What are the smartest Breed of Dogs and why? (border collie, how much, shepherd) - - City-Data Forum

SunnyKayak · 05-01-2007, 09:58 AM

I was curious what are the smartest breed of dogs of dogs.

I know certain dogs have certain skills but what breeds are almost human like.

For instance shetland sheltie is very sensitive to emotion of humans very trainable lively and dainty.

BrianH · 05-01-2007, 10:23 AM

I think youre going to get 100 different answers here simply because everybody tends to pick the breed they think is smartest.

I vote the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

tet tea · 05-01-2007, 10:33 AM

My husband said ... men!

As for me I couldn't pick any particular breed because they all have different traits just like people. Some have brains, but no commonsense and vice versa.

irishmom · 05-01-2007, 10:37 AM

I think they all are! We had a terrier mix (ok mutt) that inadvertantly learned which toy was which. She had 20 different stuffed squeaky toys (she loved them and never ripped them up!) which we kept in a basket for her. If you asked her to go get one (pig, burger, shark, etc.) she'd bring the correct one back! We thought she was pretty smart.

cleosmom · 05-01-2007, 10:51 AM

According to this site http://petrix.com/dogint/intelligence.html , it backs in in saying that Border Collies are the smartest breed

gardener34 · 05-01-2007, 11:55 AM

I owned a border collie when growing up. I agree. That dog could learn tricks very easily. Scary smart. But watch out, if you don't keep them busy they get neurotic. And I don't think this dog ever slept.

firebll31 · 05-01-2007, 04:16 PM

A lot depends on how you define "smart". Some dogs (like herders) think for themselves. This means if they don't respect YOUR intelligence, they may be hard to train. Who wants to work for a dummy? On the other hand, some breeds are eager to please humans and will do anything you ask, without question. While they may be more easy to train, does this make them smarter? I personally believe the most intelligent dogs are herders, who can work by themselves with very little human intervention. They also teach themselves new things, and learn from observation. My Australian Cattle Dog mix first got out of the backyard by digging under the chain link. So we staked it down. Then, after watching me, she started opening the gates. So we wired them shut. Then she started climbing over the fence. We began to suspect this is why she was a Pound Puppy. Now she wears an electronic collar. It warns her when she gets too close to the buried wire, and she stays in. Until the battery wears out. If she doesn't hear the warning beep, she's GONE! Too smart, if you ask me...I was told a long time ago that ACD's will judge you as a sheep or a shepherd. If you are the first, they will run all over you. If you are a shepherd, they will follow you anywhere.

Lakewooder · 05-01-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tet tea

My husband said ... men!

As for me I couldn't pick any particular breed because they all have different traits just like people. Some have brains, but no commonsense and vice versa.

OK - JUST FOR FUN:

Why dogs are better than women...
Author unknown

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Dogs don't cry

Dogs love it when your friends come over

Dogs don't care if you use their shampoo

Dogs think you sing great

A dog's time in the bathroom is confined to a quick drink

Dogs don't expect you to call when you're running late. The later you are, the more excited dogs are to see you

Dogs will forgive you for playing with other dogs

Dogs don't notice if you call them another dog's name

Dogs are excited by rough play

Dogs don't mind if you give their offspring away

Dogs can appreciate excessive body hair

Anyone can get a good looking dog

If a dog is gorgeous, other dogs don't hate it

Dogs don't shop

Dogs like it when you leave lots of things on the floor

Dogs never need to examine the relationship

A dog's parents never visit

Dogs love long car trips

Dogs understand that instincts are better than asking for directions

When a dog gets old and snaps at you incessantly, you can shoot it

Dogs like beer

Dogs don't hate their bodies

Dogs never criticize

Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across

Dogs never expect gifts

Dogs don't worry about germs

Dogs don't want to know about every other dog you've had

Dogs don't let magazine articles guide their lives

You never have to wait for a dog, they're ready to go 24 hours a day

Dogs have no use for flowers, cards or jewelry

Dogs don't borrow your shirts

Dogs never want foot rubs

Dogs enjoy heavy petting in public

Dogs find you amusing when you're drunk

Dogs can't talk

Dogs seldom outlive you

yellowsnow · 05-01-2007, 07:27 PM

I think some breeds do have a little higher intelligence. But I've always though a lot of it had to do with how much time I spent with the dog and how willing I was to teach him. Time and patience in training can make a world of difference.

rockky · 05-01-2007, 08:20 PM

I have found Boston Terriers to be human-like to the point of spooky. They are very people oriented and seem to take on the personality of their owners.
They are little clowns and love to socialize and play.

Border collies are very smart as well.

We had a collie/shepard mix years ago. He thought he was one of the kids and was extremely protective of our children when they were little. He actually did the "Lassie, go get Mom" routine several times when they needed help.