5 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

Yesterday, Scot posted a list of the Least Intelligent Dog Breeds, which unfortunately included both my current dog (Lucy the Weimaraner) and Scot's "someday" dog (an as yet un-named Basset Hound). Scot rightly asked, "What does it say about us that we’ve chosen to love two breeds on that list?

Rather than consider the fact that my dog might not be the brightest (LED not incandescent) bulb, I prefer to think of her as an anomaly. The sharpest knife in a drawer full of dull ones.

With that thought in mind, let's have a look at the Smart 5 (hat tip to Webpronews.com):

No. 1: Border Collie

Science Daily found that “Data from 208 dog obedience judges from the United States and Canada showed the differences in working and obedience intelligence of dog breeds, according to [Stanley] Coren. “Border collies are number one.””

Border collies are legendary, revered to be the brightest of all canines with a strong work ethic and ability to impose a stare down on sheep that makes herding efficient.

In 2011, a border collie named “Chaser” was reported by Discovery to have learned the names of 1022 objects as well as understand the basic concepts behind nouns and verbs.

Show off.

No. 2: German Shepherd Dog

The ideal military and police dog, the German shepherd is a highly adaptable dog and natural protector. Think of the German shepherd as that one friend who is constantly going on hikes and protecting you from drunkards at the bar; German shepherds are an active and protective lot that develop close ties to human family members.

Not going to crack on something that could easily eat me.

No. 3: Poodle

The most fabulous and prissiest of the canines is the poodle. Originally a hunting dog that retrieved food from water, the poodle is the only breed that comes in three sizes: full size standard, miniature, and the 10 inch toy. Poodles don’t shed, so unless you want a giant unrecognizable fur ball running around, you’ll have to get them trimmed – grooming will be costly. Poodles need to be bathed every two to three weeks to keep their coat in proper condition,

Poodles are active and social dogs, thriving on learning and attention from their owners. When it comes to agility and obedience competitions, Poodles are great choices.

Poodles are ranked second to border collies in terms of intelligence.

Had one of these as a kid. Based upon his indoor behavior, my dad decided he was a "Poople."

4: Australian Shepherd

Not actually from Australia, these loyal and hardworking canines originated from Europe, traveling to America via Australia, according to Animal Planet. Merle coated and found commonly with multi colored eyes, the Austrlian Shepherd is born with a naturally bobbed tail that can disappear under their coat as they grow older. Best known for their herding skills, Australian Shepherds are also used as Seeing Eye dogs and search and rescue dogs. Australian shepherds are often seen in plenty of dog competitions ranging from flying disc and herding contests.

Not actually from Australia?! What can I believe in anymore?

No. 5: Golden Retriever

How could we forget America?

And unlike our stereotypes here, the Golden Retriever is a low barker who lacks bad breath. You can thank British aristocrat Lord Tweedmouth (aka Sir Dudley Marjoribanks) for purchasing the only yellow pup among an unregistered litter of black Wavy-Coated Retrievers.  The Wavy-Coated Retrievers were cross bred from the Irish Setter and St. John’s Newfoundland. Tweedmouth’s dog, “Nous”, much like his offspring, was an excellent swimmer and hunter.

Golden Retrievers are some of the most trainable dogs; they were the first American Kettle Club obedience champions. With a name like “retriever” the dogs have been bred as hunters to retrieve fowl from water and land.

Tweedmouth? Hahahaha. Sorry.

Okay, Lucy may not split atoms anytime in the near future, but she's really cute. What else do you need?