All dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but many breeds are celebrated for their intelligence, too. The smartest dogs can quickly learn and understand new cues, exhibit problem-solving skills, and show their independent side.
But earning a spot on the list of smartest dog breeds is more than just how fast a pup can learn new tricks. Experts say signs of dog intelligence are a combination of various factors, not just how trainable they are. In fact, some smart pups show their intelligence in ways that can be frustrating for first-time dog parents. Clever dogs with high cognitive abilities may be more likely to show off their creative problem-solving skills, like how to steal snacks off the counter or unlock a gate.
Wondering if your pooch makes the list of most intelligent dog breeds? Here are some of the smartest dogs by breed and the features that make them so clever.
Border Collies are some of the most talented pups you’ll ever meet and are known to quickly learn and respond to cues during training. Need proof? Just look at Rico, a Border Collie who can respond to more than 200 words.
These pups are superstars in agility and obedience competitions, and they have exceptional problem-solving skills. The uber-trainable Border Collie is part of the herding group, so they are happiest when they have a job to do. Their boundless energy means they can work for extended periods without tiring, so they’re excellent companions for farmers and ranchers. Dog puzzle toys and energy outlets like dog agility will help them live fulfilling lives if they’re not rounding up sheep on the farm.
Originally bred as a hunting dog, Poodles have a long history of working alongside their humans. Present-day Poodles might be a more common sight curled up on the couch at home, but these smart pups are still frequently at the top of the winner’s podium at obedience and agility competitions. The strong connection to their people means they’re relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement tools like clickers—they aim to please.
German Shepherds are considered one of the smartest dog breeds due to their exceptional intelligence, trainability, and versatility. Their instincts from hundreds of years protecting flocks (hence the “shepherd” name) are still intact today. Because of years spent problem-solving in the field, the adaptable and hard-working German Shepherd still excels in jobs that many humans would find demanding and stressful, like police and military work or on search and rescue missions.
With training, Golden Retrievers can excel in various tasks such as hunting, retrieving, obedience, and even service and therapy work. These intelligent sporting dogs have a notoriously gentle nature. Their ability to learn quickly and respond well to commands means they’re relatively easy to train with a pocket full of dog treats to reward their food-motivated minds.
Goldens are known for being very loyal and affectionate family pets, solidifying their stature as one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. Their gentle demeanor and eager-to-please nature make them an ideal breed for first-time dog parents.
Doberman Pinschers are exceptionally intelligent, loyal, and trainable. These versatile dogs excel in obedience competitions as well as police and military work. While they are known for being highly perceptive, they are also very curious pups. To live their best lives, Dobermans should get plenty of exercise and be able to use their brains as well as their bodies. Their intelligence and athleticism make Dobermans well-suited for active families who have plenty of time to train and play.
Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their high intelligence, trainability, and excellent problem-solving skills. Also known as Shelties, these quick learners excel in herding, agility, obedience, and working as therapy dogs. While considered affectionate and loyal family pets, their energetic nature and intelligence means they’re best suited for active families who enjoy spending time outside.
Labrador Retrievers are some of the friendliest dogs you’ll ever meet, but they’re also super smart! Labs have a long history of working alongside their humans to hunt and retrieve, meaning they’re instinctually perceptive and quick to learn. With adequate training, Labs can become champions in retrieving, obedience, and service and therapy work. As a retriever, Labs love to play fetch. Opt for a Chuckit! Ball Launcher to tire your dog out faster.
They are also loyal and affectionate family pets, making them a popular choice for households with children. Like Golden Retrievers, Labs have a gentle demeanor and eagerness to please that makes them an ideal breed for first-time pet parents.
Don’t let those cute butterfly ears fool you—Papillons are perceptive little dogs. These tiny balls of energy are quick to learn, making training a breeze. They are also highly active and excel in agility and obedience. Despite their small size, Papillons are confident, energetic, and make loyal family pets. Their affectionate and playful nature also makes them a popular choice for households with children.
Big, burly Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and smarts. With proper training, eager-to-please Rottweilers can excel in obedience competitions and as service dogs. Their intelligence and athleticism make them well-suited for active families who can ensure their Rottweiler gets plenty of mental stimulation, physical exercise, and early socialization. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your Rottie from getting bored.
Have you ever locked eyes with a Border Collie and felt like they were reading your thoughts? Or watched in amazement as a collie seemingly anticipated your next move before you even made it? If so, you’re not alone. As a dog trainer and lifelong collie enthusiast, I’ve spent years observing these remarkable canines, and today I’m gonna spill all the beans about collie intelligence.
The Shocking Truth About Collie Intelligence
Let’s cut right to the chase – collies aren’t just smart They’re ridiculously smart In fact, Border Collies consistently rank #1 on intelligence lists, making them the Einstein of the canine world. But what exactly makes these dogs so brilliant, and is their intelligence always a blessing? That’s what we’re about to explore.
According to comprehensive research by canine psychologist Stanley Coren involving 199 obedience trial judges, Border Collies emerged as the undisputed champions of canine intelligence. These judges evaluated dogs based on
- How quickly they learn new commands (fewer than 5 repetitions for Border Collies!)
- How reliably they obey known commands (95% success rate on the first try!)
That’s mind-blowing when you consider that average dogs need 25-40 repetitions to learn something new and only obey known commands about 50% of the time In other words, collies learn at least 5 times faster than your typical dog!
Types of Collie Intelligence That’ll Blow Your Mind
But here’s the thing – a collie’s intelligence goes way beyond simple obedience. We need to look at three different dimensions of canine smarts:
1. Obedience & Working Intelligence
This is what most people think of when discussing smart dogs – how quickly they learn commands and how willingly they follow them. Border Collies absolutely dominate in this category, learning new commands in under 5 repetitions and obeying first-time commands with a 95%+ success rate.
One Border Collie owner shared: “My Border has a bit of separation anxiety. He’ll start barking if I leave the house for work. But if I’m going out to water or cut the lawn, he won’t bark. He somehow knows and it’s scary.”
2. Instinctive Intelligence
This refers to the natural abilities a breed was specifically developed for. For collies, this means herding – and boy, are they good at it! Even with minimal training, Border Collies instinctively know how to control livestock movements through body positioning and their famous “eye” (intense stare).
A collie owner explained: “If he doesn’t have enough stimulation, then the herding instinct immediately kicks in and he’s very hard to work with, at least without upping the amount of stimulation.”
What’s truly remarkable is that a Border Collie who’s never seen sheep before will often attempt to herd other animals, children, or even cars! This instinctive intelligence represents a deep-rooted problem-solving ability that’s hard-wired into their DNA.
3. Adaptive Intelligence
This is perhaps the most impressive form of intelligence – the ability to learn from experiences and solve new problems independently. While this varies somewhat between individual dogs, Border Collies typically excel here too.
One owner shared this example: “Oreo knows when its time for everything! He’s learned what it means when I pick up different objects. Like sunscreen means were going for a walk!”
This ability to make connections and adapt to new situations demonstrates a level of cognitive processing that’s simply extraordinary in the dog world.
The Border Collie: A Legacy of Intelligence
The Border Collie’s remarkable intelligence didn’t happen by accident. These dogs emerged in the border region between Scotland and England, possibly as far back as the 1700s. Unlike many modern breeds, Border Collies were bred specifically for their working ability and intelligence rather than appearance.
By the late 1800s, sheepdog trials in Great Britain showcased these dogs’ abilities to control sheep through body language and intense gaze rather than barking and nipping. Their handlers could direct them with simple hand gestures and whistles – a testament to their incredible cognitive abilities.
This breeding for function over form has resulted in what many consider the most intelligent dog breed in the world. Just consider these facts about Border Collies:
- The world’s “smartest” dog was a Border Collie who knew over 1,000 nouns
- They can learn complex commands in fewer than 5 repetitions
- They maintain an obedience rate of 95% or better
- They can anticipate commands before they’re given
- They often display problem-solving abilities that leave owners stunned
Beyond the Border Collie: Other Smart Collie Breeds
While the Border Collie takes the intelligence crown, other collie breeds aren’t far behind. The Rough Collie (think Lassie) ranks #16 in Coren’s intelligence rankings, placing it in the “Excellent Working Dogs” category. These dogs can understand new commands in 5-15 repetitions and obey first commands 85% of the time or better.
The Smooth Collie shares the same intelligence traits as its rough-coated cousin, while the Shetland Sheepdog (often called a “Sheltie” and related to collies) comes in at an impressive #6 in the intelligence rankings.
The Potential Downsides of Having a Super-Smart Collie
I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention that all this brainpower comes with challenges. Smart dogs need mental stimulation – LOTS of it. Without adequate mental exercise, these brilliant dogs can become:
- Bored and destructive
- Anxious and stressed
- Prone to developing behavioral issues
- Frustrated and unhappy
According to experts, Border Collies need at least 1-2 hours of physical AND mental activities daily. That’s a significant commitment that not all dog owners can provide.
One owner noted: “I’ve never met a dog that I thought was ‘too smart’ until I met my Border Collie. Seriously too smart for his own good sometimes.”
Another warned: “So, I grew up with Border Collies. Fair warning to all BC owners. If you get another breed that’s less intelligent, you may not be able to tolerate it!”
Keeping Your Smart Collie Mentally Stimulated
If you’re blessed with a brainy collie, here are some ways to keep that magnificent mind engaged:
Training Activities
Border Collies excel at almost any dog sport you can imagine:
- Agility
- Flyball
- Disc dog competitions
- Tracking trials
- Obedience trials
- Herding trials
Daily Mental Stimulation
Even when you’re busy, your collie needs mental exercise:
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Treat-dispensing toys like the StarMarks Bob-A-Lot Feeder
- Nina Ottosson Dog Puzzles
- Hide-and-seek games with toys or treats
- Teaching new tricks regularly
Giving Them “Jobs”
Collies are happiest when they have a purpose:
- Carrying a small backpack on walks
- Picking up their toys and putting them away
- Fetching the newspaper or mail
- Helping herd children in from the yard (with supervision!)
- Learning to identify toys by name
Real Stories from Collie Owners
Nothing illustrates collie intelligence better than stories from actual owners. Here are some examples that show just how smart these dogs really are:
“One of the great things is that Border Collies are so smart the virtually teach themselves how to potty train, and crate train. You have to be patient and try not to get frustrated as they are very sensitive dogs.” – Tigui91
“I think everyone in the world knows that Border Collies are intelligent dogs….and if not, trust me they are!” – Settlersofmixed
“There’s a reason why Border Collies are the smartest breeds in the WORLD. I was skeptic until I actually brought one home.” – Rcj72688
My own experience matches these testimonials. My Border Collie, Max, learned to open the refrigerator by watching me do it just twice. While impressive, it meant I had to install childproof locks to prevent him from helping himself to snacks!
How Smart is YOUR Collie?
Does your collie display these signs of high intelligence?
- Learns commands after just a few repetitions
- Solves problems independently
- Anticipates your actions before you make them
- Understands a large vocabulary of words
- Shows creativity in getting what they want
- Adapts quickly to new situations
- Remembers solutions to problems for long periods
If you answered yes to most of these, congratulations – you’ve got yourself a certified canine genius!
Are Collies the Right Dog for You?
With all this talk about collie intelligence, you might be wondering if one of these brainy dogs would be right for your family. Here’s what to consider:
Collies Might Be Perfect If You:
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Have time for 1-2 hours of exercise daily
- Enjoy training and teaching new skills
- Have a job for your dog (even if it’s just household tasks)
- Are patient and consistent
- Have space for a medium to large dog
- Want a dog that will constantly surprise you with their smarts
Think Twice About Collies If You:
- Work long hours away from home
- Prefer a low-maintenance pet
- Don’t enjoy training
- Live in a small apartment without access to outdoor space
- Are a first-time dog owner
- Want a guard dog (they’re typically too friendly)
The Bottom Line on Collie Intelligence
There’s no doubt about it – collies are among the smartest dogs on the planet. Their combination of obedience intelligence, instinctive abilities, and adaptive problem-solving makes them truly extraordinary companions. But remember, with great intelligence comes great responsibility – for you, the owner!
These dogs need sufficient mental and physical stimulation to thrive. If you can provide that, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most capable, intuitive, and responsive canine companions possible.
As one Border Collie owner beautifully summarized: “Border Collies are very smart loving creatures. I’ve grown up with so many different dogs, but as an adult now with a Border Collie, I couldn’t imagine her being any other kind of dog.”
So, are collies smart dogs? Absolutely. They’re not just smart – they’re in a league of their own. And if you’re willing to meet their needs, they’ll amaze you every single day with their remarkable canine intelligence.
Have you got a super-smart collie? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below! What’s the most impressive thing your intelligent collie has done?
1 English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are another highly intelligent sporting dog known for their trainable, friendly nature. These smart dogs excel in hunting and retrieving skills, and they’re wonderful family pets that just want to be near their people. Their active nature and desire to please make them an excellent breed for active families who enjoy hunting and hiking.
Like other members of the herding group, Belgian Tervuren are a hard-working dog who loves having a job to do. These super-smart pups are very energetic, so they need lots of mental and physical challenges to keep them engaged. Consistent training and socialization is a must for Tervs, and tasks like herding, agility, and obedience will help them flex their muscles as well as their brains. As natural athletes, Tervs are well-suited for active families who enjoy being outside.
They may be small in stature, but the ever-alert Schipperke was originally bred to work. They would hunt rats and protect Belgian boats, so present-day Schipperkes still love having a job to do. These independent dogs do well when they have enough room to play and exercise, so a home with a fenced yard is a good fit. Puzzle toys and ongoing obedience training can also help keep their minds stimulated.
Perhaps no dog in history has a reputation for being as intelligent as Lassie! The perceptive, protective hero we know from the popular show is not far from Collies’ true nature. These herding dogs are alert and friendly—they’re problem-solvers as much as they are family pets.
Collies can excel in herding, agility, and obedience competitions. While known for their trainability, super-smart Collies appreciate a little extra mental stimulation to keep them challenged. Enrichment toys like the Woof Pupsicle and the KONG Classic will help keep your Collie entertained.
No dog’s nose is quite as notable as the Bloodhound’s, and their keen sense of smell has been used to track animals and humans for centuries. These determined dogs are frequently used in search and rescue missions. When not working the trail, Bloodhounds are loyal pups that can be excellent companions for families.
Their instinctual ability to follow a trail with dogged determination does come at a price. These pups are independent by nature and have been known to follow a scent for 130 miles—meaning nothing can get in the way of their nose if they’re on the scent! Lots of playtime and a fenced yard can help your Bloodhound explore and exercise safely.
1 German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent hunting dogs that have a strong desire to please their parents. This means they’re relatively easy to train, but they still require lots of exercise and activity to be their best selves. Loyal and affectionate, GSP dogs are great family pets and well-suited for active, outdoorsy families.
Briards are another type of herding dog known for their smarts. These big, wavy-haired pups aren’t as well-known as some of their counterparts, but Briard parents will tell you these smart dogs are wonderful family pets who love having a job to do. Briards are excellent companions for active families—running and hiking can be good ways to burn off their herding energy. Once they’ve stretched their legs, Briards are happy to hang out at home with family members of all ages.
Featured : iStock/happyborder
Why Border collie is the Most Intelligent Dog Breed?
FAQ
Are Border Collie smart?
But because they’re such brilliant workers, it makes you wonder just how smart they are. The Border Collie is the smartest dog breed when it comes to obedience & working intelligence. In fact, the world’s “smartest” dog was a Border Collie who knew over 1,000 nouns. However, they’re smart in many other ways too.
What are the smartest dog breeds?
Here are 10 of the smartest dog breeds. The border collie is often considered the smartest of all dogs and the overachiever of the canine world. Originally bred as a herding dog, border collies can perform just about any job you give them. Extremely energetic, athletic, and driven, they are always up for learning something new.
Do Border Collies have a good IQ?
While nearly all individual Border Collies have roughly the same instinctive intelligence, it’s not the case when it comes to adaptive intelligence. This component of dog IQ may vary greatly even among dogs of the same breed. But believe it or not, the Border Collie isn’t all about obedience training and herding.
Are Border Collies right for You?
These dogs are not right for everybody. It really takes a dedicated owner. Border Collies are the happiest when you assign them a job or role in the family. And if you can provide that, these dogs will thrive.
Are Border Collies obedient?
Personally, what’s more impressive is how obedient Border Collies actually are. Thanks to their top work-ethics, they’ll obey for the sake of working. As such, Borders were able to obey a known command (on the first try) with a 95% or better success rate! Few dog breeds can compare to the Border Collie’s work and obedience IQ.
Is a Border Collie a good dog?
In other words, the Border Collie is at least 5 times faster at learning new commands than your average dog. Furthermore, average intelligent dogs tend to obey a known command on the first try with just a 50% or better success rate. Not even close to the obedience of a Border Collie, as the BC has nearly double the success rate for obedience.
Where do collies rank in intelligence?
The Border Collie ranks as the #1 smartest dog breed in intelligence rankings, particularly for its working and obedience intelligence, according to psychologist Stanley Coren’s influential study, The Intelligence of Dogs. Border Collies are known to learn new commands quickly and consistently follow them, demonstrating a high capacity for understanding human words and complex tasks.
Which dog has the highest IQ?
- Border Collie. Border Collies consistently top rankings for intelligence in dogs. …
- Poodle. …
- German Shepherd. …
- Golden Retriever. …
- Doberman Pinscher. …
- Shetland Sheepdog. …
- Labrador Retriever. …
- Papillon.
Do collies pick one person?
We mentioned earlier that Border Collies were initially bred to be sheep-herding dogs and, for that reason, developed strong bonds with their shepherds. This behavior still holds to this day and means that, even in a big household with many family members, most Border Collies will bond with a single person.
Is a collie a good house dog?