The answer to this question will depend on what you perceive as smart. Both Huskies and German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, but they are smart in different ways.
For instance, a German Shepherd is much easier to train than a Husky, which might lead people to believe that they’re smarter. For this reason and because they are so loyal, German Shepherds are often used as service dogs, which is why you’ll often see them working alongside the police force or as guide dogs.
That being said, Huskies are more independent, whereas German Shepherds are people pleasers by nature, which may lead you to think that Huskies are smarter. Despite needing a firmer hand when it comes to training, Huskies are incredibly affectionate. German Shepherds, on the other hand, can be aloof until they bond with their owners.
Similar to Huskies, if left to their own devices, the German Shepherd may become destructive due to boredom. This is especially true of these breeds when young, which is why you need to keep them stimulated with toys and ensure that they both are getting plenty of exercise throughout each and every day.
Which dog you opt for will depend on you and your preferences and what you have time for. Any dog can display destructive behaviors if their needs are not being met. When trained from a young age, both breeds are incredibly loyal and make great companions for families.