Cleverest Giant Dog Breeds: Top 5 Smart Giants in UK

Giant dog breeds are instantly memorable thanks to their impressive size and presence. However, choosing a giant dog is a significant commitment, requiring ample space, resources, and careful consideration of their temperament and intelligence. This guide explores the five cleverest giant dog breeds in the UK, revealing how they rank in intelligence, how easily they can be trained, and their suitability as companions.

One key measure of canine intelligence is the Coren scale, developed by canine psychology professor Stanley Coren. It ranks 138 dog breeds based on their working and obedience intelligence, including how quickly they learn new commands and obey them. While many giant breeds are impressive, some tend to fall lower on this scale compared to smaller breeds renowned for their smarts.

When considering a giant breed, it’s not just raw intelligence that matters. Temperament, obedience, trainability, and care needs all affect how well a giant breed will fit your lifestyle. This article highlights the top five smartest giant breeds based on the Coren scale and other recent data from 2025 UK sources, along with practical insights.

Number 5: The Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the UK's more popular giant breeds but remains relatively rare. Ranking 76th out of 138 in overall intelligence, this noble breed learns commands in 25-40 repetitions and obeys first-time about half the time. Their calm and playful nature makes them gentle giants, but their laid-back style means consistent, patient training is essential.

Number 4: The Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound stands out for its height and elegance but is uncommon in the UK. Slightly smarter than the Great Dane (89th overall), they share similar learning abilities requiring 25-40 repetitions to succeed. Known for being gentle and dignified, they benefit from early socialisation and clear guidance to flourish as companions.

Number 3: The Irish Wolfhound

At 67th in overall intelligence, the Irish Wolfhound ranks third among giant dogs. This imposing breed commands respect and has average working intelligence, learning new commands within 25-40 repetitions and obeying first time half the time. They are affectionate and patient, yet consistent training is necessary to ensure manageable behaviour.

Number 2: The Newfoundland

The Newfoundland impresses not only by size but also with its intelligence, ranking 46th overall and second among giant breeds. Known as "above average" workers, Newfoundlands learn commands in 15-25 repetitions and obey with 70% success first time. Their gentle, patient temperament and eagerness to please makes them excellent family dogs, though their care needs include regular grooming and exercise.

Number 1: The Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is the smartest giant dog breed in the UK, ranked 35th overall and on the edge of the top 25% of most intelligent breeds. They are fast learners with above average obedience and working intelligence, responding well to training and making dedicated companions. Although uncommon in the UK, potential owners should be prepared for their need for mental stimulation and consistent training.

Additional Insights on Training and Ownership

Giant breeds require significant space, exercise, and mental stimulation to thrive. Owners must commit to consistent, positive reinforcement training to channel their intelligence and energy constructively. While these breeds possess varying intelligence levels, all benefit from early socialisation to avoid behavioural difficulties.

When considering adopting or buying a giant dog, always seek reputable breeders or rescue organisations to ensure the health and ethical treatment of the dogs. Responsible ownership, including proper diet, vet checks, and exercise, helps giant breeds lead happy, balanced lives.

Common Questions About Giant Dog Intelligence

What makes a giant dog breed clever?

Quick Answer: A giant dog’s cleverness depends on working intelligence, obedience, and how quickly it learns commands, often measured by the Coren scale.

Giant breeds are typically evaluated on their ability to understand and obey commands, which involves factors like problem-solving and adaptive behaviour. While some giant breeds are less naturally inclined to obey than smaller breeds, training and socialisation play vital roles in enhancing their intelligence in daily life.

Are giant dogs harder to train than smaller breeds?

Quick Answer: Some giant dogs may be more challenging to train due to temperament or stubbornness, but intelligence level varies by breed and individual personality.

While size can impact training approaches and management, many giant breeds are eager to please and learn quickly when training is consistent and positive. Early socialisation and mental enrichment help make training easier and the relationship with your dog stronger.

In summary, owning a clever giant dog means committing to meeting their mental and physical needs, understanding their unique characteristics, and providing patient, consistent training.