When you have come to the decision to get a dog, your next step is to find the right dog breed which matches your personality and lifestyle. There are a lot of different dog breeds worldwide to choose from. Your choice of the most suitable dog breed depends on a lot of factors: appearance and physical characteristics, temperament, behavior, interaction with family members and so on.

But when considering a dog choice, it is very important to take account of breed intelligence among other factors in order not to be disappointed afterwards. Intellect can be measured in different ways: according to problem solving ability, instinctive ability, obedience and trainability. And as just there are “book-smart” and “street-smart” people, there are dog breeds that are intellectual in different ways.

Dog breeds that are considered “book-intelligent” or “book-smart” are the ones that are capable to learn commands and directions easily, and once these commands are learned, do as they are ordered. On the other hand, dog breeds that can be described as “street-intelligent” or “street-smart” are very good at using their own head and making up their own rules and when it comes to getting their way, they are without peer.

The following list of Top 7 Most Intellectual Dog Breeds is based on their obedience and working intelligence. Here “intelligence” means being able to carry out new commands and to put training to practical use.

1. Border Collie is a breed of herding dog originated on the Scottish and English border. Border Collie is energetic, intelligent, alert and responsive. Border Collie has an instinctive desire to work closely with a human handler, but it is also able to work out of sight of its master without command. This breed’s intelligence, speed, intense concentration and deep desire to please is used in the variety of fields including search and rescue, narcotics and bomb detection, the deaf and the blind guidance. Border Collies are also excellent movie and TV actors. Brilliant and enthusiastic Collie can be a good companion for people who can provide them with plenty of exercise and a job to do.

2. Poodle - mistakenly regarded as the beauty with no brains, poodles are actually exceptionally smart, highly energetic and extremely trainable. In the past, the poodle was prized by hunters as a water retriever of birds. Their aptitude has also made them brilliantly performing circus dogs. The poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds among pet owners. And that is understandable - you just can’t help but love every fluffy inch of them.

3. German Shepherd is approachable, direct, fearless and self-confident breed with a strong, muscular body and steady nerves. These characteristics are widely used for guiding the blind, avalanche and earthquake search and rescue, narcotics and bomb detection. The German Shepherd dog is considered as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog. The German Shepherd dog can also be a wonderful companion for people who like fishing, swimming and hiking. This dig is seriously intellectual and deserves owners that take them seriously and pay attention to them.

4. The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland as a gundog to retrieve shot waterfowl and upland game during hunting. Due to its exceptional working ability, The Golden Retriever is an ideal guide, assistance, search and rescue dog. Golden Retrievers are often employed in illegal drug detection as well. In spite of the fact that they are always kids at heart and sometimes have much fun being silly, Golden Retrievers are highly trainable. Moreover, they are so sweet, playful, friendly, patient and eager-to-please that it is almost impossible to meet a pet owner who is unhappy with the Golden Retriever.

5. Doberman Pinschers were developed in Germany as a breed of domestic dog. The Doberman combines a sleek appearance with a sharp intelligence. They are also very watchful, determined, fearless, loyal and obedient, which make them excellent police dogs and guard dogs. Those who want to adopt the Doberman should realize that it is not solitary: it is a family companion who needs one-on-one attention.

6. The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, was developed on the Shetland Islands. These little dogs are intensely loyal, loving, sensitive and responsive to their owners. They are sharp and easily housetrained. They are great house dogs which are ideal for families with kids.

7. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular kinds of retriever. Intelligence simply shines from this dog’s eyes. This dog is a true friend anytime and anyplace. The Labrador has a reputation of being an excellent family dog, which is tirelessly loyal and extremely loving.

Whatever dog from the above list you choose to adopt, you should realize that intellectual dogs need mental stimulation to keep themselves occupied. In case you provide that, you will find that love and loyalty you get in return is tenfold.

1. Retrievers (Labrador)
Labrador retrievers are smart, lovable and great with kids. They are the most popular "family" dog according to several breeder surveys. Although they technically hail from the "Working Group" of dogs as classified by the AKC, Labs love to have fun and will knock you over in pursuit a good tennis ball.

2. Retrievers (Golden)
Golden Retrievers sit next to Labradors atop the "American Family Dog" pyramid of popularity. Goldens are big, active dogs that love to play in the water with their favorite dog toys. Males and females can grow as large as 90 pounds, so clear out an extra room in the house if youТre thinking about bringing one home.

3. Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie as it is commonly called, is the smallest breed of terrier in the world. These little pocket rockets are actually some of the bravest dogs you will ever meet, and are fiercely loyal when it comes to their home and family. Knock on the door of someone with a Yorkie, hold your ears and you'll see what we mean!

4. German Shepherd Dogs
One of the most loyal breeds in the world, German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and temperament. The most popular police dog breed, Shepherds can sniff out a bomb, a criminal or a shipment of drugs with equal ease. Overbreeding and genetic issues have caused a large percentage of these dogs to develop hip problems, specifically dysplasia, over the past several years.

5. Beagles
Ever since Snoopy became a national icon (and MetLife pitch-dog) the Beagle has been a staple in American households. A medium-sized dog that was originally bred to hunt game such as rabbits and fox, the Beagle is a deceptively strong animal. Don't look for any beagle to be finding work as guard dogs any time soon Ц their kind, gentle demeanor just wouldnТt be suited for the job.

6. Dachshunds
Dachshunds or Weiner Dogs have always remained a fascination with dog owners because of their unique appearance. But don't let their odd look fool you, these dogs will run and play with the best of them, and can really get a head of steam going when in pursuit of a ball or another dog. The Dachshund is one of the most aggressive dogs on this list, and has been known to nip or bite at strangers or other dogs with some regularity.

7. Boxers
This dog always seems to be wearing a serious expression, but in actuality it is one of the most fun-loving, energetic breeds on this list. AKC reports extol the virtues of the boxer, stating that they have a great rapport with children, are relatively low maintenance and are honest and loyal. Sounds more like a good husband than a great dog breed, but so it goes. Boxers are extremely headstrong animals and as such require obedience training at a very young age.

8. Poodles
Standard and miniature poodles were the rich person's dog of choice long before Paris Hilton ever stuffed a Chihuahua into a Fendi purse. Now, these incredible animals are popular with all socio-economic groups because of the beauty and loyalty.

9. Shih Tzu
A dog everyone loves, with a name that only a fifth grade boy could love. The Shih Tzu has been growing in popularity for years, and has finally cracked the 'most popular breeds' list of the American Kennel Club. This little wonder has even found a home in Hollywood, in both the mansions of the ultra-wealthy, and on the silver screen in Christopher Guest's mockumentary Best in Show.

10. Miniature Schnauzers
Another miniature dog breed that is relatively new to the list of most popular breeds, having just cracked the top ten in 2008. Miniature Schnauzers are obedient and rarely too-aggressive. The generally engage in gentle play, which makes them ideal companions for children and chew toys alike.

Thanks UgoDog.net for an interesting info!

You have a trinity of sources of finding your dream dog and these can be enumerated as follows:

• An animal shelter or an organization involved in fire fighting can be a great place to find a proper category of dogs. You can also have an option to select Bassett hound rescue for proper association with national breed club by having reference to various people who have gone through the adoption from the rescue.
  
  A rescue dogs might develop medical problems that demand for special care and also a monetary commitment. You have to ensure sufficient earnings for owning such a rescue as well as proper calling of all shorts which are past the chewing stage by being adult dogs. You also have to find a proper environment of warmth and loving family environment and bringing such dogs which is conducive to your ambience as well as a proper environment.
  
  This can meet a lot of hard work as well as time and dedication for resolution of its behavioral problems as well as inculcation of proper training for the purposes of giving a proper as well as soothing environment in spite of such an adoption. You should also have a tie up with a veterinary doctor for proper treatment to these dogs while with you as pets.
  
  
• Another source from which these dogs can be obtained is pet stores. Such exercises are very useful and pleasing to your minds as this also enables a very wide selection of Bassett hound rescue. These are convenient places as well as one stop shops enabling purchase of these rescue dogs without any hassle whatsoever.
  
  You can also get tips on how to raise a healthy dog or the purposes of living together as well as imparting suitable training for development of the environment as well as its functions and role. This will be a dream dog which can cater to the needs of all your perceptions as a human being which can be valued and satisfied by a systematic training program imparted by you as well as professional agencies which will a bearing on the environment as well as discipline which should be taken note of.
  
  By a systematic training program you can enroll your dogs in various competitions, dog shows, and other tournaments for earning coveted prizes and awards which will earn you laurels in a bountiful manner.
  
  
• The third source is a great option for purchase of a puppy. The easiest would be to contact a breeder as well as a secretary of a local breed club requesting for a list of very renowned breeders who should be a member of the breed club. You are required to provide references of your past purchases as well as medical references.
  
  You will also have the option of checking the medical precedence of parents of such breeds and will also have the opportunity to keep under observation the temperament of their parents. Another advantage is that the paperwork offered by them will be tremendous and fool proof which is important from the point of view of such a meticulous purchase.

To conclude, these methods finding your dream dogs are well worth a try and they usher in a wealth of self protection varieties of roles and help as well as maintenance of an aesthetic environment which is essential for a homely atmosphere with the family and children as well as from the point of view of participation in competition and winning laurels.