Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are one of the smaller types of this breed and were initially used as gun dogs. Although there are still many that help out on shoots where they put their incredibly well-trained skills to the test, cocker spaniels are also a popular choice of dogs for many families.
Cocker Spaniel
Shiba Inu
These dogs are often thought to be similar to cats. While Shiba Inus are one of the smartest dog breeds, they are also independent creatures who love to think for themselves and be alone. Thankfully, being an intelligent breed means that Shiba Inus are also one of the simplest dogs to house train.
Shiba Inu
Bichon Frise
While the Bichon Frise might look like a cuddly lamb, there is more to this breed than meets the eye. They are highly intelligent and know how to wiggle their way into a cuddle on their owner’s lap whenever they please. However, Bichon Frises still love playtime to rid themselves of all that extra energy.
Bichon Frise
Parson Russell Terrier
Many terriers have helped hunt over the years, and the Parson Russell Terrier is no exception. The breed has a lot of built-up energy that it puts to good use out in the field, and they often have strong natural hunting instincts. Thankfully, plenty of training can help keep them under control.
Parson Russell Terrier
Gordon Setter
Gordon setters can be wonderful family dogs thanks to their loving nature. However, the breed needs plenty to keep their minds ticking over. Their high intelligence means that Gordon setters may often become destructive if they don’t have enough mental stimulation and exercise to keep them occupied, especially when they’re family are out.
Gordon Setter
Field Spaniel
Field spaniels are similar to their cousins as they are often used for shooting or hunting. However, this breed is often more laid back than many other spaniels. They might be docile, but field spaniels are highly intelligent and love to please their trainers meaning that training is often a breeze.
Field Spaniel
Newfoundland
This great breed might look scary, but Newfoundlands are some of the best dogs with children. The giant breed are known for learning new skills very quickly, and will often act as the family babysitter whenever their parents aren’t around. The best bit? They can often turn their paw to any job in their way.
Newfoundland
Pointer
You’ll often see pointers at windows or sprinting through fields as this breed is always looking for a way to burn off their energy while expanding their minds. Pointers are highly energetic and often make the perfect accompaniments while hunting as they can keep running all day long as well as being easy to train.
Pointer
English Shepherd
Like many working dogs, English Shepherds have very pliable minds meaning they are quick to train and will often learn new skills quickly. As long as they have enough exercise and mental stimulation, then this breed is likely to stay happy. This also means that English Shepherds often excel at dog agility.
English Shepard
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesians were once used for hunting lions meaning they are incredibly strong and powerful dogs. Although they often crave to be outside, this breed has learned to love a life on the couch with the occasional hike with their family to keep them occupied. It seems as though life indoors isn’t so bad after all.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Bernese Mountain Dog
Thankfully, there is plenty of brains to fill this breed’s head as Bernese mountain dogs are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. As well as their incredible tracking skills, they are also great for carting, herding, and obedience training. Is there nothing these gentle giants can’t do?
Bernese Mountain Dog
Old English Sheepdog
Old English sheepdogs are so intelligent that the breed will often only respond to commands that make sense to them in their minds. The breed loves to think for themselves, and will often devote all of their energy into finishing the task at hand. To top it off, these dogs are also brilliant watchdogs.
Old English Sheepdog
Pharaoh Hound
This breed doesn’t just have an elegant look, but it also quite alert and very active. The Pharaoh Hound is incredibly smart and therefore is very easy to train. Their large ears also give them a great heightened sense of sound.
Pharaoh Hound
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound boasts a beautiful thick coat and a long fluffy tail. In addition to that, it is quite a courageous and bold breed. These fluffy pups have a regal stance about them but can sometimes have a little bit of an attitude!
Norwegian Elkhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
These adorable doggies have quite the beard to boast. The Kerry Blue Terrier is strong willed but is still warm and affectionate. These big dogs are perfect family dogs since they are very loyal and are also very gentle.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Australian Terrier
Don’t be fooled by their diminutive stature, these little dogs are super energetic and lively. The Australian Terrier is the perfect dog for people who are also full of energy in order to be able to keep up with this adorable little pooch!
Australian Terrier
Samoyed
These beautiful fluffy white haired doggies are energetic, playful, and lively. They are so adorable that they may lull you into a false sense of security, because they’re so smart that sometimes they have a tendency to become a little bit stubborn sometimes.
Samoyed
Manchester Terrier
Another type of the Terrier breed, the Manchester Terrier has a great personality, especially for a family dog. They are happy, loving dogs that are super fun to have around. Their loving personalities liven up any home.
Manchester Terrier
Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a bit smaller than other Spaniels but that doesn’t mean that they are any less energetic! In fact, maybe this makes them more energetic. These loving dogs can sometimes become a little bit stubborn sometimes.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Briard
These long haired doggies are a great addition to any family. The are extremely loyal dogs and tend to be people pleasers, which makes them very easy to train. Who wouldn’t want that in a dog breed?
Briard
Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier Des Flandres breed is fiercely loyal and protective of its family. Despite this, they are still very gentle dogs. This breed’s intelligence is quite advanced, and they are good at adapting to different kinds of situations.
Bouvier Des Flandres
Airedale Terrier
Similar to its Terrier counterparts, the Airedale Terrier is also known for being an intelligent breed of dog. The Airdale Terrier is also very social, friendly, and outgoing. These dogs are lively and fun to be around.
Airedale Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny little dog, but don’t let its small stature fool you! These dogs are very smart and full of lots of energy. Don’t underestimate the Yorkshire Terrier’s intelligence and ability to learn quickly!
Yorkshire Terrier
Puli
The Puli is most definitely known for its unique look. Some say they look like a mop, some say that they look like they have the dread lock hairstyle, and some just say that they’re adorable! Whatever you think they look like, what can’t be denied is their intelligence.
Puli
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is similar to the Pembroke Corgi in that it is quite an intelligent dog. These dogs are easy to train and make for great companions and a wonderful addition to any family.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Irish Water Spaniel
The curly haired Irish Water Spaniel is well known for having a silly, fun, and goofy personality. While this makes them very fun to be around, it doesn’t mean that they are not intelligent dogs. In fact, they are quite smart and easy to train.
Irish Water Spaniel
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is sometimes confused with the German Shepard, as the two breeds share similar personality traits. The Belgian Malinois is very hyper and very smart and is often trained to become a special search or police dog.
Belgian Malinois
Standard Schnauzer
This cute little guy is known for his signature mustache. This sweet dog breed is known for being easily trained and are also good natured dogs. The Standard Schnauzer is also quite playful and makes a great addition to the family.
Standard Schnauzer
Flat Coated Retriever
The sweet Flat Coated Retriever dog breed is a very happy breed that tends to be quite optimistic. These dogs love to be social and are very loyal and devoted to their families.
Flat Coated Retriever
Keeshond
These adorable and fluffy pups are energetic and active, meaning you’ll need to tire them out. However, they are still very intelligent, making them easy to train and highly obedient dogs that make them the perfect pup to own!
Keeshond
Belgian Sheepdog
The Belgian Sheepdog to good hearted and very sweet. It’s rather similar to the Schipperke both in their intelligence and also their physical appearance. Their larger stature makes them perfect for herding as well as just companion dogs.
Belgian Sheepdog
Schipperke
Speaking of the Schipperke, it is another intelligent dog breed that makes the perfect companion. These dogs are fearless and very active. This combined with their high intelligence makes them a great and reliable breed.
Schipperke
Belgian Shepherd Dog
The Belgian Shepherd dog, not to be confused with the Belgian Sheepdog, is a highly intelligent dog breed that are very reliable. Because of this, they are often used for their herding abilities.
Belgian Shepherd Dog
Dalmatian
Made famous by the 101 Dalmatians movie, these spotted cuties are full of lots of energy. These actives pups need lots of exercise. They are very sociable and enjoy running around with other dogs and humans as well.
Dalmatian
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian gets a bad rep, particularly when it is represented in films as a yappy dog! However, these adorable and tiny dogs are quite smart. The most famous Pomeranian, named Boo, had an actively social media account that amassed over 12 million followers!
Pomeranian
Vizsla
The Vizsla is a gentle and loving dog breed that is very intelligent and easy to train. Vizslas love their owners so much that they’re nicknamed as “Velcro” dogs, since they are always attached to their humans! Since they are so intelligent, sometimes they can be a little stubborn!
Vizsla
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small version of the Pinscher dog, which is an adorable and curious little dog. They enjoy exploring and are smart, loyal dogs. Despite their playfulness, sometimes they can become a bit stubborn as well.
Affenpinscher
American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a smart and loyal dog breed, making it the perfect dog to add to the family mix. They tend to be independent dogs as well, but are also very loving and kind doggies.
American Foxhound
Bearded Collie
They might look sweet, but bearded collies will need plenty of attention if you want to keep them happy. Without constant love and affection, this breed will often turn to destroying the house as a way to get the attention they are after or bark until someone arrives to give them some love.
Bearded Collie
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers might be small, but they are feisty dogs who have been used for hunting down small animals and helping keep on top of the rodents population for many years. Jack Russells are often full of personality meaning they can usually worm their way out of trouble with their owners.
Jack Russell Terrier
Weimaraner
Also known as the Silver Ghost, Weimaraners were once bred to take down deer and bears while out hunting. Thankfully, many have now grown used to a life as a house dog. However, the breed often needs plenty of exercise and daily walks to keep their natural energy levels under control.
Weimaraner
English Springer Spaniel
Springer spaniels are some of the bigger spaniels in the world and usually put their size to good use out shooting or hunting with their owners. They are incredibly good at catching meaning that springer spaniels are great for obedience training and playing fetch with their family. The best bit? The breed loves people.
English Springer Spaniel
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
They might be stubborn dogs, but it seems as though their intelligence is just one of the features that made the Pembroke Welsh corgi a huge part of the Royal Family all these years. Like many intelligent breeds, these corgis will need a lot of exercise if you want to prevent them from becoming destructive.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Irish Setter
Believe it or not, but Irish setters have become known for their joking behavior teamed with their playful personality. These dogs love to get out and about, but that’s not all. Irish setters usually excel at agility competitions, tracking, rallies, and obedience training, too. They really couldn’t get much better.
Irish Setter
German Shorthaired Pointer
It seems as though there is nothing a German shorthaired pointer can’t do. That’s right; this breed is a perfect all-rounder that has become a staple part of the hunting field. However, German shorthaired pointers are also excellent family dogs thanks to their affectionate personalities and love of being around children.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Alaskan Husky
There is a reason this breed is so often used in sled racing: Alaskan huskies are intelligent, strong, and have incredible endurance. The breed is quick to learn new commands and adapt to the environment, as well as knowing how to work as a team with the rest of their pack.
Alaskan Husky
Siberian Husky
Many owners soon learn that Siberian huskies need a strong leader if they stand a chance of controlling their intelligence. Many huskies have taught themselves how to dig under or jump over yard fences if they want to escape, and will often ignore all commands if they catch a scent that piques their interest.
Siberian Husky
Alaskan Malamute
This is yet another breed that has been bred for their strength and endurance as well as their ability to perform in sub-zero temperatures. Alaskan Malamutes love to pull sleds, go skijoring, and will accompany their family backpacking for hours. Thankfully, the breed does just as well as part of an active family.
Alaskan Malamute
Collie
It was back in 1943 that many fell for collies after the release of Lassie. The movie helped to showcase the breed’s incredible intelligence. That’s not all. Collies have a sophisticated understanding of emotions and can tell when their owners are in need making them a brilliant choice of therapy or assistance dogs.
Collie
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay retrievers, or Chessies as they are often known, are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs in the world thanks to their ability to quickly learn new skills. This makes the breed a popular choice for many hunters, but they need a firm leader if they are to be kept under control.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Australian Shepherd
These dogs are so intelligent that they are often compared to humans, and some Australian Shepherds want to act like us, too. These dogs thrive when they have a job to do, such as helping around the house or herding animals, and can often pick up new skills at the drop of a hat.
Australian Shepherd
Saint Bernard
They might look like bears, but Saint Bernards are giant softies underneath. The breed was first used to find injured travelers in Switzerland as well as guard patients in hospices. Saint Bernards had plenty of skills to learn meaning they are easy to train and love to be part of a family.
Saint Bernard
Akita Inu
Have you ever tried to reason with a toddler? Welcome to life with an Akita Inu. The breed might be intelligent, but they are also stubborn and can sometimes try and be the dominant one in the household. The best bit? Many Akitas will quietly grumble under their breath when being told what to do.
Akita Inu
English Setter
Thankfully, English setters love to be around people meaning they are the perfect addition to many families. Plus, the breed is a top watchdog who likes to keep an eye on their property. As well as being easy to train, English setters also appreciate a daily run around to keep themselves fit and healthy.
English Setter
Great Dane
Not only are Great Danes the biggest breed of dog in the world, but they are also some of the most intelligent. They might be big, but these dogs are gentle creatures who love to spend their time with children. The Great Dane’s downfall is their giant size means they can often be clumsy.
Great Dane
Brittany Spaniel
Brittany spaniels love to be with families, but the breed also needs plenty of exercise if you want to ensure they aren’t going to be destructive. Brittany spaniels always need to have a job, or they will look for their own work, and have a hunting instinct that can often be tough to break.
Brittany Spaniel
Australian Cattle Dog
They are one of the most intelligent breeds, but the Australian cattle dog’s brains means they are also pretty tough to train. The breed will usually only respond to firm leaders, and they constantly need a job to do around the house or on the farm if there’s a hope of getting them trained.
Australian Cattle Dog
Rottweiler
They’re big and full of brains. That’s right; we’re talking about Rottweilers. Although they don’t need as much exercise as any other breeds, these dogs need plenty of problem-solving tasks if you want to keep their minds ticking over. If not, you may find these dogs become destructive or try to escape.
Rottweiler
Papillon
Sure, papillons are small, but they have plenty of energy that needs to be burned if you’re going to keep this smart dog breed happy. Papillons don’t usually enjoy being lap dogs but thrive when they are taught new commands or taken for long walks where they can explore all the new sights and smells.
Papillon
Labrador Retriever
There is a reason we see so many labradors as working dogs: they are a simple breed to train. Labradors are quick to learn and love to please making them the perfect family dog as well as ideal candidates for detecting illegal substances, working as therapy dogs, and helping assist with search and rescue missions.
Labrador Retriever
Shetland Sheepdog
As well as being herding dogs, Shetland sheepdogs also once kept birds away from farmer’s crops thanks to their speed and agility. While they are now good family pets, this sheepdog has a hidden skill up its sleeve. They are so intelligent that they can learn a new command in five tries.
Shetland Sheepdog
Doberman Pinscher
Some Doberman pinschers are so intelligent that they can even outsmart their owners. They are a loyal breed that will often do anything to protect the home but can be destructive if they aren’t given enough stimulation to keep them busy throughout the day. Thankfully, they can easily be trained to pass the time.
Doberman Pinscher
Golden Retriever
Although any golden retrievers are used as working dogs, this breed is also one of the most popular choices for families all around the world. Retrievers often take their jobs very seriously, but their gentle mouths mean they won’t damage anything they collect on their journey as they want to hand it to their owners.
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
There is a good reason that German Shepherds are chosen by the military and police. Not only are they strong with an incredible bite, but they are also quick to learn, have astonishing endurance, and can keep focused for hours. Their skills all help to make them the third smartest dog breed in the world.
German Shepherd
Poodle
While poodles might come in all shapes and sizes, every version of the breed holds the same intelligence. So much so that they are the second smartest dog breed. Although they are highly intelligent and simple to train, poodles struggle to solve problems like some other breeds in the world.
Poodle
Border Collie
Many experts agree that border collies are the most intelligent breed of dog. Not only can they herd sheep in a way unlike any other breed, but border collies are thought to be almost as smart as humans. Their brains means they can be challenging to train as they pick up everything within moments.
Border Collie
