Top 5 Cleverest Small Dog Breeds in 2025

Many dog owners proudly claim their dogs are clever, and while it’s tempting to be biased, dog intelligence can indeed be measured in meaningful ways. One respected method used worldwide is Stanley Coren’s "Intelligence of Dogs" ranking, which evaluates breeds on their ability to learn and obey commands quickly and reliably.

Originally published in 1994, Coren’s list assessed 138 dog breeds by testing how many repetitions it took for them to learn new commands and how often they obeyed on the first request. The ranking highlights breeds with exceptional working intelligence, a key indicator of trainability and problem-solving skills.

Importantly, small size does not mean less brainpower. Several small breeds appear in Coren’s top tiers and continue to shine in recent research. As of 2025, breeds like the Papillon puppies, miniature poodle puppies, and Shetland sheepdog puppies remain among the most intelligent small breeds recognized by UK experts and international studies.

This article shares the top five cleverest small dog breeds in 2025, explaining their unique traits, intelligence ranks, and practical tips for nurturing their brainpower.

Number 5: The Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer puppies rank 5th among small breeds and 12th overall on Coren’s scale, known for excellent working intelligence. They typically learn and respond reliably within 5-15 repetitions and obey commands first time over 85% of the time.

This breed’s eagerness and ability to learn make them well-suited to obedience training and active lifestyles. UK owners are encouraged to provide consistent mental stimulation and socialisation to develop their full cognitive potential.

Number 4: The Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies are 4th among small breeds and 11th overall for intelligence. Historically a hardworking herding dog in Wales, Corgis excel in obedience and problem-solving.

These dogs benefit enormously from positive reinforcement and task-based training. In the UK, their popularity makes it important to choose reputable breeders to ensure health and temperament.

Number 3: The Papillon

Often surprising dog lovers because of their small size and lack of a traditional working role, the Papillon puppies rank 3rd most intelligent small breed and 8th overall.

The Papillon learns commands in fewer than five repetitions and follows them first time 95% of the time. Their high intelligence also means they thrive on varied training activities such as agility and canine sports.

Number 2: The Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog puppies hold 2nd place among small breeds and 6th overall, admired for their sharp thought processes and working drive.

This breed’s intelligence blends well with its calm and loyal temperament. UK owners find that combining obedience with regular mental challenges helps maintain their sharpness and well-being.

Number 1: The Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

Poodles come in three sizes; the toy and miniature variants are small but together the breed ranks 2nd overall among 138 breeds and is the top small breed by intelligence.

Miniature poodle puppies and toy poodle puppies are exceptionally smart, excelling not only in obedience but also in emotional sensitivity, making them excellent companions or therapy dogs.

Recent UK expert reviews confirm these rankings while highlighting that intelligence is a broad concept, including problem-solving, obedience, and social-emotional skills. They advise owners to continue mental enrichment with puzzle toys and training, which further develops a dog’s cognitive abilities beyond what rankings alone can capture.

What Makes These Small Dog Breeds Truly Clever?

Intelligence in dogs encompasses several dimensions: the ability to learn commands quickly, obey reliably, solve problems independently, and engage socially with people.

The highlighted breeds are unique not just in speed of learning but in their adaptability and emotional connection, traits that top UK canine experts continue to emphasize for prospective owners.

Owners in the UK seeking intelligent small dogs are advised to meet these breeds’ mental and physical needs consistently. Puzzle toys, agility training, and positive reinforcement help maintain enthusiasm and prevent boredom-related behaviour problems.

Final Thoughts

The small dog breeds recognised as the cleverest today echo Stanley Coren’s decades-old findings but enriched with new understanding from 2025 research and UK expert insight. They demonstrate that intelligence is about much more than breed labels—it’s about fostering the individual dog’s potential through consistent, responsible ownership.

If you’re considering bringing home an intelligent small dog, focus not only on breed intelligence rankings but also on your ability to engage and train your new companion to flourish mentally and emotionally.