miniature), up to 10 inches (toy)

Weight: 40-70 pounds (standard), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 4-6 pounds (toy) 

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Personality: Confident, charming, versatile 

Good looks shouldn’t be taken for granted with this breed. Poodles are just as intelligent as they are beautiful. In fact, the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle breeds are collectively referred to as some of the smartest dog breeds. 

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US and for good reason. This breed is eager to please and quick to train. They are loyal to their human families and obediently listen to commands when prompted. 

The intelligence level of a Poodle is one of the reasons why it’s crossed with other breeds. Some folks may want the appearance of a Sheepdog with the personality of a Poodle, resulting in the popular Sheepadoodle mix. Poodles are often mixed with other breeds because they have little-to-no shedding coats. 

3. German Shepherd Dog

Height: 22-26 inches

Weight: 50-90 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Personality: Loyal, adaptable, driven 

When picturing the smartest dog breeds, German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) probably came to mind. These pups often serve in roles for highly-intelligent dogs, including military service, search and rescue, and K9 work. No ordinary breed can be trusted to take on these jobs. 

What sets a German Shepherd apart from other clever dog breeds is their character. GSDs develop deep relationships with humans that pushes them to work their hardest to earn their love. They thrive in training and can be taught special commands that other breeds can’t begin comprehend. 

4. Golden Retriever

Height: 21.5-24 inches

Weight: 55-75 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Personality: Friendly, devoted, happy

Golden Retrievers are revered for their social intelligence as well as their mental intelligence. This breed can read human emotions and body language like a book. With natural instincts, they know the proper way to respond to certain human emotions like sadness, anxiety, and excitement. 

Another thing that sets Golden Retrievers apart from other smart dog breeds is their temperament. This breed is highly trainable and does exceptionally well with obedience commands. Goldens won’t let stubbornness get in the way of pleasing their humans.  

5. Doberman Pinscher

Height: 24-28 inches

Weight: 60-100 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Personality: Alert, brave, loyal 

Just try to sneak past this next breed without them noticing. Doberman Pinschers are nothing if not watchful. Their intelligence mainly relates to their environment. These pups are one of the best at detecting threats, new smells, and alarming noises. 

Although this breed gives off an intimidating aura, Doberman Pinschers are just as affectionate as they are intelligent. They are shockingly compatible with young children and can play gently with them. You wouldn’t expect it at first glance, but Doberman Pinschers are loyal companions for humans of all kind. 

6. Labrador Retriever 

Height: 21-24.5 inches

Weight: 55-80 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Personality: Athletic, playful, sensitive 

In classic retriever style, this breed also has a natural sense of emotional intelligence. Labrador Retrievers often serve as therapy, service, and emotional support dogs because of this gift. They can naturally respond to human emotions with empathy and tact. 

Labrador Retrievers are also better than other breeds at receiving training. With their sweet disposition, Labs usually take to training quickly and can even learn specialty skills. All you need to motivate a Labrador Retriever is snuggles and high-value treats. 

7. Rottweiler 

Height: 22-27 inches

Weight: 80-135 pounds

Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

Personality: Devoted, affectionate, confident 

The smartest dog breeds know how to distinguish danger from a non-threat. Rottweilers know who to be gentle with and when their fierce strength is necessary. This is why Rotties can play softly with children without letting their guard down for nearby threats. 

Rottweilers learn quickly if they are trained and socialized from a young age. As they grow, they can develop a more stubborn attitude that can be difficult for humans to control if left untrained. This breed can absolutely defend itself physically, which is why it’s important to teach them self-control and good manners early on. 

8. Australian Cattle Dog

Height: 17-20 inches

Weight: 35-50 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Personality: Tactful, tenacious, dependable 

If you have a child addicted to watching Bluey, they’re probably learning valuable lessons from one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. The main character, Bluey, and her family are all Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers. 

Australian Cattle Dogs are clever enough to outsmart their humans, if given the chance. This breed is a direct descendant of the wild dingo. Today’s version of the Australian Cattle Dog maintains the natural intelligence and instinct to survive of their dingo ancestors. 

These dogs also have a natural instinct to run, hunt, and herd sheep. To properly harness their mental ability, they like having a job to do or some activity to burn off their physical energy. 

9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi 

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: up to 30 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

Personality: Bright, loving, entertaining 

Don’t underestimate this tiny pup’s intelligence. Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be short in stature, but they have astonishing mental capacity. Who would expect anything less of the Queen of England’s favorite dog breed? 

What makes the Corgi so smart is their responsiveness to training. The Corgi aims to please their humans and can learn commands purely for entertainment after mastering obedience. 

Despite a severe language barrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also fantastic communicators with humans. They are sensitive to human body language and emotions. We hear a Corgi cuddle is just as effective as an antidepressant these days. 

10. Miniature Schnauzer 

Height: 12-14 inches

Weight: 11-20 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Personality: Obedient, friendly, vocal 

While all size variations of this breed are bright, the Miniature Schnauzer deserves a spot of it’s own on our list of the smartest dog breeds. This member of the terrier group has exceptional hunting and tracking skills. 

With a natural sense of watchfulness, Miniature Schnauzers know to keep their humans safe from threats. The “threats” in this case being small animals, rodents, and vermin. Off patrol, Mini Schnauzers are great companion dogs that are affectionate with every member of the family. 

11. English Springer Spaniel 

Height: 19-20 inches

Weight: 40-50 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Personality: Sweet, docile, loyal 

Last, but certainly not the least intelligent on our list, is the English Springer Spaniel. What makes this breed so clever is perhaps their natural aim to please. Training and communication are a breeze with English Springer Spaniels as they are quick learners. 

Most spaniels are incredible family dogs and this breed is no different. English Springer Spaniels are consistently sweet-natured and can form a connection with seemingly anyone. Count on these pups to play nicely with young children and even other dogs. 

12. German Shorthaired Pointer

Height: 21-25 inches

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Personality: Gentle, friendly, agile

German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) are one of the most revered hunting and gundog breeds. The breed is aptly named as these dogs will literally point their bodies in the direction of prey. They use their body language to tell humans where they need to go to capture a hunt. 

GSPs are as friendly and affectionate as they are skilled. After burning out their mental energy with exercise, German Shorthaired Pointers love to spend time with their human family. Whether that means playing outside or cuddling indoors, GSPs love quality time.