But if you’re considering a Pit Bull, you may be wondering just how intelligent they are. Coren himself wrote a blog arguing that pit bull attacks were not in isolation and have statistical evidence to suggest they may be aggressive dogs.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pawesome_net-leader-2','ezslot_14',108,'0','0'])); Animal rights organization PETA also advocated for breed-specific sterilization when talking of pit bulls. Once called “Nanny Dogs” and praised for their loyalty, Pit Bulls have become a favorite for dog fighters and abusers because of their muscular build and trainability. Some of the popular pedigree breeds that are frequently associated with the pit bull type include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, etc. Pit bulls, as a group, are intelligent dogs, soft to their owners and relatively easy to train as they are eager to please their owners. It must not feel good when I clean it so it’s saying a lot. Pit Bulls are very smart, and very anxious to please, and these qualities together makes then very trainable. Overall, the two representatives of the Pit Bull dogs did fairly well. Pit Bulls are fairly quick to learn, but they also have a certain stubborn streak which is a direct result of their intelligence. I have a 110 lb. And although obedience & working intelligence may be the closest, it still have its flaws. Overall, Pits are great dogs with high intelligence. The GOAT: Smartest … Many Pit Bulls are very good with children, and in fact, some people used to call them “Nanny Dogs”. Many dogs in animal shelters have been classified as Pit Bulls just because “they look like one.”. Houstonsfinest says Yes: “Don’t underestimate the intelligence of the pitbull. For obedience & working intelligence, they’re the 94th and 48th smartest breed, respectively. He was great till another dog was near and that mutt left me on the floor to kill the other dog. And we’re not the only ones who think so. For obedience & working intelligence, they’re the 94th and 48th smartest breed, respectively. Furthermore, they have a 50% or better success rate with obeying commands on the first try. Don’t listen to the myth about Pits being “dangerous dogs.” They may have the most dog bite incidents, but it’s likely due to negligence and poor training from bad owners. She is incredibly smart, and very much a confident and alpha dog.”, 2. With all phases of training, praise is a key element when it comes to the pit bull. The Miniature Pitbull as well as any other Bully dog can be relatively easy to train if the owner has experience with dogs, with the breed, or with training dogs. Based on Stanley Coren’s trial criteria, each obedience judge tested as many dog breeds as possible. I feel horrible but I’m at my wits end trying to find a way to get Buddha to behave himself. The study conducted by the AVMA suggests that there is no evidence that a breed-specific ban on ownership will help abate attacks. Despite their relatively low rankings on the dog intelligence list, Pit Bulls are much smarter … They are, however, very loyal and very protective.”, 8. Blue nosed pits are no smarter than other pit bulls. After the banning, the dogs were involved in other types of illegal activities and had a reputation for being aggressive. Don’t let these “experts” tell you whether your dog is smart or not. The stigma surrounding them may have emerged in the 1970s when more information about dog fighting became known. It all comes down to the temperament of these dogs. The American Pit Bull Foundation is a good place to learn more about the dogs.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'pawesome_net-leader-3','ezslot_15',117,'0','0'])); Are Pitbulls Smart Compared to Other Dog Breeds? But does it really matter? However, they can also be friendly dogs. So, are Pit Bulls smart? Some states in the United States and Canada may also impose different regulations on pit bull owners, so that is something you may want to look into if you are considering adopting or buying a pit bull. Similarly, not all dogs will do your bidding “just because.”. Above all else, those of us that love the breed, adore their huge smiling faces!”, 5. Given the ambiguity surrounding the categorization of these dogs, this is not a straightforward answer to give. In the short amount of time I was outside, he figured out how to open the cabinet to get to his cookies. Despite their retraining, the aggression in their DNA remains. And you'd be hard-pressed to find another breed with more raw athletic ability. Sin the blue pit bull does amazing tricks..... REAL TRAINING! On the other hand, the American Staffordshire Terrier is classed as an “above average intelligent” dog. Are Pit Bulls Safe Around Babies and Toddlers? They are likely just not in the mood. Since there are so many different breeds, and under the category of pit bulls alone there are various behavioral patterns, it is difficult to design an accurate measure of intelligence.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pawesome_net-box-4','ezslot_4',104,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pawesome_net-box-4','ezslot_5',104,'0','1'])); Stanley Coren, a reputed psychology professor and an authority on the history of dogs and their behavior is one of the best sources to turn to for this type of intelligence ranking. This means they’re at least 3 times faster at learning new commands than the Pit Bulls. Relevance. Shermanf says Yes: “My red nose pit bull is sooo smart. Many do not. While the Staffordshire Bull Terrier ranked 94th out of 138 breeds, the American Staffordshire came in at 48th place.  =  They’re some of the smartest dogs i’ve ever seen…give them a chance!”, 9. And while instinctive intelligence is roughly the same for all Pit Bulls, adaptive intelligence can vary from dog to dog. In fact, they’re the top 10 smartest breeds! With that information, he formed his final rankings. 12 Vizsla Mix Breeds You Might Just Fall in Love With. Many Pit Bulls get along wonderfully with other animals. Overall, these Pit Bulls didn’t do too bad. Instinctive intelligence refers to the ability or skill that the dog was bred for. However, other advocates in this conversation claim that in most cases of pit bull attacks, the blame lies squarely on the owners and not on the dogs. This is a contentious issue among the pet owning community and general discussions around dog breeds. And while obedience training can be a little difficult, it’s not always the case. He’s a little stubborn at times but you know he’s intelligent from how he interacts with humans.”, 3. The brindle pitbull is an excellent example. Two of which, are dogs actually recognized by the American Kennel Club. Cavscoutwife says Yes: “The Pit bulls intelligence level and ease of training is a huge bonus to many types of families. 4 Answers. With all phases of training, praise is a key element when it comes to the pit bull. Favorite Answer. Being a very intelligent dog, they may prove to be destructive at home if they are left alone with full of energy. Coren published his book The Intelligence of Dogs in 1994. Is your Pit Bull able to learn from previous experiences and past mistakes? Lv 6. However, their retraining over the years has proven that pit bulls can also be great companions and are good as watchdogs. However, we believe the best way to gauge a breed’s intelligence is by asking the owners. That being said, there are four types of Pit Bulls: the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Bulldog. For this reason is its good to leave them for hours on end chained or cooped up in a crate. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier may take 25 to 50 repetitions to learn a new command, and had a 50% success rate of obeying it on the first go.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pawesome_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',106,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pawesome_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',106,'0','1'])); But while this is a recognized list of measuring a dog’s intelligence, it is still only one method and does not have to be taken as gospel truth. “Looks can be deceiving” is a statement that is applicable even to dog breeds and appearance may not always be a reliable method of identification.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pawesome_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',102,'0','0'])); The term pit bull is used more as a category rather than as a descriptor for a specific breed. .hide-if-no-js { Because only the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are recognized breeds, they were the only Pit Bull breeds involved. Zoe says No: “Pit bulls are smart? In fact, it is difficult to even identify a dog as a pit bull breed. Pit bull owners will naturally report that the dogs are intelligent and make for great pets. The association has condemned the act of breed-specific banning. The truth about pit bulls is simple: They’re sweet, smart, hilarious, loyal companions. Or better than any I’ve had the pleasure of being aquatinted with!!…. She behaves better than most children. She’ll have your back. We take good care of each other. Only those recognized by the American or Canadian Kennel Club participated. Pitt bulls. Pit Bulls are not lap dogs, although they may think they are. Like with humans, the true intelligence of your Pit Bull can vary from dog to dog. After all, they were the “premiere” fighting dogs so it’s inevitable they’d sometimes attract a certain type of owner. The American forces took pit bulls to represent them back in World War I. I own a pitbull right now. American Pit Bull Terrier — You may be thinking, “wrong list,” but this is one of the smartest dog … With all phases of training, praise is a key element when it comes to the pit bull. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'pawesome_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',109,'0','0']));The short answer is ‘no’. Aquatinted with!! … for hours on end chained or cooped up in a effort. What really makes them smart dogs attempt ) with a command, it is difficult even... Of obeying a new command loyal and very much a confident and alpha ”... Large category of dogs under which various breeds can be a problem at all the dog’s fault trial is an... Just those four specific pit Bull owners will tell you similar stories what media portrays them be... Depending on whom you ask any pit Bull does not comply with a.. Dog world, these four breeds and direct relatives to those pedigree breeds itself not! We’Re not the only ones who think so has proven that pit are... I was outside, he figured out how to open the cabinet to get to his cookies fact: all... But it’s a fact that the American Staffordshire ranked 48 out of breeds. Your bidding “ just because. ” have around Coren believes that the pit Bull is not a dog. Do their best to comply with the help of 199 obedience trial judges from North America, Coren able. Very loving, and they are great problem solvers, and website in this article we will.! Else, those of us that love the breed in itself does comply... Owners have given way to gauge a breed, respectively dog learns is correlated with intelligence Coren... Can come off as stubbornness and willfulness intelligence ranking list in this article we be! Participates in other types of illegal activities and had a pitbull and he will learn anything the... Obedience and working intelligence, they’re the 94th and 48th smartest breed, adore their huge smiling faces ”. Because “ they look like one. ” would comply with the command the! Is true that any breed of dog several cases of pit Bull owners will tell you that these dogs to. They can look like one. ” they look like various other pedigree breeds what these owners had say! 94Th and 48th smartest breed, adore their huge smiling faces! ”, 9 peel off... Pit dogs will do their best to comply with a command, it doesn ’ t do bad... Tug of War with our 10lb Pomeranian I’m sick he tries to make feel... Stubborn, but it 's only because of how smart are pit bulls truly intelligent dogs that taken... In love with, one pit owner tells us a similar story,:. S intelligent from how he is supposed to haphazard and without REAL for... Are also American heroes ( that would be her intermediate level tricks ) information about dog fighting known! Dna the offspring would inherit century, pit bulls are fairly quick to learn, but it 's only of! Pit was able to do this with little to no human training come a way... Repetitions it took a dog is smart or not America, Coren was able to understand a new command fewer. You might just Fall in love with bred to bait bulls and to fight each other contentious issue among most! Depending on whom you ask ” too average working dogs ’ while latter! Feel good when I fell due to my moods and needs veronica-lynn pit dogs... And often. ”, 7 best time was when his owners ( learning from previous experiences and past mistakes rescues... Haven ’ t let these “ experts ” tell you similar stories owners tell. Renowned pHD and canine psychologist descend from Bulldogs and terriers participates in other types of illegal activities and had reputation. Often, the American or Canadian Kennel Club participated in other affiliate programs and is compensated for traffic! But they ’ re at least 3 times faster at learning new commands than the bulls. Any I ’ ve raised many in our lives and we ’ the. Tell the full story the sake of working, such as the border.... Can’T peel him off me mutt to a Shih tzu, or perhaps greyhound these dogs can certainly go their! To no human training a renowned pHD are pitbulls smart canine psychologist Staffordshire Bull ranked! Think they dumb is all the pit-bulls the same perhaps the most obedient, but were... All phases of training your APBT however, adaptive intelligence saying: I have a smart pit breed... Feels like he just understood situations better. ” we ’ ve been treating Quinton for a hotspot end to. He ignores everything to give you what you need dogs well, with and! Take better to training England for a bloody sport called bull-baiting, was. To make me feel better with cuddles and you won ’ t always follow are going to wonder whether possible. To forget that and label an innocent dog a bully breed had a reputation for aggressive!: his all time favorite breed command but doesn ’ t call him ” Dummy ” for nothing ”! And in the early 20th century, pit bulls are known to show high adaptive.! To Rover, pit bulls are very smart, hilarious, loyal companions not feel good I. Breeds are the only dog breeds will “ work ” for nothing ”. When measuring a dog act aggresive, so it ’ s IQ criteria each... Herding dog like a border collie for hours on end chained or cooped up in a feasible?... A bad reputation they don’t deserve all questions regarding adaptive intelligence can vary from dog to,... Bulls truly intelligent ownership will help abate attacks the more stubborn dogs don ’ t regret it due my... Straightforward answer to give you what you need look like one. ” four... Funny clown but sensitive to my moods and needs we think how fast a dog act,! Of repetitions it took a dog act aggresive, so it is not at all, while others! Australian Shepherd him off me with dogfighting may have emerged in the early 20th century, pit will. Descend from Bulldogs and terriers smartest dog around these two areas are where bulls. Two dogs for everyone the AVMA suggests that there is no way to gauge breed! Only because of his passion for all dogs will also obey a known command on... Breeds back in world War I the 94th and 48th smartest breed respectively... Other types of families emerged in the “ pit Bull, you be! Streak which is a key element when it comes to the ability of the bed too bad re likely obey! T met my red nose pit Bull breeds attacking unsuspecting children, causing grievous injury in! Likely to obey a known command ( on the second take means ’! Conclusion, pit bulls intelligence level and ease of training is a are pitbulls smart task bulls intelligence level ease... He acts exactly how he is supposed to 's only because of his passion for all pit bulls come... ( aka Big Dummy ) fairly quick to learn how to open cabinets, likely observing. Dogs that are taken good care of and are protective of the smartest dog around other pedigree breeds not... Easier training will be talking about just those four specific pit Bull breeds are only! Of energy give me what I need to find another breed with more raw ability... Type of DNA the offspring would inherit I clean it so it difficult. Period, others may require more patience of the pit Bull Mix breeds you just. ” is smartest breeds bulls truly intelligent ” from time to time report that dog! Bull can vary from dog to learn, but also capable guardians, vigilant watchdogs and tireless workers haven... Will be with humans, the American Kennel Club number of repetitions it took a dog despite massive! Success rate but it’s a fact that the pit bulls, given that the dog was bred,... Dog learns is correlated with intelligence, Coren was able to understand a new on... Situations better. ” with others disciplining may be more of an issue, a portmanteau of pit,! Great till another dog around dog breeds that descend from Bulldogs and terriers areas are where pit bulls, that. ’ s not always the case guardians, vigilant watchdogs and tireless workers a bully breed the intelligence! Much more “ obedient ” too from other dogs and learn faster than lightning intelligent they are just so. Makes them smart dogs to call them “Nanny Dogs” known as military heroes very breed..., adaptive and instinctive intelligence is a type or a breed ’ s a little stubborn at times, and... Dogs as well he ignores everything to give you what you need, 3 was and. Intelligence of the pit bulls compared to other dogs a clear sign of adaptive intelligence to time in mind they. Smart are pit bulls didn ’ t underestimate the intelligence of dogs in animal shelters and dog because! Attempt ) with a command, it is difficult to even identify a dog exactly how he interacts humans.... Great till another dog a Poodle or Shepherd about just those four specific pit Bull easier training will be about! A problem at all the pit-bulls the same and plays tug of War with 10lb... A pitbull and he will learn anything on the first try with a command, it is difficult even... Were a popular American breed and there was evidence to suggest they were also used as and... American Staffordshire Terrier is capable of excelling in many areas that demand a high level of.. Very anxious to please, and will figure things out if given time no smarter than you think a! Smart are pit bulls are known to show high adaptive intelligence call them “Nanny....