Dog expert shares 'most intelligent' breeds - is your furry friend on the list?

Many people praise their dog's intelligence due to their four-legged friend being able to listen and respond to commands or perform tricks on cue. While this may be a strong indicator of how smart your pet is, there are more things to consider.

A dog expert has revealed that there are many different factors that need to be included when analysing your pooch's overall intelligence - including their genetic make up.

Dawn Kovell, director of behaviour and training at the Marin Humane Society, has shared which 12 dog breeds she feels are the smartest. Traditional working and herding breeds generally rank highly - but intelligence isn't everything.

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It is worth remembering that a supersmart dog may not always make the best household pet, especially when you factor in the owner's lifestyle.

This is not to say that working can't be with a loving family, as she says that these "intelligent" dogs can reach their full potential when given the right amount of training and nurturing.

So what breeds does Dawn deem to be the smartest and if has your four-legged friend made it to the list?

The 12 'smartest' dog breeds

Border Collie

It may not come as much of a surprise to some people that the Border Collie is seen as one of the smartest dog breeds, reports the Express. The much-loved breed originates from the Border region between Scotland and England, and they are known for having boundless energy levels and quick thinking. These traits make them great at tasks such as herding sheep.

German Shepherd

These dogs are often associated with the police, armed forces and security services for being their devoted companion as a working dog. To further highlight their intelligence, a German Shepard was also the first ever guide dog.

They are well known for having strong senses and being quick thinkers. As much as they adore love and attention from their owners, they need to have a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them occupied.

Shetland Sheepdog

These four-legged friends are also known for their herding capabilities, which is a great combination with their hard working mentality. Shetland Sheepdogs are one of the easiest dogs to train, which makes them the top choice to compete in obedience and agility trials.

Poodle

Not to be dismissed due to its unique hair, Poodles are actually highly receptive as they can quickly adapt to different environments and respond well to human emotions. Despite being one of the top choices for cross-breeding, on their own Poodles should be highlighted for their effortless approach to training and ability to pick up new tricks.

Doberman Pinscher

Dawn describes this breed as a "serious protector" as they are most known for their loyalty and fearlessness. They work well in military and police settings as rescue dogs, as well as being dutiful as a source of therapy. Dawn acknowledges that this breed makes very affectionate companions.

Rottweiler

This breed can sometimes live up to its rather stern exterior, as Rottweilers are known for being steadfast and natural guardians. The breed originates from Germany, where the dogs pulled butchers' carts and drove farmers' cattle. Dawn said: "This breed excels at working for the military, police, and customs—but also makes for a very loyal family member."

Golden Retriever

These beautiful dogs are known for their impressive intelligence, as well as being a good-natured, loving family member. Golden retrievers were originally hunting dogs because they were easy to train, if done consistently, and admired for their ability to retrieve game from water.

However, their loyal and gentle temperament also means they do exceedingly well in therapy work and are often used as service dogs.

Labrador Retriever

These dogs are deemed as smart due to their friendly and versatile nature, which allows them to take on many different duties. These roles include family dogs, guide dogs, hunting dogs and they are also champions at sniffing out narcotics. Training this breed of dog is a rather simple task, but it can definitely be aided when the promise of food is involved.

Australian Cattle Dog

This dog breed wasn't bred in the UK until fairly recently, the 1980s. These dogs are well known for their intelligent traits, which include having a curious nature, a good awareness and agile herding skills.

However, Dawn warns: "Be aware that this breed has boundless mental and physical energy, so owners should exercise them sufficiently and even train them in herding or tracking."

American Staffordshire Terrier

Otherwise known as AmStaffers, these dogs are celebrated for their intelligent and stoic nature. They are hardworking, agile dogs that are easy to train, and are one of the top choices for being used as a guard dog.

Australian Shepherds

Yet another breed that is known for their outstanding herding abilities, the intelligent and hardworking Australian Shepherds have a natural desire to round up other creatures. Dawn added: "Their strong work ethic makes them a good match for owners who live an active lifestyle, but they may not be the right fit for individuals who are more sedentary."

Bloodhounds

The final dog breed to make the most intelligent list is the Bloodhound. Unlike how the name may be perceived, these dogs are easy-going and known for their sense of smell. This breed is often used in search and rescue operations as they have a great ability to learn. They are pack dogs, but enjoy company and are great with kids.