Which dog breeds are the smartest?

Leader of the pack (when it comes to intelligence)

Using data from University of British Columbia psychology professor Stanley Coren’s "The Intelligence of Dogs," we identified and ranked the 10 smartest dogs.

According to Coren, the top 10 most intelligent dogs need fewer than five repetitions to understand a new command, and obey the first command 95 percent of the time (or better).

The second tier of dogs, which he names “excellent working dogs,” understand new commands after five to 15 repetitions and obey the first command 85 percent of the time (or better). The third tier, which he names “above average working dogs,” understand new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions and obey first commands 70 percent of the time (or better).

These dogs all fall into the "brightest dogs" tier. They are then ranked alphabetically within that tier.

10. Australian cattle dog

Tier: Brightest Dogs

Australian cattle dogs require regular exercise to maintain their health, but owners will be rewarded with a very smart herder. Even though they are commonly used on ranches, this breed also makes a great service dog.

9. Border collie

Tier: Brightest Dogs

Border collies make newspaper titles frequently with their heroic acts and incredible abilities. This breed is easy to train and is great around kids.

8. Doberman pinscher

Tier: Brightest Dogs

Doberman pinschers are the third-best watch dogs, outranking the Rottweiler and German shepherd. This breed combines elegance and strength with speed and endurance.

7. German shepherd

Tier: Brightest Dogs

The common face of police dogs, German shepherds are extremely loyal and protective. They are commonly used in sniffing out narcotics and lost persons.

6. Golden retriever

Tier: Brightest Dogs

The golden retriever is a bright and loving breed. These dogs respond well to basic and advanced training and they excel in hunting and search and rescue.

5. Labrador retriever

Tier: Brightest Dogs

The Labrador retriever has an amazing ability to learn. Even new and inexperienced dog owners will be able to teach this breed.

4. Papillon

Tier: Brightest Dogs

Papillons are a gorgeous breed with their butterfly-like ears and silky fur. The breed is so smart that they can be trained to win competitive agility trials at the sport’s highest levels.

3. Poodle

Tier: Brightest Dogs

Not only is the poodle extremely smart but it is also easy to train. Poodles, along with German shepherds and border collies, have even been found to be as smart as an average two-and-a-half-year old.

2. Rottweiler

Tier: Brightest Dogs

The Rottweiler is a strong and fearless breed from Germany. These dogs are very smart and are inclined to obey their owners on command.

1. Shetland sheepdog

Tier: Brightest Dogs

Commonly called miniature collies, Shetland sheepdogs are so smart that training is a breeze. They are also an energetic dog, so expect them to be active.