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
I had to look up what exactly a Catahoula Leopard dog is because I’ve never heard of it. What a beautiful animal and, from your story, wicked smart.
All the retrievers I’ve had/known have been great family dogs, especially with kids, and smart. I’d have another one but living in Florida is tough on them since they need lots of room to run and love the water.
LOL My brother had a GS. He got it to protect his wife as he was frequently gone. He was a great dog, but a real wimp. One evening my brother, who is in the Army, returned from the field still in the clothes and paint he had when they came in. He decided to sneak up to the fence and see how the dog reacted. The dog saw him and ran whimpering to the back door. He sat there and scratched and whined until my sil came and let him in.
There were three words you had to spell when our Schnauzer was anywhere within hearing distance ...
I C E C R E A M
C A R
W A L K
... otherwise he’d drive you nuts with endless barking and spinning in circles until you gave him what he wanted. Is there a category for psychotic?
Catahoula Leopard: I guess I can change it. After all I need the light to read by.
When I used to teach obedience, poodles did quite well, especially the standards.
Your beagle’s not dumb, he just doesn’t care a bit what you want him to do. Hounds are bred to follow a scent and pack hounds like beagles weren’t bred to follow commands. That’s why they are difficult to train. But, they can be great problem solvers.
The Star needs an Editor, is all I can say.
I doubt it. The vet I worked for bred bulldogs. They have a difficult time doing natural breedings with them. They needed a lot of *help*.
Golden retriever, or yellow lab (or a mix between the two)?
We’re dog sitting with our daughter’s Cavalier right now. She is a sweetie. We have three different spaniels and a border collie and they’re all getting along great. What a great bunch. They make life enjoyable.
Yeah - we had a Shepherd/Collie mix from ‘94-’08 that was way too clever. My wife would say, “if she would only use her brains for good instead of evil.” It was like having a little werewolf in the house.
I’ve seen a number of pugs in obedience competitions. They appear to be quite bright (and they have pretty funny personalties). If they didn’t snore I would consider owning one.
Okay, now you’ve got me bragging on my dog.
Back to election night— I had dozed off and as I was waking up I heard the announcement on tv that Obama was the next president of the US. That announcement was followed immediately by the sound of my dog retching.
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