‘Man’s best friend’ can talk – what your dog says about you

Border collies might be the most intelligent dogs, but what does it say about their owners? From rescue greyhounds to Shih tzus, check out our “ruff” guide to 20 popular breeds.

Do you own a border collie?

Well congratulations. Your choice of breed is, according to most studies, the most intelligent in the canine world.

Poodles also make the top five, along with the German shepherds, golden retrievers and Dobermans.

Stanley Coren, the author of The Intelligence of Dogs, has compiled a list based on surveys of almost 200 dog obedience judges.

WHAT DOES YOUR DOG SAY ABOUT YOU? CLICK TO SEE EACH PUP’S SECRETS

For lovers of small dogs, the papillon was the only toy breed to crack the top 10.

According to Mr Coren, bigger dogs are easier trained, while smaller breeds tend to have a mind of their own.

Perhaps that makes the little guys smarter after all?

Adelaide Hills resident Lydia Sandman says her great dane Guinevere is certainly smarter than she lets on.

Great dane Guinevere and Chihuaha Sparrow. Picture: Michael Marschall

“She knows where the treats are and how to reach them, can open DVD cases, destroying only the disk, and she even knows she has to wait for the car to leave before stealing any food items off the counter,” she says.

“If you ever wondered about a great dane’s nature, all you have to do is watch Scooby-Doo.”

On the flipside, Captain Jack Sparrow the chihuahua may lack some smarts but certainly

makes up for it in personality.

Owner Kylie Tilley, of Two Wells, says she and Jack both love to find a spot in the sun and have a little siesta.

“Big dogs may be smarter but the best things about chihuahuas are that they eat small amounts, take up less space and only make small poos, so all that adds up to a big win from a little dog,” she says.

Originally published as ‘Man’s best friend’ can talk – what your dog says about you