CHOOSING the perfect dog breed for your family and lifestyle is a pretty important decision.
Although most furry friends could brighten a dull day, it’s no secret some are better suited to owners depending on their individual needs.
The good news is, there is a dog for just about every lifestyle, and according to dog experts at Pet MD skills like intelligence are due to a “combination of various factors, not just how trainable dogs are.”
They have shared five of the smartest dog breeds, who can learn new cues and clever problem solving skills quicker than others.
So, has your pooch made the list?
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher comes in the fifth thanks to their loyal, and highly trainable nature.
According to the pros at Pet MD, they excel in obedience and need plenty of physical exercise to keep them happy.
With this in mind, the breed is best for active families who can spare plenty of time to both play and training.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers come in fourth on the list, and according to Axel Lagercrantz, dog expert and CEO of Pets4homes, they’re incredibly smart.
Originally bred for hunting, this fluffy breed is very fun and goofy pets.
They’re great at problem-solving and hard-working pets.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds come in third on the list thanks to their smart and loyal, and courageous nature.
You’ll often find them working with police because of their incredible problem solving skills.
They require an active household so they can get all the exercise they need, according to the pros.
Poodle
“Poodles might be [seen] curled up on the couch at home, but these smart pups are still frequently at the top of the winner’s podium at obedience and agility competitions,” Pet MD told Express.co.uk
This adorable breed are great pets, but like plenty of other furry friends, they need plenty of attention.
Border Collie
“Border Collies are some of the most talented pups you’ll ever meet and are known to quickly learn and respond to cues during training,” Pet MD revealed.
Since they were first bred to herd sheep, this loyal breed have plenty of strength and stamina.
In fact, most Border Collies can learn new commands in less than five repetitions, and they’ll get it right 95% of the time too.
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she’d never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
