Some dog breeds are considered "smarter" — or more trainable — than others. But that doesn't mean they're less likely to get into trouble.
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Garcia, DVM
http://www.everydayhealth.com
Who doesn’t want a smart dog? They tend to be highly trainable and they can give you bragging rights. But be careful when choosing your pet. Smarter dogs can develop behavior problems more quickly than other dog breeds.
Breeds have been developed to bring out certain traits in animals,
says Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, professor in the department of small animal
clinical sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station, and
past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. That
means that certain dog breeds are smart at doing some things but not
others.
Take border collies. The dogs have been bred to be herders. “But if
you want them to do something like pull wagons, they’re probably not so
good at that,” Dr. Beaver says.
And be forewarned. An intelligent, healthy dog is usually one who’s
very active. When you take an intelligent animal and try to fit it into
the average person’s modern life, which usually involves the dog being
stuck in the house or apartment all day, problems can arise.
While border collies are very obedient, they also have a high
energy level and they need something to do to keep busy. If you don’t
keep them active with things to do, they’ll come up with their own
activities.
“Border collies are very popular right now, but they’re also one of
the most common breeds with behavior problems,” Beaver says. “You can’t
put them in an apartment and keep them sane.”
10 Smart Dog Breeds
If you’re looking for a smart, healthy dog, this list of 10 breeds that are considered intelligent dogs might help:
- Border collies. They have been bred as sheep herders and have a lot of energy. They need plenty of exercise and open space to run.
- Doberman pinschers. These guard dogs are obedient and will watch over you, but they need regular exercise.
- Australian cattle dogs. They’ve been bred to herd cattle and are very smart. But they need lots of exercise and something to do, such as agility training.
- German shepherds. They’re loving guard dogs that like children, but they need regular physical activity.
- Golden retrievers. They’re used as hunting dogs and help with search and rescue missions. They’re also friendly and love to please their owners, although they need plenty of exercise.
- Labrador retrievers. These hunting dogs work big jobs. They’re used as guide dogs for the blind, narcotic detection dogs with police departments, and in search and rescue teams. They’re highly trainable and have good tempers.
- Rottweilers. These obedient dogs work as herders, therapy dogs, and police dogs. They’re loving to their owners but tend to protect their homes and can be difficult with strangers. Experts recommend socializing these dogs and getting obedience training. Rottweilers also need to exercise every day.
- Poodles. They’re beautiful, smart, and active. Poodles do well in any size home, but need to be active every day.
- Shetland sheepdogs. Also called shelties, these herding dogs are very compliant and devoted to their owners. They can be shy with strangers and may try to herd people. They do best on a farm, but can also do well in homes if they get enough exercise.
- Papillons. These small dogs do well in any size home and they’re considered happy and alert.
But having a healthy pet
is about more than the dog’s intelligence. If you want a happy, healthy
dog, it’s best to choose one with the right energy level for your
lifestyle, Beaver says. “If you come home from work and stay in your
apartment, you need a dog without a lot of energy,” she says. If you
live on a farm, on the other hand, a high-energy dog will have plenty of
activities to keep it busy.
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