Which Dog Breeds Are the Smartest? Find Out Here

walking golden retriever
The Smartest Dog Breeds You Should Know AboutJohn McKeen - Getty Images

Dogs have long been known as man's best friend because of their fierce loyalty, unconditional love, and playful personalities. What you may not have realized is how remarkably intelligent these animals are. Beyond tricks and simple commands, the smartest dog breeds around can be trained to solve problems and sometimes even get out of trouble. If you're wondering what your pup is capable of or perhaps you're considering what furry friend you should bring home, be amazed as you scroll and check out our complete list below!

For more of our favorite pups, check out the smallest dog breeds, the largest dog breeds, and the best guard dogs, plus, the most popular dog for each Zodiac sign.

Golden Retriever

Known for being gentle and loving, Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs. They can be taught to hunt and even perform therapy services for those who have special needs or disabilities.

golden retriever with ball
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Poodle

Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs. They're loyal, easy-going, and eager to please their owners. The pups excel at obedience and agility and often beat out the competition in those categories at dog shows.

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Border Collie

Border Collies can learn all kinds of commands. They're excellent problem solvers and have lots of energy, too, making them perfect for farm or ranch living.

man holding paw of border collie, elevated view
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German Shepherd

German Shepherds are versatile, easy to train, and are born with an innate instinct to protect. These hardworking dogs have a lot of stamina, and perform well in agencies like the military police force.

german shepherd
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Papillon

Affectionate, confident, and perceptive, Papillons are as intelligent as they are adorable. They're one of the easiest to train and pick up commands quickly.

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Labrador Retriever

Super friendly and quick to learn, Labrador Retrievers have a long history of hunting and retrieving. They're the ideal canine companion for first-time pet owners and families.

labrador retriever dog smiles on bench outdoors
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Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs were bred for herding. If you have a lot of outdoor space, these dogs were made for you as they love to flex their herding and chasing skills as much as possible.

close up portrait of australian cattle purebred trained dog on field
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Collie

Next up is the perfect problem-solving family dog, Collies are protective and alert. They excel at herding, obedience, and agility.

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Bloodhound

For centuries humans have relied on the Bloodhound's sharp sense of smell for tracking and hunting. Often called upon for search and rescue missions, you'll also love having one at home.

bloodhound on the grass
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Miniature Schnauzer

Don't let their cute, bearded faces fool you. Miniature Schnauzers were bred to work on farms and thrive when they have a job to do. They require lots of mental stimulation and physical activity to ensure they don't get bored and misbehave.

miniature schnauzer sitting on a bed
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English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a sporting dog that's friendly, agile, and alert. They're top-notch hunters and who wouldn't want to have one of these sweet pooches around?

portrait of springer spaniel standing on field,norwood,otley,united kingdom,uk
Mike Linnane / 500px - Getty Images

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