Almost any dog can be trained, regardless of its breed, age or intelligence. However, trainability can vary considerably between individual dogs.
Some breeds are naturally more responsive because they were bred to work closely with people, while others may be more independent, stubborn or easily distracted. Several factors can influence how successfully a dog responds to training, including age, motivation and consistency.
It's important to remember that a dog being difficult to train doesn't necessarily mean it lacks intelligence. Some breeds may simply be more independent or less motivated to follow human commands.
How Canine Intelligence Is Measured
Axel Lagercrantz, dog expert and CEO of Pets4homes, the UK's biggest pet rehoming site, insists intelligence "is not altogether a matter of chance."
Axel explained that canine intelligence is assessed using various criteria, including how quickly they grasp new commands. He said: "This should be within less than five repetitions."
Another marker of intelligence is obeying on the first command. "To be placed in the top rankings a dog should obey a recognised command first time a minimum of 95% of the time," the Pets4Homes CEO added.
The Five Smartest Breeds
5. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds, traditionally hunting dogs, are fairly intelligent but can be stubborn and independent. Positive reinforcement, such as treats, can make them easy to train, and their friendly nature makes them well-suited to family settings. According to Basset Hound Rescue, if you train your hound with positive motivation, especially treats, "you'll see how smart they really are."
4. Golden Retriever
Axel said, "Golden Retrievers, used as guide dogs, are also incredibly intelligent." They are one of the nation's most beloved family pets and scored top marks in Stanley Coren's intelligence survey. Common retriever traits include being quick learners, eagerness to please, and excelling at problem-solving tasks like opening doors or finding hidden objects.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are frequently employed in police and military environments as medical assistance dogs and therapy animals. These dogs are considered faithful and devoted, constantly prepared to discover something fresh. Originally developed for herding sheep, the breed is large yet agile and needs a lot of daily exercise, making them best suited to active households.
2. Poodle
According to Axel, "Poodles were originally used as a water-retriever for hunters in Germany and are also exceptionally intelligent." Today, Poodles are sought-after crossbreeds, with cockapoos amongst the most fashionable pets. In Stanley Coren's renowned book, the legendary curly-coated dogs ranked second for their intelligence.
1. Border Collie
Named the cleverest dog in psychologist Stanley Coren's book The Intelligence of Dogs, Border Collies are globally celebrated for their brilliance. Axel agreed: "Border Collies clearly understand what their trainer or owner is telling them to do." These dogs, frequently displaying two-tone coloured coats, were initially bred to herd sheep. Regarding their mental capacity, most can master a fresh command in fewer than five repetitions and obey it at least 95% of the time.
