The top 10 most intelligent dog breeds

The Labrador makes an excellent guide for the blind while the best police dogs are often German shepherds. The intelligence of a dog is however difficult to define. What does science say and what are the most intelligent races?

When we talk aboutintelligence of the dog, the most difficult is to agree on the concept of intelligence. " Most people consider that dogs are more smart than cats because they obey human orders better. But it's not quite the same thing "Warns Frans com Waal, biologist at the University of Atlanta, in the New york times.

In 2016, researchers from London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Mark Adams of the University of Edinburgh have created a IQ Review for dogs, including for example navigation (time taken to reach food placed behind different types of barriers), the ability to distinguish different amounts of food or to follow the gesture of a human pointing to an object. They thus found that, as for IQ tests In humans, dogs that do well on one type of Review tend to do the same on others. " It means that the intelligence of the dog is structured like ours Says Rosalind Arden, who led the study.

But there are many differences between races. A 2019 study suggests, for example, that large dogs are smarter than small dogs. Small dogs have smaller dogs, researchers say brain and therefore struggle more when they have to remember the location of a treat hidden under a cup or resist the temptation to throw themselves on prohibited food. But brain size does not do everything. In 1994, Canadian psychologist Stanley Coren established in a book called The intelligence of dogs, Three types of intelligence:

  • innate intelligence, determined by race;

  • adaptive intelligence, that is, what the dog learns from its environment to solve problems;

  • working intelligence, the ability to learn and obey humans.

Because of their natural instinct, some dog breeds are thus particularly gifted for a particular type of task. Terriers make excellent hunting dogs, the border collie is an admirable sheepdog, the poodle is particularly good at acrobatics and the Australian shepherd is able to remember hundreds of words. According to the specialist, 51% of the dog's intelligence is linked to the genetic and 49% to its environment. He thus established a classification of the most intelligent dog breeds, based on the assessments of 199 canine judges in the United States and Canada. Note that of the 79 breeds studied, the Afghan hound comes last.

1. Border collie

Chaser, an American border collie dog who died in 2019, has been recognized as the most intelligent dog in the world, capable of identifying 1.022 toys by name and find them based on their name and category, and even understand sentences. Originally herding dog, the border collie is very receptive to education and affectionate. However, it requires great availability and needs to be constantly stimulated physically and intellectually.

2. Poodle

With a playful temperament, the poodle easily learns complex tricks and can understand hundreds of words. This is why it is often found in performances such as the circus. Tireless and very adapted to a family life, the poodle should not be left alone too long under pain of depression.

3. German Shepherd

Identified with the police dog, the German shepherd is versatile and learns quickly. Also used as a watchdog, search dog or assistance dog, it is faithful and applies the instructions it is taught to the letter. However, care must be taken to socialize him during his education so as not to make him aggressive.

4. Golden retriever

Recognized for his skills as a search dog, rescue dog and guide dog, the Golden retriever love the water and long walks. He has a strong ability to mobilize his attention, a good memory, calm and self-control. If he excels at learning through play and positive reinforcement, he finds it difficult to endure punishments and unfair situations.

5. Doberman

Despite its impressive appearance and reputation as a ferocious dog, the Doberman is very gentle, especially with children. He must however be educated firmly from an early age to teach him to master his natural distrust of strangers. He is also an emotional dog who does not appreciate the agitation around him.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Originally used as a herding dog, the Shetland Sheepdog is easy to train and obedient. Very popular in canine sports such as agility competitions, it is very playful and well suited to family life. However, he needs to spend his energy and cannot bear it well. separation.

7. Labrador retriever

Favorite companion of the presidents of the Republic and guide dog ideal, the labrador is appreciated for its vitality, its kindness and its fidelity. Its very good smell and his intelligence also make him a popular dog for the police and rescue services. The labrador needs to be intellectually stimulated and hates loneliness and boredom.

8. Butterfly spaniel

This small dog with long drooping ears has an extraordinary learning capacity and adapts easily to any situation. Lively, balanced and obedient, he is often used as a therapy dog ​​and as pet for the elderly. But it is also a sporty dog who enjoys hiking and jogging.

9. Rottweiller

The rottweiller is much better than its image of a fierce fighting dog. His aggressiveness comes from poor education, when he has not been taught to overcome his natural protective instinct. Well trained, it is very faithful and sweet. His excellent flair also makes him a good police dog.

10. Australian Shepherd

Originally used for herding, the Australian Shepherd is a cross between the dingo (a breed of wild dog) and English sheepdogs (notably the collie). Easy to educate, docile, he can however be stubborn and needs a master capable of opposing him. resistance.

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