Brains and barks

The world's smartest dogs: Wait until you see which tops the list!

Image: Cookie the Pom

Every dog has its own unique traits that make it stand out. At the same time, pups of the same breed often share common characteristics, such as strength, speed, or sociability. Today, we're focusing on a peculiar feature: intelligence. If you're wondering how smart your dog is, love learning about different breeds, or are just intrigued by the idea of canine IQs, this article is for you. Join us as we explore the 10 dog breeds considered the smartest in the world!

Image: Marcin Wojna

If you're looking for a tough, hardworking, and dependable dog, the Australian Cattle Dog is a top choice! Also known as the Blue Heeler, this breed is widely recognized as one of the most intelligent. Originally bred in the 19th century, it was developed to herd cattle across long distances and rugged terrain. Experts praise its strong problem-solving skills, quick learning ability, and independent thinking.

Image: Kevin Seibel

The Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breeds, with origins dating back to the Roman Empire. Though often feared for their large size and powerful jaws, these dogs are much more than just muscle. Experts note that Rottweilers are quick learners, highly obedient, and excel in search, rescue, and protection work.

Image: Niko Nieminen

If dogs went to college, the Papillon would be on the honor roll. Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, this breed is easily recognized by the shape of its ear fringes, which resemble wings. Known for being smart and alert, this little pup is great at learning new commands and performing complex tricks. And there’s more: Papillons are highly social dogs that get along well with people and other pets. Did you know that this was Marie Antoinette's favorite dog breed?

Image: Vincent van Zalinge

These are the gentle souls of the neighborhood. Known for serving as guide and therapy dogs, this English breed is often praised for its energy, sociability, loyalty, sensitivity, anticipatory skills, and strong obedience. Perhaps that’s why the Labrador Retriever held the title of the most popular dog breed in the United States for more than 30 consecutive years!

Image: Kat van der Linden

As its name suggests, this beautiful breed was developed to herd sheep and protect livestock. Don’t let their small size fool you—Shelties have a surprisingly powerful bark that carries over long distances. Experts highlight their loyalty and their impressive ability to learn new commands quickly and respond with great precision. Additionally, their alertness and problem-solving skills make them ideal for herding tasks.

Image: Ryan Hyde

Let’s be honest: most of us feel a little intimidated by the piercing gaze of a Doberman Pinscher—and with good reason! These dogs are naturally protective and highly alert. The Doberman is fast, smart, and fearless, qualities that make it a preferred breed for police, military, and protection work. It might not be the friendliest dog on the block, but it's definitely sharp and focused.

Image: Taylor Sondgeroth

Here’s a true star: the Golden Retriever, one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, especially as a family pet. Their friendly, affectionate, and trustworthy temperament pairs perfectly with their high intelligence and quick learning ability. Thanks to their emotional awareness and impressive cognitive skills, Golden Retrievers excel in therapy work and search-and-rescue missions.

Image: Yuriy Bogdanov

Do you remember Rin Tin Tin? Known worldwide as a "police dog," the German Shepherd is a hardworking and dedicated breed. While it sometimes gets a bad rap, this dog is actually very affectionate, loyal, and fiercely protective. Its intelligence ranks it among the top dog breeds, with experts highlighting its obedience, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn complex commands.

Image: RR Rivera

This adorable breed ranks number 2 out of 110 in intelligence! Friendly, athletic, highly obedient, and impressively smart, Poodles were recruited by European circuses in the 18th and 19th centuries to perform amazing tricks and routines. Among their most remarkable traits are exceptional learning ability, excellent memory, and strong problem-solving skills.

Image: Anna Dudkova

We have a winner! The Border Collie is widely recognized as the most intelligent of all dog breeds. It has it all: athleticism, energy, agility, speed, quick learning, sharp memory, excellent tracking skills, fast responses, intense focus, and outstanding problem-solving ability. In the early 2000s, a Border Collie named Chaser earned the title of "The smartest dog in the world." She shocked researchers by learning and remembering over 1,000 words linked to objects and actions!

Deep roots

11 everyday words with indigenous roots

English is a very welcoming language in the sense that it incorporates terms from many other languages from all over the world. And, as it couldn’t be otherwise, Native American languages have lent many of their words and terms to English speakers. Some traveled through Spanish or French before settling into English, and others arrived directly through early contact and trade, helping shape the way we speak today. Did you know about these 11 terms?

The word "canoe" comes from the Taino term canoa, which was first used by Caribbean islanders long before Europeans arrived. Early explorers adopted it to describe the slim, sturdy boats they saw.

Over time, "canoe" became the standard English word for a small paddled craft. Today it still carries that sense of simplicity and closeness to nature.

The word "barbecue" comes from barbacoa, another Taino term for a wooden frame used for cooking meat over fire. Europeans adopted it and applied it to both the method and the gathering itself.

Today, "barbecue" means everything from a backyard cookout to a regional cooking style. Its origins highlight the deep culinary influence of Native Americans in the nation's current culture.

"Skunk" comes from the Algonquian word squnk, which means "urinating fox" (quite a fitting term, indeed). This was an obvious reference to the animal’s strong defensive spray. Early settlers adopted the term directly.

Since English had no better name for the creature, the Native word stuck. Today, the word skunks is also used as playful slang.

The word "moose" originates from Eastern Abenaki, a part of the Algonquian family, where it meant "he strips off bark." Yes, it described the animal’s habit of tearing bark from trees.

The name entered English quickly because settlers relied on Native knowledge of local fauna. The word remains unchanged because of its accuracy and usefulness.

"Raccoon" comes from the Powhatan word arakun, meaning "he scratches with his hands." It described the animal’s clever, humanlike front paws.

Settlers adopted the term because it captured the creature’s behavior beautifully. Today, the raccoon is used as a household symbol of curiosity, not unlike the animal itself.

The term "chipmunk" most probably comes from the Ojibwe word ajidamoo, which means "one who descends trees headfirst." Early English settlers adapted the sound into today’s form.

Though the spelling changed over time, the lively image of a chipmunk racing down a tree face-first stayed.

The word "caribou" comes from the Mi’kmaq term qalipu, which means "snow shoveler," referring to the animal’s habit of digging through snow for food.

French settlers brought the word into English, keeping its descriptive nature. The name still connects the modern animal to the winter landscapes it belongs to.

"Totem" comes from the Ojibwe word ototeman, which means "kinship group." It described symbols representing clans and shared roots.

English adopted it to describe carved poles and symbolic elements. Though broader in modern usage, it still hints at the original sense of community, identity, and heritage.

"Coyote" comes from the Nahuatl word coyōtl, which was used by Indigenous tribes of central Mexico. Spanish speakers adopted it, and English borrowed later.

The word kept its meaning, and it remains one of the most direct links between the English language and Nahuatl.

The tasty avocado’s name traces to the Nahuatl word ahacatl, which refers to the fruit and to a body part as well. Spanish speakers transformed it into aguacate.

Later on, English speakers adapted it to avocado. While the name sounds contemporary and culinary, it has ancient Native roots.

The last Nahuatl word and also the last word on the list comes from the term xocolātl, which describes a bitter cacao drink that was consumed long before Europeans arrived in America. The name traveled from Spanish to English.

Though the product changed dramatically, the word survived. Today, chocolate is a universal symbol of sweetness, with rich and deeply indigenous roots.