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.