| Online: | |
| Visits: | |
| Stories: |
Top 10 Smartest Dogs in the World
Just like people, dogs can have different types of intelligence. Emotional intelligence, sensitivity to the feelings of others or insight are nearly impossible to test in dogs. And since most dogs are naturally eager to learn and to please humans, the most common test of intelligence used to assess them is usually their trainability. Leaders in the field of animal behavior have, in recent years, come to some consensus that ability to follow commands and learn shows an ability to problem solve and is therefore the best way to gauge the relative smarts of dogs. In his bestselling book, The Intelligence of Dogs, Canadian Neuropsychologist Stanley Cohen used this measure in a field test of 110 ten breeds. He used 200 professional dog trainers to judge the performance of the dogs on various working and obedience tests, repeated over a span of 5 days. The following 10 breeds each obeyed the test commands at least 95% of the time and are therefore considered the smartest breeds:
About The Rich
10. Australian Cattle Dog:
The “Aussie” is a medium sized herding dog known for its happy disposition, intelligence and agility and for its skill at herding sheep and cattle. Frequently seen in obedience and herding competitions, these dogs were relatively unknown outside of their native Australia just 30 years ago. Recently they have become popular as pets for their loving temperament and willingness to learn and play. They come in a variety of coat colors, and it is not uncommon to see an Aussie with 2 different color eyes. They are high energy and need exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and looking for amusement where their owners would prefer they didn’t.
9. Rottweiler:
A massive and powerful dog, Rottweilers are descended from ancient Roman Mastiffs and are still used frequently as guard dogs and for police work. The average weight of a female Rottweiler ranges between 77 and 105 pounds and between 110 and 132 pounds for males. They thrive on exercise and attention and are eager to learn new behaviors that please their owners. Their size and menacing appearance makes them popular as guard dogs, but they are naturally gentle, sweet-tempered dogs.
8. Papillon:
By far the smallest dog in the top 10 most intelligent list, the Papillion usually weighs no more than 10 pounds and stands no more than 11 inches high. An elegant, alert and animated dog, Papillions are descended from larger hunting spaniels. The name Papillion means butterfly in French, a reference to the shape of this dog’s large and delicate ears. Though diminutive, Papillions can be athletic and energetic and are extremely friendly, loving companions. An alternate name for the breed is the Continental Toy Spaniel.
7. Labrador Retriever:
Originally Canadian, the Labrador or Lab has ranked as the most popular dog in the United States for the last several years. They were bred to help fishermen retrieve fish and have water-repellent coats and webbed feet. Labs, sometimes called “America’s Favorite Dog,” are gentle, friendly, happy dogs who are always eager to please and therefore are very trainable. Used both for hunting and as a family companion, they are known for their love of children and athleticism.
6. Shetland Sheepdog:
The “Sheltie” is essentially a miniature Collie. The average Shetland Sheepdog weighs 15 pounds and stands 15 inches high. Frequently seen at obedience rallies and agility trials, they are alert, extremely loyal, eager to please and very trainable but need to have their considerable energy channeled in a positive direction lest they get bored. As a pet they are extremely devoted and gentle, especially with children. Shelties can have a wide variety of coat colors, from all black to sable to white and tan, all of which need brushing at least twice a week.
I’m looking at “Box of Rocks” breeds here. Scottish Terriers are the absolute smartest dog of all time.
Smart; definitely! Obedient? FORGET ABOUT IT! (I love my Scotties!)