Study has identified the ‘world’s smartest dog’ breed — but sadly, it’s a wrong fit for most people

Behind those clever eyes lies a world most owners can’t handle.

PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO

(L) A group of different dog breeds. (R) A woman with an idea bulb on her forehead. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Meaghan Browning, (R) Peter Dazeley)

Dogs have long been admired not just for their loyalty, but also for their intelligence. Understanding how smart our canine companions really are has become a growing area of interest among scientists and dog lovers alike. As reported by Pride Bites, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki aimed to identify which dog breeds stand out the most when it comes to brainpower. The results offered surprising insights into how different breeds think and behave under pressure.

Different dog breeds together in a park. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images meaghan browning) — Different dog breeds together in a park. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | meaghan browning)

In the 2022 study, more than 1,000 dogs from 13 breeds known for their intelligence were tested in Finland. The dogs were given ten tasks that measured their problem-solving ability, independence, and understanding of human communication. The Belgian Malinois ranked highest overall, showing top-level problem-solving skills and an excellent ability to respond to human cues. In one of the tasks, dogs faced a challenge they could not solve alone. Researchers observed whether the dogs would turn to their humans for help or attempt to solve it independently. The Malinois, along with the German Shepherd, showed high levels of independence by spending no time looking to humans during the test.

A woman training a Belgian Malinois dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Tatyana Titova)

Following closely behind in the rankings were the Border Collie and the Hovawart, an old German breed. These dogs also showed impressive cognitive performance. Meanwhile, English Cocker Spaniels demonstrated strong curiosity and focus in new environments, suggesting different strengths among breeds. Interestingly, the study also revealed differences within similar breed groups. For example, the Golden Retriever responded very differently from the Labrador Retriever in gesture and unsolvable tasks, even though both are part of the retriever group. This suggests that even within a breed category, differences in intelligence can be significant. These findings further emphasize the need to study the unique behaviors of specific dog breeds instead of depending only on broad groupings.

Belgian Malinois dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Sue Zellers) — Belgian Malinois dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Sue Zellers)

Understanding a dog’s intelligence is important for many practical reasons. For one, it can help pet owners choose a breed that fits their lifestyle, especially if they want a dog that’s easy to train or adapt to new situations. It also helps trainers, behaviorists, and handlers determine whether dogs are receiving enough mental stimulation. For those in specialized fields, like service animal work or search and rescue, knowing a breed’s cognitive strengths can guide selection and training efforts. Smart dogs are often better suited for roles that require focus, adaptability, and strong communication with humans.

A woman playing fetch with her Belgian Malinois pet dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Timbicus)

Despite the Belgian Malinois breed turning out to be the most intelligent of them all, it wasn’t the ultimate choice of pet owners. In reality, extremely smart dogs aren't the best match for most people; many don’t realize that these dogs need regular mental stimulation and tasks to stay happy. Without enough engagement, they can quickly become depressed or develop behavioral issues. Considering intelligence is not the only thing one looks for in a pet, it is important to select a furry companion based on one’s lifestyle and needs.