Quote:
Originally posted by greatwhitenorthchick
That is very funny that poodle ranks #2. Growing up we had a big beautiful elegant standard poodle (that we did not clip into those godawful pom pom cuts, so she retained her dignity) who was the dumbest creature I have ever encountered. She was wonderfully friendly and good natured, but the stupidest dog ever. She was very narcissistic too. Loved to look at herself in the mirror from all angles.
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Just goes to show there are exceptions to everything. We have some corgis that are so smart it is like having a young child. Others are so dumb you wonder how they manage to even move.
I think it is the case with most animals (including humans I imagine.) I have a cat that is incredibly smart, I have watched her figure out how to get up to areas she couldn't jump to, and it was clear she was puzzling it out. The other one is pretty darn stupid. Sweet, but stupid.
Genetics definitely comes into play. Show dogs are bred for certain characteristics. Those labs paigow mentioned that are guide dogs are also bred and carefully selected for the job.
Some breeds are more bred for brains, others for looks, and others personality. If you go to a breeder for your dog, as opposed to a puppy mill or a pet store, you have a better chance of getting a sense of what your dog will be like. Just look at the parents, and the siblings, as well as any other relatives the breeder might have around.
