Top 15 Most Brilliant Dog Breeds

#3. German Shepherd

They’re the second most popular dog breed in the United States for a reason. With perhaps the greatest combination of size, athleticism, and intelligence in the entire dog kingdom, the German shepherd is prized for everything from show competitions to home protection to military and police work. Deeply loyal and eager to please, well-trained German shepherds make excellent family pets as well. The first genuine canine movie star—Rin Tin Tin—was a German shepherd, and that’s not a coincidence. They learn and retain new skills with alarming speed and consistency, and they have the physical gifts to accomplish truly astonishing feats.

“German Shepherds, especially American-born purebreds, tend to have pretty serious issues with hip dysplasia as they age,” Riordan says. “So a lot of people who buy them as pups, they’ll see them slow down dramatically around age 8.”

Hypoallergenic: No

Life expectancy: 9 – 13 years

Colors: Black, Black & Tan, Sable, Grey, Red & Black, Black & Silver

Temperament: Obedient, Intelligent, Curious, Alert, Loyal, Confident, Courageous, Watchful

Speed: 48 km/h (Maximum, Running)

Weight: Male: 30–40 kg, Female: 22–32 kg

Height: Male: 60–65 cm, Female: 55–60 cm