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 world’s 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
That looks like my Hazel. Loved both of those dogs.
That is what I have always thought about the eyes of Retrievers in general and Golden Retrievers in particular. It reminds me of 2 things that Mark Twain said:
- Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, your dog would go in and you would wait outside.
- It is no coincidence that it takes the same 3 letters to spell dog and God.
Mine knew English and Hangul :-)
Had to chuckle at your response...love sure is strange isn’t it...
Wow!
One day we went out on the lake with our Catahoula Leopard dog and a friend’s Poodle.
The friend had a bumper attached to a line and threw it out in the water for a retrieve. The Poodle eagerly jumped in, swam to the bumper and brought it back to the boat.
When it was our dog’s turn, she simply pulled the bumper back in by the line.
?
Hayyyy... What about Labrador Retrievers? And Australian Shepherds? (OK, personal bias.) Although, I have to say that I frequently see bumper stickers on cars in our area that say, “My Border Collie is smarter than your Honor Student.”
LOL...I got Timber when I came back from Korea. I taught him commands in English and Korean (Hangul).
Yeah, I think my beagles are at the very least clever animals. They sleep all of the time, get to go for Rv trips, and eat nonstop, and have others clean up after them. For this, they do no real work. I think they would have voted for Obama.
Good on ya dog.
Love Footrot Flats.
I’ll go with a retriever. That kind of dog is usually very friendly and that combined with intelligence is a winning combination.
I’ve oten joked that my Dalmation is the blonde of dogs.
Nice to look at, but dumb as a box of rocks!
Wow! I have a nephew who, when he was a baby even unable to sit up without assistance, could pull a helium balloon down to himself alternating hands ever upward on the string while looking resolutely ahead. It was the cutest thing to watch.
So much to learn on FR!
When it comes to stupid, the Irish Setter has to be #1. Beautiful but dumb...The family had one when I was a kid...
My dad had border collie, which was awesomely smart and talented.
He also had a dalmation, which was dumb as a bag of rocks.
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