Dogs have long been celebrated as loyal companions, but some breeds stand out not just for their affection – but for their intelligence. A fascinating study conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki has revealed which dog breed is officially the smartest in the world, and the results may surprise you.
Understanding breed intelligence is about more than bragging rights. Intelligence affects how easily a dog can be trained, how it adapts to new environments and – crucially for pet owners planning international relocation – how well it responds to change and stress during air travel.
In this blog, we’ll break down the findings and explore what canine intelligence really means. We’ll also look at how PetAir can help relocate your pet, however ‘smart’ they are.
Which Dog Breed Is the Smartest?
For many years, the Border Collie has been thought of as the world’s most intelligent dog breed. However, this latest study crowned the Belgian Malinois as the smartest dog of all.
The study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, assessed over 1,000 dogs from 13 breeds using a comprehensive series of cognitive tests. These included problem-solving tasks, memory evaluations and the ability to interpret human gestures.
Top 3 Smartest Dog Breeds in the Study:
- Belgian Malinois – Scored 35 out of 39
- Border Collie – Scored 26 out of 39
- Hovawart – A working breed also known for versatility and intelligence
The Belgian Malinois excelled in almost every area tested. It demonstrating exceptional cognitive abilities, quick learning skills, and remarkable responsiveness to human cues. These traits explain why the breed is commonly used in police and military roles around the world.
How Was Intelligence Measured?
Researchers used 10 standardised tests designed to measure different aspects of canine intelligence. These included:
- Gesture recognition: Understanding pointing or visual cues from humans
- Problem-solving: Figuring out how to access a treat from a puzzle
- Short-term memory: Remembering where rewards were hidden
- Inhibitory control: Resisting an immediate reward to receive a better outcome
These tests reflect real-world skills that impact how dogs interact with humans, adapt to change and respond to training.
Dr Katriina Tiira, one of the lead researchers, said:
“The Belgian Malinois stood out in many of the cognitive tasks, having very good results in the majority of the tests.”
Interestingly, while the Labrador Retriever is one of the UK’s most popular family pets, it ranked towards the lower end in tasks that involved complex problem-solving. However, researchers were quick to state that all breeds in the study demonstrated high intelligence – the differences were only in the types of intelligence displayed.
What Does ‘Intelligence’ Mean for Pet Owners?
Intelligence in dogs isn’t just about learning tricks. It affects:
- Trainability – Intelligent breeds pick up commands quickly
- Emotional resilience – Smart dogs can adapt well to new environments
- Travel readiness – Smart dogs may be easier to prepare for travel, such as with crate training and being able to adapt to their new environment on the other side
This is particularly important when considering transporting your pet abroad. While some smarter dogs may adapt quicker to their new environments, we still recommend some level of behavioral training prior to any pet’s journey. Check out our 24/7 online vet service, including behavioral training to see what is best for your pet.
Tips for Travelling with Intelligent Dog Breeds
If your dog is among the world’s smartest breeds or not, preparation is key to a smooth journey. Here’s how to get started:
1. Start crate training early
Introduce the travel crate as a positive, comfortable space using treats, toys and praise.
2. Keep your dog mentally engaged
Puzzle feeders or safe chew toys can reduce anxiety during travel.
3. Choose PetAir
PetAir manages everything from documentation to flight bookings, allowing you to focus on your relocation while we prioritise your pet’s welfare.
4. Upgrade to PetAir’s 24/7 online vet service
Some breeds may need extra exercise or calming strategies before flying. At PetAir, we can advise on the best ways to prepare your pet for the flight, as well as any other concerns you may have.
Why Intelligence Isn’t Everything
While this study focused on cognitive ability, it’s important to remember that a dog’s intelligence doesn’t determine how loving or loyal they are. Labrador Retrievers, despite ranking lower in the study for problem-solving, remain one of the best breeds for families, therapy roles and assistance work due to their gentle nature and emotional sensitivity.
As PhD researcher Saara Junttila explains:
“The purpose of the study was not to rank breeds as better or worse, but to understand how they differ in behaviour and cognition.”
Each breed has its own strengths, whether it’s companionship, trainability, or emotional intelligence – all equally important qualities.
Thinking About Relocating with Your Dog?
Whether you’re travelling with a Belgian Malinois, a Labrador or a mixed-breed companion, PetAir provides a fully tailored relocation service designed to meet your pet’s specific needs.
✅ Bespoke travel crates designed for comfort and safety
✅ Vet-led support from consultation to landing
✅ Stress-reduction strategies tailored to breed behaviour
✅ End-to-end management of travel documentation
Ready to plan your next big adventure?
📞 Call our expert team today OR
🧾 Get a personalised pet travel quote online
If you’d like to read the full results of the study on the world’s smartest dog breed, you can read it in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.
