Smartest Dog Breeds

FILTER BY INTELLIGENCE TIER

BRIGHTEST DOGS | EXCELLENT WORKING DOGS | ABOVE AVERAGE | AVERAGE | FAIR | LOWEST DEGREE OF WORKING DOGS

FILTER BY BREED SIZE

SMALL | MEDIUM | LARGE | ALL

$1,500+ Annual Vet Bills

Starts at $20/mo | Flexible Reimbursements

Starts at $10/mo | Multi-Pet Discount

When it is not herding sheep in the hilly boarder of Scotland and England, this intelligent, black and white workaholic thives on law and order in their surroundings – both in the field and at home. Regarded as one of the most intelligent dogs, when the family is fast asleep, the Border Collie can be found in the study playing chess against itself.

Touting excellent swimming skills, Poodles are easily the most popular water dog. They’re highly intelligent and eager to train. Poodles have kindly temperaments making them an ideal pet for families with children.

pet insurance options

Pet Insurance Options

EXPLORE PET INSURANCE OPTIONS

Plans Starting At $10/mo

PET INSURANCE OPTIONS

A very smart and all purpose worker, the German Shepherd is an athletic, muscular worker that’s relatively easy to train. Their heretic tendencies have them leery of strangers. For that reason, it is best to bring them up from young in a family setting, especially with younger children.

This Scottish retriever is among the most popular breeds in the US. They are loving and friendly characters that have a love of life that is infectious. They are great family pets, as their patience and trustworthiness is second to none.

Are You Feeding Your Dog The Best Brain Food?

So long as they are socialized early on, they can make great family pets. Treat the Doberman Pinscher with respect and they will happily reciprocate. This medium to large breed has a signature look – with tall pointy ears and a long muzzle.

The Best Dog Vitamins and Supplements To Keep Your Pup Healthy. And The Smartest. Period.

The Shetland Sheepdog, or more commonly and affectionately called Shelties make for excellent family dogs. While they can be quick to back at strangers, they do it as a protective measure rooted in loyalty and watchfulness.

America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever is an outgoing, even tempered dog that is as notably perficient in the field and retriving waterfowl as they are at stealing the hearts of their family. Their demeanor and trusting, gentle ways make them a good choice for families of all sizes and age ranges.

Are You Covered If Your Pup Gets Sick? It Might Be a Smart Idea to Have a Contingency.

The iconic ears have this pup coined the ‘butterfly dog’. After all Papillon in French means butterfly. This toy-sized Continental spaniel is one of the oldest toy spaniels, dating well past the 16th Century. Their happy disposition make them easily trainable family-friendly dogs.

The iconic ears have this pup coined the ‘butterfly dog’. After all Papillon in French means butterfly. This toy-sized Continental spaniel is one of the oldest toy spaniels, dating well past the 16th Century. Their happy disposition make them easily trainable family-friendly dogs.

The Science is in. Have You Tried CBD For You Dog's Health?

The iconic ears have this pup coined the ‘butterfly dog’. After all Papillon in French means butterfly. This toy-sized Continental spaniel is one of the oldest toy spaniels, dating well past the 16th Century. Their happy disposition make them easily trainable family-friendly dogs.

This sturdy herding dog can round up cattle, sheep, and horses or can curl up at your feet next to a warm fire. They are loyal and eager to please their owners. They are marvelous with kids, making them a great family dog option.

Whether policing farmland or guarding an apartment, these hypoallergenic dogs are highly adaptable to their environment. They are highly trainable and exhibit inexhaustible love and affection for their owners.

These medium sized sporting dogs love flushing and retrieving birds. While they are professional and alert in the field, they are affectionate and cheerful at home.

Like the other Belgian sheepdogs, the Belgian Tervuren is very smart. Their long russel mahogany fur has them distinguishable from afar. This medium sized dog is obedient and territorial of those it holds dear.

With a propensity to bark as a protective mechanism, this Spitz-type breed originated in Belgium in the 1800s. They were prevalently used as watchdogs and rattlers on the wharfs. This is fitting, as their name means ‘little captain’ in Flemish.

If there’s a dog who could pass the SATs, this one would be a good bet to place your money. This intelligent breed carries an air of self-confidence. They are highly protective of their ‘flock’, be that a flock of sheep or their family.

The Collie’s mid-size, light frame are highly intelligent. They are particularly gifted with anticipating the needs of people around them, making them wonderful additions to the family, or even serice dogs.

This medium sized dog has some large sized fur. They are athletic and nimble and were used as companions and guard dogs on Dutch ships. Its closest relatives are from the Spitz family of dogs.

Not Sure What Dogs You Want To Explore?

These medium to large sized hunting dogs are powerful and athletic in the field, be that upland game or in the water. Their energy levels and exuberant personalities make them not the best choice for families with small children.

Thier outgoing personality and loving and caring temperament make this breed a wonderful family dog. While wonderful at home, they thrive even more in the outdoors – both on land and in water.

This compact Spaniel comes in many different colors – even in the same littler. They are smaller than Cocker Spaniels, but they carry similar temperaments, which include hard working and talent in the field and a happy, loving disposition at home.

hypoallergenic Barbet

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

EXPLORE HYPOALLERGENIC DOG BREEDS

For Those With Allergies

HYPOALLERGENIC DOG BREEDS

The original of the three Schnauzer sizes (Giant, Standard, and Miniature), this hypoallergenic pup came from 14th century Germany. They are fantastic family dogs who’s devotion puts them in the air of some of the better campanion dogs.

This medium breed is as swift and athletic as they come. Make sure to have an exercise plan in place before considering the breed as they have inexhaustible energy. On the homefront, they are sweet and patient, making them good for families with children of all ages.

Cocker Spaniels are the smallest member of the sporting group breeds. They are affectionate dogs, making them great for families. Be aware that grooming their coat often is important to keeping their fur untangled.

This big-game hunting dog was originally bred in the 19th century. They are extremely powerful and stubborn dogs who have a tendency to be somewhat aloof. The “Silver Ghost” is a good family dog option, just be mindful of little kids, as they are larger dogs.

Explore Next 25 Smartest Dogs

Can't Wait? Skip Ahead.
Labrador Retriever​ - Sporting Group

Family Dog Breeds

EXPLORE FAMILY DOG BREEDS

Loving, Kind, and Safe

FAMILY DOG BREEDS

Annual Vet Bills: $1,500+

Be Prepared for the unexpected.