Dogs are brilliant animals. But did you know that some breeds are smarter than others? Not only can our dogs learn and react to a wealth of human language, but they also seem to be able to understand our moods.

It isn't as simple as you'd think when it comes to deciding which dogs are smart and which are bottom of the class. Dog IQ tests are mostly based on a dog's desire to get treats or toys, so the results are often colored by how treat-driven the dog is.

Over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years, dogs have been bred to be specialists at doing certain jobs, so some breeds excel at certain skills more than others. For example, Bloodhounds can follow a week-old scent for over 100 miles, while Border Collies are incredibly talented when it comes to showing off their tricks and agility.

However, some dog breeds are particularly good at learning new things, including tricks and commands. So, we've put together a list of the top five smartest dog breeds from around the world.

1. Border Collie

Most obedience champions, agility stars, flyball wizards, and sheepdog herding winners are Border Collies.

Their intelligence, enthusiasm, and willingness to work have seen them awarded the top spot in canine psychologist Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings, so they deserve their

place at the top of a list of smartest dog breeds.

Border Collies are always ready to work, attentive, lively, and alert. They will form a very close bond with their owner and family but, unless given plenty of time and exercise, they are not ideal pets for a family with very young children, as it’s in their nature to herd anything that moves - your children; included! If not kept physically and mentally stimulated, they will become bored, developing behavioral problems, or getting into mischief, as their brains are always active.

The Border Collie will suit an extremely active owner who can give them plenty of exercises, enjoys training, and wants a very full-on dog.

2. German Shepherd

A German Shepherd is a ubiquitous working dog, and it's thanks to their huge intelligence. This breed has been a devoted companion to the armed forces, police, and security services, so you may not be surprised to know that they are one of the cleverest dog breeds. Extremely adaptable and trainable, German Shepherd dogs are always popular among the military and police as they're easy to train to sniff out bombs, drugs, and even people! Due to their super-powered nose, they're also frequently used as search and rescue dogs.

German Shepherds' ability to learn new things also was used as the first-ever guide dogs. If you're thinking about getting one, you should know that they require plenty of exercises and mental stimulation for all that brainpower, so if you don't have much time on your hands, a German Shepherd may not be for you.

Before considering a German Shepherd, it's important to know that this breed can be prone to health problems. Be sure to do your research and only purchase a puppy from a Kennel Club accredited breeder or a breeder that does health tests.

Renowned as a ‘one-man (or woman) dog,’ the GSD forms a strong, affectionate, and close bond with their handler and will want to be with them as much as possible. Their loyalty is undeniable; however, unfortunately, over the last few decades, many breeders seeking to promote their natural guarding tendencies have selected nervous animals who alert faster out of a lack of confidence and who are willing to use aggression first rather than last.

A well-bred, well-reared German Shepherd should be bold, confident, swift and intelligent, and always calm and steady enough to be able to listen to their owner or handler whatever the circumstances. They are eager to learn and easy to train with the right approach, using kindness, positive reinforcement, and patience.

3. Toy Poodle

These dogs are so much more than your average pampered pooch. Many believe that Toy Poodles are little more than fluffy fashion accessories. But did you know that they are the smartest dog breeds and have an extremely high working intelligence?

Many people forget the poodle's working roots, but they were actually bred to fetch things out of the water, making these dogs amazing swimmers. They're an incredibly clever dog breed, and they can read human body language and sometimes are even known to anticipate their owner's actions before they speak or gesture.

Despite being small in stature, they're considered one of the most trainable dog breeds, as Toy Poodles genuinely enjoy learning. Plus, they're a hypoallergenic dog breed, which is perfect for people with allergies to dogs.

4. Papillon

Papillons are small dogs with a huge brains and are the number one toy breed in obedience competitions. They also excel in the mini versions of virtually every dog sport, making them great for outdoor dog training. This smart dog breed even has a sophisticated French name - 'papillon' means butterfly in French, and it comes from the shape of their ears!

A glamorous, delicate-looking dog with ears that resemble a butterfly or a moth, the Papillon dog's coat is long and silky and essentially white with patches of color (see the breed standard for full details). The tricolor coat is white and black with specific tan markings. Adult dogs stand at 20-28cm and weigh 3-5kg.

An alert, friendly, energetic little dog, the Papillon dog is a rewarding, loving companion that enjoys taking part in family activities, as well as spending time on laps!

5. Shetland Sheepdog