Top 10 Most Intelligent Dog Breeds

There are three types of dog intelligence according to Stanley Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs". Adaptive intelligence has the learning and problem-solving ability, instructive intelligence is only specific to the individual animal and Working/Obedience Intelligence is dependent on the breed. I have listed the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world that are easy to train and help humans doing various works directed to them much more like giving them Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Tenth on the list is the Australian Cattle Dog, a herding breed. This breed is courageous and a tireless worker, they are very active and needs regular exercise both mentally and physically. They are very protective of their property as well as their masters. This was developed in Australia for herding cattle. They are easy to train, groom and maintain. Provide them with nutritional foods such as that Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food and it is on the go.

9. Rottweiler

Rottweilers have a reputation as a fearsome dog. This is a great family pet, they are intelligent and reliable, and they are also one of the best guard dogs. They are used in search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind and police dogs.

8. Papillion

Papillions will confuse you of a very cute dog but don't underestimate their cuteness, these are supposed to be scary and tough. A continental toy spaniel, one of the oldest of the toy spaniels, derived their name from its characteristic butterfly-like ears. They are cute, possessive, a little moody and aggressive because they are considered as the most affectionate dogs. They are very easy to train and one of the most intelligent dogs.

7. Labrador Retriever

This is the most popular breed in the world; they are also popular as a family pet because of their loving, affectionate and patient characteristics. Labradors love to swim, play catch and retrieve games and are very good with young children. They are commonly used to aid in hunting, tracking and detecting, assisting humans with disabilities, carting and therapy work.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

This dog as many dog owners would say has the same level of intelligence as men. They breed to become a shepherd to hundreds of sheep, because of their herding dog temperament. They are very vocal and have a lot of energy to please their masters. They are a hard worker. Just provide them with enough Merrick dog food or bil-jac dog food, they will definitely not let you down. "Shelties" as commonly called by owners, were one of the brightest dogs, they could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command give the first time 95% of the time or better.

5. Doberman Pinscher

This is most commonly used as a guard dog or a police dog, because of its characteristics being loyal, forceful and feared. They have excellent stamina and loved working. You can rely on the Doberman because of his protective tendencies to their master and its family. Doberman is one of the most trainable breeds of dogs.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are most commonly owned by millions of people because of its loyalty, gentleness and are very close to children. This dog's intelligence and versatility suit for a variety of roles including guide dog for the blind, hunting dog, illegal drug detection dog, search and rescue and hearing guide for deaf people. This breed is also used in water and life-saving rescue and is in the top 4 of the most intelligent dogs in the world.

3. German Shepherd

One of the smartest dogs, it is also brave and has a strong protective instinct. They are a breed of herding dogs and was originally used to protect flocks of sheep and now they are trained to be police dogs and search dogs. This breed if trained in obedience at an early age will become a great loving family dog and excellent with children.

2. Poodle

The poodle is ranked number to on the top ten because of their intelligence and they are one of the easiest breeds to train. They originated in Germany as a water retriever. They love to be around humans and hated to be left alone. Poodles can also be used as a hunting dog despite their cute appearance.

1. Border Collie

This dog is a breed of herding dog in Great Britain. Collies are used on farms to assist with the herding of livestock. They are energetic, athletic and often being competed in dog sports, also in sheepdog trials. They make an excellent search and rescue dogs because they have been trained in air-scenting and as cadaver dogs.

Whatever dog breed it is, it is very important to provide them with their daily needs such as shelter, love and good food.

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5 Dog Breeds That Are Easy To Train

A well-trained dog has plenty of benefits. Having a pet that knows how to fetch, play dead or roll over can also be quite entertaining. However, training canines requires time, effort and patience. There are breeds that are more stubborn and hard to train compared to others, so if you don't have a lot of time in your hands, consider these 5 dog breeds that are easier to teach commands and tricks.

German Shepherd

Known to be highly obedient, intelligent and courageous, German Shepherds are one of the world's most popular dog breeds. They are considered to be capable working dogs that's why it's no surprise that their breed is regularly used in drug enforcement, military, police force, protection services and more. But behind their tough and strong looking exterior, German Shepherds are also lovable and loyal companions.

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the friendliest dog breeds out there. They are proven to be kind, reliable and intelligent dogs on top of being goofy! They are an ideal pet for families with children because they are also loving and loyal on top of everything else. Golden retrievers love to please their owners which makes them easier to train. That's the reason their breed is often used as service dogs and a favorite in hospitals and retirement homes.

Border Collie

A Border Collie's alert and responsive attitude is what makes them easy to teach. Highly energetic, they love to be given tasks and complete them to please their owners. With a Border Collie, you won't have any problems teaching commands and tricks because they live to work and is considered to be one of the easiest dog breeds to train.

Poodle

Highly trainable and instinctive, the standard Poodle is more than just a cute and cuddly pet. Some even say that they may be the most intelligent of all dog breeds. Apart from being smart, Poodles also love to work for their owners. With that combination, it's no wonder why so many of their breed are visible at dog shows.

Labrador Retriever

Also often used as a service animal, Labrador Retrievers are not only agile and intelligent, but they are also gentle, trusting and even-tempered. Add that to their willingness to please and you'll have a well-trained pet in no time!

Consider these 5 dog breeds that are easy to train when you're looking to buy or adopt a pet!

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Considerations in Choosing a Dog

Choosing a pet is for some a simple thing, while for others a more than a serious endeavor. Usually, the pick of the pet can be based on location, family situation, intent, are there children, or various other factors. Where it gets complicated, or intense, is when one has to take into consideration potential health issues. And one of the more relevant issues is the propensity for hip problems. Certain breeds are more likely to develop joint issues.

Probably the most simple question when looking at a new puppy is to ask " Did the parents, or any other pups in any of their litters ever show signs of joint issues?". And before I start, I would recommend talking to a vet about exercises to maintain mobility, activities to be avoided, and the need or recommendation of adding supplements to a dog's diet.

Here is a list of 9 breeds that have been shown to have a predisposition to joint problems.

1. German Shepherds: It's well known that Shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia and other joint issues.

    2. Labrador Retrievers: With a propensity towards obesity, amplify stress on joints.

3. Dachshunds: With their long, low bodies, they can develop back problems, especially if they become overweight.

4. Rottweilers: Have a genetic propensity to develop hip and elbow dysplasia and even arthritis.

5. Newfoundland Retrievers: Like other big breed dogs, they can hip dysplasia /arthritis partially due to rapid growth rate.

6. Great Danes: Huge frames and rapid growth tends to lead to hip/elbow dysplasia and even arthritis.

7. Saint Bernards: Huge, fast growth can cause stress on the joints leading to hip issues.

8. Old English Sheep Dogs: Suffer the same fate as other large breeds.

9. Mastiffs: Also prone to hip/elbow dysplasia, as well as candidates for arthritis.

Don't think I'm down on any of these breeds. I had a Black Lab for quite a while. He was my best hunting partner. He loved to be out goose hunting. He was always active. He never got overweight. He never had any of these issues. I think knowledge is the greatest tool in preventing or treating conditions as best we can.

Liquid Glucosamine (Vegetarian)
Suitable for All dogs even those allergic to Beef or Shellfish 

Veterinarians sometimes recommend supplements with glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin when a dog is a young as one year, or at the time when they quit growing. This is something you, as the owner, and your veterinarian needs to talk out. After all, your dog deserves to live the best life possible. And my final advice is "Choose wisely, and enjoy your best buddy".

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The Friendliest Dog Breeds To Own

Before considering what type of dog to purchase it is good to know which are the friendliest breeds. Typically, smaller dogs are

actually the most confrontational. Big dogs have a greater understanding of the world and are usually nicer than smaller ones. But in all reality the factor that determines the base for how friendly a dog is depends on

their genetics and breed. Here you will learn about the friendliest dog breeds so that you can make a more informed decision on which pet to choose as a lifelong partner to love and build lasting memories with.

The friendliest big dogs include: Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, Boxer, Sstaffordshire Bull Terrier, Poodle, Greyhounds, Saint Bernard, and Shepherds. These animals are nice to other animals and respond well to human interaction as well. It is recommended to expose all of these animals to humans and other dogs and friendly pets to help socialize the animals. When an animal is socialized from an early age, or in general, they have less anxiety and in time won't react as negatively or aggressively towards other animals. Part of having a friendly pet is to train it properly and keep it happy by allowing it to interact with other creatures.

Nice small dog breeds include:

Beagle, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Havanese, Toy Poodles, and Pugs. Look to get one of these dogs if you are interested in having a smaller 
animal that is going to respond in a friendly manner towards other dogs. The great thing

about owning a smaller animal is the fact that they are less expensive as a whole to care for. Choose your dog wisely and take into consideration how well the animal will fit in your household when you decide to add a new pet to the family.

While dogs do have innate mannerisms and behavior, nothing is more telling of how a dog acts more than how it is trained and treated. Even the friendliest dog breeds can turn out to be aggressive and confrontational if they do not understand how

to act around other animals or people. The best way to ensure your dog is friendly is to get it at a young age and train it properly. Help your animal form good habits early so that it does not lash out at others when it is in the presence of company.

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Is a Labrador Retriever the Right Dog for You?

According to studies, Labrador Retrievers are considered to be the most preferred dog breeds from all over the world. Although popular, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should get one for yourself. It is important for you to understand that your personality should match the dog's personality - this is the first step towards becoming a responsible pet parent.

Labradors have very specific needs, and being able to provide these needs should be your top priority. Whether you're considering buying or adopting a Labrador retriever, it is always important for you to get to know the breed, and decide from there whether this is the perfect dog breed that's compatible with you and your entire family.

Labrador Retrievers are Large Breed Dogs

They need a lot of space to run around, and this dog type requires exercise. Taking them out on a walk and other physical activities is a must - this is to prevent them from chewing or reverting their energy to something else. They need brisk walking and jogging periods every day to prevent them from destroying everything's inside your home.

Do you have a large yard where they can run around, or where you and your dog can play fetch? Are you ready to spend hours on exercise and other physical activities?

They're Prone to Bone Diseases

Glucosamine to Relieve Joint Pain

 

The majority of Labrador retrievers and large breed dogs are prone to hip disorders. This is because of their weight, sudden growth and lack of exercise. You need to be prepared because you may encounter them, regardless of how healthy your dog may be. Although not all Labrador retrievers have this type of problem, it's best that you understand that the risks are higher as compared to other smaller breed types.

Temperament

Without a doubt, Labrador retrievers are happy, outgoing and love to cuddle. They get along perfectly with kids. This means that you don't have to worry about owning one even if you have toddlers in the house. They're friendly with children, gentle, intelligent and loyal to its owners. This is probably one of the reasons why Labrador retrievers are starting to become the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

Grooming Requirements

They're prone to shedding especially during the summer season. Although their coats are water resistant, they require minimal grooming - but be prepared with the fur they shed when it's hot.

With the above characteristics of a Labrador retriever, do you think you can provide all their needs? Does your personality match with theirs?

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Give Your Dog A Job

Is your Border Collie being mischievous? Is your German Shepherd digging under the fence? Is your Labrador Retriever driving you crazy by bringing you the ball? These are all examples of a bored working dog that needs something to do. 

Quite often a new dog owner will buy a dog that's meant for working but their lifestyle is of the type that will not give the dog the exercise and work that it needs. 

So here are some things that you can do to give your working dog a job. 

1. Go for a daily walk - if 30 minutes doesn't seem to be enough shoot for an hour you'll be amazed at what it does for your dog and for your waistline as well. Even better yet if you are a jogger take your dog with you. Depending on its physical condition you may need to condition it for longer runs but it will be good for both of you. 

2. If you have a dog that enjoys Frisbee teach your dog to catch a Frisbee and spend some time every day playing with your dog. In fact if you both get into the Frisbee game there are actually clubs that you can join in most major cities that include training and competition. 

3. Obedience training is another way to give your dog a job. Yes obedience train your dog 2 - 3 times a day for a simple short no more than 15 minutes at a time session. You will be amazed at how a 15 minute obedience session can take some of the energy out of your dog.  

Brain and Exercise Game for Dogs

4. If you would like your dog to use it's brain there are now several different toys that will challenge your dogs mind while it tries to figure out how to get a treat. Take a look at your local pet store or simple Google "mind games for dogs". 

5. If your dog enjoys swimming you can always take him down to the river or your own pool if you happen to have one. Swimming is an excellent way to exercise humans and it works for dogs as well. 

The key to all of this is to get your dog up and busy. If your dog has a job or is exercised well you will have less problems with it at home. 

Remember what I have been saying forever, "a trained dog is a happy dog and an exhausted dog is even happier". So get out there and do something fun with your dog.

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