Just wondering, is there really a way to determine this, or is it really just a matter of perspective?
Is a dog or a cat smarter?
Among dog breeds, can it be determined for example, what breeds are smarter? I have heard the argument that for example, a german shepherd is one of the smartest, because of their keen ability to learn tricks and I have also heard that the corgi is smarter because he decides when to do a trick or not. This seems to me to be a poor argument for deciding intelligence, it is a personality trait of german shepherds to want to obey their masters, while corgis are not nearly as motivated to please as the shepherd.
Cecil on cats vs. dogs. Summary: too many differences to make a good comparison. Dogs are better at commands, but then they’re bred for that (a better comparison might be wildcat vs. wolf). Dogs have more social intelligence. Cats are more dextrous and can solve problems involving that better.
For just dogs, the standard is the Intelligence of Dogs. Note that Coren terms one type “working intelligence,” meaning how easily they learn commands and tricks. Our dachshund seems pretty smart based upon his inquisitiveness and such. But teaching him tricks is a pain in the ass, and I wouldn’t trust him to chase a rabbit and not end up as someone’s car grill ornament.
Coren says GSD is the 3rd smartest, Pembroke corgi is 11 and Cardigan corgi is 26 (out of 79 rankings, more than 79 breeds due to ties). Both Corgis are in the “excellent” category though. Some owners get up in arms about this, but it’s hard to argue with some. Beagles (sweet but stupid) or Chow Chows (mean and stupid). I have not read the book, but I’ll bet dachshunds score low on working intelligence, high on instinctive (job = murder). And of course, your (for the general “you”) “stupid” dog may be smarter than its position on the list, it’s all about averages.
And yeah, it is stupid of humans to think “dogs are smarter than cats” because a Border Collie has been bred for the traits to make a good herding dog, while cats are more generalist, usually bred for size or coat. And wolves are very smart and adept at killing animals, but good luck training one to shake.
My poodle generally takes about three repetitions to learn a trick and he never forgets a trick he’s already learned. He also takes a sadistic pleasure in playing keepaway, refuses to perform even when we’re offering treats and will actually turn his back to you when he’s displeased.
So intelligence and personality get wrapped up in all sorts of combinations.