7 Smartest Small Dog Breeds

Dogs are great companions. They can be there for you when you’re alone at home.

Besides having a cute little friend, you can also be amazed by their skills and intelligence.

Do you want to have a smart dog in your house?

This article will then provide you a list of the seven smartest small dog breeds that you can choose from to be a member of your family. 

1. Toy Poodle 

Toy and Miniature Poodle are among the canine world’s smartest small dog breeds.

Miniature Poodles were bred as truffle hunting dogs before them becoming companion dogs.

Today, both Miniature and Toy Poodle are easy to train because of their intelligence. They can excel in different dog sports. 

These Poodle types are great for playing with your children. They love to be with their human family.

They love to seek attention, so shower them with your love, attention, and care to make them happy.

However, Poodle tends to be dominant, so train them with a positive approach.

If you want a cute and intelligent family dog, Toy and Miniature Poodle are good options. 

2. Papillon 

Papillon, another small dog, is one of the most intelligent lap dogs. It is adorable and cute, with ears shaped like a butterfly.

This dog only weighs about 10 pounds. Despite its small size, Papillon is active in various dog sports.

The breed is considered among the most extroverted dogs. They love to do tasks, go out, and indulge in various activities. 

These dogs come with a high level of intelligence. You can easily train them with reward attraction.

They are confident dogs that love adventure. They have a beautiful appearance and adorable personality that may impress you. 

3. Shetland Sheepdog 

The Shetland Sheepdog is a smart, small dog good with children. They are intelligent and serve humans as a herding dog.

They have the ability to sense danger and perform other tough duties. They can easily learn even complex things. 

In addition to performing tough tasks, they can also be an intelligent dog that can provide you with fun and entertainment.

They love to have a party: the Shetland Sheepdog seeks affection and love for their training.

Avoid scolding your dog and train them based on their interests and nature. If you look for an agility dog, Shetland Sheepdog is the best option. 

4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is another smart dog you can choose to be your pet.

They are a multitasker and considered as a dwarf herding dog. Originally, this breed is known for driving camels and cattle.

They are also used with other livestock. They are also capable of doing other tasks, including different sports. 

If you want a small companion with a high intelligence level, a good choice would be a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

They can learn tasks easily. Meanwhile, it is better to give them positive training to be a well-rounded dog. They are sweet that will make you love them more. 

5. Yorkshire Terrier 

Another small smart dog is a Yorkshire Terrier. It is also one of the non-shedding breeds, making it ideal for pet owners who have an allergy.

This Terrier is also famous for its charming and adorable personality. This breed loves to perform different sports and small activities.

With its stunning personality, you can have fun and entertainment while playing with your pet.

Aside from being lovable, they are also easy to train. You can provide them rewards to motivate them with their training performance.

If you want a smart pet with a strong personality, the Yorkshire Terrier is the perfect breed for you. 

6. Fox Terrier 

The Fox Terrier is a brilliant dog that will amaze you. It served as Executive First Pooch for US President Herbert Hoover.

It is also among the breeds developed for exterminating mice, rats, foxes, and other farm pests. 

They are good hunter dogs. According to AKC, Fox Terrier is also a good pet for families with children.

Thus, it is a playful and non-aggressive dog. Since they are great watchdogs, they love digging, which is also easy to handle. They have a powerful sense of smell and eyesight. 

7. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is originally employed to deal with Scottish farms’ pests. It also gets its reputation in “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy’s sidekick.

They also have the impulse to dig and hunt small animals. 

If you want an intelligent and versatile dog, Cairn Terrier is the right option. This breed is energetic and purposeful.

They can stand out in tracking, obedience, and agility tests. Meanwhile, don’t make it a terror by setting too many walks and exercises.   

So, that is the list of the seven most intelligent dogs that you can select from to be a new member of your family.

Before you get a smart pet, you must also know how to take care of them in the best way. 

Taking care of your smart dog 

Having a smart dog is a blessing. Thus, you have an amazing dog that others can admire.

They can also provide you with fun and companionship whenever you’re alone.

It can help you feel relax and entertained. Meanwhile, you also need to take responsibility for taking care of your smart dog. You can consider the following tips. 

Apply positive training 

Don’t scold your pet as you train her or him. Instead, use a positive approach to encourage them to improve their performance.

You can give them treat and rewards once they perform well. The good news is that you can easily train the smart dogs mentioned above.

You just need patience and discipline to train them well. 

Provide your pet with exercise 

Although smart small dogs don’t need too much exercise, you must provide them enough playtime.

Allow them to enjoy different dog sports and activities. They can improve their skills and prevent separation anxiety, loneliness, and depression. It can improve their overall health. 

Give them nutritious foods 

Just like kids, you must provide your smart pet with healthy and nutritious foods to keep them healthy and happy.

You can ask a professional vet about the quality foods you can provide to them. 

Proper grooming 

Proper grooming is essential to keep your pet beautiful and healthy. Provide them with a regular bath. 

Medical checkups 

You must take your pet to regular medical checkups to monitor their health status. In this way, you can check if they are suffering from a potential health issue. 

Shower your pet with time, love, and attention

Most intelligent dogs love to seek attention from their human family.

Therefore, make sure to give your pet time, attention, and love. With this, they can feel loved and special that can make them happy. 

By applying these tips, you can take care of your pet and allow them to live the life they deserve.

Additionally, it can also help them avoid possible health problems that may threaten their lifespan. 

Other Smart Small Dogs 

In case you can’t find the dog breeds mentioned earlier, the following are other smart small dogs you can choose from.

• Rat Terrier 

The Rat Terrier is usually used as farm dogs way back in the 20th century. They have hunting skills above and underground. It is a loyal dog and can be trained easily. 

• Brussels Griffon 

The Brussels Griffon is also an intelligent dog that can amaze you. It can be your best behaved little dog.

It is talented and can learn tricks easily. This dog breed needs lots of walking and playing for mental and physical stimulation. They are adorable and affectionate. 

• Miniature Schnauzer 

If you want a hypoallergenic dog, Miniature Schnauzer is the best choice. It is a mix of Schnauzer and Poodles.

It is a trainable and active dog. It is among the smartest dogs that you can make as your pet. 

• The Schipperke 

This breed is a small and smart herding dog that is originated in Belgium.

They have a powerful personality and love an active lifestyle. They are trainable and stand out in different dog sports. 

• Pomeranian 

This small dog breed is also one of the intelligent dogs out there. They are bred as companions and lapdog.

If you wish to have an active dog, this breed can be right for you. They love training and various activities. They love dog sports. 

You can choose the best dog breed that suits your taste and standards. 

Conclusion 

There we go, so that is the list of the top 7 smartest small dog breeds you can choose as your family pet.

Although they have a high intelligence level, it is important to provide them with proper and positive training to enhance their behavior. 

Even more important, you must be responsible for their daily needs and maintenance.

With that, they can live a happier, active, and healthier lifestyle that they deserve.

Are you ready to have a new family member? What are you waiting for? Choose your smart dog today!