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Dog lovers have always believed it, and now scientists agree that dogs are incredibly smart! Recent studies show that dogs can perform complex social tasks and understand emotions much like a 2.5-year-old child. It’s no wonder they’re considered man’s best friend, with 65 million families across the U.S. cherishing their canine companions.
Sadly, even with the best care involving a healthy diet and regular exercise, dogs have much shorter lifespans than humans. Genetics plays a big role, and unfortunately, some of the smartest dog breeds have the shortest lifespans.
It’s heart-wrenching to think about saying goodbye to our beloved pets, but let’s celebrate the time we do have with them. Here are nine of the most intelligent dog breeds that, despite their brief time with us, leave a lasting impact on our hearts.
Smartest Dog Breeds with Shortest Lifespan
1. Gordon Setter
| Personality | Confident, affectionate, bold |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 24-27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) |
| Weight | 55-80 pounds (male), 45-70 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years |
Gordon Setters, originally from Scotland, was bred to hunt birds like pheasants and quails. Today, they continue to excel in hunting but are equally valued as energetic and affectionate companion pets.
With an average lifespan of 12–13 years, Gordon Setters is generally robust. However, prospective owners should be mindful of certain inheritable health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune hypothyroidism, and gastric torsion.
Known for their intelligence and quick learning ability, Gordons can sometimes display a stubborn streak. However, they are also incredibly soft and loving, thriving on pleasing their owners. Effective training for a Gordon Setter involves giving them a ‘job’ to do, ideally one that allows them to spend quality time interacting with their owners.
PetMD notes that Gordon Setters is full of energy and requires regular physical exercise to stay content. Additionally, their sharp minds need as much exercise as their bodies. Engaging them in mental challenges along with physical activity is essential for keeping them happy and healthy.
2. Irish Setter
| Personality | Sweet-natured, active, outgoing |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female) |
| Weight | 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
Irish Setters, known for their radiant red coats and vivacious personalities, are highly intelligent and friendly dogs. They possess a charming blend of sweetness and mischief, making them delightful companions. While they are generally healthy, Irish Setters, like many breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues, with bloating around feeding times being the most common concern.
Irish Setters are famously affectionate and playful, bonding deeply with families and especially enjoying activities with children. Their love for games like fetch and their spirited temperament make them excellent partners in fun and adventure.
Despite some beliefs, Irish Setters are quite trainable. Their intelligence and eagerness to please mean they are capable of learning quickly, though their occasionally stubborn streak requires patience and consistent training.
As field dogs, WebMD states that Irish Setters thrive on ample exercise. They require regular physical activity to keep them healthy and happy.
3. Welsh Springer Spaniel
| Personality | Happy, reserved, upbeat |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female) |
| Weight | 40-55 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized gundog renowned for its endurance and capacity to perform tirelessly across all weather conditions. Like many others, this breed has specific health considerations; it is prone to hereditary eye diseases, and screening is recommended. Additionally, hip dysplasia is a concern, especially given its limited genetic pool.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is known for its high intelligence and strong desire to please, traits that make it both a responsive and rewarding companion to train. Purina notes the breed’s characteristic faithfulness, which is common to all Spaniels, and endears them to their families. They are friendly and merry, though they may exhibit a reserved nature around strangers—a typical trait for the breed.
Often dubbed Velcro dogs due to their tendency to stick close to their owners, Welsh Springers are known for following their people loyally around the house. They respond well to training, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used. With their deep-seated work ethic, Welsh Springers require substantial physical activity and mental engagement.
4. Sussex Spaniel
| Personality | Friendly, merry, even-tempered |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 13-15 inches |
| Weight | 35-45 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years |
Perfect for the active outdoor family, the Sussex Spaniel embodies the classic spaniel traits of enthusiasm for collecting, carrying, and holding onto found items. This breed may be particularly suitable for families with older children who understand the importance of keeping small, valuable items out of reach.
The Sussex Spaniel, known for its rich golden liver coat and thoughtful expression, boasts an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. While generally robust, this breed is susceptible to common issues such as hip dysplasia and spinal disc disease, which can affect mobility. Additionally, their floppy ears make them prone to ear infections, necessitating regular checks and maintenance.
Intelligent yet somewhat independent and stubborn, Sussex Spaniels present a moderate level of trainability. They require patient, consistent training techniques to fully harness their capabilities. Known for their love of hunting, Sussex Spaniels can sometimes become single-mindedly focused on this activity when outdoors. Starting training early in their lives is crucial to managing their hunting instincts and ensuring they develop into well-behaved adult dogs.
5. Norwegian Elkhound
| Personality | Confident, friendly, dependable |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 20.5 inches (male), 19.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 55 pounds (male), 48 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
Norwegian Elkhounds are an ancient breed, having been companions and hunters for at least a thousand years. Despite their fluffy, cuddly appearance that invites hugs, these dogs are far from being couch potatoes. They are active and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. The average lifespan for a Norwegian Elkhound is around 12-15 years, though this can vary based on health conditions and care.
Known for their strength and intelligence, Norwegian Elkhounds excel both as companions and as working dogs. They are fiercely loyal to their “pack” and integrate well into family life when given the proper attention. These dogs are bold, playful, and independent, with a high level of intelligence that sometimes leads them to be boisterous.
The ASPCA notes that despite their independent streak, Norwegian Elkhounds are devoted to their families. They are suitable for homes with children, provided that the children are taught how to interact with them respectfully and safely.
6. Cesky Terrier
| Personality | Clever, adventurous, family-oriented |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Height | 10-13 inches |
| Weight | 14-24 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
Cesky Terriers are a striking breed known for their muscular build and short legs, making them agile and capable hunters. They typically enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and are generally healthy, though they are prone to Scottie Cramp, a condition that affects their movement due to a lack of serotonin.
These dogs are excellent family pets, cherished for their protective nature and their ability to get along well with other family members and dogs. Their sociable demeanor makes them a delightful addition to many households.
According to the American Kennel Club, Cesky Terriers are extremely intelligent, sensible, and feisty, qualities that make them well-suited for dog sports. They are born with a high prey drive, which requires early and consistent training to manage. This breed is noted for being less stubborn than other terriers, which enhances their trainability and makes them more receptive to learning and obeying commands.
7. Old English Sheepdog
| Personality | Smart, gentle, adaptable |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female) |
| Weight | 60-100 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
Old English Sheepdogs are truly a sight to behold, with their large stature and distinctive bushy coats that can capture anyone’s attention. These dogs are not only visually striking but are also known for their friendly and companionable nature, making them excellent family pets.
While generally robust, Old English Sheepdogs can be prone to several health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, autoimmune hypothyroidism, deafness, and heart disease. Prospective owners must seek reputable breeders who conduct thorough health screenings to minimize these risks.
According to the PDSA, Old English Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and capable of learning new things quickly. However, they can also display a strong-willed temperament, making early and consistently positive, reward-based training crucial.
In addition to their smartness, Old English Sheepdogs are fearless and possess a resonant bark, qualities that make them excellent watchdogs. They do have a tendency to be overly boisterous, necessitating plenty of exercise, training, and grooming to keep them well-behaved and healthy.
8. English Cocker Spaniel
| Personality | Energetic, merry, responsive |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 16-17 inches (male), 15-16 inches (female) |
| Weight | 28-34 pounds (male), 26-32 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
The English Cocker Spaniel, a beloved family dog breed in the U.S., enjoys a reputation for being generally healthy. However, as noted by the Royal Veterinary College, they are particularly susceptible to periodontal disease, a condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. Regular dental care is crucial to prevent such issues and maintain their overall health.
English Cocker Spaniels are known for their friendly and gentle demeanor. They are exceptionally intelligent and affectionate, making them ideal companions for family life. These dogs are full of vitality and are deeply devoted to their families, easily adapting to various environments, which makes them great travel companions as well.
These energetic dogs thrive in both active and relaxed settings, making them versatile companions for any lifestyle. They are also visually striking, with silky coats, elegantly shaped heads, and expressive dark eyes that add to their appeal.
However, potential owners should be aware that Cocker Spaniels have a tendency to bark a lot and loudly. Without proper training, they can become incessant barkers. Effective training and socialization from an early age are essential to manage this behavior.
9. Airedale Terrier
| Personality | Friendly, courageous, clever |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Height | 23 inches |
| Weight | 50-70 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 11-14 years |
The Airedale Terrier, known as the “King of Terriers,” originated in England and was initially bred for hunting otters and badgers. With a typical lifespan of 11 to 14 years, Airedales align with the average longevity for dogs of their size. Renowned for their social nature, Airedale Terriers require plenty of human interaction and attention to thrive.
Routine grooming and health care are essential for maintaining an Airedale’s well-being. Regular ear checks are necessary to remove foreign matter and prevent wax buildup, while consistent dental care is crucial to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Airedale Terriers boast vibrant personalities and high intelligence, making them delightful yet sometimes challenging companions. Training is essential to channel their energy positively and prevent undesirable behaviors such as chewing furniture or attempting escapes.
Loyal and friendly, Airedale Terriers form strong bonds with their families and are not ones to shy away from challenges. Their energetic nature demands significant attention from their owners, requiring at least one to two hours of active interaction each day. While Airedales can adapt to various living situations, they flourish in homes with ample space, preferably with a large yard where they can exercise and play.
Conclusion
When considering the most intelligent dogs with shorter lifespans, it’s important to note that health problems often affect their longevity. Larger dogs like the Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Irish Wolfhound tend to have shorter life spans due to issues like canine hip dysplasia.
Meanwhile, smaller dog breeds generally live longer, though individual dogs’ health can vary widely. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and early-age training are crucial for maintaining the health of these smart companions, whether they are big dogs or small breeds, royal dog breeds, or working dogs.
For those looking to adopt, understanding the specific needs of large breeds and mountain dogs like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard is essential to ensure they lead the fullest lives possible.
