Smart dogs are typically intelligent because they were bred with a purpose in mind, like herding livestock, protection, or hunting. With intelligence can come stubbornness, so these breeds are well-suited for people with patience and a lot of attention to give. However, with some proper training (for yourself), the sky is the limit on what these brainiacs can accomplish. They’ve been known to memorize dozens of commands and use logical reasoning that would put some humans to shame. They may figure out how to open doors and cabinets and problem solve in ways you can’t imagine, but for active dog owners, these dogs can be a lot of fun and make wonderful companions. Many of these breeds are highly energetic so making time each day to give them both physical and mental enrichment is key to keeping those busy brains out of trouble. Select from the popular breeds above to learn more, or use our Breed Explorer to find the intelligent dog you're looking for.