Here is a list of the top 100 smartest dog breeds based on degrees of Intelligence.
Degrees of Intelligence
Brightest Dogs: Understanding of New Commands: Less than 5 repetitions.Obey First Command: 95% of the time or better.
Excellent Working Dogs: Understanding of New Commands: 5 to 15 repetitions. Obey First Command: 85% of the time or better.
Above Average Working Dogs: Understanding of New Commands: 15 to 25 repetitions. Obey First Command: 70% of the time or better.
Average Working/Obedience Intelligence: Understanding of New Commands: 25 to 40 repetitions. Obey First Command: 50% of the time or better.
Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence: Understanding of New Commands: 40 to 80 repetitions. Obey First Command: 30% of the time or better.
Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence: Understanding of New Commands: 80 to 100 repetitions or more. Obey First Command: 25% of the time or worse.
01 Border Collie (smartest)
The workaholic of the dog world, the Border Collie is the world’s premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct and working ability. Medium-sized and athletic, the breed controls stock with stalking movement and an intense gaze known as “eye.” Classified in the Herding Group.
02 Poodle
The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. The breed comes in three size varieties, which may contribute to why Poodle is one of the most popular breeds. However the miniature and toy poodles are more likely to bite than any other dog breed. Classified in the Non-Sporting Group and the Toy Group.
03 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder, and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. Classified in the Herding Group.
04 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog. Classified in the Sporting Group.
05 Doberman Pincher
A square, medium-sized dog, the Doberman Pinscher is muscular and possesses great endurance and speed. He is elegant in appearance and reflects great nobility and temperament. The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog. Classified in the Working Group.
06 Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie” as it is commonly called, is essentially a working Collie in miniature. A rough-coated, longhaired working dog, he is alert, intensely loyal and highly trainable and is known as a devoted, docile dog with a keen sense of intelligence and understanding. Agile and sturdy, the Sheltie is one of the most successful obedience breeds, but also excels in agility, herding and conformation. Classed as Herding Dog.
07 Labrador Retriever
The gentle, intelligent and family-friendly Labrador Retriever from Canada continues to be the most popular breed in the United States. This versatile hunting breed also excels as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams or in narcotics detection with law enforcement. Classed as Sporting Dog.
08 Papillion
The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog with a fine boned structure. He is light and dainty, yet still lively, and is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful, butterfly-like ears. They are known to be happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or aggressive. Classified in the Toy Dog group.
09 Rottweiler
Robust and powerful, the Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence, endurance and willingness to work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. Classed in the Working Group.
10 Australian Cattle Dog
Without peer as a cattle herder, the Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is ready and willing to work all day. Their agility, strength and courageousness allow them to easily control and move cattle in both open and confined spaces. Stubborn cows don’t discourage this dog – they just become more determined to get the job done! Classed in the Herding Group.
11 Brittany
12 Great Dane
13 English Setter
14 Akita Inu
15 Saint Bernard
16 Australian Shepherd
17 Chesapeak Bay Retriever
18 Collie
19 Alaskan Malamute
20 Siberian Husky
21 Alaskan Husky
23 German Shorthaired Pointer
24 Irish Setter
25 Pembroke Welsh Corgi
26 English Springer Spaniel
27 Weimaraner
28 Jack Russell Terrier
29 Bearded Collie
30 Olde English Sheepdog
31 Bernese Mountain Dog
32 Rhodesian Ridgeback
33 English Shepherd
34 Pointer
35 Newfoundland
36 Field Spaniel
37 Gordon Setter
38 Parson Russell Terrier
39 Bichon Frise
40 Shiba Inu
41 Cocker Spaniel
42 Elkhoundf
43 Lakeland Terrier
45 Belgiun Shepherd
46 Airedale Terrier
47 Boxer
48 Irish Red & White Setter
49 Yorkshire Terrier
50 Dachshund
51 Cairn Terrier
52 Havenese
53 West Highland White Terrier
54 American Bulldog
55 Bedlington Terrier
56 Harrier
57 Kerry Blue Terrier
58 Patterdale Terrier
59 Miniature Pincher
60 Pharaoh Hound
61 Plott Hound
62 Welsh Terrier
63 Whippet
64 Greyhound
65 Samoyed
66 Italian Greyhound
67 Redbone Coonhound
68 Dandie Dinmont Terrier
69 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
70 Manchester Terrier
71 American Hairless Terrier
72 Keeshond
73 Silky Terrier
74 Skye Terrier
75 French Bulldog
76 Tibetan Mastiff
77 Bull Terrier
78 Rat Terrier
79 Lhasa Apso
80 Shih Tzu
81 Schnauzer
82 American Pitbull Terrier
83 Boston Terrier
84 Maltese
85 Pomeranian
86 Pug
87 English Bulldog
88 Chinese Shar-Pei
89 Chihuahua
90 Chinese Crested
91 Basset Hound
92 Beagle
93 Mastiff
94 Pekingese
95 Bloodhound
96 Russian Wolfhound
97 Chow Chow
98 Bulldog
99 Basenji
100 Afghan Hound (dumbest)