Top 10 Most Intelligent Dogs

The intelligence of a specific dog is measured in a number of ways which is done by using a canine IQ test. The dog is tested on its’ problem-solving, train-ability, learning abilities as well as obedience.  

In order from most intelligent dog:

                                             # 1 Border Collie

                                            # 2 Poodle

                                    # 3 German Shepherd

                                  # 4 Golden Retriever

                                     # 5 Shetland Sheepdog

                                  # 6 Labrador Retriever

# 7 Papillion

                                                # 8 Doberman

                                         # 9 Rottweiler

                                   # 10 Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog Facts

Country/Region of Origin: Australia

Life span: 13 to 15 years

Weight:  30 – 62 pounds (13.6 – 28.1kg)

Gestation:  61 – 65 days.

Health Issues in Australian Cattle Dogs:

• Deafness
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Luxating patella
• Osteochondritis
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which can cause blindness.
• Von Willebrand’s disease

Interesting Facts on Australian Cattle Dogs:

Australian Cattle Dogs were originally bred to herd cattle in Australia.

There are no clear records on the first ACD’s bred but it is thought that they were bred by crossing the Dingo with the Dalmatian and a variety of different collies by the Hall family in the early 1800’s.

Australian Cattle dogs are often used to play the roles of Dingo’s in films.

Their alternative names are Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler or Blue Heeler.

When herding cattle they will often bite or nip them on the heels, hence the name “Heeler”

Many cattle farmers will train their inexperienced Australian Cattle Dogs on ducks.

The second oldest living dog ever recorded was an Australian Cattle dog named Bluey who was born in 1910 and by the ripe old age of 29 was put to sleep in 1939.

ACD puppies are born totally white and by a few weeks their coat turns into a blue or reddish colour.