Smartest Dogs: What are the names of the "Smartest Dogs"? Which types of dogs and breeds are the most intelligent? The intelligence of dogs is measured by their ability to think, learn and solve problems. The smartest dogs have the ability to understand and respond simple commands, have a good memory and are able to remember new instructions, easily learn to respond to communication via human gestures and demonstrate a good span of attention. The smartest dogs are also perceptive and have the capability to process information from their ears, eyes, and other sensory organs, such as their sense of smell, to perceive the environment. Sight hounds and Scenthounds are a prime example of dogs who have these inherited skills. The most intelligent dogs have the ability to think for themselves while tracking and trailing their quarry. Some of the smartest dog breeds have been selectively bred for the quality of learning quickly - their trainability. This article contains details of the Top 10 Smartest Dogs. The Smartest Dogs - 'The Intelligence of Dogs' by Professor Stanley Coren: By combining facts and information from dog trainers, dog breeders and dog obedience judges with his theories on canine psychology, Professor Stanley Coren, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, published "The Intelligence of Dogs" in 1994. In his book Professor Stanley Coren details the differences in intelligence between various recognised breeds of dogs focusing on working and obedience intelligence in relation to Instinctive intelligence, Adaptive intelligence and Working and obedience intelligence - the Smartest dogs in the World. The Smartest Dogs - Instinctive intelligence: The term 'Instinctive intelligence' refers to a dog's ability to instinctively perform the tasks it was originally bred for, such as guarding, herding, pointing and retrieving, together with its ability to supply companionship to its owner. The Smartest Dogs - Adaptive intelligence: The term 'Adaptive intelligence' refers to a dog's ability to adapt to different situations and tasks and its solve problems on its own. The Smartest Dogs - Working and obedience intelligence: The term 'Working and obedience intelligence' refers to a dog's ability to quickly understand, learn and respond to the commands of humans demonstrating an important aspects of his intelligence. The Smartest Dogs - Assistance Dogs: The breeds that appear on the Top 10 list of smartest dogs were able to quickly remember and respond to new commands obey about around 95% of the time. It is therefore not surprising that many of the dog breeds that appear on the list of the Top 10 smartest dogs play an important role in the community working as Service and Assistance Dogs in areas such as Search & Rescue, Watch Dogs, Guide dogs and working with Police and Fire departments, the Military and in Customs & Border Protection. List of Top 10 Smartest Dogs: The list of the Top 10 smartest dogs are 1. The Border Collie, 2. Poodle, 3. German Shepherd, 4. Golden Retriever, 5. Doberman Pinscher, 6. Shetland Sheepdog, 7. Labrador Retriever, 8. Papillon, 9. Rottweiler, 10. Australian Cattle Dog. Smartest Dogs - Border Collie: The smartest dog in the world is deemed to be the Border Collie. The responsive, energetic and tenacious Border Collie was bred as a herding dog and is known by the nickname of the "Trainers Dream Dog". The skills and ability of the Border Collie are still use on farms where they help the farmers to herd their sheep at the sound of their owner's signals by command or a series of different whistles. The Border Collie is employed in helping humans as a Search & Rescue dog. Number 1 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Poodle: The Poodle is ranked number 2 in the smartest dog list. The stylish and spirited Poodle has earned his reputation for being one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. Originally used as a Watch dog, Gun Dog and duck retriever the Poodle is one of the world's favorite family pets due not only for its Problem Solving and Word comprehension intelligence and characteristics but also for the convenience of its low shedding coat. Dog breeders have utilized the intelligence and low shedding qualities of the Poodle with various other breeds to develop the so called "Designer Dogs" such as the Cavapoo, the Cockapoo, the Doxiepoo, the Havapoo, the Pomapoo and the popular Goldendoodle to add to the list of the world's smartest dogs. Number 2 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - German Shepherd: The German Shepherd is ranked number 3 in the smartest dog list. The loyal and dutiful German Shepherd has always been recognised as an intelligent dog and recognised for its role as a guide dog for the blind. The German Shepherd was originally used as a Watch dog and Herding Dog and earned the nickname of the "Wolf Dog" because of its powerful physique and wolfish looks. The appearance, skills and intelligence of the German Shepherd dog are used to great effect by the Military and Police in Seizure and Alert tasks and are also used by Customs & Border Protection agencies. The Gerberian Shepsky is a relatively new breed, bred in the United States in the mid to late 1900's, that combines the intelligence and other attributes of the German Shepherd with the spitz-like qualities of the Siberian Husky. The German Shepherd is Number 3 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever is ranked number 4 in the smartest dog list. The confident and companionable Golden Retriever was developed in the 1800's and had a love for the water and the ability to retrieve. The Golden Retriever was adept as one of the Hunting Retriever breeds that returned game that had been killed by the hunter. The Golden Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dog breed group and has the ability to hunt by air scent. This intelligent breed was trained to pick up (retrieve) prey and return the quarry to the hunter. The popular Golden Retriever is now used in a variety of new, different jobs and can truly be given the name of 'Man's best friend'. Duties undertaken by the intelligent Golden Retriever include that of a Guide dog and a seizure response dog or a service dog for people with epilepsy. During the 1990's dog breeders began to utilize the energy and trainability of the Golden Retriever with the intellect and low shedding coat of the Poodle, producing the Goldendoodle. The Golden Retriever ranks as Number 4 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Doberman Pinscher: The Doberman Pinscher is ranked number 5 in the smartest dog list. The energetic, obedient and attentive Doberman Pinscher was originally bred in Germany as a Watch dog and Guard Dog and became known by its nickname the "Tax Collectors Dog" because it was bred by a tax collector called Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. The nickname stuck due to its intimidating connotations! The versatile Doberman is suitable for almost any job and often used in service work and as an assistance dog. Number 5 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Shetland Sheepdog: The Shetland Sheepdog is ranked number 6 in the smartest dog list. The responsive and warm-hearted Shetland Sheepdog was bred in the late 1700's in Scotland as a herding dog, specifically to help its owner to herd sheep. As prices of wool soared, sheep farming was introduced to the Scottish Highlands from 1760 onwards that led to the establishment of the large sheep runs across the country. The introduction of sheep farming was a deliberate action by the British in order to eradicate the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the Highlanders following the Jacobite rising of 1745. The importance of a good herding dog was essential for farmers to flourish and the Shetland Sheepdog was developed. Its abilities were recognised and the breed became indispensable. 1792 was called the 'Year of the Sheep' because so many sheep were put onto land in the Scottish Highlands. Number 6 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever is ranked number 7 in the smartest dog list. The out going and companionable Labrador Retriever breed was bred in Canada where it was developed in the 1800's. The Labrador Retriever earned its nickname the "Fisherman's Friend" where it was utilized by fishermen in Canada, Labrador and Newfoundland. Its thick, waterproof coat enabled the dog to withstand very low temperatures, and the Labrador developed the ability to swim for long periods of time in strong currents and for long periods of time. The clever, highly intelligent breed earned their name 'Retriever' from specializing in retrieving fish and the nets, lines, ropes of the fishermen. As one of the smartest dogs the Labrador Retriever is used by the Police, Customs and Border agencies and in Search & Rescue operations. This smart, intelligent breed is also used as Therapy and Guide dogs. Dog breeders have combined the intelligence and attributes of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever to develop the crossbreed Labradoodle, to become another of the world's smartest dogs. Number 7 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Papillon: The Papillon is ranked number 8 in the smartest dog list. The hardy and spirited Papillon descends from the toy spaniels and was originally bred for its rodent-catching skills and as a tracking dog. It's charming, tiny, attractive looks took the attention of the wealthy and the dog was then used as a high status lapdog. This smart, intelligent breed is now used as a Therapy dog to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes and hospices. Dog breeders have combined the intelligence and attributes of the Papillon and the Poodle to develop the Papipoo and the Papillon and the Beagle to produce the Papeagle. Number 8 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Rottweiler: The courageous, protective and strong-willed Rottweiler is ranked number 9 in the smartest dog list. The strong, powerful and intimidating Rottweiler breed has a long history. dating back to antiquity, and used as a Herder, Watch dog and Military Dog. It is known by its nickname the "Roman Military Dog" because it travelled across the Roman Empire and was used in the role of sentries, patrol duties, to protect and control livestock and were also taken into battle. The Rottie is an inherent protector and extremely defensive and territorial. This smart, intelligent breed has been bred to quietly respond with a 'wait and see attitude' to changes in his environment. In this way the Rottweiler demonstrates both 'Instinctive intelligence' and 'Adaptive intelligence'. The ability of this clever dog to solve problems on its own is one of the many reasons that this powerful dog requires firm control and handling. Number 9 in the Smartest Dog List. Smartest Dogs - Australian Cattle Dog: The Australian Cattle Dog is ranked number 10 in the smartest dog list. The vigilant, energetic and protective Australian Cattle Dog has been herding cattle since the 1800's. Quick to learn, obey commands, protect and herd livestock this clever dog earned the nickname the "Heeler". Faced with herding cattle the dog learned to nip at the heels of cattle to keep them moving. They continue their work to this day as an invaluable all-purpose farm and ranch dog - one of the smartest dogs in the world! Number 10 in the Smartest Dog List. | 