The five smartest dog breeds, according to a pet expert

A pet expert has shared the five smartest dog breeds, explaining that canine intelligence is measured by how quickly a dog learns new commands and how reliably it obeys

Almost any dog can be trained, regardless of its breed, age or intelligence. However, trainability can vary considerably between individual dogs.

Some breeds are naturally more responsive because they were bred to work closely with people, while others may be more independent, stubborn or easily distracted. Several factors can influence how successfully a dog responds to training:

* Age: Puppies can pick up new behaviours quickly, but older dogs are also capable of learning

* Motivation: Treats, toys, praise and play can all encourage dogs to engage with training

* Consistency: Short, regular sessions are often more effective than occasional, lengthy training

It's important to remember that a dog being difficult to train doesn't necessarily mean it lacks intelligence.

Some breeds may simply be more independent or less motivated to follow human commands. While certain dogs may learn new behaviours faster than others, virtually any dog can learn with the right approach, patience and motivation.

Axel Lagercrantz, dog expert and CEO of Pets4homes, the UK's biggest pet rehoming site, insists intelligence "is not altogether a matter of chance."

Axel explained that canine intelligence is assessed using various criteria, including how quickly they grasp new commands. He said: "This should be within less than five repetitions".

Another marker of intelligence is obeying on the first command. "To be placed in the top rankings a dog should obey a recognised command first time a minimum of 95% of the time", the Pets4Homes CEO added.

Bassett Hounds, traditionally hunting dogs, are fairly intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn and independent.

Positive reinforcement, such as treats, can make them easy to train, and their friendly, good nature makes them well-suited to family settings.

According to Basset Hound Rescue, if you train your hound with positive motivation, especially treats, "you'll see how smart they really are".

Bassets were bred to exist companionably with other dogs in packs and tend to get along well with each other.

However, they also love people and bond very strongly with their people, showing none of the aloofness of some of the other hounds.

Axel said, "Golden Retrievers, used as guide dogs, are also incredibly intelligent." They are one of the nation's most beloved family pets and also scored top marks in Stanley Coren's intelligence survey.

Whilst the gundog breed was originally intended for hunting, goldens also have a playful and, many would agree, goofy side, which makes them excellent canine companions.

Common retriever traits include being quick learners, eagerness to please, and excelling at problem-solving tasks like opening doors or finding hidden objects.

German Shepherds are frequently employed in police and military environments as medical assistance dogs and therapy animals. Therefore, it's hardly surprising they are regarded amongst the brightest breeds.

These dark-coated companions are considered faithful and devoted, constantly prepared to discover something fresh. Also recognised as the Alsatian dog or GSD, the German Shepherd is a remarkably intelligent breed initially developed for herding sheep.

This breed is generally large yet agile and can be very muscular, so they are best suited to active households as they need a lot of daily exercise. As for their nature, German Shepherds have instincts from hundreds of years of protecting flocks.

According to Axel, "Poodles were originally used as a water-retriever for hunters in Germany and are also exceptionally intelligent."

Today, Poodles are sought-after crossbreeds, with cockapoos amongst the most fashionable pets. However, breeders adore pedigree poodles for more than simply their hypoallergenic traits.

In Stanley Coren's renowned book, the legendary curly-coated dogs ranked second for their intelligence.

Named the cleverest dog in psychologist Stanley Coren's book The Intelligence of Dogs, Border Collies are globally celebrated for their brilliance. Axel agreed: "Border Collies clearly understand what their trainer or owner is telling them to do."

These stunning dogs, frequently displaying two-tone coloured coats, were initially bred to herd sheep. They shine at the job due to their power, endurance, intellect, and work ethic.

Border Collies are renowned for employing "the eye" - gazing intensely at flock members to intimidate them. Regarding their mental capacity, most can master a fresh command in fewer than five repetitions and obey it at least 95% of the time.