• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Is your dog on the smart list?

Posted August 21, 2022

smartest dog breeds
Researcher and author Dr. Stanley Coren put together his list of smartest dog breeds based on dog obedience trial judges.

Researcher and author Dr. Stanley Coren, who penned the book, The Intelligence of Dogs, told the American Psychological Association his choices for the five smartest dog breeds.

Coren says the five smartest dog breeds are: the border collie, the poodle, the German shepherd, the golden retriever, and the Doberman.

His stupid dogs’ list included the Borzoi, chow chow, bulldog, Basenji, and Afghan hound.

A lot of people were offended by the second list.

It appears that Coren based his opinion on the smartest dog breeds on a survey that asked dog obedience trial judges to name the smartest dog breeds.

Focus on obedient dogs

So, the answers were from American Kennel Club judges based on their perceptions.

My problem with this is that AKC judges, for the most part, only have experience with AKC breeds and aren’t judging dogs on intelligence but trainability.

If a dog in the obedience ring can run a pattern and remember it, he will score well and be considered “smart.”

Smart dogs may get bored after a few repetitions, say “forget it,” and run off to go find something more fun to do.

My Airedale, Christopher, was a great demonstration dog for my obedience classes. I taught 17 classes a week. I had Chris demonstrate everything we did in every class 17 times a week.

Chris did it over and over again, happily and enthusiastically each time.

Why? Because although it’s unusual for an Airedale, Chris isn’t very bright. And to him, I think it was the first time, every day, every week, every month, every year.

Chris was an easy dog. He didn’t know he had options. It never occurred to him that he could refuse to do something. He happily did what he was told so he didn’t have to figure things out alone.

Smart dogs get bored

Sarah, my Malamute, was a lousy demo dog. She got bored quickly.

Very smart, very easily bored — these things go together.

When I used her to demonstrate to students how a dog such as a service dog could pick up dimes from a cement floor, she got bored after the third or fourth dime and started swallowing them when she was supposed to be bringing them to me.

With a big smile, she said, “so, whatcha gonna do now.”

And she was right. She obeyed me. She had picked up the dime. I had never told her, nor was there a command for “don’t swallow the dime.”

She had outsmarted me. Again.

So, be careful when choosing a breed.

You may not want a dog that’s smarter than you. Dumb dogs are much easier.

Terry Jester is a nationally recognized expert on companion animal behavior. She is regarded by The Humane Society of the United States as being “Humane and effective in dealing with problem pets and their owners.” Connect with Terry on her website.

Save

Save

Save

Save

 

Related Posts

  • Millennial man reads to dog. Millennial increasingly choosing dogs over kids.
    Who's a smart boy?

    A study by Vanderbilt University shows dogs are smarter than…

  • Dependent dog or independent dog? Choose the right breed for you

    Determine your lifestyle, time and patience when deciding whether to…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Breeds, Dog Training, Home Page Tagged With: Dependent dog breeds, Dog training tips, Independent dog breeds

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

training tipsVeterinarianPoodleSeparation anxietyTicksPawPuppy kindergartenService dogsWorking dogsThanksgivingOld dogsVacation dog carePandemicSocializationYorkshire terrierPetfinder.comValentine's DayPit bullPet sitterPotty trainingRescue dogSheddingSmall dogsPet parentsPomeranianWaterOutdoor activitiesRottweilerTwo dogsPuppy-proof

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Use 5 factors to choose the best veterinarian for your dog
    Research thoroughly and consider location, services, experience, cost, and staff before choosing the right vet for your dog. […]
  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.