Dogs are able to understand 250 words and gestures, count up to five, and perform simple mathematical actions. Canadian scientists have compiled a rating in which they compared the ten smartest dog breeds. Many dog breeders may have doubts about this rating, because we all love our dogs so much. But it is worth considering that the people who compiled it were guided by a lot of tests and assessments, and moreover were devoid of subjectivity. If you still disagree with something, or want to talk about your pet, please write in the comments and participate in the discussion.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #10, Australian Shepherd
Australian shepherd – a breed bred in the United States in the 20th century took 10th place. The breed was bred artificially, by mixing breeds as the Pyrenean Sheepdog and several types of collie. Which ones, it was not possible to establish with certainty — perhaps it was a Smithfield collie and a border collie. This experiment was conducted in the United States of America and was very successful. As a result, today the whole world can enjoy the company of such a reliable and loyal companion as the Australian shepherd.
A distinctive feature of the Australian shepherd dog is its exceptional intelligence, it quickly learns to execute commands. Excessive activity can sometimes be tiring, for this reason it is always necessary to use it in something. She needs to work, play or just walk around the spacious area, constant sleep is not for her.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #9, Rottweiler
Rottweilers are very balanced, powerful dogs. Everything about this dog speaks of determination and bravery. A normal Rottweiler is of medium-large size. His compact, strong build indicates great strength and endurance.
This dog is brave, independent and aloof, distrustful of strangers. The breed is smart, harsh, but manageable. It is aggressive, belligerent in relation to other dogs. The type of higher nervous activity is strong, balanced, calm.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #8, Papillon
Papillon, which got into our city apartments, has a rich and Royal family history. This is a historical fact — Papillon’s ancestors were favorites at the Royal courts. Papillon (so pronounced the word in the French manner ) – a descendant of the continental Spaniel. This breed originated in the 14th century. The homeland of Papillons is supposedly considered to be Belgium and France, hence the name – “Papillon” (“butterfly” in translation from the French) and “Phalen” (moth) – for the lop-eared variety. A notable feature of the breed is its beautiful butterfly-like ears.
This dog was a favorite of royalty and nobles, and was always considered one of the smartest dogs.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #7, Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever comes from Newfoundland. This breed was brought to great Britain by English sailors . These dogs, with a tail like otter’s, have always helped local fishermen pulling nets from the water to the shore.
It is said that once one of the fishermen’s dogs, shaking himself off, spattered the Earl of Malmesbury, and he muttered to himself “Labrador“, and also called this dog so in a letter to England. In 1903, the Labrador Retriever was recognized by the English kennel club as an independent breed. And its fawn variety – only in 1924. Enthusiasts of the Labrador Retriever breed have come to love these dogs for their balanced nature and propensity to work in the water.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #6, Scottish shepherd (Sheltie)
The Sheltie, or Scottish shepherd, is a miniature collie. Anyone who dreams of a collie, but does not get this dog because of its size, should think about sheltie. However, those who consider this unusually beautiful dog to be just a decoration of a city apartment are mistaken.
Sheltie is very suspicious of strangers. It does not tolerate familiarity: flirting with it, trying to touch or to scratch its ears. Shelty belongs to the category of dogs that are easily trained.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #5, Doberman (Doberman Pinscher)
Doberman (Doberman Pinscher) – a breed of short-haired service dogs, bred in Germany. The Doberman Pinscher is an outstanding person. For the development of which, in addition to excellent maintenance, first of all, a healthy microclimate in the family is necessary. After all, the puppy’s abilities and talents will be fully revealed only in smart, patient and energetic hands.
These dogs appeared in 1800, when there was a need for a breed that can both protect and attack.Training is necessary for these dogs, otherwise their outstanding mind will go to no less outstanding tricks. Very active dogs that are able to protect their owner. Doberman is a very intelligent dog, friendly to people and loving to the children.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #4, Golden Retriever
It belongs to the group of retrievers. The ancestors of five of the six breeds of retrievers were St. John’s dogs, from which the so-called wavy retrievers are descended. The breed standard was developed by Lord Tweedmouth. He crossed a yellow straight-haired Retriever with a tweed Spaniel (now extinct). As a result, a modern breed of Golden retrievers has emerged. The purpose of breeding was to use these dogs to apport wildfowl from the water.
Attention, sensitivity, calm and collected character, the ability to easily learn new practical skills in the process of training, exceptional performance, a constant desire to come to the rescue, the lack of expressed aggression towards other dogs and strangers, amazing tolerance in the treatment of children. It’s all a Golden Retriever!
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #3, German shepherd
There are several different theories about the origin of the German shepherd: that the breed appeared as a result of crossing different German breeds, or that this breed occurred spontaneously from crossing shepherd dogs and wolves. The truth is lost in the dark ages. However, it is known that in the VII century AD in Germany there was a shepherd of this type already. The first German shepherds ( long-haired) were presented at an exhibition in Hanover in 1882, and short-haired dogs were first presented in Berlin in 1889. Note that the honor of forming this breed belongs to the dog lover von Stephanitz.
Representatives of this breed starred in many films, and in some so even were the Central figure, and therefore take their rightful place in the list of the 10 most intelligent dog breeds.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #2, Poodle
Surprised? In fact, poodles are very smart dogs, and are not only capable of jumping in the circus, showing tricks. Earlier, the poodles were rescue workers, and observers. They swim well and are able to save a drowning person. Of course, there are a huge number of poodles — there are large poodles, there are small ones. There are even hunting poodles that hunt birds together with their owners. So the poodle is not a random guest in the top ten smartest dog breeds.
Larger representatives of this breed can be good defenders, so do not treat them with disdain.
10 Smartest Dog Breeds: #1, Border Collie
The ancestors of the border collie worked on the pastures of the southern part of Scotland and the border counties of England. The breed was developed in the late 19th and early 20th century as a new line of Scottish collies. When creating the breed, a wide variety of sheepdogs were used. As a result of directed selection, an excellent hardy working dog was obtained, characterized by rapid movements and sharpness of mind. They are common in countries with developed sheep farming. The standard was adopted by the English kennel club in 1976. Border collies are susceptible to training, after special training they can work as guides for the blind.
Border collies are harmoniously built, medium-sized (height at the withers of males — 53 cm, females — a little less, weight 14-20 kg) dogs with strong bones and strong muscles.
