We as dog parents like to think of our dog as the smartest and brightest in the group. We think that by a simple roll-over or fetch of the ball, we have cracked the code on dog training and education! But, realistically, there are actually dog breeds that are smarter than others, and some are even half border-collie and half border-line genius. A lot of this does depend on the genetic makeup of the dog, but it also depends on how you as the owner play and engage with your beloved pup. But for fun, here are the 10 smartest dog breeds according to the AKC (American Kennel Club):

  1. Border Collie
  2. Poodle
  3. German Shepherd
  4. Golden Retriever
  5. Doberman Pinscher
  6. Shetland Sheepdog
  7. Labrador Retriever
  8. Papillon
  9. Bloodhound
  10. Rottweiler

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how smart or how not smart your dog is. What matters is how you love that dog and how much that dog loves you (which I am sure is a lot!). The point of this post is to not call out one breed as better than the other, and in fact, a smart pet doesn’t always make a better pet.

“Dogs can be smart in different ways: a breed with an acute and well ­honed ability to work will be quick to learn how to do its job. Other breeds may be so eager to please their people that they’re attentive and highly trainable.” American Kennel Club.