Geniuses need pets too!

Having a clever canine companion by your side can provide both mental stimulation and emotional support, especially for those with intellectual pursuits. Take, for example, the brilliant physicist Richard Feynman, who had a beloved dog named Venus.¹

Feynman often credited Venus for helping him relax and unwind after long hours of intense research and problem-solving.

But with so many breeds to choose from, which ones are the smartest of the pack? Here’s the top 25 you should consider.

1. Border Collie

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If you’re looking for a dog that can keep up with your quick wit and active lifestyle, look no further than the Border Collie. This herding breed is renowned for its exceptional intelligence and trainability, excelling in obedience, agility, and herding tasks.

2. Poodle

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Poodles are more than just a pretty face; beneath those curly locks lies a sharp mind. Quick learners and highly trainable, Poodles are a favorite among owners who enjoy teaching tricks and engaging in mentally stimulating activities.

3. German Shepherd

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Renowned for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence, German Shepherds are a top choice for intellectuals seeking a protective and clever companion. Their versatility and problem-solving skills make them well-suited for law enforcement and military roles.

4. Golden Retriever

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Friendly, outgoing, and always eager to please, Golden Retrievers are the perfect match for intellectuals who value a dog with both brains and heart. Excelling in obedience, agility, and therapy work, these gentle giants are highly trainable and adaptable.

5. Doberman Pinscher

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For intellectuals who want a dog that’s both smart and imposing, the Doberman Pinscher is a great choice. With their sleek, athletic build and keen intelligence, these loyal guardians are highly trainable and excel in obedience, agility, and protection work.

6. Labrador Retriever

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It’s no surprise that Labrador Retrievers consistently rank as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. (ref)

Friendly, outgoing, and highly intelligent, Labs are not only great with kids but also excel in obedience, agility, and service work, making them a perfect fit for intellectuals who value a versatile and eager-to-please companion.

7. Australian Cattle Dog

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Better known as Blue Heelers or Red Heelers, Australian Cattle Dogs are tireless workers with sharp minds. Always ready for a job, they thrive when given a task and are quick learners in obedience and agility training.

If you’re an intellectual who leads an active lifestyle and enjoys outdoor adventures, the Australian Cattle Dog is a smart and sturdy companion.

8. Rottweiler

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Powerful, confident, and incredibly intelligent, Rottweilers are loyal guardians with a strong work ethic. Their keen minds and trainability make them excel in obedience, tracking, and protection work.

For intellectuals who value a dog with both brains and brawn, the Rottweiler is an excellent choice.

9. Papillon

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The Papillon may be small in size, but don’t let their delicate appearance fool you—these tiny dogs pack a big brain in their petite package. Quick learners and highly trainable, Papillons excel in obedience and agility, making them a great choice for intellectuals who live in apartments or smaller homes.

10. Australian Shepherd

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Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the United States as herding dogs. Intelligent, energetic, and always ready for a challenge, these dogs excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials.

If you’re an intellectual who enjoys outdoor activities and training challenges, the Australian Shepherd is a great fit.

11. Belgian Malinois

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Often employed in law enforcement and military roles, Belgian Malinois are known for their exceptional intelligence, trainability, and strong work ethic. As high-energy dogs, they require plenty of mental and physical stimulation, making them an ideal companion for active intellectuals who enjoy training and working with their dogs.

12. Shetland Sheepdog

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Don’t let their small size fool you; Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are herding dogs with big brains. Intelligent, sensitive, and highly trainable, these dogs excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials, making them a great choice for intellectuals who enjoy training and competing with their dogs.

13. Miniature Schnauzer

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Spunky, smart, and always ready for a challenge, Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs with big personalities. Their keen intelligence and trainability make them excel in obedience and agility, making them a great fit for intellectuals who want a compact companion with a lively spirit.

14. Brittany

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Formerly known as Brittany Spaniels, Brittanys are athletic, energetic hunting dogs with sharp minds. Versatile and highly trainable, these dogs excel in obedience, agility, and field trials, making them a great choice for intellectuals who enjoy outdoor activities and training challenges.

15. English Springer Spaniel

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Friendly, energetic, and always ready to learn, English Springer Spaniels are hunting dogs with keen intelligence and an eager-to-please attitude. Their versatility and trainability make them excel in obedience, agility, and field trials, making them a great fit for intellectuals who enjoy outdoor activities and training challenges.

16. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

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Small in size but big in brain power, Cardigan Welsh Corgis are herding dogs with a strong work ethic. Intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable, these dogs excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials, making them a great choice for intellectuals who want a compact companion with a sharp mind.

17. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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Like their Cardigan cousins, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small herding dogs with keen intelligence and outgoing personalities. Smart, trainable, and always ready for a challenge, these dogs excel in obedience and agility, making them a great fit for intellectuals who want a compact companion with a lively spirit.

18. Keeshond

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Friendly, outgoing, and always eager to learn, Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs with keen intelligence and an eager-to-please attitude. Their trainability and adaptability make them excel in obedience and agility, making them a great choice for intellectuals who want a gentle companion with a sharp mind.

19. Flat-Coated Retriever

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Friendly, outgoing, and always ready for an adventure, Flat-Coated Retrievers are hunting dogs with keen intelligence and an eager-to-please attitude. Versatile and highly trainable, these dogs excel in obedience, agility, and field trials, making them a great fit for intellectuals who enjoy outdoor activities and training challenges.

20. Belgian Tervuren

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Intelligent, loyal, and always ready to work, Belgian Tervurens are herding dogs with a strong work ethic and keen minds. As high-energy dogs, they require plenty of mental and physical stimulation, making them a great fit for active intellectuals who enjoy training and working with their dogs.

21. Bernese Mountain Dog

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Large, friendly, and incredibly smart, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with keen intelligence. Versatile and highly trainable, these dogs excel in obedience, agility, and drafting (cart pulling), making them a great choice for intellectuals who want a big, brainy companion with a heart of gold.

22. Vizsla

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Athletic, energetic, and always ready for a challenge, Vizslas are hunting dogs with keen intelligence and affectionate natures. Their versatility and trainability make them excel in obedience, agility, and field trials, making them a great fit for intellectuals who enjoy outdoor activities and training challenges.

23. Weimaraner

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With their athletic build, keen intelligence, and loyal nature, Weimaraners are hunting dogs that are always ready for an adventure. Versatile and highly trainable, these dogs excel in obedience, agility, and field trials, making them a great choice for intellectuals who enjoy outdoor activities and training challenges.

24. Belgian Sheepdog

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Also known as Groenendaels, Belgian Sheepdogs are intelligent, loyal herding dogs with a strong work ethic and keen minds. As high-energy dogs, they require plenty of mental and physical stimulation, making them a great fit for active intellectuals who enjoy training and working with their dogs.

25. Standard Schnauzer

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Intelligent, alert, and always ready to learn, Standard Schnauzers are medium-sized dogs with a keen sense of loyalty and a strong work ethic. Originally bred as versatile farm dogs, they excel in a variety of tasks, including herding, guarding, and hunting.

Source:
1. Physics Today