Posted on 06/30/2009 12:17:56 PM PDT by JoeProBono
These are the most intelligent and least intelligent dogs, according to The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren.
Over 200 professional dog obedience judges, ranked 110 dog breeds on the basis of their intelligence.
Coren is a dog expert and a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. Here are his top and bottom choices.
MOST INTELLIGENT
1. Border collie
The border collie is energetic, intelligent, keen, alert and responsive. An intense worker of great tractability, it is affectionate toward friends but may be sensibly reserved toward strangers. When approached, the border collie stands its ground.
2. Poodle
A very active, happy, gay, intelligent, smart and elegant-looking dog, squarely built, well proportioned, carrying itself proudly. Properly clipped and carefully groomed, the poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. It is known for its intelligence, his lively, mischievous sense of humour and his willingness to please.
3. German Shepherd
The German shepherd Dog is hailed as the worlds leading police, guard and military dog; but there is more to this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds, according to AKC Registration Statistics, tThe German shepherd is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed It is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body.
4. Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is intelligence and possesses an eager to please attitude. The working ability that has made the golden retriever such a useful hunting companion also makes it an ideal guide, assistance, and search-and-rescue dog. The golden-coloured coat is the hallmark of this versatile breed gold.
5. Doberman Pinscher
A square, medium-sized dog, the Doberman pinscher is muscular and possesses great endurance and speed. The Doberman is He is elegant in appearance and reflects great nobility and temperament. The properly bred and trained Doberman is a friend and guardian. Police and military want the Doberman on their forces because of its , and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog.
LEAST INTELLIGENT
1. Afghan hound
Although many refer to the Afghan as the "king of dogs", but its low obedience level is well known among dog breeders and trainers.The Afghan is an excellent hound (hunting by sight), and it remains popular as a show dog.
2. Basenji
The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog" because it makes a sound like a yodel.It also acts like a cat, grooming itself and staring out the window for hours! The Basenji can be temperamental and hard to train.
3. Bulldog
The bulldog is loose-jointed with a shuffling gate and massive, short-faced head. A medium-sized dog, it is not your typical lap dog, but would like to be. The bulldog is popular due to its lovable and gentle disposition and adorable wrinkles.
4.Chow Chow
The chow chow is extremely loyal to its family, but can be jealous of visitors and very stubborn. It requires a strong-willed owner and firm hand, or it will quickly take charge of the household!
5. Borzoi
The Borzoi is surprisingly cat-like in its free thinking and independent nature.It wants to keep itself clean and isn't as driven to please its master as most dogs.This makes it harder to train.
Source: Petmedsonline.org
Dittos! If I ever move to a rural environment, my companion of choice will be a shepherd. Properly trained and disciplined, they will be the best friend you ever had.........
My dad had several and his last one fit the bill.........(only because the first one he had was when I was only about 5 years old).
My only grievance against shepherds is that they don't have the life expectancy of the little dogs. 9 to 11 years until they develope hip displacia which is awful to see in these noble friends........
Lhasa Apso
what a sweet looking dog, what personality!
Beautiful.
My daughter would defend her dog’s honor. LOL But he pees on the floor and rugs and he will stand in the kitchen and bark at this reflection in the oven door. He will do this until he gets too tired to stand then he sits and barks until he is too tired to sit, then he lies down and barks. That is if we have not put a towel on the door to hide his reflection. He also wants to sit in your lap, he is just a big dum-dum. LOL
Our cockers are for the most part furry floor mats. They spend a lot of time sleeping on top of our feet, nice in winter, not so nice in summer. ;)
Our shepherd died when she was just 10. Had all the hip problems too. Best dog a kid could have. The key is to get them from a reputable source (lots of breeding issues to beware of) and then train them properly. Best friend for life....and as smart as they come.
Awww... Love the cookie story. ;-)
Yeah, it’s funny to watch a 4.5 pound dog try to be territorial. She’s a sweet little thing, though.
LOL he sounds funny! Mostly I have not had goldens that barked at anything, they have tended to be too lazy. My current one, Gwen, does like to watch tv, which makes me think she’s not that bright (but don’t tell her, she does have tender feelings!) :)
Dumbest dog I ever knew was an English setter; but, I’ll say this of him: he was a beauty and did really well hunting pheasants.
Bump to read later.
It's the yacht
I've heard the same story but don't give much credence to it. I think that shepherds, no matter their blood line and where they're from, ultimately develope the hip problem at around the age of 9 or 10.
However, I have only seen two shepherds in my life that could have been my dad's shepherd. Big, black and silver. One is owned by a famous dog trainer in Grosse Pointe, MI (I saw it's photo in a local paper) and the other one I met was only about a year old and was being trained for I'm not sure what. But I met it at a produce stand north of me and Detroit.........Both were beautiful dogs.
Lacey is definitely an original. lol
We have always said she is a drama queen.
I always thought I might want a golden, but he has changed my mind. LOL
What a cutie. My Lhasa is the same color. Thing about Lhasas, they can be snappy when they are mad. LOL
So you’ve seen the website ... cool. I went to Queenstown, NZ where I saw my first Border Collies ... fell in love with them and later got my Roxie ....
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