In this article, we will be looking at the top 20 smartest dog breeds ranked. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the pet care market, you can go directly to Top 5 Smartest Dog Breeds Ranked.
Bringing home a new pet is exciting, but it’s also important to do your homework before committing. If you want to adopt an intelligent furry friend for your household, there’s data available that could help you make the right choice. Fortunately, for potential dog owners, some of the smartest dog breeds are also the most friendly and affectionate.
A dog is surely a man's best friend. Dogs are loving, loyal, and friendly creatures that have been companions to humans for centuries. They provide security, companionship, and unconditional love, which are just some of the reasons why we love keeping dogs as pets.
With more and more people adopting dogs and other friendly creatures, the pet care market is expected to grow and so is the demand for high-quality pet care products and services.
The Global Pet Care Market: An Analysis
Previously, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused people around the world to suffer from a mental state of isolation as they were forced to stay at home with lockdowns around the world. Having a pet can undoubtedly help an individual recover from such a mental state. Moreover, during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, dog owners were highly conscious about keeping their pets from getting infected.
While pet ownership and the demand for pet care products surged during the pandemic, shutting down of pet food stores due to lockdowns hampered the profitability for some of the companies in this space. However, easing lockdowns combined with the increasing rate of pet humanization, has helped the global pet care market recover.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global pet care market was valued at $235.32 billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.92% during 2023-2030, pushing the market to reach $368.88 billion by the end of the forecasted period. Over the past few years, a lot of people have started investing highly in pet care products such as accessories, pet fashion, pet health, pet food, pet grooming, hygiene and toys. It seems that the millennial generation, especially in the more developed countries, see pets as family members. The pet humanization trend coupled with an increased demand for premium pet care products is creating a positive outlook and driving the market growth for pet care products. Moreover, an increasing number of pet owners are very particular about representing their lifestyles by spending on luxurious as well as comfortable products for their pets. This has encouraged many market competitors to launch new and customized products in the pet grooming service segment, further augmenting market growth. Growing consumer awareness with regards to the availability of animal care products is further driving growth of the other segments, including health, hygiene, toys, and others. The forecast period could prove to be truly beneficial for some of the pet care companies like Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY), Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF), and Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS).
In one of our previous articles about dog foods, we briefly discussed costs associated with owning a pet and that a total of $123.6 billion was spent on pets in 2021. According to Forbes, in 2022, Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets, up 10.68% from the figure of $123.6 billion in 2021. Pet ownership in the US has witnessed a surge over the past three decades and as of 2023, about 66% of households in America own a pet. This post also mentions that 76% of cat owners and 85% of dog owners consider their pets to be a family member. The pet humanization trend and overall spending on pets is expected to further grow in the coming years.
Dogs are the most popular pets in America, followed by cats. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, about 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were classified as overweight or obese in 2022. Owing to obesity risks in pets, there is a growing demand for natural pet food in the US. This presents a great opportunity for some of the top players in the pet care market to manufacture and meet the demand for value added quality ingredients, diets and other pet care products.
What are Some of the Biggest Companies in the Pet Care Industry Up To?
Some of the key players in the pet care industry are shifting their focus towards expanding their product portfolio and manufacturing and offering premium quality pet care items. In order to increase their revenues, some of the companies are also expanding their business across global markets.
For instance, on June 1, Reutersreported that shares of Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) surged as much as 27% after the pet products e-retailer announced its first move into international markets through Canada and raised its annual revenue forecast. Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) was one of the biggest winners in the pet care sector after the COVID-19 crisis sparked a hike in pet ownership. The post also mentions that the company’s Canada expansion is expected to help increase its total addressable market by $12-$15 billion.
Previously, on May 4, Reuters had reported that Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) announced weaker-than-expected sales and pet products revenue of $1.23 billion in the first quarter, missing analysts’ estimates of $1.4 billion, because of inflation and staffing shortages at pet clinics. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) said that this was due to short-term factors and that demand from pet owners remained strong. The CEO of the company, Kristin Peck, said that based on data from veterinary clinics, retailers, and pet owners, the end-market demand in companion animal channels remains strong.
It appears that the rise in pet ownership as well as the demand for pet care products and services has been truly beneficial for Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) in the second quarter. On August 8, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) reported strong earnings for the fiscal second quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.41, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.10. The company reported a revenue of $2.18 billion and outperformed revenue estimates by $22.70 million. Here are some comments from Zoetis Inc.’s (NYSE:ZTS) Q2 2023 earnings call:
“We continue to see strong customer demand for our companion animal portfolio. For the first half of 2023, companion animal grew 5% operationally. We believe companion animal should be a bigger driver of performance for the remainder of the year with a stronger second half driven by our key franchises. While we are monitoring how inflationary pressures may impact pet care spending in markets around the world, the underlying demand has remained steady and resilient to date, and this is what we have seen historically. In the U.S., veterinary clinic visits continue to stabilize, staying relatively flat through the first half of the year, and clinic revenue and spend per visit were both up about 9% in the U.S. in the first half.”
On June 14, CNBC reported that Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF) has partnered with Snoop Dogg for a new pet care campaign. The collaboration featured Petco Picks by Snoop, which included toys, treats and grooming supplies, while also offering social content showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of the rapper with pets, including his reflections on being a devoted dog owner. The post also mentions that according to the US Department of Labor, the cost for pet services, including veterinary care, was up 10.6% year over year in May, and pet food costs were up 13.8% during the same period.
Now that we have discussed some recent developments in the pet care market, let's take a look at the top 20 smartest dog breeds.
In this article, we have ranked the top 20 smartest dog breeds in terms of their intelligence. To rank the smartest dog breeds we consulted rankings in the book “The Intelligence of Dogs”, written by Stanley Coren, a professor of canine psychology. Coren sent evaluation requests to obedience trial judges of American Kennel Club as well as Canadian Kennel Club, asking them to rank the various breeds in their working and obedience abilities. The book ranks more than a hundred dog breeds according to their intelligence. The top 20 smartest dog breeds ranked by Stanley Coren are listed below in ascending order.
Top 20 Smartest Dog Breeds Ranked
20. Cocker Spaniel
First up on our list of the top 20 smartest dog breeds is Cocker Spaniel. This breed is known for being friendly, gentle, and affectionate yet lively. Cocker Spaniels are incredibly smart dogs and they are not aggressive towards humans or other animals, which also means that they are not particularly good watchdogs. They do make good family dogs and are generally considered good with children.
Some of the top pet stocks to buy according to hedge funds include Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY), Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF), and Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS).
19. Brittany
Brittany, bred as gundogs, are often used as hunting companions for bird hunting. They are bright, high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise, preferably with their favorite humans. With their manageable size and friendly personalities, Brittany dogs can be good family dogs.
18. Flat-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, Standard Schnauzer
Flat-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, and Standard Schnauzer are all ranked at the 18th spot in the list of smartest dog breeds. According to Stanely Coren, all 3 breeds are excellent working dogs that can understand new commands within 5 to 15 repetitions.
Flat-coated Retrievers, a gundog breed originating from England, are known for their obedience, rally, agility, and high exercise needs. They rank among the happiest of dog breeds while also being super therapy dogs. Flat-coated Retrievers are perfect companions for people who are looking for an active dog breed.
The English Cocker Spaniel ranks higher up than the Cocker Spaniel, which is American, in the list of top 20 smartest dog breeds. With less coat and a taller height than the Cocker Spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniels are easy to train, merry, affectionate, and excellent family companions.
Standard Schnauzers, originally bred to be guard dogs and all-purpose dogs on German farms, are known for their versatility, medium size, and protective nature. Sturdy and energetic, Standard Schnauzers are generally good with children of all ages and love of family makes them an excellent companion dog breed.
17. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers make happy, trainable pets who bond well with their family. Known for their friendliness, intelligence, and eagerness to please, they are always up for physical activities like running and swimming. While German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent family dogs, they are not content to sit around.
16. Collie, Keeshond
Collies and Keeshonds both rank at the 16th spot in Stanley Coren’s rankings of dog breeds based on their intelligence. Both the dog breeds rank among some of the most excellent working dogs that obey their first command 85% of the time or better.
Collies, originating from Scotland and Northern England, are medium-sized, fairly lightly-built dogs, with pointed snouts. While they are protective and good watchdogs, Collies are not aggressive. With their easy-going and regal nature, Collies are great family dogs and loyal pets.
Keeshonds are medium-sized dogs, with a two-layer coat of silver and black fur, they rank among some of the most handsome, intelligent dog breeds with a pleasant personality. Keeshonds are easy to train and because of their playful and loving nature, they are good family pets, but they don’t like being left alone for too long.
15. Schipperke, Belgian Sheepdog
Schipperke and Belgian Sheepdog, both the dog breeds, rank at the 15th spot in the list of top 20 smartest dog breeds.
Schipperke dogs may be small in size but they are known to be quite strong. Built for hard work, their main strength comes from their strong jaws and necks, making them excellent ratters and watchdogs. Schipperkes are quite curious and sharp and are always busy with activities.
Belgian Sheepdogs are friendly and affectionate family dogs. While most dog breeds require constant mental or physical stimulation, the Belgian Sheepdog remains content with minimal activity or attention. Their protective nature keeps them alert and they can be aggressive if they sense danger towards their pet owners.
14. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)
The Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) breed requires constant mental and physical stimulation as they enjoy being involved in challenging tasks. They always remain alert and self-assured and can be protective of their owners and loved ones. They are more commonly used as herding dogs because of their willingness to stay outdoors, however with the right owner, they are great family dogs.
13. English Springer Spaniel
As one of the smartest dog breeds, English Springer Spaniel are great family dogs as well as sharp hunting companions. They are full of energy and great stamina and would happily spend time with their owners in fields while hunting. Their trusting eyes and lovable nature makes them ideal for mingling with children.
12. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers have distinct human-like bushy beards and eyebrows. They have a sporty personality with a tough and muscular physique and enjoy being outdoors. While they are quite alert and sharp, they are not the least bit aggressive unless strongly provoked. Their intelligence makes them easily trainable and they adapt to different environments easily.
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are favorable as small house dogs because of their tiny physique. They are friendly and loving in nature, which makes them an ideal family pet. Corgis are quite sharp and always active and eager to play. However, their medium-length thick coat of fur needs to be maintained well and groomed regularly.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are known for being extremely smart and active. So much so that their owners must always keep them mentally stimulated as boredom would result in mischief of some sort. If kept around kids, they must be socialized properly and trained well, as they might bite or nip at children or strangers they are not well acquainted with.
9. Rottweiler
The fearless and alert Rottweilers make excellent watchdogs as well as family dogs. They may come off as aggressive to intruders, but they are deeply affectionate with their pet parents. Once introduced and trained well with children, they make great companions for the home. They are quite sharp and always remain alert and active.
8. Papillon
Papillons are known as the Continental Toy Spaniels because of their distinct butterfly-like fringed hair on ears. They are normally active, quite friendly and happy dogs, however, if not given adequate attention they might show behavioral issues. They do love companionship and will always try to be around their pet parents.
7. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is another great family dog. They are intelligent and loyal companions that can be left alone with small children because of their non-aggressive nature. The fact that they can easily imitate the routine of their owners without any training is proof of their intelligence and adaptable nature. Overall, they are good watchdogs and protective of their owners and their belongings.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, also commonly called Shelties, are friendly family dogs. They are known for their loud and friendly demeanor. Shelties are quite emotionally intelligent and remain in tune with the mood of their household and their owners. Qualities such as obedience and eagerness to please helps this breed rank high up in our list of the top 20 smartest dog breeds.
Some of the most prominent pet care companies include Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY), Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:WOOF), and Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS).
