You know how Angela from The Office is utterly obsessed with cats, to the point where it’s borderline obnoxious? Well, that’s me when it comes to dogs. I simply adore my tail-wagging companions, which is why my phone screen features a bunch of puppies, and my home is filled from top to bottom with cute little dog trinkets. For years, I was happily the dog-mom of four K-9s all at the same time, before two passed due to old age. It gutted me, people. I don’t know how I survived.

Suffice it to say, I’m a puppy-fanatic. I’d be utterly lost without my pet dogs. I’ll tell ya, those four college years when I had to part from my furry friends were some of the toughest years of my life. While this may seem like a personal dilemma, it turns out I’m in good company. In fact, several studies suggest that having dogs as pets can lower stress levels and increase happiness as well as feelings of being loved. *Pretends to be shocked.*

In honor of our favorite furry friends, here’s a compilation of the smartest dog breeds in the world:   

Collies

When I was a kid, I adored the 1950s TV series, Lassie. The show tells the (wagging) tail of a brilliant collie pup and his wholesome adventures. I even remember watching the OG movie starring the one-and-only Elizabeth Taylor, who eventually became one of my favorite Old Hollywood stars of the silver screen. 

As I watched the series, I begged my parents for my very own “Lassie” dog. And although we ended up getting a different K-9 breed as a pet, I’ll always have a very special place in my heart for collies. Known for their sharp minds and strong work ethic, they’re among the most intelligent dog breeds. (And did you know Collies are known for herding flocks of sheep?) How cute!

Collies are brimming with brains and these puppies are some of the most loyal companions you’ll ever stumble across. Their mix of intelligence and devotion makes them exceptional therapy dogs, offering comfort and companionship. Their sharp minds and strong work ethic also make them perfect guide dogs for the visually impaired or those needing assistance. Whether it’s a Border Collie or a Rough Collie, this loving breed never fails to impress with its intelligence and loyalty.     

Golden Retrievers

Who in their right mind doesn’t love Golden Retrievers? They’re the embodiment of innocence, warmth, and sunny attitudes. Plus, they’ve got the most infectious smiles! My bestie Sarah just adopted a Golden pup named Teddy, and although he’s only a couple months old, we’re amazed by how quickly he has already picked up on a number of commands. Due to his smarts and deep desire to impress his mama, Teddy’s the star of his puppy training class! He can sit, roll over, and retrieve objects. If Teddy can do all that before turning 1 year old, just imagine what he’ll be capable of achieving when he’s all grown up. Talk about precious!

Poodles

Whether we’re talking Toy, Teacup, or Standard Poodles, these curly-coated sweethearts are ranked among the most clever dog breeds of all time. I’ll admit, I was initially surprised to learn this. I’ve always seen Poodles as more about elegance than anything else. Turns out, you really can have beauty and brains, as is the case with these high-class K-9s. Who knew?

A Poodle’s skill set goes far beyond the standard sit, roll over, and fetch commands that most trainers teach their pups. These curly K-9s can be trained to track items based on scent alone. They can retrieve items from bodies of water and even dock dive! (Yipes, those dogs have more special talents and skills than me…)  

Plus, get this — while most dogs are capable of learning roughly 150 words from their owners (my dogs are fluent in the word “treats”) Poodles can grasp up to a whopping 300 words! Honestly, that’s pretty impressive if you ask me.   

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 

Perhaps I’m a bit biased here since I’m the proud owner of this royal puppy breed, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will always be my favorite dogs. They are a brilliant breed for many reasons, but in my humble opinion, Cavs take the crown when it comes to emotional intelligence. 

True genius is emotional intelligence — the ability to empathize with anyone, regardless of circumstances. Cavalier King Charles prove that fetching and following commands aren’t the only impressive dog skills. Sometimes, the most remarkable trait is their knack for sensing emotions.

Whenever I’m going through something — be it relationship heartbreak, career hurdles, or existential meltdowns, my Cavaliers are always there to come to my rescue. They instinctively know when their owners need some cuddles, care, and affection, and they genuinely will stop at nothing until they know you’re alright. You’ll never feel alone with these brilliant pups. Just one loving look from those big puppy eyes is enough to melt all your stresses away. And honestly, what’s better than a furry companion who understands you and loves you unconditionally?  

Rottweilers

I used to get nervous whenever a Rottweiler crossed my path. Although I find them to be adorable, I feel like media portrayals of these big K-9s have unfairly cast them as unsettling and dangerous. (I’m side-eyeing you, The Omen. *shivers in fear.*) 

But at the end of the day, Rottweilers are no different than any other dog breed — it all comes down to how you train them. If you raise these puppers in a friendly, loving environment, chances are they’re gonna have the same attitude. If you teach them to behave aggressively, though, that’s where you can run into trouble. 

Because of their large stature, work ethic, and loyalty to their owners, this breed of furry friends make terrific guard dogs. If special security is critical, and you want that “Safety Blanket” in the form of a loving K-9, you might want to consider a Rottweiler for your next pet breed. Just be sure to give them the proper training necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and others.

German Shepards

Now, let’s dive into the genius of the German Shepherd. As their name suggests, they’ve got a rich history of shepherding sheep. These focused, diligent pups are genetically primed to be keen and hard-working. That’s why you’ll frequently see them working as a part of the police force, or as an active member of military service. When trained properly, they can make very loyal companions as well.