The Top 7 Smartest Dogs
You may think your Beagle is the brainiest, your Siberian Husky is the sharpest or your Cocker Spaniel is the cleverest pooch on the block – but paws a minute.
Trainers say any dog can learn the basics such as sitting, staying and coming when you call. But some breeds are more intelligent than others.
Doggy researchers have come up with a list of the dogs that stand out from the pack. They base their findings on how quickly dogs learn, how well they respond to human commands and if they can act on their own if necessary.
Rufus, the dog in my children’s book WOOF – A Boy's Best Friend is smarter than your average dog. He’s a stray that walks into the life of Jeremy, a lonely nine-year-old, and changes his life. Along the way, Rufus manages to put Jeremy in a few fixes – but pulls him out of some, too. Rufus is of dubious ancestry; a mixture of breeds, so you won’t find him on this list.
How does your dog shape up?
7. Labrador Retriever

Their short thick coat, webbed feet and heavy tail are perfect for swimming long distances in cold water, making them a favourite for hunting and water rescue. Known for their intelligence, patience, affection and gentleness, they are easily trained and make ideal companions and pets in households with kids, as therapy dogs and helping lead the blind.
Photo credit: Flickr Kevin Rodriguez Ortiz

The "Sheltie" is a herding dog, equally at home on the farm or in the suburbs, as long as they get plenty of exercise.
This rough-coated, longhaired working breed is alert and intelligent and can do a lot more than sit and roll over. It can learn new commands with few repetitions, making sure all the livestock or the family are safe and sound.
Photo credit: Flickr Krysta
They may appear intimidating, but modern Dobermans are less aggressive and with proper training can make loyal pets. They understand their owner’s temperament well and can adjust to the given situation.
Photo credit: Flickr TNS Safres
4. Golden Retriever

Their eagerness to please makes them very popular as family pets, as guide dogs for leading the blind or deaf, also for hunting and search-and-rescue operations. Like other brainy breeds, they need space to exercise and activities to utilize their mind.
Photo credit: RD_Elsie

They are also good herding dogs and make loyal and obedient companions and family pets. These energetic dogs need plenty of exercise to use up their energy, and are best suited to homes with a big garden or with an owner willing to take them out for long romps.
Photo credit: Flickr Del
Poodles have both beauty and brains and were bred to retrieve things from the water. They excel at training and have even been used to take supplies to the wounded on the battle field. They love playing and this also made them popular as circus performers.
They come in three different sizes: toy, miniature and standard and all need lots of grooming. Known for their loving nature, they make good pets. However, they are active dogs that thrive on learning and attention, and can get bored if left alone for too long.
Photo credit: Flickr Koji Ishii
1. Border Collie
Highly energetic, they need lots of exercise and thrive in the country. They excel at training and make ideal home companions for those who can give them mental stimulation and plenty to do.
Photo credit: Flickr Harold Meerveld
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Thanks for reading and don't forget to keep reaching for the stars