Scroll social media for five minutes and you’ll find a thousand versions of the same claim: dogs who “talk back,” sit like humans, shadow their owners from room to room, and seem more interested in charming strangers than mingling with other pups. Owners don’t just love these quirks—they embrace them, often treating their dog less like a pet and more like a furry family member or friend.
Newsweek spoke to veterinarian Dr. Nathaniel Rakestraw about the top breeds that act less like their wolf descendants and more like a furry roommate: emotionally tuned in, socially selective, and fully convinced that your schedule is also their schedule.
Studies back up what owners see anecdotally: dogs don’t just hear us, they read us. Experiments show they respond differently to human emotions carried in body posture, facial expressions, voice, and even scent—meaning it’s not only the words, but also the movement, the tone, and the chemical hints of stress or calm.
Those cues can shape what a dog does next. Some soften around sadness, get vigilant around tension, or turn extra silly around happiness. Researchers think this sensitivity is partly learned, too: a dog’s environment and day-to-day life with people can sharpen how well they pick up on our feelings over time.
With that in mind, Rakestraw shared five dog breeds he sees acting most in sync with people—all of which have been previously ranked among the most intelligent dogs in studies by Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs.
1. Border Collie
Border collies are best known for their herding skills and for being widely considered the smartest of them all. Rakestraw, who works at TelaVets, a 24/7 telemedicine veterinary service, explained that this breed often seems to understand routines better than we expect.
“They pick up on small cues, adjust their behavior quickly, and like to be involved in any task. Their mix of intelligence and attentiveness can feel human,” he said.
2. Poodle
Dubbed the second most intelligent breed by Cohen, Rakestraw told Newsweek: “Poodles are sharp thinkers, but they’re also very tuned in to their owner’s moods. They notice when something feels off and will often stay close without being told.”
3. Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers have been America’s third most favorite breed since 2021, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They’re charismatic dogs often caught on camera doing funny, human-like things—whether that’s being quirky, throwing side-eye, or hamming it up for attention.
“These dogs read people well,” said Rakestraw. “They respond to tone, body language, and emotional shifts with a kind of gentleness that many can compare to human empathy. They also enjoy being included in routine activities and social situations.”
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever, had a 31-year run as the most popular breed, according to the AKC’s annual list.
Rakestraw described Labs as having an “easygoing, people-oriented nature. They watch their families closely and adapt quickly, whether the household is busy or relaxed. They join in and stay connected to their people.”
5. German Shepherd
German shepherds sit at the top tier of dogdom for plenty of reasons, but experts say what really sets them apart is their character. The AKC points to their loyalty, bravery, steadiness, and confidence, along with a rare ability to learn complex commands for a wide range of tasks and a natural instinct to protect the people they love.
That mix doesn’t just make them devoted family guardians—it also makes them ideal working dogs, seen everywhere from law enforcement and the military to search-and-rescue teams.
Rakestraw said. “Many owners describe them as partners because they want to be part of what their person is doing.”
“They form deep bonds and understand complex commands, but they also pay attention to emotional cues.”
References
Albuquerque, Natalia, and Briseida Resende. “Dogs Functionally Respond to and Use Emotional Information from Human Expressions.” Evolutionary Human Sciences, vol. 5, Dec. 2022, p. e2. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1017/ehs.2022.57.