Top 5 Smartest Dog Breeds (According to Science)

Top 5 Smartest Dog Breeds (According to Science) - Hemp Well

There are many different smart dog breeds, but the smartest dog might be the one that is best for your specific lifestyle and personality. For example, if you live an active lifestyle, a herding or working dog breed might be the smartest choice for you. If you have a more laid-back lifestyle, a toy or small breed might be the best fit. Ultimately, the smartest dog is the one that is the best match for you and your family.

The Top 5 Smartest Dog Breeds

There is no definitive answer to the question of which dog breed is the smartest. However, there are some breeds that are consistently cited as being among the top five smartest dog breeds, according to science. These breeds include the Border Collie, the Poodle, the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, and the German Shepherd.

All of these breeds are known for their intelligence, trainability, and obedience. They are also all working or herding breeds, which means they have a natural instinct to work with humans. This combination of traits makes these breeds some of the best candidates for service work, such as guide dogs or police dogs.

Border Collie

Dogs are not only man's best friend, but they can also be incredibly smart. Border collies are widely considered to be the smartest dog breed, and it's no wonder why. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them the perfect breed for a wide variety of tasks. They excel at obedience and agility trials and make excellent working dogs on farms and ranches.

While all dogs are smart in their own way, border collies are in a class of their own when it comes to intelligence. They have an incredible capacity for learning and problem-solving, and they're always up for a challenge. If you're looking for a smart and trainable dog breed, a border collie is the perfect choice.

Poodle

Poodle is a very popular dog breed and is known for being one of the smartest dog breeds. According to science, poodle is the second smartest dog breed. Poodle is a very active and trainable dog breed. They are also very good at obedience and tricks. Poodle is a great family dog breed and gets along well with children.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is one of the smartest dog breeds, according to science. They are known for their obedience and working ability. Labrador Retrievers are also very intelligent when it comes to problem-solving. They have a strong desire to please their owners, which makes them easy to train. Labrador Retrievers are not only smart, but they are also one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

Golden Retriever

Trained to retrieve, these wonderful companions are not only protective., they will get you whatever you want. Expect and enjoy lots of energy for several years.

There are a lot of ways to measure a dog’s intelligence. Some people believe that the smartest dogs are the ones that are easiest to train. Others believe that the smartest dogs are the ones that can perform the most tricks. Still others believe that the smartest dogs are the ones that have the best memory.

However, there is one way to measure a dog’s intelligence that is more scientific: by looking at their brain size. A dog’s brain size is directly proportional to their intelligence. The larger the brain, the smarter the dog. Maybe we should have added pit bull mixes...

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a dog breed that is known for its intelligence and friendliness. According to one study, German Shepherds have the second-largest brain sizes of any dog breed, behind only humans. They are also known for their willingness to help others and their obedience skills.

There are a lot of opinions out there about which dog breed is the smartest. But if you're looking for an objective answer, you'll want to consult science or your gut. Studies have been conducted that test dogs' abilities in areas like memory, obedience, and problem-solving, and the results show that some breeds are indeed more intelligent than others. Read more about the intelligence of dogs.

Of course, intelligence is not the only factor that makes a dog great. Love is all you really need.

Article review

How this Hemp Well article is reviewed.

Written by Thomas Bowers

Author bio: Hemp Well’s editorial team writes pet wellness articles using Hemp Well product knowledge, label directions, customer questions, and responsible hemp education.

Reviewed by Hemp Well Product & Quality Team

Reviewer bio: Reviewed for product accuracy, claim discipline, label consistency, and Hemp Well quality standards.

Last reviewed September 15, 2025

Veterinary note: This article is educational and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or advice from your veterinarian. Veterinary credentials are listed only when a specific veterinary reviewer is named.

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Editorial policy: Hemp Well content is written to help pet parents understand pet hemp products, serving-size considerations, product formats, quality standards, and safer shopping decisions. We avoid disease-treatment claims and update articles when product labels, regulations, or available guidance changes.

Veterinary note: Hemp Well educational content is not veterinary medical advice. If your pet has a medical condition, takes medication, is pregnant, intended for breeding, or symptoms worsen, consult your veterinarian before starting or continuing any supplement.

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