I've heard a number of stories of dogs who were smarter than their owners.

You must remember, animals can be very, very smart; but they have very limited priorities and think very differently from humans. Your dog knows exactly how to get the food off the counter when you aren't looking. Your cat knows exactly which objects to knock off your dresser to get you up in the morning (usually all of them). And your horse knows exactly which animals can be bullied without you caring... which some will do mercilessly, while others may protect them instead.