The 7 Smartest Dog Breeds - Pets Lovers

Border Collie

Dogs are incredibly smart animals, and they're not just limited to learning and obeying commands. As pack animals, dogs understand social structure and obligations, are able to learn how to behave within their pack and also train their pups through corrective behavior when they step out of line, Science Daily noted.

Still not convinced? There are countless stories of dogs performing heroic acts to save their owners. The question is, are some breeds smarter than others? Psychologist Stanley Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs" believes so.

After surveying almost 200 dog-obedience judges, Coren determined what the smartest dog breeds are according to specific traits including instincts, obedience, and ability to adapt, Good Housekeeping noted. Here is a look at the top 7 smartest dog breeds:

7. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

There is a reason why labs are commonly used as service dogs. They can assist people with visual and hearing impairments and help out with specific tasks. They also make wonderful pets.

6. Shetland Sheepdog 

Shetland Sheepdog 

These canine pals are affectionate, loyal, obedient, agile, and have incredible herding abilities. Shetland Sheepdogs, or "Shelties," are also often used as service and therapy dogs as well as medical alert dogs, The American Kennel Club noted.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher

They may look intimidating, but these dogs are exceptionally intelligent and heroic. Doberman Pinscher, or "Dobies," are commonly used in sports as well as police work, assisting in scent tracking and search and rescues. They also make great therapy and guide dogs. What makes this breed particularly special, however, is its loyalty and bravery. In WWII, during the 1944 Battle of Guam, Kurt the Doberman ran ahead of troops to warn them of approaching Japanese soldiers, Mental Floss noted. He was killed by an enemy grenade but saved many soldiers with his courage.

4. Golden Retriever 

Golden Retriever 

Possibly the most loved dog breed, the Golden Retriever is loyal, loving, quirky, and exceptionally intelligent. How smart are these canine pals? Aside from making excellent service dogs, Golden Retrievers have been known to lend a helping … paw. One Golden Retriever has been working as a delivery dog for several stores in her neighborhood, Elite Readers reported.

3. German Shepherds 

German Shepherds 

These loyal animals are often seen at the sides of police officers but are also used as medical assistance dogs and therapy animals. German Shepherds are among the top smartest dog breeds that are able to understand a new command after only five repetitions, Mental Floss said.

2. Poodles

Poodles

The poodle is often overlooked when it comes to intelligence, but these wet-nosed critters frequently top the list of smartest breeds. They are ranked right up there in terms of working intelligence, while their lively, fun, and energetic nature also makes them great pets.

1. Border Collie 

Border Collie

These worker dogs are playful and full of energy, making them the ideal family pet, but there is more to this breed than its temperament. Border Collies are exceptionally intelligent — Josie Conlon of Durham, England, can testify to that. If it were not for her collie Ted, she may not be alive. Her smart canine friend was able to sniff out that Conlon had breast cancer, The Telegraph noted. Thanks to Ted, the grade 3 tumor was caught in time and removed.

Source newsmax.com

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