More than one millennium has passed since the taming of dogs. During this time, people managed not only to derive more than four hundred varieties of these animals, but also to separate them according to external, working and intellectual characteristics. In today's article, brief characteristics of the 10 smartest dog breeds in the world will be presented.
What is the rating based on?
In 1994, Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at Vancouver University of British Columbia, wrote the book Dog Intelligence. Subsequently, this publication quickly became a bestseller and was translated into 26 languages. It examines three aspects of canine intelligence: instinctive, adaptive, and obedience. The first is responsible for the implementation of genetically programmed functions, the second helps to cope with the task on their own, and the third provides the ability to learn. It was he who formed the basis for compiling the ranking of the smartest breeds in the world.
The author of the book divided the dogs into several groups. The Shih Tzu, Basset, Mastiffs, Beagles, Pekingese, Bloodhounds, Russian Dogs, Chow Chow, English Bulldogs, Basenji and Afghan Hounds fell into the category with the lowest learning ability. To learn a new team, these animals need 80-100 repetitions.
The next group included dogs whose learning abilities were rated below average. These include pugs, French bulldogs, Maltese, St. Bernards, bull terriers, bobtails, chihuahuas and some others.
Australian shepherds, rottweilers, papillons, labradors, shelties, Dobermans, golden retrievers, German shepherds, poodles and border collies fell into the category of easily trained dogs that remember new teams in less than five repetitions. It is about them that will be discussed in today's publication.
Border Collie
These animals for a long period confidently lead the top 10 most intelligent breeds, displacing the German shepherd. They were bred in the UK about five hundred years ago. It is believed that they appeared as a result of crossing shepherd dogs with native dogs that came to England with the Scandinavian Vikings.
Border Collie is a medium-sized, athletically built dog that grows between 45-55 cm at the withers and weighs no more than 22.5 kg. On the proportional head with a distinct stop and an almost imperceptible occipital protuberance, there are dark almond-shaped eyes and wide-set ears. The graceful, harmoniously developed body of the dog is covered with moderately long or short hair of almost any color. But most often among them there are marble, chocolate, black-red or black-and-white individuals.
Border Collies are naturally endowed with an open, sociable and curious disposition. They never show aggression to strangers and are easy to learn. Thanks to their high intelligence, stamina and active temperament, they successfully participate in freestyle, agility and frisbee competitions. They are often used as shepherds, guide, search engines and canis therapists.
German Shepherd
These universal service dogs are placed in second position in the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds. They were bred a little more than a hundred years ago thanks to the focused work of Max von Stefanitz and were indispensable assistants to the soldiers who participated in the First and Second World War. Today they successfully perform the functions of security guards, search engines and ordinary companions.
The German Shepherd is a fairly large dog, growing up to 55-65 cm at the withers and weighing between 22-40 kg. A harmoniously developed body with well-developed muscles and a smoothly descending top line is covered with short or long two-layer coat of black, zonar or black color.
The German Shepherd is a dedicated, selfless, efficient dog with a high intelligence and complaisant character. It is easy to learn and needs constant communication with the owner.
Poodle
These decorative beauties are firmly entrenched in the third line of the ranking of the 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world. France is officially recognized as their homeland, and among the closest relatives are Bichons, Komondors, bullets and curly-haired retrievers. The ancestors of modern poodles have been successfully used for hunting and finding truffles. Over time, they turned into companions and show dogs.
Poodles are noble, aristocratic dogs, the growth of which varies widely. The smallest representatives of this breed grow no more than 28 cm at the withers. And the growth of large, so-called royal poodles is about 45-58 cm. The main distinguishing feature of these animals is curly or laced wool of apricot, silver, brown, white, red or black color.
Poodles are unique dogs with a good-natured character and excellent memory. They are very contact, active and cheerful. These dogs learn the most difficult tricks without any problems and for a long time are constant participants in circus show programs.
Golden retriever
The homeland of these animals, not accidentally in the top of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, is considered to be Great Britain. They were bred thanks to the focused work of local breeders, among whom Lord Tweedmaut was especially distinguished, who devoted more than twenty years to this occupation. It is believed that Labradors, Flat Coated Retriever, Irish Setters, Water Spaniels and Bloodhounds took part in their formation. The first club of fans of this breed was founded in 1913. Around the same time, the official standard for golden retrievers was developed.
Golden - a strong, harmoniously built dog, growing up to 50-60 cm at the withers and weighing between 25-35 kg. Moderately stretched body with deep chest and even back is covered in moderately long straight or wavy hair, the color of which varies from almost white to dark gold.
Golden Retriever is one of the most intelligent and kind breeds. These animals are easily trained and are not prone to aggression. They easily remember new teams and get along well with other pets.
Doberman pinscher
This breed was bred in Germany and named after its creator Luis Doberman. German shepherds, rottweilers, pinschers and dogs took part in its formation. Thanks to this combination of bloods, the German police managed to get a graceful animal with a solid character.
Doberman is a tall athletically built dog, growing up to 61-71 cm at the withers and weighing between 30-40 kg. A proportional body with well-developed muscles and noble posture is covered with a meek smooth coat of black, dark brown or blue color with a rusty-red tan.
No wonder Doberman was in the top of the most intelligent dog breeds. He is naturally endowed with a living mind and high intelligence. With the proper education, he will successfully cope with the role of a fearless guard and a faithful, obedient companion.
Sheltie
These shaggy pretty shepherds come from the Shetland Islands. They appeared as a result of crossing several different breeds, among which there were border collies.
Sheltie is a small dog growing up to 35-40 cm and weighing no more than 12 kg. Visually, it resembles a long-haired collie. It is easy to recognize by its narrowed head with an elongated face and a luxurious fluffy fur coat.
Miniature Shetland Sheepdogs justifiably made the list of the most intelligent breeds. They are distinguished by an innate tact, high intelligence, excellent memory and intelligent disposition. These contact dogs are easy to train and gladly carry out the owner's team.
Labrador Retriever
This breed appeared in the XIX century from the huge dogs that lived on the island of Newfoundland. According to one version, setters and curly-haired retrievers took part in its formation. The first breed standard was approved in 1887 and subsequently adjusted.
Labrador is a fairly large stocky dog, growing up to 54-57 cm at the withers and weighing between 25-40 kg. On a wide head with powerful jaws there are expressive dark eyes and hanging tight-fitting ears. A sturdy compact body with a developed chest is covered with short waterproof coat of black, fawn or chocolate color.
Labrador has long been recognized as one of the smartest breeds. These dogs are easy to train and readily fulfill the owner's requirements. With the right upbringing, they will make excellent guide, the search engines are simply companions.
Papillon
The exact origin of these tiny dogs is still unknown. According to one version, they have Franco-Belgian roots. According to the second theory, they are descended from Italian dwarf spaniels.
Papillons are miniature animals growing no more than 28 cm at the withers. They are easy to recognize by their huge erect ears decorated with fringe. The tiny body is covered with an elongated shiny wavy fur, forming a lush frill and pants.
Papillons are affectionate and very sociable creatures endowed with high intelligence. Therefore, they are considered one of the smartest breeds and, along with large brothers, participate in agility and dog-frisbee competitions.
Rottweiler
The birthplace of these strong service dogs, the first information about which is dated to the 18th century, is the German town of Rottweil. The local population used them to drive livestock and protect property.
Rottweiler is a large stocky dog, growing up to 55-68 cm at the withers and weighing in the range of 42-50 kg. On a large head with strong jaws and a relatively short muzzle are dark eyes and triangular drooping ears. The massive body with a powerful neck and well-developed muscles is covered with shiny black hair with red-brown marks.
Rottweilers - bold, decisive and quick-witted dogs that can claim the right to be called one of the most intelligent breeds. They are easy to learn and do a great job with the functions of a watchman, bodyguard, lifeguard, guide and just a companion. They successfully combine physical power and a balanced, calm character. They need constant communication with the owners and consider themselves a full member of the family.
Australian shepherd
Closes the rating of the 10 most intelligent breeds of the dog, bred in the XIX century and used exclusively to protect livestock. According to reports, among her ancestors are dingos and short-haired collies. Subsequently, the blood of the Dalmatians and even bull terriers was rushed to them.
Australian shepherd has a relatively small size and a very interesting exterior. The height of the adult is not more than 50 cm, and the mass does not exceed 18 kg. Visually, she has a certain resemblance to her distant relatives. On a wide rounded head with powerful jaws there are small oval eyes and triangular erect ears with pointed tips. A massive body with well-developed muscles is covered with a short coat of ashen or red-brown color.
Australian shepherds are fearless, hardy, trained dogs. They are very affectionate, good-natured and energetic. Thanks to their high intellect, boundless devotion and dedication, they make excellent family dogs and companions for long walks.
Instead of a conclusion
It is important to understand that the top of the most intelligent dogs presented above is very arbitrary. After all, a dog of any breed needs to be socialized in time and properly educated. This is the only way to make an obedient and easily managed companion that does not cause inconvenience to the people around you. If you just buy a puppy of one of the described breeds and not train it, then soon an uncontrolled dog will grow out of it, which can cause a lot of problems.