Pet experts name number 1 ‘smartest dog breed’ – they learn commands in under 5 seconds (Image: Getty)
Dogs come in various shapes and sizes – the UK Kennel Club acknowledges 221 distinct pedigree breeds, ranging from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier. There are various types of crossbreeds, ranging from the trendy designer dogs to charming mixed-breed pups.
Every breed has its own unique set of pros and cons, so it’s crucial to spend ample time considering which breed will best suit your lifestyle. For example, if you live in an apartment, a smaller dog might be ideal, or if you sneeze at the thought of dog hair, a hypoallergenic breed could be the way to go. For those looking for the smartest dog breeds, pet experts at Purina have made a list of the most intelligent canines.
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Border Collies are the smartest dogs (Image: Getty)
Border Collie
Taking the top spot on the list are Border Collies, as they are “champions of obedience and agility”.
Their intelligence, enthusiasm and willingness to work have seen them awarded the top spot in canine psychologist Stanley Coren’s intelligence rankings, so Purina claims that they deserve their place “at the top of a list of smartest dog breeds”.
The experts pointed out that most Border Collies can “learn a brand-new command in under five seconds and follow it 95% of the time”.
They possess a powerful staring technique that can intimidate animals. Just a heads up, they might use it on you as well to persuade you to give them your food.
However, because of their intelligence, this breed needs physical and mental exercise, a good and early socialisation with people and animals to avoid problems when they are kept as pets instead of working, so make sure you can give them the life they need before getting one.
German Shepherd
This is a breed that has been a devoted companion to the armed forces, police and security services, so you may not be surprised to know that “they are one of the cleverest dog breeds”.
The intelligence of German Shepherds allows them to learn new skills, which is why they were the first breed to be trained as guide dogs.
If you’re considering bringing one into your home, keep in mind that they need a lot of exercise and mental challenges to keep their minds sharp.
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Toy Poodles are regarded as one of the “most trainable dog breeds” (Image: Getty)
Toy poodles
These dogs are so much more than your average pampered pooch. Many people forget the poodle’s working roots, but they were actually bred to fetch things out of the water, making these dogs “amazing swimmers”.
They’re an “incredibly clever dog breed”, and they can read human body language, and sometimes are even known to anticipate their owner’s actions before they speak or gesture.
Even though they are small, Toy Poodles are regarded as one of the “most trainable dog breeds” because they truly love to learn.
Plus, they are hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for individuals who have dog allergies.
