27 Smartest Small Dog Breeds That Prove Big Intelligence Comes in Tiny Packages

Breeds
By Jonas Becker

Small dogs often pack a punch when it comes to intelligence, proving that size doesn’t determine brainpower. These pint-sized companions exhibit remarkable problem-solving abilities, trainability, and sometimes a surprising understanding of human emotions. Whether it’s learning new tricks or figuring out clever ways to get what they want, these breeds consistently shine. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of small dog breeds known for their intelligence, providing insights into what makes each one remarkable. Get ready to be amazed by these tiny four-legged geniuses who bring joy and cleverness into our lives.

Poodle (Toy)

© splitmountaindoodles

Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence and elegance. Despite their small size, they are incredibly agile and quick to learn. Often, they excel in obedience training and agility competitions.

With a keen sense of their surroundings, these dogs quickly adapt to new environments. Their ability to learn commands and tricks rapidly makes them delightful companions.

They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy activities that challenge their sharp minds. Having a toy poodle means having a partner that’s always eager to learn and participate in activities.

Papillon

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The Papillon is a breed that dazzles with its charming appearance and intelligence. Known for their large, butterfly-like ears, these dogs are not just about looks.

Papillons are incredibly smart and often excel in agility and obedience sports. They’re quick learners and love to show off their tricks.

Their friendly nature and eagerness to please make them great family pets. Engaging them in training activities keeps them happy, ensuring they remain mentally stimulated and content.

Shetland Sheepdog

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Shetland Sheepdogs, often called Shelties, are known for their intelligence and herding capabilities. These dogs are quick learners and respond well to training.

Their instinctual herding behavior means they excel in activities that challenge their natural skills. Shelties are also very loyal and form strong bonds with their families.

Known for their problem-solving abilities, they often surprise owners with their clever antics. Having a Sheltie means having a vigilant and intelligent companion by your side.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

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Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small but packed with intelligence and energy. Known for their distinctive short legs and fox-like faces, these dogs are quick learners.

Corgis are very trainable and often excel in obedience and agility courses. Their herding instincts sometimes manifest in playful nipping, a trait from their past as cattle herders.

With a cheerful disposition and a love for learning, Corgis make wonderful companions for active families who enjoy engaging with their pets.

Miniature Schnauzer

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Miniature Schnauzers are spirited little dogs with a lot of intelligence to boot. Known for their distinctive beards, they are as smart as they are charming.

These dogs are highly trainable and often participate in obedience and agility competitions. Their alert nature means they’re excellent watchdogs, always keeping an eye on their surroundings.

With their friendly demeanor and eagerness to please, Miniature Schnauzers are wonderful companions for those seeking a lively and clever pet.

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russell Terriers are known for their boundless energy and sharp minds. These small dogs are incredibly intelligent and require regular mental and physical stimulation.

Known for their hunting instincts, they often excel in activities like flyball and agility sports. Their tenacious spirit sometimes leads them into mischief, but their cleverness wins the hearts of many.

With the right training and activities, Jack Russells make energetic and loyal companions, perfect for owners who love an active lifestyle.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

© slo.dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels blend elegance with intelligence. These dogs are not only beautiful but also exceptionally smart, making them easy to train.

Their gentle nature and eagerness to please make them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. Cavaliers are known for their affectionate behavior and strong desire to be around their humans.

Whether learning new tricks or simply lounging around, they bring joy and warmth to any home, always with a loving gaze.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are known for their lively personalities and intelligence. These dogs are quick to learn and often exhibit delightful quirks that entertain their owners.

Despite their regal appearance, they are playful and enjoy engaging in games and tricks. Their alert nature makes them good watchdogs, always aware of their environment.

With a Shih Tzu, you have a companion that’s both charming and smart, always ready to bring happiness and a bit of sass into your life.

West Highland White Terrier

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West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are small dogs with big personalities. These intelligent dogs are known for their independence and lively nature.

They are quick learners, often mastering new commands and tricks with ease. Westies have a strong hunting instinct, evident in their love for digging and exploring.

With their cheerful disposition and clever antics, they bring joy and laughter to any household, making them wonderful companions for those who appreciate a dog with spirit.

Pomeranian

© thasklassy

Pomeranians are small dogs with huge personalities. Known for their intelligence and vivacious nature, they often excel in obedience training.

These dogs are quick learners and enjoy performing tricks for their families. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, always ready to alert their owners to any unusual activity.

With their fluffy appearance and playful antics, Pomeranians bring excitement and warmth to any home, making them delightful companions for those who enjoy a spirited pet.

Havanese

© zoetispetcare

Havanese dogs are intelligent and affectionate companions. Known for their cheerful disposition, they are quick to learn and eager to please.

These dogs excel in agility and obedience training, making them versatile pets. They’re also known for their adaptability, thriving in various living situations.

With their playful nature and strong bond with humans, Havanese dogs make excellent family pets, always ready to entertain with their clever antics and loving cuddles.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small but full of character. Known for their intelligence and feisty nature, they often exhibit a keen curiosity about their surroundings.

These dogs are quick learners, mastering commands and tricks with ease, and they enjoy being the center of attention. Their alertness makes them good watchdogs despite their small size.

With their glamorous appearance and spirited personalities, Yorkies bring joy and energy to any household, making them the perfect companions for those who love a lively pet.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds are known for their unique body shape and clever minds. These small dogs have a keen sense of curiosity and often display impressive problem-solving skills.

They are highly trainable and enjoy participating in activities that challenge their intelligence, such as scent work and agility. Their hunting instincts are strong, which can lead to amusing antics.

With a Dachshund, you’re guaranteed a loyal and entertaining companion, always ready to explore and engage with their surroundings.

Boston Terrier

© loveleorescue

Boston Terriers, often called “American Gentlemen,” are known for their intelligence and delightful personalities. These small dogs are quick learners and love to interact with their owners.

Their friendly nature and adaptability make them ideal pets for both city and suburban living. Boston Terriers excel in obedience training and enjoy showing off their new skills.

With their playful demeanor and endearing expressions, they bring happiness and laughter to their families, making them cherished companions.

Brussels Griffon

© corradoneo

Brussels Griffons are charming little dogs with big brains. Known for their expressive faces, these dogs are intelligent and eager to learn.

They thrive on mental stimulation and often excel in obedience training. Their affectionate nature and strong bond with their owners make them delightful lap dogs.

With their unique appearance and sweet temperament, Brussels Griffons bring joy and companionship to any home, always ready to entertain with their clever antics.

Italian Greyhound

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Italian Greyhounds are known for their elegant appearance and sharp minds. These small dogs are quick learners and thrive on mental stimulation.

Their sighthound instincts mean they excel in activities that involve chasing and agility. Italian Greyhounds are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, often seeking out cuddles and attention.

With their graceful movements and loving nature, they make excellent companions for those who appreciate a gentle and intelligent pet.

Coton de Tulear

© luxuripets

Coton de Tulear dogs are known for their intelligence and playful personalities. These small dogs excel in obedience training and love to learn new tricks.

Their friendly nature makes them great companions for families and individuals alike. Coton de Tulears are adaptable, thriving in various environments and always eager to please.

With their soft coats and joyful demeanor, they bring happiness and laughter to their families, making them cherished members of any household.

Border Terrier

© thedogist

Border Terriers are small dogs with big hearts and sharp minds. Known for their intelligence and tenacity, they thrive in active environments.

These dogs are quick learners, often mastering new skills with enthusiasm. Their hunting instincts make them excellent at activities that involve searching and retrieving.

With their friendly disposition and clever antics, Border Terriers make wonderful companions, adding a touch of adventure to any home.

Schipperke

© codysfriendsrescue

Schipperkes are known for their intelligence and spirited personalities. These small dogs are quick learners and often excel in obedience and agility sports.

Their curious nature leads them to explore and investigate their surroundings, sometimes getting into a bit of mischief. Schipperkes are also known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners.

With their bold demeanor and clever antics, they bring joy and excitement to those fortunate enough to have them as companions.

Bichon Frise

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Bichon Frises are known for their cheerful personalities and intelligence. These small dogs are quick learners and enjoy entertaining their families with tricks and antics.

Their friendly nature makes them excellent companions for people of all ages. Bichons thrive on attention and love to be the center of family activities.

With their fluffy coats and joyful spirit, they bring warmth and laughter to their homes, making them delightful additions to any household.

Norwich Terrier

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Norwich Terriers are small dogs with a zest for life and sharp minds. Known for their intelligence and playful nature, they make great companions.

These dogs are quick learners, often mastering new commands with enthusiasm. Their adventurous spirit leads them to explore, making them great for active families.

With their cheerful disposition and clever antics, Norwich Terriers bring joy and excitement to any home, always ready for the next adventure.

Lhasa Apso

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Lhasa Apsos are known for their regal appearance and intelligence. These small dogs are quick learners and often display a keen sense of awareness.

Their independent nature means they can be a bit stubborn, but with patience, they excel in training. Lhasas are also known for their loyalty and strong bonds with their families.

With their elegant appearance and spirited personalities, they bring a touch of charm and cleverness to any household.

Pekingese

© tinypawsatl

Pekingese dogs are known for their lion-like appearance and intelligence. These small dogs are quick learners, though they can be independent-minded.

Their regal demeanor masks a playful side that often entertains their owners. Pekingese are loyal companions, forming strong bonds with their families.

With their distinctive looks and charming personalities, they bring warmth and joy to any home, always ready to delight with their antics.

Japanese Chin

© dogwoodanimalrescue

Japanese Chins are known for their elegant appearance and intelligence. These small dogs are quick learners, often mastering new tricks with grace.

Their gentle nature and affectionate demeanor make them ideal companions for those seeking a loving pet. Japanese Chins are observant and adapt well to their surroundings.

With their regal looks and sweet personalities, they bring elegance and charm to any home, making them cherished companions.

Rat Terrier

© tiffanyperkins

Rat Terriers are known for their intelligence and energetic nature. These small dogs are quick learners and thrive on mental and physical activities.

Their hunting instincts make them excellent at tasks that involve searching and retrieving. Rat Terriers are also known for their loyalty and strong bonds with their owners.

With their playful antics and clever minds, they bring excitement and companionship to those who appreciate a lively and intelligent pet.

Tibetan Spaniel

© michelleknutson

Tibetan Spaniels are known for their intelligence and independent nature. These small dogs are quick learners and often display a keen awareness of their surroundings.

Their independent spirit doesn’t hinder their trainability; with the right approach, they excel in learning new commands. Tibetan Spaniels are also known for their loyalty and strong family bonds.

With their unique looks and intelligent minds, they bring joy and companionship to those who welcome them into their homes.