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Top of Their Class: 10 Brainy Dog BreedsSkip To Some dog breeds are known for being incredibly intelligent. They’re quick to learn a trick, and if you’re not careful, they just might outsmart you. (And you probably wouldn’t be the first human to have that happen!) We asked 266 veterinary professionals (including vets, techs and office managers) which breeds they deemed the brainiest. The dogs shown below topped the list. Do you think our professionals earned an "A" with their answers?
No. 8 (tied): Shetland Sheepdog In addition to his serious smarts, the Sheltie is known for
being funny, loyal and undeniably cute. His athleticism and desire to show off often make him a natural at trick training, but be mindful of the fact that this breed is also known for barking.
No. 8 (tied): Collie Though the
Collie looks like a larger version of the Sheltland Sheepdog, they're actually different breeds. Collies can be fantastic family dogs who are eager to please and a pleasure to train.
No. 7: Australian Cattle Dog Also known as the Queensland Heeler or Blue Heeler, the Australian Cattle Dog
is a tough herding dog known for his endurance, intelligence and independence. That combination can mean that though they are smart as a whip, they can sometimes be stubborn and a challenge to train.
No. 6 (tied): Labrador Retriever The fun-loving
Lab is the
most popular dog in America for a reason: He's generally loving and energetic and wants to please his people, especially if motivation like a treat or beloved tennis ball is
provided.
No. 6 (tied): Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is a cheerful and easygoing breed who's typically
loyal, intelligent and stable, which is why she's often a great family — and service — dog.
No. 5: Jack Russell Terrier Equally smart and active, the
JRT is not the right dog for everyone, but if you have a demanding job to challenge his body and mind, you may have found your match. Just know that if he's not kept busy, that intelligence and athleticism can be
used for more nefarious purposes — such as digging through the family sofa.
No. 4: Australian Shepherd Many Australian Shepherds are devoted and loyal to their people, always wanting to be close, even
to the point of touching. Members of this breed may be smarter and more focused than some humans you know and usually do best when kept busy with dog sports or obedience commands that allow them to "help" you around the house.
No. 3: German Shepherd Dog Typically a natural protector, the GSD is not only highly intelligent,
but also adaptable enough to handle nearly any task assigned to him. If this breed had opposable thumbs, he just might take over the world.
No. 2: Poodle Don't be fooled by her good looks. The Poodle is far more than just a pretty face — she's often got an impressive mind behind that coiffed coat, not to mention a great sense of humor and endless desire to keep her family entertained.
No. 1: Border Collie The smart, intense
Border Collie is a clever workaholic who values order and employment. He imposes his will upon sheep with ease — and often upon humans without much effort, too. Many are incredibly focused, which is a trait fantastic for training but considerably more problematic if they're
without a job to do. Left to their own devices, they can wreak havoc. More on Vetstreet:
Related articlesWhich dog has high IQ?Border collie
According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man.
Why are Blue Heelers the best?The blue heeler is known as hard-working, intelligent, and loyal to its owner. Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms as herders, and they still thrive when they have a job to do. Their fierce loyalty makes them even better workers.
Are Blue Heelers one person dogs?These pets, like most herders, can be one-person dogs. They also have a unique independence, not requiring much in the way of cuddling or affection. Though tough and resolute, they will definitely appreciate positive feedback and good treatment. Sometimes their herding instincts can suddenly come into play.
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