Every dog is unique, and it’s important to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle. Some dogs might be more stubborn than others, while some might be easily trainable.
Thankfully, science can help you decide on the best breed for your family. A new study has ranked 13 popular dog breeds based on their intelligence.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal and intelligent breed that was bred to guard and protect. They’re often used as police dogs, security dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and therapy dogs.
They’re also great family dogs as long as they get plenty of training and exercise.
These smart dogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in almost any home as long as they have a routine of mental and physical activity. They also benefit from a nutritious diet that contains easily digestible protein and essential fatty acids.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a smart breed that loves to learn. They're easy to train and respond well to praise, rewards and gentle guidance with a leash.
They make great family dogs because they're loyal and devoted. They're also friendly towards strangers.
Shelties are active herding dogs and need moderate daily exercise. They do best in a large, fenced-in yard where they can run around and play.
Yorkshire Terrier
One of the most popular small breeds is the Yorkshire Terrier, and for good reason. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and have the ability to learn quickly.
As a result, they’re great at obedience training and learning commands. In fact, they can learn a new command in about 25 repetitions.
They also rank among the smartest dog breeds overall, according to Professor Coren’s test results. Yorkies are in the same intelligence class as Dalmatians, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, Giant Schnauzers and Bearded Collies.
Boxer
The Boxer is a breed that has an abundance of intelligence. They learn quickly and can learn new commands in just a few repetitions.
This dog is also known for being highly protective of their loved ones. However, their sensitivity can make them prone to separation anxiety.
The Boxer is a great family dog that can thrive as a pet if you can give them the right amount of exercise and training. They are a fun-loving breed that can be mischievous and rambunctious, but they make excellent companions when properly trained.
Papillon
The Papillon is a breed of toy spaniel that descends from dogs depicted in paintings by the Old Masters. Often seen as companions for noblewomen, the Papillon is a smart and friendly dog that is very eager to please.
They make excellent companions and are highly trainable. They excel at agility, obedience, and learning new tricks.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you're looking for a loyal dog that wants nothing more than to curl up with you, then the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is just the dog for you. They thrive off human contact and love going on walks, but they also need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
They are intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them great at training. They also get along well with other pets and children.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that is known for its cuddly and loving personality. They are also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
The history of this breed dates back to the 15th century, when Chinese spiritual leaders began to breed these tiny dogs. They were known as “little lion dogs,” and were given to Chinese royalty to sleep with.
After the Communist Revolution in China, breeding of these dogs went nearly extinct, until military personnel brought them to the United States in the 1940s and 50s.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They can learn quickly and are generally easy to train.
They also have a high sensitivity to training and corrections. Be consistent and use positive reinforcement to train your Boston Terrier.
As a relatively energetic dog, Boston Terriers should get an hour or more of exercise each day. Daily walks, games of fetch and playing with puzzle toys can help them burn off their energy.
