Here is a list of the top 10 smartest dog breeds for 2009!  Some dog breeds are repeats of previous years, some breeds may surprise you, but all will surely impress you!

#10      Australian Cattle Dog

You can probably guess from the name that this breed eats, sleeps and breathes herding!  The Australian Cattle Dog is known to be very loyal to and protective of its owners and their belongings.  They can be very methodical - some have even been known to organize their own toys when they’ve finished playing with them! The Australian Cattle Dog is a very bright and action-packed breed but the herding instinct in them could lead to ankle nipping if they are not given plenty to do to keep them busy!

#9        Rottweiler

Often the undeserving recipient of a bad reputation, the Rottweiler is a courageous, intelligent and loyal dog that if properly trained, can be a wonderful companion to both adults and children.  Sadly, because Rotties are a Power Breed, they are often owned by people with the worst of intentions.  Don’t be hesitant to let a Rottweiler into your home and your family, but do your research on where and whom you get him from.

#8        Papillon

Once you know that ‘Papillon’ is the French word for ‘butterfly,’ you can understand where this breed got its name from!  Those ‘butterfly’ ears act as a very effective radar system that allows the Papillon to process information from its environment more quickly that other breeds.  This could also be seen as a defense mechanism for such a small breed with little else to defend itself.  With impressive stamina and a big-dog attitude, this is one Toy Breed that has no idea how small it is!

#7        Labrador Retriever

Well no wonder this breed is America’s Favorite!  More dog owners in the U.S. own a Lab than any other breed.  Labrador Retrievers are everything you could want in a dog – loyal, kind, patient, kid friendly, and intelligent.  In fact, their so studious, some have been known to train themselves just by observing!  Two things to note, however; they do get bored easily and can be very destructive if left to occupy themselves, and they are more likely to show a burglar where the dog treats are then to guard the house!  If you get a Lab, expect to live with a puppy for several years!

#6        Shetland Sheepdog

Like the Australian Cattle Dog, these herders will keep, well, everything out of your garden!  ‘would all squirrels and chipmunks kindly assemble in the corner of the property?’  Another high-energy breed, Shelties do need room to run but can also be quite content on the lap of just about anyone willing to rub a belly!  Some have been known however, to be a bit hesitant around strangers.

#5        Doberman Pinscher

This distinguished looking breed has been around for centuries.  A popular guard dog, they too, like the Rottie, often get a bad reputation.  If they are trained to guard, they will do the job without fear.  Likewise, if they are raised as a family dog, they will offer unconditional devotion to both adults and children.  Again, like the Rottie, research is key when considering one to adopt.

#4        Golden Retriever

It’s all in a name!  This handsome breed lives to, well, retrieve!  Catching and fetching are the Golden Retriever’s two favorite words!  The Golden is one of the easiest breeds to train due to its unending supply of patience.  Some have been reported to have learned over 200 commands!  As great companion dogs, owning this breed is sure to provide a friendship made of gold!

#3        German Shepherd

#2        Standard Poodle

This is one case where the name just does not do it justice!  ‘Standard’ – Hmmph!  How dare they?  These regal dogs are sharp as a tack and love to please people!  This breed is perfect for the active or eccentric type that would want to train they’re dog to, say, get a soda from the fridge or flush the toilet!  Ever notice they’re used in the circus?

#1        Border Collie

Well you probably could have guessed it!  Anyone who has ever owned or known a Border Collie has uttered the words, ‘they’re too smart for their own good, I just can’t keep up!’  With an intelligence level that can be exhausting, but a drive and devotion that deserve a medal, these dogs are a given for any kind of dog sports.  Nothing pleases Border Collies more than working and playing with their owners.  NOTE:  This is one of the highest energy dog breeds out there and must have room to run and PLENTY of things to do, preferably things to herd.  I used to have one that would spend her spare time herding my cats around the house! The cats eventually got used to it and it became a game of sorts.