Which are the more intelligent dogs?

   Dog intelligence, like human intelligence, comes in various forms. And although the best in any breed can be nurtured by owners willing to put in the time and effort, there are fixed realities when it comes to your animal’s inherent qualities.
  If it’s bred to hunt, herd, or retrieve, the dog is more likely to be quick on its feet, eager to work, to move, and to please you. It will learn faster. If it’s bred to be a livestock guard dog or a scent hound, it may seem distracted and just a bit dense. The key is knowing what your pooch is built for and how to motivate him.
  But keep in mind that the smartest dogs often don’t make the best pets. Your job is to find a breed that suits your lifestyle and to focus on bringing out the best in your dog.

The Intelligence of Dogs is a book on dog intelligence by Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
  Coren defines three aspects of dog intelligence in the book: 

• Instinctive intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to perform the tasks it was bred for, such as herding, pointing, fetching, guarding, or supplying companionship. 
• Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to solve problems on its own. 
• Working and obedience intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to learn from humans. 

  The Australian Cattle Dog is a very active breed. A working dog that is traditionally occupied with controlling and herding cattle, its qualities are exceptional intelligence, alertness, resourcefulness, and a fiercely protective loyalty over its property and people. They are agile, strong, active dogs, both physically and mentally, which revel in new experiences. The flip side is that they bore easily and will unintentionally find trouble while looking for activities to occupy themselves with. They need to be exercised on a regular basis, both mentally and physically. The Cattle Dog is very organized; many are known for putting their own toys away after playing.

  They are freethinking, resourceful, and very protective of their property, including people!

Rottweiler

  Another herding dog, the Rottweiler began in Germany as a true work companion. They are still primarily used for work as guard dogs and as police dogs. They are well known for their stoicism, keen perception, courage, and unflagging loyalty. 

 Often due to inadequate training and human behavior with them, they are aggressive, but it does not mean that they are not intelligent. Sometimes these dogs are working in the police, because they have strong jaw and deep bites. In ancient times they were used to carry heavy items. If you are looking for a dog to protect you or your property, this dog will for you.

Papillon

  The Papillon (from the French word for butterfly), also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of dog of the Spaniel type. One of the oldest of the toy spaniels, it derives its name from its characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears. A Papillon with dropped ears is called a Phalène.

  This deceptively cute, butterfly-eared dog is smarter, tougher, and stronger than it appears . Often described as big dogs in little bodies, they have the athletic stamina to keep up on long walks, and the bravura of a canine ten times its size. The Papillon is a true companion and watchdog.  

  Does this dog scare you at all?  Well it should, because Papillons are actually a lot tougher than they look!  Some would characterize Papillons as a little moody and aggressive, but they are simply very possessive of their masters and “home turf”.  It may surprise some that the Papillon is considered one of the most affectionate dogs.  Another very intelligent dog, and very easy to train. Let’s not forget they can be litter trained, a big plus.

  This breed is proof that small and cute puppy can be very smart. These dogs have always been symbols of elegance. They are well trained and eager to work. These dogs often live in nursing homes as therapy dogs. They are obedient and very friendly.

Labrador Retriever

  The Lab, as it is affectionately called, is the most popular breed chosen by families. Another member of the working class of dogs, the Lab is best known for its intelligence, affection, patience, and gentility, making them perfect companions for households with kids. They are easily trained, and, in fact, are one of the top dogs chosen for search and rescue, assisting the disabled, and police work. They are also known to self train, observing behaviors in humans and repeating them – a great asset in emergency situations.

  This is not only one of the most popular breeds in the world, but also one of the smartest. The breed was trained to hunt waterfowls. Now these dogs in police work and is used to search for bombs and drugs. Dogs, which is able to do this, certainly are intelligent. Many of these dogs can be trained to help the disabled. Also this dog is very friendly, loving and obedient.

Shetland Sheepdog

  Another herding dog, the Shetland takes this ability into the home, showing the same commitment and protectiveness over its human “herd” as the farm raised version does.They are small to medium dogs, and come in a variety of colors, such as sable, tri-color, and blue merle.  Highly intelligent, the Sheltie handles life with great efficiency and diligence, learning new commands with little repetition, and making sure that all of the family is safe, sound, and in place. They show great devotion to their families, and are happy to live just about anywhere. In fact, the Sheltie very much craves human companionship. 

  Many Shetland owners swear that their dog has nearly human intelligence!

 Doberman Pinscher

  The Doberman Pinscher (alternatively spelled Dobermann in many countries) or simply Doberman, is a breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.In many countries, Doberman Pinschers are one of the most recognizable breeds, in part because of their actual roles in society, and in part because of media attention. Although they are considered to be working dogs, Doberman Pinschers are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive. As a personal protection dog, the Doberman was originally bred for these traits: it had to be large and intimidating, fearless, and willing to defend its owner, but sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on command.
  Due to an inborn fearlessness and deep stamina, the Doberman is one of the most popular of guard dogs. Smart and assertive, they can easily be trained for dominance or docility. Because of their past as war and police dogs, they may appear fearsome, but they are actually quite gentle. Their loyalty and acuity make Doberman’s great additions to the family.

Golden Retriever

  The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog. They were bred as gundogs to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties, and were named retriever because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged. Golden   Retrievers have an instinctive love of water, and are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards. 
  The Golden Retriever personifies everything we love about dogs-loyal, loving, patient, great with children and eager to please.  With such great intelligence, it’s no wonder that Golden Retrievers excel in obedience competitions and at performing tricks.
  A very affectionate and popular breed, the Golden Retriever is highly regarded for its intelligence. They can learn well over 200 commands, making them indispensable companions, both in the home and in the workplace. Loyal, loving, and patient, with a willingness to please and a love of learning, this is a fabulous companion pet to bring into your family.
  The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described in the standard as “kindly, friendly and confident”.

German Shepherds

  German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, courageous, and have a very strong protective instinct .  As long as they are trained in obedience from an early age by a loving but firm hand, they can be great family dogs, and excellent with children.  Because of their intelligence, a German Shepherd needs a purpose or job in life to be truly happy. This intelligence, coupled with their courageous nature make German Shepherds excellent police and search dogs.   These dog’s mind is used to help people. German Shepherds can do what people do not, for example finding drugs. They are also great protection.    Beyond the fact that these dogs are useful in people’s lives, and they are very friendly and devoted to their family. They are easy to train and teach innumerable teams. For his master’s German Shepherd can do anything.

 Poodle

  Yes, many people are surprised, but the poodle is in the list.  The standard Poodle is highly intelligent and one of the easiest breeds to train.  They love to be around people, and really hate to be left alone.   Even with the frou-frou hairdos, Poodles are sometimes made to endure and can be quite effective as guard dogs, especially the standard sized Poodles. In fact, the “poodle clip,” was created specifically for the working Poodle, so that it could swim more effectively, while still having fur to protect its organs as it went about the business of hunting and retrieving. The Poodle excels at training and obedience, and also loves creative play time. This is what made them so popular as circus performers. But, this can be a drawback as well. If left alone to boredom, Poodles can be creative about finding ways to amuse themselves, sometimes finding trouble along the way.  
  Overall, Poodles are a sensitive, pleasant and happy breed.

Border Collie

  Like many intelligent breeds, the Border Collie needs a job to do.  If they don’t have a purpose in life or some kind of job, they will not be happy.  Border Collies should  definitely not be left at home alone all day, and if they are, they can become quite destructive. They need constant companionship, praise, and extensive exercise.  So if you work and live in the city, a Border Collie probably isn’t the dog for you!  Because of their legendary intelligence, Border Collies set the standard in competitions for such skills as agility, obedience, and of course, sheepdog trials.  In January 2011, a Border Collie was reported to have learned 1,022 words, and acts consequently to human citation of those words.
  The dog must do something good that he would feel happy. This dog has been used for livestock grazing, and nowadays he want a lot of to physically move.  The new command he learns incredibly fast. This dog is perfect for dog sports.
  They have an intense connection with humans, making them ideal work and home companions. However, keep this in mind: Border Collies invariably will not do well unless they are with people who are as high energy as they are; they do best with humans who can participate in dog sports with them. Also, because of their background as herding dogs, they may be frustrated by small children, as their inability to herd the children as they deem fit is confounded. For the right human, the Border Collie is well behaved, exceptionally good at learning, and a true-blue companion.