Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds

Australian Cattle Dogs are a very active, intelligent breed. They need both their bodies and their minds exercised on a regular basis. As you can surmise by their name, they were bred in Australia to herd cattle (the breed developed out of crossing various herding dogs with wild dingos). These dogs are tough, agile, and protective of their property. Their intelligence and willingness to work also makes them one of the easiest dog breeds to train.

Despite their reputation as fierce guard dogs, Rottweilers make great family pets. They are very loyal and protective, but also friendly. Their intelligence, loyalty, and courage are what makes them a perfect breed for guard or police duty, not aggressive, fierceness. Like many other breeds with bad reps, it's all about breeding and upbringing.

The Papillon is a big dog in a little body. They can be aggressive and fiercely protective of their property, but they are also one of the most affectionate breeds around. Papillons are easy to train and make fantastic family pets. Like other intelligent breeds, they do need mental stimulation in order to stay out of trouble, but even so, they are great apartment dogs.

I probably don't have to say much about Labs - they are one of the most popular and well-known breeds in the world. Labs are known for their easy-going, fun-loving nature and make wonderful family pets. Their strong desire to please people make them very easy to train and perfect companions for kids. They are high energy dogs and need lots of physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and out of trouble.

Shetland Sheepdogs were bred to herd cattle and sheep. They look (and sort of function) like mini Collies. Shelties are often wary of strangers and protective of their "herd." Despite this wariness, they are loving and affectionate with those they know and make great pets. In fact, these dogs thrive on human companionship and can get into a lot of destructive trouble if left on their own for too long (this is a common trait among intelligent dogs).

Doberman Pinschers are another breed with a undeserved bad reputation. Yes, many Dobermans are aggressive when in a protect/guard mode, but many are also quite friendly and even work as therapy dogs. These dogs need a pack leader and need to be trained and socialized from a young age. But, with proper training, they make great pets. Their protective, brave nature also makes them wonderful police and military dogs.

Golden Retrievers are the epitome of a family dog - carefree, happy, loving, loyal, sweet...the list goes on. They are very eager to please and easy to train. These two traits make Goldens one of the most popular breeds in the world, right up there with Labs. They are well-known for their agility and excellence in obedience trials. Of course, as they are "retrievers," they are also excellent hunting companions.

German Shepherds are known for their police & military work. Their protective natures, fierce loyalty, and intelligence makes them excellent work dogs, but also makes the breed a great pet. Early training and socialization will help a German Shepherd fit into family life, but they do still need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs need a purpose - a job - and may become very destructive if left without one.

I'm not a fan of Poodles, but I will admit that they do seem to be a smart breed of dog. And because I'm not a fan, I could resist putting up a picture of a Poodle in a ridiculous outfit. Yes, I know it's not a Standard Poodle. Anyway, Standard Poodles are extremely intelligent and easy to train. They love people and love to please their family. Some Poodles have been trained as guard and hunting dogs, but overall, they are simply a happy, loving breed.

Does this come as a surprise to anyone? It really shouldn't. Border Collies are famous for their intelligence. They are agile, easily trained, and make great work dogs. In fact, they practically live to work. Border Collies make great family pets, but they do need to have a job to do on a regular basis or they will find their own fun. They needs lots of exercise that works both their brains and their bodies. These dogs set the standard for agility, obedience, and sheepdog trials.