Wouldn't you agree that some dog breeds are more accessible to train than others? Although all dog breeds make a perfect companion, few canine breeds excel in learning new commands and are more consistent than others.
DVM Dennis Riordan of Riordan Pet Hospital claims that,
As with any other trait, intelligence will vary from dog to dog, depending on the family tree and other factors. Intelligence is measured in dogs based on how many repetitions of a command it takes for them to figure out what you want them to do and how often they follow learned commands the first or second time you say it.
Smart dog breeds, regardless of origin, have one thing in common: they can quickly comprehend situations and act accordingly. Having a smart pet will also save you from possible dangers.
Pet behavior specialist Sarah Hodgson says,
It's all relative. Some are social and emotionally dependent on people, so they are easier to train and far more receptive to our vision of what they should do.
Here is a list of dog breeds that will probably be easiest to train and condition your lifestyle.
Ten Smartest Dog Breeds
Here is the list of ten dog breeds that are known for their adept behavior and quick learning ability.
Border Collie
Many pet behaviorists and trainers put Border Collie on top of the list of smart dog breeds. So, what makes Border Collie the valedictorians of the canine world?
Originally called "a shepherd dog," Border Collie is a working and herding breed that hails from Anglo-Scottish border regions such as UK, Scotland, England, and Ireland.
They were developed to be excellent shepherd dogs, making them very trained, active, and adaptive canines. They really enjoy the company of other animals and children if introduced well from early on.
In addition to learning cues quickly, they are quick enough to learn and understand routines, handle daily tasks, and take up new activities.
Handling a flock of hundreds or thousands of sheep isn't an easy task, but the Border Collie manages to do it very well.
However, it would be best to be wary about providing enough physical and mental stimulation to Border Collies who can become hyperactive and destructive to satiate their physical and mental energy.
Poodle
We all know Poodles for their fluffy hairdo and occasional movie appearances. But, these elegant dogs are more than just vanity.
Did you know poodles are adept hunters, effective water dogs, and highly trainable?
Poodles were originally bred in Germany for bird hunting and water retrieving. Some were even used for cattle herding and transport medical supplies to the battlefield.
However, they're very remarkable for their loving nature, trainable quality, and consistency inside all of the toughness.
Keep in mind that poodles thrive on attention and can develop bad habits such as nuisance barking if ignored or left alone. The young pups can be aggressive to people outside their families or to other dogs.
German shepherd
We all are familiar with the German shepherds as Police dogs, but did you know they are very hardworking and gentle companions?
With proper training and socialization from an early age, they become the ideal household breed. Their intelligence and protective demeanor make them the perfect pet for families with children.
Their enormous stature, athleticism, and high energy make them the second most popular dog breed in the US. Hence, they are mainly used for military and police work, and sometimes as service dogs such as for the blind.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia when they age, so you should always keep this fact in mind when raising the dog.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is famously known for its lush, soft coat and hyperactive lifestyle. The medium-large gun dog was initially bred to retrieve shot waterfowl and game birds, hence the name "retriever."
It is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. Most pet owners take up Golden Retriever because they are competent working dogs, easily trainable, natural athletes, and great family pets. They are also very obedient, making them the perfect family dogs.
Retrievers are also chosen as service and therapy dogs and, in some cases, search and rescue dogs.
As with any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers have their share of health problems. They're prone to Cancer, Hip & Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Heart Disease, and Skin Conditions.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher has long been used as a police dog because of its agility, speed, and highly trainable quality. Despite their lean stature, they're solid.
A German tax collector for protection on his rounds originally bred the Doberman pinscher. In WWII, they were trained to guard sleeping troops, lead soldiers through the jungle, and give warning barks if enemies were hiding nearby.
They're very trustworthy and protective of children in the family, as long as they've been socialized and trained appropriately. They're also some of the lowest-maintenance dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog, popularly known as Sheltie, is originally a sheepdog. Don't mistake their small stature for incapability. Shelties are keenly observant and thrive on having a job to do.
They bear a close resemblance to their larger cousin, the collie, and are equally intelligent dog breeds.
As herders, they were required to keep track of many wandering animals for long periods, often without supervision.
They're easy to train if you have a calm voice and a light hand on the leash. They also make great family dogs thanks to their gentle and pleasing personality.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever or Labs is originally a waterdog, long employed as a duck retriever and fisherman's mate. It's a medium-large gun dog most popular in the US.
A hardworking dog breed, they make the best hunting dog. They're excellent at learning new tricks and excel in agility exercises. Thanks to their hyperactive nature, they make a very agile outdoor dog.
Labs make a great dog breed for water rescue, therapy work, and assistance. However, it would help if you were wary of their seldom violent nature to cause bites and injuries to family members.
Papillon
Paillon, also known as Continental Toy Spaniel, is a small-breed dog that has long been a favorite among royals. They're known for their regal appearance and charming personalities.
They've long been conditioned to become family dogs; hence they're very adaptive to training, learning new tricks, and performing for people.
Despite its elegant stature, Papillon is known for its active, athletic, and companionable behavior. They're brilliant and agile at competitions; hence they often become the dog breed to take home most top prizes at agility trials.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are people dogs and are affectionate towards their families. They also make excellent guard dogs.
They were initially used as herding dogs and cart-puller. They were one of the first breeds used as guide dogs.
It's easier to train Rottweillers because they learn commands quickly compared to other dog breeds. However, thorough training and socialization are an absolute must from an early age. With a good training session, you can train a young Rottweiler within 6-7 weeks.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog or Cattle Dog is a famous herding dog originally developed in Australia. They were crossbred between blue merle shepherds from England and native Australian dingo.
They were trained to drive cattle over long distances across rough terrain; hence they make a great pet adapt to training. They're very active dogs; hence you should provide them enough physical and mental stimulation through work, sport, or exercise.
They are fiercely protective when used as a watchdog; hence, proper training and socializing are essential from an early age.
Some of the other popular smart breeds are pembroke Welsh Corgi, Miniature Schnauzer, English Springer Spaniel, Beglian Tervuren, Collie, Keeshond, and Schipperke.
Check this infographic out for more information.
Please talk with your dog trainer to learn more about your pet's nature and abilities to train them well. Every dog is receptive to training; all they need is the proper conditioning. Get in touch with Urban Pet Hospital & Resort, the best doggy daycare in Urbandale.