We all like to think our dog is the smartest dog in the world and I suppose someone does own the single most intelligent dog, so maybe it is you. But I doubt it! What are the chances of that?
Anyway, there are certain dog breeds that are generally more intelligent than others. In this post we will look at the top ten smartest dog breeds from the 10th most intelligent to the 1st.
Don’t worry if your breed of dog isn’t on this list, it’s usually not all that important to have a really smart dog. As long as you train your dog well he will seem smarter than most dogs anyway.
Alright, let’s take a look at the most intelligent dog breeds starting with number ten and working our way to number one. The top 10 smartest dogs are…
#10 – Australian Cattle Dog
As its name suggests, the Australian Cattle Dog was originally bred for herding cattle and they are very intelligent. They need to be stimulated to be happy, as one would expect from an intelligent dog with a working background. These dogs are most happy when they are working so they need regular exercise and lots of mental stimulation.
#9 – Rottweiler
Although you may have heard differently, the Rottweiler is actually a great family dog, and this breed is not nearly as fierce as many people believe. They are very good with kids and are extremely loyal and loving to their family members. They are very smart dogs and are easy to train. Rottweiler’s are also renowned for their guarding ability and are known as the best guard dog in the world.
#8 – Papillon
The Papillon is a lovable and intelligent dog that is very protective of its owner. As with most intelligent dogs they are usually quite easy to train.
#7 – Labrador Retriever
These are one of the most popular dog breeds because of their good nature, love of children, intelligence, and ability to easily socialize with other dogs. Labradors need a lot of exercise and have a tendency to develop weight problems.
#6 – Shetland Sheepdog
This is a dog breed that was bred for herding sheep and other livestock. To do their job well they obviously need to be intelligent and that is why they come in at number six on the smartest dogs list. They’re not quite as good as some of the other breeds on this list at socializing with other people or children, but they are excellent pets with their own family.
#5 – Doberman Pinscher
Despite their reputation, Dobermans can be great family dogs and really good with children if they are trained properly. It is important that the Doberman be trained early on in its life or they can be temperamental. They are very smart, and like many intelligent dogs are very protective of their home and family.
#4 – Golden Retriever
These are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world and they are great with children, and are a very loyal and loving dog. It’s quite common to see Golden Retrievers winning dog competitions where intelligence is important.
#3 – German Shepherd
This is a dog breed that is often associated with police, military, and service dog work. It’s chosen for these jobs because it is intelligent and very capable in most situations. German Shepherds make great family and guard dogs, and are good with children. They need to be trained and know who their master is from a young age to ensure both they and the family get the most out of their relationship.
#2 – Standard Poodle
The second smartest dog might surprise a lot of people because they aren’t usually associated with being so intelligent. They are one of the easiest dogs to train and don’t like to be left alone because they love people so much. However, they are very protective and can be quite vicious if an intruder comes on their property.
#1 – Border Collie
The smartest dog in the world is the Border Collie. This is another dog breed that is often seen winning competitions where intelligence is important. Because they are so intelligent, they need to be stimulated regularly and are most happy when they’re working or performing in competitions or dog trials.
There you go, the top 10 smartest dog breeds. If you own one of these breeds and you have trained your dog properly, you can be confident that you have one of the most intelligent dogs in the world.
Finally, let me end by saying that the breeds above are overall the smartest dogs in the order given. It’s a generalization of most dogs of each particular breed. There are always exceptions to any rule so it’s possible that the single smartest dog in the world isn’t from a breed listed above. It’s also possible that the single dumbest dog in the world is from a breed on this list. However, in general the above dog breeds are the top 10 most intelligent dogs.
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The Pit Bull is the most misunderstood dog breed in the world. There are so many myths about this dog and it’s really quite ridiculous. Of all the dog breeds out there, the Pit Bull is one of my favorites. I am not alone on that either because they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are also one of the most hated dog breeds by people who are not educated about dogs or people who like to believe everything they hear without checking the facts first.
I also want to point out that there really is no such thing as a “Pit Bull” dog breed. There are American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Bulldogs that are commonly lumped together as Pit Bulls. Even the Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, Argentine Dogo, Boxer and several other dog breeds are often called Pit Bulls by the media or people who don’t know any better.
While many of those breeds do have similar characteristics they are not the same type of dog and do have lots of differences. However, for the purpose of this post I will use the generic “Pit Bull” term to refer to these dog breeds.
Here are 10 myths about pit bulls and the facts behind them:
1) Pit Bull Jaws Can Lock
This is completely false. Expert examination has shown that the jaws of pit bulls do NOT lock and they are structurally and functionally the same as every other dog breed.
2) Pit Bulls Don’t Feel Pain
All dog breeds have the same nervous system and do feel pain, including pit bulls. In the early years of developing the breed pit bulls were bred to tolerate pain while continuing to complete whatever task was at hand. They definitely do feel pain but sometimes they can handle it better than other breeds.
3) Pit Bulls Attack People More Than Other Breeds
It is very difficult to get an accurate count in dog bite statistics because most of the time they are not reported and if they are reported it is often not known what the breed of dog is. However, the statistics that are available do not show pit bulls as most likely to bite.
In fact, when tests were conducted by the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), Pit Bulls received a passing score better than some breeds who are considered nice dogs, such as Beagles and Golden Retrievers!
Also, as stated above, there are several dog breeds commonly referred to as pit bulls. So, based on that alone, they are much more likely to be blamed for an attack than other breeds because the number of dogs called pit bulls is skewed far higher than the actual number of American Pit Bulls Terriers there really are.
4) Pit Bulls are Always Fighting
Now this is just plain stupid!
Have you ever seen a pit bull in person before? I bet you have.
Have you ever seen a pit bull in a fight in person before? I bet you have NOT!
It’s true that pit bulls are commonly used in illegal dog fighting today. However, every breed of dog is commonly used for something but that doesn’t mean they are always doing it. Labrador Retrievers were bred for hunting and are still used as hunting dogs today, but that doesn’t mean only hunters own them and they are always hunting. You see Lab’s every day that have never hunted a day in their life and never will.
5) Pit Bulls are Naturally Mean
Any dog expert will tell you that pit bulls are actually one of the nicest and most loyal dog breeds in the world. They are very loving, aim to please, great with kids, and are far from being mean. Every breed of dog can be trained to be mean but none of them are naturally that way, especially pit bulls.
6) Pit Bulls Have the Strongest Bite of all Dog Breeds
There is no known proof that pit bulls can bite harder than other breeds of dog. Dogs bite harder or less hard depending on what situation they are in, so it is very difficult to run tests to determine bite strength. It is a natural assumption that larger dog breeds with bigger jaws have stronger bites. That would mean there are numerous dog breeds that can bite harder than pit bulls.
7) Pit Bull Brains are Always Growing
There are actually people who believe that the brain of pit bulls keeps growing until it is too large and they end up going crazy. Years ago Doberman Pinscher’s had the bad rap that pit bulls have today and this same myth was given to them. It wasn’t true then and it isn’t true now.
8) Pit Bulls are Aggressive Towards People
It is a fact that pit bulls are very non-human-aggressive. They actually don’t even make very good guard dogs, contrary to popular belief. Other than people being afraid of pit bulls based on their image, they are not very suitable for guard work because they simply are not naturally aggressive.
Many top pit bull breeders actually own guard dog breeds such as Rottweilers to protect their pit bulls from being stolen by burglars because they are people lovers and won’t protect themselves.
9) Pit Bulls are Bad with Children
Anyone who has any legitimate knowledge of dog breeds knows that pit bulls are usually great with kids. It is just plain common sense not to leave any dog alone with small children but pit bulls are certainly not bad with children compared to most other dog breeds.
Historically pit bulls have been a favorite companion and friend to children and tend to like the excitement of being with kids. As long as they are socialized and trained properly, pit bulls are the perfect dog breed to withstand the rough play of kids.
10) Pit Bulls are Animal Killers
It’s in the nature of almost every dog breed to chase after other animals, and pit bulls are no different. But there are countless cases that show pit bulls have a low prey drive and can live with cats and other small animals without any problems. I have a pit bull right now living in harmony with two other dogs and three cats. It all comes down to proper socialization and the personality of each individual dog. One dog in a household might hate other animals while another dog of the same breed in the same household wouldn’t hurt a flea.
And some more information about them for you…
Most people that have heard about a pit bull attack or something else bad about them probably aren’t aware of the fact that this breed in particular was specifically and carefully bred to be human friendly. As much or more than any other breed of dog, they were designed to be outgoing and never aggressive towards humans.
The reason for this is because the combat sports (animal to animal) they were bred for also meant that humans needed to be close to them during it, and those people didn’t want to get bitten. Makes sense, right?! Unfortunately, the roots of their history can also often result in them being prone to dog aggression. But they are not naturally aggressive to humans!
The biggest problem nowadays actually are the humans, not the pit bulls themselves. Some people take an incredibly loyal breed and use that loyalty and desire to please, and turn it into something negative. They are taking advantage of a very deeply ingrained and primitive relationship, one of a dog and its master.
Although most dogs aim to please their masters, pit bulls often take it to the next level. Their loyalty is unparalleled and they aim to please unlike any other, but that can be turned into a bad thing by shady people. Most accidents or attacks that involves pit bulls are a direct result of a very irresponsible owner.
You can believe it or not, but those are the facts!
I hope this post has shown you that some things you may have thought about pit bulls are not true, and has also taught you some great things that you didn’t know. Don’t believe everything you hear on the news or from someone telling a story about a friend of a friend of a cousin that was attacked by a pit bull. Most of it is either not true at all or the truth has been severely stretched for dramatic effect.
They really are a great breed. I have owned many dogs of various breeds ranging from small to very large, including a pit bull. I would put the pit bull right up there at #1 or #2 on my list with nothing bad to say about him at all. I am also a dog enthusiast and have always tried to learn everything I can about all dogs. It has been one of my greatest joys since I was a kid. That’s why I started this blog, to pass on my knowledge about dogs to the world. In my studies I have found, without a doubt, that pit bulls are super pets and one of the best dog breeds to own in the entire world.
Also, here are some more facts and myths about Pit Bulls for you: Pit Bulls: True or False?
Comments: | Categories: Dog Breeds, Dog Information
Rottweilers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world of any size. As far as large dog breeds go they come in very near the top in popularity. They are definitely one of my top 5 favorite dog breeds and actually might even be #1 in my mind. Much of the popularity of Rottweilers comes from their very high intelligence, willingness to please their owners, their ability to work as police, military and service dogs, their gentleness with children, and their superior guard dog abilities.
The Rottweiler is a large dog breed originating in the German town of Rottweil in Wurttemberg. It was used in Germany as a war and herding dog. Early Rottweilers worked as beasts of burden, carrying wood and other products to market as well as pulling carts. They were also once known as the butcher’s dog because they had to drive the cattle to the market while protecting their owners from thieves. These dogs were trusted so much that is was common for the cattle dealer to attach their moneybags to the neck of their Rottweiler because it was the safest place for it. Today they are frequently used as guard dogs and police dogs.
Rottweilers are muscular and athletic and have a massive, powerful body with a broad head. Their coat is short and is black with brown on the muzzle, cheeks, legs, and paws.
Rottweilers are typically calm, quiet, obedient, easy to train, faithful and courageous. They are a physically strong breed with a reliable temperament and are very protective of their family. The Rottweiler is a natural guard dog and they will not hesitate to fiercely defend the ones they love. They are very loyal and make great companion dogs.
The Rottweiler is a steady dog and has a self-assured nature, but they do need proper socialization at an early age to as many people, animals, and situations as possible to develop these qualities. This dog breed will show a strong understanding of what is right and wrong if they are properly handled and trained by a responsible owner.
I have owned many different breeds of dog in my life and one of them was a Rottweiler named Xavier. Of all the dogs I have ever owned he was the smartest, most loyal, most protective, easiest to train, and overall best. There were none to match him before and none have matched him since. The only one that has even come close is my pit bull, Tank. He comes in at a very close second but it’s a big drop off after that. I love Rottweilers and definitely plan to get another one sometime in the future.
Comments: | Categories: Dog Breeds, Dog Information, Large Dogs
Small dog breeds are very popular all over the world. Some of the reasons for small dogs being so popular are because they are easy to take places, easier to handle, stay small and cute like puppies, require less walking and can stay indoors most of the time. Small dog breeds also usually live longer than large dog breeds and are more accepted in public places.
There are plenty of small dog breeds so you should be able to find a small dog to fit your lifestyle and preferences quite easily. Some of the most popular small dog breeds in the United States are the Chihuahuas, Pugs, Maltese, Yorkies, and Toy Poodles. The small dogs are more popular with people who live in smaller homes or apartments because they don’t need as much room to run and don’t take up too much living space. The small dog breeds are also popular with people who travel a lot because they don’t take up as much space and travel well.
Even though these breeds are small, they are still typically courageous and bark a lot when alerted so they can be good for keeping you aware of any intruders to your home. A big reason why people love small dog breeds so much is that they make great lap dogs, and are easier to play with and spoil like a little baby.
Here are some of the most popular small dog breeds listed in alphabetical order:
Affenpinscher
Beagle
Bichon Frise
Boston Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested Dog
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Fox Terrier
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Jack Russell Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Maltese
Mexican Hairless
Papillon
Pekingese
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pomeranian
Pug
Schipperke
Scottish Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih Tzu
Toy Poodle
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Yorkshire Terrier
Whether you have an active lifestyle or just like to sit at home in front of the television, there is a small dog breed on the list above that will be more than willing to share your life with you.
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If you are looking to get a new dog or are just a curious dog lover, you probably want to know what the most popular dog breeds are. Here are the top ten dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) registration numbers:
1) Labrador Retrievers
2) Yorkshire Terriers
3) German Shepherds
4) Golden Retrievers
5) Beagles
6) Boxers
7) Dachshunds
8) Poodles
9) ShihTzu
10) Bulldogs
A few other dog breeds that sometimes show up in the top 10, or are at least close to making it every year, are Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers, Great Danes, Pugs, and Chihuahuas.
Also, the American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in America but they are not on the AKC breed list, so they don’t get counted. However, American Pit Bull Terriers are on the United Kennel Club (UKC) list and are consistently towards the top.
Now you know the top ten most popular dog breeds and a few other very popular dog breeds. Hopefully that helps in your search for finding the right dog for you.
Comments: | Categories: Dog Breeds