Ranking the Smartest Small Dog Breeds for Training and Intelligence

If you're looking for a small dog that's as smart as it is adorable, you're in luck. The Miniature Schnauzer is a top contender, ranking 7th in Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs" for its ability to learn and understand commands.

Their intelligence is matched only by their loyalty and affection towards their owners. Miniature Schnauzers are known to be highly trainable, making them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.

The Papillon, another small breed, is a close third in Stanley Coren's rankings, coming in at 12th for its exceptional problem-solving skills. Their intelligence is likely due to their high energy levels and strong desire to please their owners.

With their big ears and even bigger brains, Papillons are a popular choice for families who want a small but mighty companion.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Popular Pomeranian Dog

Poodles are surprisingly clever, with an average life expectancy of 10-18 years. They're known to love learning new tricks and showing off for their owners.

In any size, from tiny toys to small miniatures to large standards, poodles excel at learning tricks and obedience. They're people-oriented and eager to please, but need a good deal of daily exercise and healthy outlets for their energy and cleverness.

Here's a quick look at the average height and weight of poodles in different sizes:

The Yorkipoo is a playful, mixed breed dog that makes the perfect pet for families.

With the tiny stature of a Yorkshire terrier, Yorkipoos are a great choice for those who live in small spaces.

Their intelligence is inherited from the miniature poodle side, making them highly trainable and responsive to commands.

Their hypoallergenic coat is a big plus for families with members who suffer from allergies.

The Bichon Frise is a non-shedding dog.

They're known for being unbelievably happy, loving and lovable.

Their intelligence is undeniable, although they can be a bit stubborn at times.

Poodles are one of the smartest small dog breeds out there. They're known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them excel in obedience and agility competitions.

Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The miniature variety weighs in at a manageable 15 to 17 pounds.

One of the reasons Poodles are so intelligent is that they were originally bred as hunting dogs in Germany. They were used for duck-hunting and water retrieval, which required a lot of problem-solving and quick thinking.

In fact, Poodles are so smart that they love to learn new tricks and show off for their owners. They're people-oriented and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.

Here's a breakdown of the different sizes of Poodles:

Poodles have a long history of working alongside their humans, which has made them highly trainable. They're still frequently at the top of the winner's podium at obedience and agility competitions.

The Papillon is one of the smallest dog breeds, but its intelligence is not to be underestimated. It ranks high in Stanley Coren's list of smartest dog breeds.

Papillons are quick to learn, making training a breeze, and they excel in agility and obedience. Their perceptive nature also makes them highly active.

Their intelligence is a result of their long history as a companion breed, with a lineage dating back almost 700 years. This has given them ample time to evolve into one of the world's smartest dogs.

Papillons are naturally curious and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. They're also highly active, requiring lots of exercise and engagement to stay happy and calm.

Here's a comparison of the Papillon's characteristics:

Despite their small size, Papillons are confident, energetic, and make loyal family pets. Their affectionate and playful nature also makes them a popular choice for households with children.

Papillons can understand up to 250 words, and some even comprehend more. But what's more fundamental to their intelligence is their ability to communicate effectively with humans.

Miniature Schnauzers are highly intelligent dogs, ranking 12th among the most intelligent dog breeds. They are quick learners and enjoy being challenged, exceling at sports like agility and competitive obedience.

Their alert and playful nature makes them a joy to be around, and they are perceptive and quick to learn new skills. Originally bred to work on farms in Germany, these pups still love having a job to do.

Miniature Schnauzers are highly trainable, but they can grow quickly bored with rote learning. To keep their attention, training needs to be fun with variety and plenty of rewards.

Here are some key facts about Miniature Schnauzers:

They are adaptable dogs that can do equally well in a variety of living situations, from apartments to farms, as long as they get plenty of play and exercise each day. With their big-dog confidence in a small-dog body, it's no wonder they make great city companions.

Dogs are highly trainable, and their intelligence is a key factor in their ability to learn. According to renowned canine researcher Stanley Coren, PhD, the smartest dog breeds have a strong desire to communicate effectively with humans.

The average dog can understand 160 words, and some dogs comprehend as many as 250 or more. This ability to understand human language is essential for effective communication and training.

Miniature Schnauzers, for example, are known to be quick learners and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They thrive on variety and rewards in their training, and can grow bored with rote learning if not kept engaging.

Here are some key traits to look for in a smart dog breed:

Regardless of breed, consistent and positive training is essential for any dog to reach its full potential. As trainer Yin says, "For breeds, instincts make a difference, but for the basics - 'sit,' 'come,' 'down' - they'll all learn at the same rate."

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a great example of a dog that can learn and thrive with proper training, just like their larger husky counterparts. They will only weigh up to 15 pounds.

This breed is perfect for owners who need a smaller dog that can keep up with their active lifestyle. They are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks.

Their small size makes them a great choice for city living or for families with small children. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

With their high intelligence and strong desire to please, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a great breed for first-time dog owners or experienced trainers alike.

Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent workers, but they can be stubborn and extremely energetic.

Their independent nature means they require more motivation to learn, whether it's praise, petting, or treats.

A Jack Russell Terrier, for example, has to be rewarded quickly with a treat or they'll lose interest in learning, unlike some other breeds that can be motivated with a simple pat on the head.

With good technique, a Jack Russell Terrier can learn basic commands like 'sit', 'come', and 'down' at the same rate as other breeds.

However, their high energy level means they need consistent and engaging training to keep them focused and motivated.

For another approach, see: Fell Terrier Cross Jack Russell

The miniature Poodle is a clever breed that's perfect for owners who want a small but mighty companion. They typically weigh between 15 to 17 pounds.

One of the most impressive things about miniature Poodles is their intelligence. They love to learn new tricks and show off for their owners, making them a joy to train. With their strong connection to their people, miniature Poodles are relatively easy to train and aim to please.

Related reading: Toy Poodles Pros Cons

Miniature Poodles require a good deal of daily exercise and healthy outlets for their energy and cleverness. They excel at learning tricks and obedience, as well as dog sports. Their small size makes them an excellent choice for apartment living or for owners who don't have a lot of space.

Here's a quick rundown of the miniature Poodle's key characteristics:

Overall, the miniature Poodle is a wonderful breed that's sure to bring joy and companionship into your life.

The Basenji is a unique breed with a rich history. They originated in Africa as hunting dogs, valued for their intelligence and independence.

Basenjis are known for their distinct vocalizations, making an odd chortle-like sound instead of a typical bark.

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a highly intelligent breed that excels in herding, agility, and obedience training. They're known for their quick learning ability and can pick up new commands in just a few repetitions.

One of the reasons Shelties are so smart is because they're eager to please and motivated to keep trying until they get it right. This makes them great at learning new things and responding to commands.

Shelties are also naturally athletic and energetic, which means they need a moderate amount of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks and dog sports are great ways to keep them active and engaged.

Here are some key facts about the Shetland Sheepdog breed:

As a relatively small breed, Shelties are also great watchdogs due to their ability to sense danger and their tendency to "yell" at strangers. However, they can be a little excitable and may bark frequently, so training them to stop barking on command is a great idea.

Schipperkes are intelligent dogs that can quickly learn new skills, but they have an independent and mischievous streak that can make them a bit of a challenge to train. Patience, persistence, and consistency are key to helping them learn and grow into well-behaved adults.

These dogs are naturally curious explorers that need to be kept on a leash or behind a fence to keep them from running off to find their own adventures. They have a tendency to bark, which makes them excellent watchdogs, but can be taught to tone it down when the barking becomes too much.

Schipperkes are quick learners and love to train with their people, especially if it means they get to be with them. Positive reinforcement is an effective way to train them, and they excel with it.

To keep their minds stimulated, Schipperkes need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A home with a fenced yard is a good fit for them, and puzzle toys and ongoing obedience training can help keep their minds active.

Here are some key characteristics of Schipperkes that are relevant to their intelligence and trainability:

With patience, persistence, and consistency, you can help your Schipperke learn and grow into a well-behaved adult. They may be small in stature, but they have a big personality and a strong desire to please their people.

Teaching a dog new tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. The key to success lies in understanding their individual personalities and needs.

Some breeds, like the Miniature Schnauzer, are naturally smart and eager to please, making them quick learners. They thrive on variety and rewards in their training, so mix things up and keep them engaged.

On the other hand, breeds like the Shih Tzu, Bassett hound, and Bulldog may require more patience and consistent training due to their independent nature. They may need to hear commands multiple times before obeying.

Positive and consistent training is essential for all dogs, regardless of breed or intelligence level. A good trainer can bring out the best in their dog, making them appear smarter than they actually are.

Here are some dog breeds that may require more time and effort in training:

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog learn new tricks and strengthen your bond with them.