Pet owners are like parents. We all think that our dog is the smartest and the cutest. Looks are in the eye of the beholder, but intelligence can be measured. Some dogs, like people, are just smarter and brighter than others.

A leading canine researcher and psychology professor at the University of British Colombia studied data from 208 dog-obedience judges in the United States and Canada to determine the differences in working and obedience intelligence across dog breeds.

After his research was complete, he compiled a list of the seven “smartest” dogs. The Border Collie tops the list at number one. The Poodle comes in second, followed by the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Doberman, Shetland sheepdog and the Labrador Retriever.

Don’t be discouraged if your pup did not make the list, mine did not either. The good news is most dogs are smarter than we give them credit for. According to his research, even the breeds that didn’t make the top seven have the intelligence rivaling that of a human toddler.

The research shows that the average dog is as smart as a 2 year old. It also shows that they can comprehend more than 150 words and are even able to count up to five. Hey, I think that is amazing and it makes me just want to work with my dogs more to help them reach their full potential.

By using their brains, dogs help make our lives easier and safer. Dogs help find the lost, guide the blind, sniff for bombs, provide security, and make great hunting partners.

But, just as equally important, they make our lives a little brighter. They cheer us up when we are sad. They are a friend, they are great listeners, and may even help lower our blood pressure.

So whether your dog is a top dog or just an average Joe, appreciate them for what they are — family.

After all, they are not being graded and we don’t have to worry about their passing a college entrance exam. Love them and they will gladly love you back. Remember, every dog deserves to be treated like a show dog.

Tony and Kate Barker are certified pet groomers who own and operate The BARKer Shop in Ironton. For more information, call (740) 532-0088.