12 Most Intelligent Small Dog Breeds: We Countdown The Small Dogs With Big Brains

Intelligence in dogs can manifest in various ways, from their ability to learn commands quickly to their problem-solving skills and adaptability. While large breeds often get the spotlight for their smarts, many small dog breeds are equally impressive in the intelligence department. These small dogs pack big brains, excelling in obedience, agility, and various dog sports. They are quick learners, eager to please, and often surprise their owners with their clever antics. These breeds offer companionship and engage their owners with sharp minds and quick wit.

12. Papillon

Papillons are known for their butterfly-like ears and bright, alert expressions. Despite their small size, they possess remarkable intelligence and agility. Papillons excel in obedience and agility competitions, often outperforming larger breeds. They are quick learners and highly trainable, eager to please their owners. Their inquisitiveness and high energy levels mean they thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Papillons are also very social and enjoy interactive play and training sessions. Their combination of intelligence, agility, and affectionate nature makes them a delightful and capable companion.

11. Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

Poodles, whether Toy or Miniature, are among the smartest dog breeds, known for their high trainability and problem-solving skills. These small Poodles are incredibly versatile, excelling in obedience, agility, and even trick training. Their hypoallergenic coats require regular grooming, but their intelligence makes them easy to train for grooming routines. Poodles are very social and bond closely with their owners, often thriving in environments with plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. Their quick learning ability and adaptability make Poodles a top choice for those seeking an intelligent, engaging small dog.

10. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are energetic and spirited dogs known for their intelligence and trainability. They are quick to learn new commands and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience, agility, and even scent work. Miniature Schnauzers have a keen sense of awareness and are excellent watchdogs, always alert to their surroundings. Their intelligence, combined with their friendly and outgoing nature, makes them wonderful companions for active families. Miniature Schnauzers’ ability to learn quickly and their enthusiasm for training makes them stand out among small dog breeds.

9. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are highly intelligent and trainable dogs known for their herding abilities. Despite their small size, Shelties excel in obedience and agility competitions, often outperforming larger breeds. They are quick learners and highly responsive to commands, making them easy to train. Shelters are also very intuitive and can sense their owners’ emotions, often providing comfort and companionship. Their intelligence and loyal and affectionate nature make Shelties a popular choice for those seeking a smart and loving small dog.

8. Border Terrier

Border Terriers are small, sturdy dogs known for their intelligence and tenacity. Bred for hunting and working, they have a strong prey drive and excellent problem-solving skills. Border Terriers are quick learners and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience, agility, and even earth dog trials. They are also very social and enjoy spending time with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence and energetic and playful nature make Border Terriers a delightful and capable companion.

7. Havanese

Havanese are small, affectionate dogs known for their intelligence and trainability. They quickly learn new commands and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience, agility, and trick training. Havanese are also very social and enjoy interacting with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence and friendly and outgoing nature make them wonderful companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Havanese’s ability to learn quickly and their enthusiasm for training makes them a standout among small dog breeds.

6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs with a big personality and remarkable intelligence. Bred for herding, Corgis have a natural ability to work closely with humans and are highly trainable. They excel in obedience and agility competitions, often demonstrating their quick learning ability and problem-solving skills. Corgis are also very social and enjoy being involved in family activities, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence, combined with their playful and affectionate nature, makes Pembroke Welsh Corgis a popular choice for those seeking a smart and engaging small dog.

5. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and spirited dogs known for their intelligence and tenacity. Bred for hunting and working, they have a strong prey drive and excellent problem-solving skills. Jack Russells are quick learners and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience, agility, and earth dog trials. They are also very social and enjoy spending time with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence and energetic and playful nature make Jack Russell Terriers a delightful and capable companion.

4. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small dogs with a big personality and remarkable intelligence. Known for their vibrant personalities and strong loyalty to their owners, Pomeranians are incredibly alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are quick learners and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience and trick training. Pomeranians thrive on human companionship and can be very protective of their loved ones, often showing a boldness that belies their small size. Their intelligence and playful and affectionate nature make Pomeranians a popular choice for those seeking a smart and engaging small dog.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate dogs known for their intelligence and trainability. They quickly learn new commands and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience and agility. Cavaliers are very social and enjoy interacting with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence and friendly and outgoing nature make them wonderful companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Cavaliers’ ability to learn quickly and their enthusiasm for training makes them stand out among small dog breeds.

2. Schipperke

Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs known for their intelligence and independent nature. Bred as watchdogs and ratters, they have excellent problem-solving skills and a strong prey drive. Schipperkes are quick learners and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their minds, such as obedience, agility, and scent work. They are also very social and enjoy spending time with their families, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence, combined with their energetic and playful nature, makes Schipperkes a delightful and capable companion.

1. Border Collie

Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and work ethic, making them one of the smartest dog breeds of any size. Despite their small to medium size, Border Collies excel in obedience, agility, herding, and other dog sports, often demonstrating their quick learning ability and problem-solving skills. They are highly trainable and thrive on mental and physical stimulation, often outperforming larger breeds in various competitions. Border Collies are also very social and enjoy being involved in family activities, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their intelligence and energetic and affectionate nature make Border Collies a popular choice for those seeking a smart and engaging small dog.

These small dog breeds exemplify intelligence in various ways, from their quick learning abilities to their problem-solving skills and adaptability. Their sharp minds and eagerness to please make them exceptional companions, capable of excelling in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Whether you are looking for a small dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle or a companion that can engage in interactive play and training sessions, these intelligent breeds offer the perfect blend of brains and charm. Owning one of these smart small dogs means having a loyal and capable partner by your side, ready to impress you with their clever antics and unwavering devotion.