German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, courage, and intelligence. But how smart are they? What is their IQ? The IQ of a German Shepherd is between 80 and 90. This places them among the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds.
What Makes German Shepherds Intelligent?
German Shepherds possess several traits that contribute to their high intelligence.
- Puzzle-solving skills Tests that measure a German Shepherd’s IQ often include puzzles. These puzzles test their problem-solving and logic skills.
- Fast learning German Shepherds can learn new commands quickly. They are ranked among the top canines in intelligence. They can pick up a new command in less than five tries.
- Obedience German Shepherds show extreme obedience. They have a high success rate (95% or more) when following a known command on the first try.
- Communication German Shepherds are capable of recognizing verbal, audible, and non-verbal cues.
How is IQ Measured in Dogs?
IQ in dogs is measured by performing specific tests to create IQ scales. One way to measure a dog’s intelligence is to assess how quickly they learn new commands. Another factor is how well they obey a command on the first try. The Wechsler Dog Intelligence Scale (WDIS) is a specific scale used to measure IQ in dogs.
German Shepherds vs. Other Dogs
The average dog has the intelligence of a two-and-a-half-year-old toddler. German Shepherds can be as smart as a three-year-old child. Border Collies are often considered the smartest dog breed, followed by Poodles, and then German Shepherds.
A Border Collie named Chaser learned the names of 1,022 individual items. This shows that dogs can learn from humans more easily than wild animals. German Shepherds can learn new commands in as few as six to eight repetitions.
Quick Tests to Determine Your German Shepherd’s Intelligence
You can perform quick tests at home to get an idea of how smart your German Shepherd is. One such test is the “Find Your Treat” test.
“Find Your Treat” Test
This exercise shows how well your dog can track and solve difficulties.
- Ask your German Shepherd to sit down.
- Put a treat on the ground in front of them.
- Cover the treat with a towel.
- Time how long it takes for the dog to take the treat.
The Importance of Intelligence in German Shepherds
Early breeders of German Shepherds valued intelligence. They considered it more than any other factor when developing the breed. This focus on intelligence has made German Shepherds successful in various disciplines. These include:
- Tracking
- Drug detection
- Search and rescue work
- Police work
These jobs require a dog who keeps working on a given task, unfazed by distractions or dangers. German Shepherds can distinguish more than 100 different voice commands.
Are German Shepherds Smarter Than Humans?
While German Shepherds are intelligent, their intelligence differs from human intelligence. Human intelligence is measured using intelligence tests, with IQs ranging from 100 to 140. Dogs are less intelligent than humans. However, dogs, including German Shepherds, exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities.
The Human Element in Understanding Intelligence
It is not easy to define intelligence, and measuring it is even more challenging. However, experts generally agree on the most and least intelligent breeds. Factors such as puzzle-solving, learning speed, and communication skills determine a German Shepherd’s IQ.