These super intelligent pups make the perfect companions. When it comes to adopting a dog, some potential pet owners make intelligence a priority. A smart dog breed is a great choice, especially if you're looking for a companion you can easily train, or if you're looking for a dog to help protect your family or to join you on hunts. Dr. Alex Crow, licensed veterinarian and owner of PetHealthGuru.com, says there are different types of intelligence in dogs, including instinctive, adaptive, and working intelligence. He explains, "When it comes to determining intelligence in dogs, I believe it's essential to consider their problem-solving abilities, memory, and adaptability. As I always say, 'Intelligence is not just about obedience; it's about understanding and responding to situations.' Studies have shown that dogs with higher intelligence tend to have a stronger bond with their owners and are more likely to pick up commands quickly." How Is Intelligence Determined in Dogs? Dr. Julie Hunt, Veterinary Consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance, says it's important to note the difference between intelligence and trainability. She says, "The willingness and ability to work may actually measure trainability more than intelligence. Is it possible for a very intelligent animal to decide it doesn’t want to work for humans? This is certainly possible. However, it is clear that dogs require at least a moderate level of intelligence to be trained to do a job, so trainability may be the most reasonable proxy measure for intelligence that we have." She points out that some breeds may excel in empathy or have superior emotional intelligence. She says, "This is much harder to measure, but these breeds and individuals may be more capable as therapy dogs or may be perceived as more emotionally close to their owners. Many different breeds of dogs have been utilized as therapy dogs, without a predilection for any specific breed." Are Smart Dog Breeds Easier to Train? Intelligence and trainability go hand-in-hand to an extent. Dr. Hunt says, "At least a reasonable degree of intelligence is required to be trained. How much intelligence may vary based on the specific task being taught. Once a dog is of moderate intelligence, sufficient to perform the task requested, additional intelligence probably doesn’t further improve their trainability. Very intelligent animals can actually be more difficult to train because they may begin to predict what they will be asked to do, and then will perform it without being asked. These dogs may recognize patterns like being asked to do tasks in a certain order or being asked to do a specific task in a certain location. Dogs who attempt to predict what their human is going to ask them to do can often be incorrect, which can result in training challenges." Do smart dog breeds require more stimulation or enrichment? According to Dr. Hunt, "Generally, intelligent breeds do require more training, stimulation, and enrichment because they have active minds. Physical activity is critical in helping an intelligent dog remain satisfied with their life. Additionally, these dogs thrive when asked to do a job, however simple. Training them to perform basic tasks like retrieval or teaching them to navigate dog agility obstacles can help to keep their minds busy and satisfied. If very intelligent dogs must be left alone for a number of hours, puzzle toys can be helpful to entertain them." Dr. Crow adds, "I advise owners to provide their intelligent dogs with puzzle toys, scent work, and agility training to keep them engaged. As I always tell my clients, 'A bored dog is a recipe for disaster, but a stimulated dog is a joy to behold!'" More Info for Dog Lovers: 40 Largest Dog Breeds with Pictures and Names Small Dog Breeds That Stay Tiny Best Lap Dogs for When You Need a Good Snuggle Best Dog Breeds for Families

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