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
2. BasenjiI think the animal IQ test needs to be readjusted. Which is the smarter animal? The one who will do anything for a treat, or the one who stares at you like you are some new type of extreme idiot and then gets fed anyway without doing a trick.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.
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.
I’ve had a female golden lab (average intelligence), a male malamute (smart but borderline feral), a female terrier mix we rescued as a pup from the pound (possibly retarded and in desperate need of Ritalin), and currently have a 4 year-old male chocolate lab who is not only the smartest and best trained dog I’ve had, but is also one of the smartest I’ve ever been around. Our friends and family are amazed by him.
Me too. Because my Sheltie was the best dog I ever had or knew, I deliberately didn’t get another. I now have a Golden and she’s one smart cookie also - not quite up to the Sheltie, but darn close.
We had a beagle who was very smart. Could climb a fence. He was not dumb just very stubborn and bull headed.
My Border Collie is so smart is scares me sometimes
LOL - that’s funny. Our puggle must get her smarts from the pug side of the family.
LOL - that’s funny. Our puggle must get her smarts from the pug side of the family.
The coolest thing on youtube is the border collie- here’s is extreme sheepherding!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw
and here’s canine freestyle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kKnNyJvRAY
I have a Collie/St. Bernard mix that is definitely gay and it is not just because he humps other dogs...it is very apparent to anyone that knows him because his mannerisms are so effeminate. For instance, he doesn’t walk, he prances. And he loves to wear a colorful handkerchief around his neck, if you take it off, he gets upset. When I change it on Sundays, he struts around with the new one on. It is hilarious.
Every other bulldog I have ever seen was as smart as a door stop.
This one is a old soul, she really is amazing.........I didn't want her because I thought she would be like the others, but shes an amazing gentle animal, she came to us with wire around her neck, she was used as bait, a runt.
Someone we have helped in the past saw her and felt pity for the first time in his life and literally left her in our kitchen......can't imagine not having her now.
I know that the cocker spaniel has to be in the top 10 on the dumb list.
My dogs, both Chow mixed mutts are living proof of the veracity of this list...
The boxers I’ve had, and there have been several, were all pretty intelligent (by human standards). Stubborn as mules and strong as bulls, but not stupid. They are wonderful dogs, fiercely loyal and will protect you with their lives.
I’ve got a black lab/border collie mix. Smart, sweet dog, but the dang thing insists on herding ducks instead of retrieving them.
That’s a toy fox terrier? I have one, real smart, suprised she hasn’t learned English.
Then I have an English Mastiff who seems stupid but really isn’t. Just not into academia.
We tried this with our Puggle and she promptly laid down, towel still over her head, and went to sleep. My hubby just looked at me, shook his head and walked off laughing. *sigh*
Seems to me we ought to reconsider our views on racism or denounce this article for the dogism it is.
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