These Are the 25 Smartest Dog Breeds, According to Science

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Published May 6, 2019

It goes without saying that all dogs are adorable. But as anyone who’s spent two minutes with a beagle knows, some breeds are just a little goofier than others. So when it comes to obedience and training, which dogs are the leaders of the pack? Psychologist and University of British Columbia professor Stanley Coren surveyed 200 dog-obedience judges to find the smartest dog breeds in his book The Intelligence of Dogs. Here are the 25 dogs that he says are best in show when it comes to working intelligence (i.e., learning commands).

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1. Border Collie

According to Coren, these dogs are able to learn a new command in under five seconds and follow it at least 95 percent of the time.

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2. Poodle

Second place on Coren’s list of smartest pups, these hypoallergenic dogs are also great family pets.

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3. German Shepherd

There’s a reason why these guys make great crime-fighting pals—they’re obedient and alert (and handsome, too).

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4. Golden Retriever

The ultimate family-friendly dog, these pooches are loyal, whip smart and very patient.

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5. Doberman Pinscher

Playful and fun-loving, this breed is easy to train and fiercely loyal.

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6. Shetland Sheepdog

Hey, only a highly intelligent breed would be able to raise a pig. (If you don’t get this Babe reference, please go rent the movie immediately.)

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7. Labrador Retriever

The most popular dog breed in America is also one of the smartest. Great with families, these guys are loving and loyal.

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8. Papillon

Named after the French word for “butterfly” (just look at those sweet, pointed ears), this toy breed is intelligent, energetic and friendly.

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9. Rottweiler

Fans of children’s book Good Dog, Carl won’t be surprised to discover that rotties are fearless, devoted and confident. (And also very obedient, according to Coren.)

smartest dog breeds australian cattle dog

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10. Australian Cattle Dog

No wonder these canines are such excellent work dogs. But even without cows to herd, this breed makes great companions thanks to their obedience, loyalty and protective nature.

smartest dog breeds pembroke welsh corgi

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11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

We wouldn’t expect anything less from Her Majesty’s favorite breed.

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12. Miniature Schnauzer

Full of energy, these friendly pups are fast learners and sociable (and they have the best mustaches).

smartest dog breeds english springer spaniel

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13. English Springer Spaniel

Affectionate, athletic and attentive, these tail-waggers were bred as hunting dogs.

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14. Belgian Tervuren

Ideal watchdogs, these pooches are highly trainable and have boundless energy.

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15. Schipperke

From the Belgian region of Flanders, this breed is curious, confident and clever. (Although these small pups definitely think they’re bigger than they are.)