Smartest Breed List

[greener]

FYI
To decided the "smartest breeds" they polled a number of professional dog trainers about which breeds consistently reacted the first time a command was given, and how long it took to learn the command.
It didnt take into account how many boxers vs labs that the trainers had seen, or that trainer's disposition towards certain breeds.

The reality is, like many others have said, is that breeds like labs and GSDs are bread to do what they are told, and not think about it. To say that they are smarter isn't accurate. More obedient.. sure

No smart person wants a spouse who only "does what they are told," why do you want a dog with no personality?!?

 

[BoxerMom999]

Hmmm - a spouse that only does what he is told - I'll have to think about that for a bit - LOL.

But I certainly agree that boxers are extremely smart - and behave just like humans when it comes to doing what they want to do. I'll take personality over TOTAL obedience any day.

 

[BryceW]

No smart person wants a spouse who only "does what they are told,"

Ummm, maybe, but I sure would like to try it for a week!

 

[Super Boo]

Yeah I read the "smartest dog" list. I have friends who have Labs (#7 I think?). There is NO WAY their Labs are #7---they are so stupid!! All of my friend's Boxers are way sharper and more intelligent then the Labs (I think the Lab owners would agree:D ).

 

[Sonnysdad]

Sonny is the smartest umm...k "dog" I've know, was a great addition to our family! Unless u have one, u wont understand...

 

[Sonnysdad]

Yes and No. Only had Sonny for an hr when he bolted out our front door! All I did was whisle, pointed to the door, and said HOUSE, he ran right in...he was 10 months. He is now 16mos he knows sit, come, shake(both paws), wave, house, garage, truck, gate, wait, go get it, and just recently to stand on hind legs. Boxer owners dont need trainers! lastly boxers can be very obedient because they want to make u happy. Sonny follows me everywheres, dont use a leash no more!

 

[Bufords Pop]

They're silly

Some people misinterpret the sillyness of a boxer as being hard to train.. They're challenging to train- but I wouldn't call them hard to train.. You have to put some effort into making your training interesting, challenging and rewarding-FOR THE BOXER!! If he's not into what you're trying to sell him he aint buying.. And if he deems his reward unworthy for the effort we're asking of him he'll just blow us off.. I think it's pretty cool that they are able to comprehend so much- but there's no doubt that training them can be a challenge because of this..

The odd thing is I see this as them being extremely intelligent- yet trainers think of it as difficult, or less than intelligent.. Has nothing to do with intelligence.. They can handle everything we throw at them- as long as we present it in a way THEY feel is worthy of their time- it's a big world after all, and our babies have no time to waste..Keep their interest and training is pretty quick- don't and then the boxer starts to get silly.. Then your typical trainer or non boxer owner gets frustrated- which results in the boxer trying desperately to please- which almost always ends with much human frustration...

I truly believe that one of the things that sets us apart from other dog owners is our ability to "walk away" from a bad training session.. Sometimes it just doesn't work out for various reasons- not the least of which is that the boxer doesn't take himself too seriously.. Most boxer lovers understand and accept this and are able to recognize it right away.. I know when mine are feeling especially silly, we go be, well, silly..

 

[WAT]

We'll keep the smartness of the Boxers our little secret