The smartest/most intelligent dog breeds are as follow according to many dog specialists and trainers. Most of the dogs on this list are also very willing to please and easier to train than other dogs. However, this does not mean that the other dog breeds are not intelligent or that they cannot be trained.

1. Border Collie

Border Collies are a breed of herding dog that originated along the borders of England, Wales and Scotland. They are widely considered to be the most intelligent breed of dog in the world. They want to please their owner and need to have a job to do. They are very active and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They are not a good breed for the busy city life or apartments. They do the best on farms and are frequently used to assist with the handling of livestock. Border Collies excel at several dog sports and dog agility competitions in addition to their success in herding trials. The Border Collie's speed, agility, and stamina have allowed them to dominate in up-and-coming dog activities like flyball and disc dog competitions. Their trainability has also given them a berth in dog dancing competitions.

2. Poodle

Poodles are also highly intelligent and agile. They are very easy to train and attached to their owner. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding. They need plenty of exercise and are used sometimes as hunting dogs. Poodles can live in the city or the country. If exercised regularly outdoors, they are mostly inactive indoors.

3. German Shepherd

As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world. German Shepherds are very courageous dogs and make excellent guard dogs.

4. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world according to the registration numbers submitted by kennel clubs such as the AKC and CKC. They are very good and patient with kids, friendly, and eager to please - a great family dog overall. Golden Retrievers excel in obedience competitions and at performing various tricks.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are very protective and fearless dogs with great intelligence. They make great guard dogs and are very loyal and protective of their owner. They possess great stamina and love to work. Even though they are known as being aggressive toward strangers, it really all depends on the way they are trained and their temperament.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties are intelligent, family oriented dogs that can be as happy in an apartment in a city as in a house in the country if exercised regularly. They are very good house and family dogs. They are very protective and good with children if properly exposed to them as a puppy. They constantly seek human companionship and are very loyal.

7. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. They are the most popular dog breed in the world. In North America, they are the most registered dog. Highly intelligent and affectionate, they make great family dogs. They are very loving and patient with kids. Labrador Retrievers are generally considered good companions for people of all ages, making them both excellent companions and working dogs. With training, the Labrador is one of the most dependable, obedient and multi-talented breeds in the world. They need plenty of exercise to avoid becoming overweight or obese.

8. Papillon

Papillons are easy to train, very intelligent and energetic. Papillons were bred for companionship, and make excellent watch dogs. They can sometimes be overly aggressive when trying to protect their territory or owner despite their small size. Many owners will claim that their dogs are "big dogs in little dog suits".

9. Rottweiler

Originally bred in Germany as a herding dog, the Rottweiler is a hardy and very intelligent breed. They are very protective and fearless making them great guard dogs. If trained properly, they can make great family dogs and be good with children.

10. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of herding dog developed in Australia for droving cattle. It is a medium-sized short-coated dog with a lot of energy, intelligence and an independent streak. They need to be provided with plenty of mental and physical stimulation and do best living on a farm or a large property. They are not well-suited for city or apartment life.