Forget about the usual suspects like Border Collies and German Shepherds when it comes to smart dog breeds. Pomeranians, with their fluffy coats and cheerful personalities, might surprise you in the brain department! While they don’t make it to the top 10, these little guys rank 23rd out of 132 breeds in intelligence. So, what makes them brainy among the toy breeds? Let’s explore their cleverness.
When talking about dog smarts, Stanley Coren, a psychologist and canine intelligence expert, describes three main types. First, there’s instinctive intelligence, which is all about a dog’s inborn talents and what they were bred to do. Then there’s adaptive intelligence, which is about solving problems and learning from their surroundings. Finally, working and obedience intelligence relates to how well they pick up commands from humans.
Pomeranians, believe it or not, do quite well in these areas. Rated 23rd in Coren’s list, Pomeranians quickly learn new commands, usually after just five to 15 tries, and they’re obedient about 85% of the time! These numbers might not push them ahead of Border Collies, but they’re impressive for a small breed.
These pups are also speedy learners, especially when there’s a tasty treat up for grabs. They’re known for being quick to master tricks—think rolling over or playing dead—and their problem-solving skills. If you’ve hidden a treat around the house, a Pomeranian is likely to track it down in no time. Plus, some of them can compete in agility or obedience competitions, despite their independent streak.
Overall, while they might not be the smartest toy dog due to some other breeds being ranked higher, Pomeranians definitely shine when it comes to learning and performing tricks. Their eagerness to please, coupled with their vibrant personalities, makes them quite the charming little geniuses.
Pomeranians might not hold the crown for the smartest toy breed, but their place at number 23 in the intelligence rankings speaks volumes. Their knack for learning tricks, solving problems, and even competing in dog sports highlights their cleverness. They’re more than just a pretty face in the dog world; they’re intelligent, quick-witted companions ready to impress.
