Why not?
Dogs who are highly intelligent are dogs who need “jobs” and if you do not provide the dog with a job, it will find one. The most usual job a dog will find for itself is digging, followed by chewing, or other destructive behavior. Typically these dogs are active, to the point of being considered as being “hyper”. Some people find these dogs very demanding. If they want to play ball, you will not be able to stop a game easily.
Many times they are observant of human actions, watching you constantly, looking for clues as to what you want them to do next. As such they can be a problem for a first time owner who isn’t sure how to read a dogs signals or how to respond correctly. Intelligent dogs are often surrendered to shelters by people who got them as a cute puppies and were unable to cope with their mental needs.
Intelligent dogs need mental stimulation. This means more than just a “walk in the park” it means more than a 3 mile run every day. It means you have to interact with your dog in a way that stimulates his, or her, mind. A basic requirement is obedience lessons and regular practice of such. Smart dogs are keen to learn, but must be trained consistently.
Smart dogs often excel in agility classes or obedience trials. They are not a “stay at home-sleep on the couch” dog.
Who is the smartest dog of all?
Within every breed there are smarter dogs than others, on the whole though I would have to say that the Border Collie is the smartest dog breed of them all. They are bred and used to herd sheep, but they will herd other things too, including birds, and other pets, including your cat. They are my favorite breed to watch, but I would never own one. They are super intelligent. They are always looking for clues from their owner, in a true effort of wanting to please. A border collie is keen and always focused.
Aside from the Border Collie, other dogs who were bred as working dogs are fairly intelligent, Terriers were bred for hunting, so they are particularly smart, as are other herding breed dogs, scent and sight hounds, and retrievers.
Why would you want a “dumb” dog?
No dog is truly dumb, so just think of it as being “less intelligent”. Have you heard the saying “Ignorance is Bliss”? Try to apply that to the dog world, a dog who does not need a lot of mental stimulation is typically a happier dog. This dog isn’t worried about world affairs or who is coming to visit. These dogs can play ball, but are not going to follow you around the house with a ball in their mouth every time you are ready to call it quits. These dogs are usually okay home alone (assuming they are house trained of course) and will not destroy your belongings while you are out.
Your Choice
If you are considering getting a dog and are not sure what breed is right for you, remember that intelligence is a factor. You have to decide how much time you can devote to occupying your dogs mind, playing with it and stimulating it. You must also ask yourself how much this dog will be home alone. Do not fall in love with a puppy because it is cute, plan for your future, make sure the dog you get meets your needs, and that you can meet its’ needs.
Liked it
Darla Smith
On January 15, 2009 at 8:09 am
Great article and very helpful advice. Thanks for sharing.
clay hurtubise
On January 15, 2009 at 8:52 am
Fun piece. I’ve had extremely smart dogs (off leash in inner city with only hand signals by 10 weeks old) to Otis, an Old English Sheepdog, that is 100lbs of rump wiggling love – and a vacacany sign flashing over his head.
Thanks,
Clay
Reilley
On January 15, 2009 at 9:36 am
That explains a lot about some of the dogs I have had.
Will Gray
On January 15, 2009 at 11:29 am
Fantastic article.
Sotiris
On January 15, 2009 at 11:40 am
That’s why they say ” Dog is human’s best friend! “
Christy Tuller
On January 15, 2009 at 11:58 am
Excellent article! I totally agree about the Border Collie, they are very intelligent but what I would consider “high maintenance” because they need something to do all the time. All dogs are smart in their own way, even if we think they are “dumb”. i say, if you can leave them alone with out any distruction they are pretty smart in my book! Love dogs, love the article! Thanks!
Ruby Hawk
On January 15, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Dogs are wonderful companions if you are prepared to meet their needs.If not they are miserable and will make you miserable. A good thing to consider if you are thinking about getting a dog.
PR Mace
On January 16, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Great well done article. I loved the first picture with the dog pulling the cart. My Kole loves to run and our walks are more run than walk. Helps to keep me trimer. But I told my husband I need to just get him a cart and let me pull me. I was funny to see one.
OhSugar
On January 19, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I agree, dogs are some of the smartest animals around. They love you, and they enjoy be helpful. Every one of my pets have be dogs. However, I have never owned a collie. Nice piece.
Chambo
On January 21, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I agree. My Husky is very demanding. Good job. RJ
eddiego65
On January 22, 2009 at 8:50 am
Excellent article. I really love the pics.
THickle
On June 14, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I agree. My chihuahua learns really fast. I got him to learn to dance after just coaching him for a few minutes,and he knows many words, & learns people’s names quick. But he can be soooo annoying. He is ALWAYS watching me, picking up on me and other peoples moods and trying to control situations. If I don’t talk to him and chill with him like he is a person he gets depressed and lays under the covers.
Regina
On December 15, 2010 at 9:01 pm
The picture of s Shi Tzu on the “less intelligent”ones means that this is a breed of dumb dogs? Reaaly, I have 2 Shi Tzus one 15 and another 4 tears old. Believe me this is not a stupid breed…
Brenda Nelson
On December 16, 2010 at 12:38 pm
to Regina
A Shih Tzu is a less intelligent dog than say a Border Collie, this is why they make good house pets. If you do not walk a Shih Tzu one day it will not be bored and tear your house appart but a smarter breed of dog if left for too long will soon find its own things to do, and most mean the house is destroyed.