Characteristics: Intelligence

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work -- usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

-- Select Characteristic -- Affectionate with family Amount of shedding Apartment appropriate Cold tolerance Compatible with kids Dog friendly Drooling potential Ease at being home alone Ease of training Easy to groom Energy level Friendly toward strangers General health Good for novice owners Heat tolerance Intelligence Mouthiness Need for exercise Playfulness Potential for weight gain Predatory tendencies Sensitivity Tendency to bark or howl Vigor Wanderlust Watchdog ability

See Full Breed Characteristic List