Genius dogs: 7 particularly clever breeds that have made the list of scientists

All dogs are renowned for their loyalty and sociability, but many breeds are also known for their intelligence. Particularly clever dogs are quick to learn and understand new signals, have problem-solving skills and show their independent side.

Anyone who lives with a dog knows exactly how smart and intelligent they are. But how smart can an average dog be? Numerous studies have shown that they can learn the meaning of words, interpret human body language, solve problems and even respond to our emotions. It has also been shown that the average dog has the intelligence of a two-year-old child, and if we go even further, particularly clever dog breeds can have the intelligence of a 2.5-3 year old child.

The list of particularly clever dog breeds is not based on how quickly some dogs learn new tricks. Experts say our pets’ intelligence is based on a combination of factors. In fact, in some dogs, it manifests itself in ways that can be frustrating for first-time dog owners. These sharp-minded four-legged friends tend to show off their creative problem-solving skills, for example, by learning how to steal snacks or open the gate.

Stanley Coren, a retired professor at the University of British Columbia, has shown that dogs can solve complex spatial problems, such as figuring out how a gate’s slide lock works. And he has also shown that dogs can deliberately deceive each other or their owners for a reward.

The intelligence of dogs

Coren believes that there are three types of intelligence in dogs. These are:

• instinctive: the skill for which the dog was bred, such as herding;
• adaptive: the skill by which a dog learns to solve a problem based on information gathered from its environment;
• obedience or working intelligence: the ability to learn.
• Here are some of the particularly clever dog breeds!

1.) Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of the most talented breeds of dog you’ll ever meet, learning quickly and responding to cues used in training. Betsy, a Border Collie with above average intelligence, has learned the meaning of over 350 words in her lifetime. These dogs are stars in agility and obedience competitions and have exceptional problem-solving skills. Border Collies are highly trainable and are members of the herding dog group, so it is not surprising that they are happy to be given a task to solve. Their boundless energy means they can work long hours without tiring, making them excellent companions for people on farms and farm families. When they are not herding sheep, they are ideal for active farmers. They love dog sports and need daily mental stimulation to live a full life.

2.) Poodle

A former waterfowl breed, the Poodle is the second on our list. Throughout its long history, it has shown itself to be easy to train alongside humans. Typically, they always strive to please their owners. Proud and energetic dogs, they are far from the fashionable dogs we see in the movies. In France, giant poodles were also used for guarding and protection, but this tendency has almost completely disappeared from the breed’s character. Today, poodles are happy to rest on the sofa, but they are still often among the winners in obedience and skill competitions.

3.) German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed, with exceptional trainability and versatility. They adapt extremely well to all situations in life. They are affectionate with their owners, patient with children, non-aggressive and excellent playmates. They have been used for centuries to protect flocks. Brave, loyal and hard-working, they have been bred from polled sheepdogs and herding dogs. Highly adaptable and used to hard work, German Shepherds still excel in tasks such as police and military work, or search and rescue missions.

4.) Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is renowned as the favourite family dog breed. It is one of the most famous breeds, with a friendly, lovable personality that will sweep anyone off their feet. With the right training, these dogs excel at tasks such as hunting, retrieving, obedience work and even assistance and therapy. They have been bred for hunting purposes, to bring in game that has been hunted. They are patient and calm dogs, they love children and are easy to train to be obedient. They love to run and learn, so any form of exercise is perfect for them. A little reward bait and they’re up for anything. Of the dog sports, dog dancing, agility and Frisbee can be a big favourite for them.

5.) Doberman

The Dobermann is one of those breeds that will do anything for its owner. They are extremely intelligent, loyal and easy to train. They are bred to be guard dogs, fearless, imposing and loyal to the end. Their high intelligence and energy make them a good match for active families who have plenty of time to devote to training and play. Their sharp wits combined with agility and high energy levels make these versatile dogs excellent in obedience competitions, as well as police and military work.

6.) Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is characterised by a sensitive interior, backed by a charming and eye-catching exterior. Owners of these dogs will certainly not be bored, as they are extremely smart and thirsty for knowledge. They are also renowned for their outstanding intelligence, teachability and excellent problem-solving skills. They were bred to be sheep dogs, some sources say jumping on the backs of sheep to herd stray cattle back. Ideal family dogs, they are very affectionate and demand to be handled. They excel at obedience and canine sports and, not least of all, in therapeutic work.

7.) Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever, although now in last place here, is certainly not even close. Like its predecessors, it is a very friendly and clever breed. These dogs were originally bred as working dogs, but they have become a real family pet. They have a long history of working with people in hunting and retrieving, so they are instinctively sensitive and quick learners. They are friendly and well-balanced pets, showing off their hard-working and obliging nature at all times. It is also worth noting that, in addition to their unmistakable sense of smell and their excellent memory, Labradors love to please the people who mean the world to them.

After clever dogs in this article you will learn about 5 cat-like dog breeds.