#10 Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain.  This dog breed is medium-sized and short haired.  It has either brown or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat.  This dog has a high energy level, quick intelligence and an independence streak.  It has been nicknamed a “red heeler” or “blue heeler” on the basis of its coloring and the practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping their heels.

#9 Rottweiler

This breed of domestic dog originated in Rottweil, Germany.  They were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market.  The Rottweiler is a medium to large breed of dog with short hair.  Rottweilers are now also used in search and rescue, as guide dogs for the blind, as guard or police dogs, and in other roles.  These dogs are robust and powerful, this breed is happiest with a job.

#8 Papillon

The Papillon (the French word for butterfly) is the oldest of the toy spaniels and derives it name from the characteristic fringed hair on the ears giving a butterfly appearance.  This small breed is predominately white but has a mask of color that covers both eyes and ears from back to front.  This dog is highly intelligent and has an easy time learning tricks.   They are playful and affectionate with a high energy level so they require a lot of exercise.

#7 Labrador Retriever

This breed is a kind of “gun dog” and has characteristic webbed paws for swimming, useful for the breed’s original purpose of retrieving fishing nets.  The Lab is one of the most popular “assistance breeds” as well as been widely used by police and other official bodies for detection and working abilities.  This breed is good with young children, the elderly and for protection, they are gentle and intelligent.

#6 Shetland Sheepdog

This breed, also known as a Sheltie, is a kind of herding dog.  They are a small to medium breed and are excitable, energetic dogs willing to please and work hard.  They are partly derived from dogs used in the Shetland Isles for herding and protecting sheep. This is a rough-coated, longhaired working breed that is keenly intelligent and excels in herding.

#5 Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.  This breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog.  The breed to a medium to large breed with a short coat.  The dog was originally intended as a guard dog,so males should have a masculine, muscular, noble appearance.Females are thinner, but should not be spindly.  Dobermans are known for intelligence, speed and stamina.

#4 Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a medium sized dog that was historically bred as a gun dog to retrieve shot waterfowl during hunting and shooting parties.  Therefore this breed has a soft mouth, to retrieve game birds without damaging them, and an inherent love of water.  The outer coat is sleek and water repellent.  This breed is intelligent, gentle and loyal, thus making them a good family pet as wel as a versatile worker for jobs such as guide dogs and search and rescue dogs.

#3 German Shepherd

This large dog breed originated in Germany.  The German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding and guarding sheep. Because of its strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training it is often employed in police and military roles around the world.  German Shepherds were bred specifically for their intelligence, a trait for which they are now renowned.  Well-trained and socialized German Shepherd Dogs have a reputation among many as being very safe, loyal and protective.

#2 The Poodle

The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors.  Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding.  The poodle is a very active, exceptionally intelligent and elegant dog, squarely built, and well proportioned.

#1 Border Collie

The Border Collie is a herding dog breed developed in the Anglo-Scottish border region for herding livestock, especially sheep.  Typically extremely energetic, acrobatic, and athletic, they frequently compete with great success in dog sports, in addition to their success in sheepdog trials, and are cited as the most intelligent of all dogs.  This breed is a workaholic, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability.