Are you thinking of getting a dog? You’re thinking, let’s get a smart dog. Maybe the dog could get a job as a rocket scientist and buy his or her food. Maybe not! The joy that a dog brings to our lives each day more than pays for their room and broad.
Let’s take a look at what we consider a smart dog. All dogs are intelligent in different ways, and some stand out more than others. Like people, dogs do need something to do, a purpose, and require the encouragement to keep up the excellent work. That’s where you come in.
A smart dog? Is it instinct, adaptability, or obedience? It depends on how you look at it. Does the dog respond to every one of your commands? Does he or she have an excellent sense of smell, Maybe superior hearing? Are they eager to please and do the best that they can?
Here are ten dogs with very different traits and are intelligent in different ways.
Border Collie
Considered the best herding dogs, bred for work. They are Medium-sized dogs. These dogs have high energy and require a lot of activity. Great for a family with kids and a big yard. Great ball and frisbee players. If you happen to have sheep, as a bonus, they will keep them under control too.
Standard Poodle
Very intelligent, well-mannered, a strong desire to please, these dogs were initially bred for hunting waterfowl. Their job was to jump in the water to fetch the waterfowl and bring it back to the hunter. The curly coat is slightly rough but low- allergenic. They make excellent watchdogs. They need a lot of activity, so this breed is a good match for kids.
German Shephard
A pure working breed. The German Shepard is a loyal, obedient, intelligent, robust dog and easily trainable. After the first world war, until 1977, the breed was known as Alsatian in the UK. German Shepards were originally bred for sheep herding. Because of their traits, the dogs are mostly chosen for search and rescue, military work, police work, and disability assistance. If you choose this breed, make sure you have space and the time to work the dog.
Golden Retriever
Makes an excellent family pet that is eager to please, good with children, and easy-going. These dogs are very happy. They make excellent guide dogs and are easy to train for hunting. They are natural-born swimmers and are willing to fetch waterfowl and balls for hours on end.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman is a Loyal, alert, easily trainable guard dog. The Dobermans are a mix of breeds. Around the late 1800s, the tax collector ( Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann ) owned a dog pound. With access to a lot of breeds, he developed the Doberman. He used the dogs to guard him on his rounds to collect taxes. They are chosen for police and military work. They make excellent home guard dogs but are very loyal as a family dog with children.
Shetland Sheepdog
Also known as the Sheltie. The small breed is a herding dog that originated in Scotland’s Shetland Islands as the Shetland Callie. An incredibly loyal family dog but is a bit vocal. The Sheltie strives to please their owners and is obedient.
Labrador Retriever
The Lab is the most popular breed in many countries. Labs or often used as guide dogs for blind people or people with Autism. They are also used for therapy and drug detection work. The labs are very loyal, love to play, and are excellent swimmers. They will retrieve balls and sticks in the water for hours. Hunters prefer Labs because they are easily trained to retrieve fowl.
Papillon
French for Butterfly. The Papillon is a small breed; they are friendly and very intelligent. The dogs make a great family pet. If you are looking for an indoor dog, this is the one. They have high energy and are good with children, but they don’t like rough play. They are a little distrustful of other dogs and unknown people, which makes for a good watchdog.
Rottweiler
It is an ancient herding breed. The Romans used them to drive cattle, and then people in Germany used them to haul carts, mostly butchers. Rottweiler Metzgerhunds translates to Butcher Dog. They are incredibly protective, loyal to their family, and make an excellent guard dog. The dogs are athletic and need daily attention.
Australian Cattle Dog
Also know as Blue Heeler or Red Heeler. The nickname came from the way the dogs herd cattle by nipping at the there heels. Excellent with children, good family dogs. They are high energy, so be ready to play.
Choosing a smart dog for a pet is the right choice. Remember owning an intelligent dog means they can think for themselves. They can’t be cooped up in small kennels most of the day. These dogs need stimulation to keep them motivated. That means you have to interact with your dog every day. For more information on smart dogs, Check out the book by Stanley Coren, “The Intelligence of Dogs.” https://www.amazon.com/Intelligence-Dogs-Stanley-Coren/dp/1416502874
Check out another article by Thenoahsbark: Why You Should Rescue A Dog
