--- title: "Most intelligent dog breeds: our top 20 | Pedibase" description: "Most intelligent dog breeds: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/most-intelligent" meta: "og:description": "Most intelligent dog breeds: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." "og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you" "og:image:height": "630" "og:image:width": "1200" "og:title": "Most intelligent dog breeds: our top 20" "twitter:description": "Most intelligent dog breeds: our top 20, based on scores from our breed listings (temperament, size, average price) and verified breeders." "twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/og.png" "twitter:title": "Most intelligent dog breeds: our top 20" --- > Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt) Top 20 # Most intelligent dog breeds A quick-witted breed learns fast and enjoys mental stimulation. These dogs have the highest intelligence scores: plan games and activities to prevent boredom, and open a profile to learn about their temperament and needs. 1. 1 [![Australian Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4742/berger_australien_tricolore.png)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd) ## [Australian Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd) A brilliant, athletic herding dog and very close to its family. Intelligence: 5/5Medium United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd) [ 450 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd) 2. 2 [![Golden Retriever](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4350/pexels-photo-11106504.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/golden-retriever) ## [Golden Retriever](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/golden-retriever) A gentle, intelligent family dog, always ready to share everyday life. Intelligence: 5/5Large United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/golden-retriever) [ 294 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-golden-retriever) 3. 3 [![German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4365/berger_allemand..jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog) ## [German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog) A large working dog loyal, vigilant and remarkably versatile. Intelligence: 5/5Large Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog) [ 259 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog) 4. 4 [![English Cocker Spaniel](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7382/cocker-spaniel-anglais-1.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-cocker-spaniel) ## [English Cocker Spaniel](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-cocker-spaniel) A cheerful, affectionate and sporty dog, highly appreciated by active families. Intelligence: 5/5Medium England [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-cocker-spaniel) [ 168 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-english-cocker-spaniel) 5. 5 [![Labrador Retriever](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4333/portrait_of_a_labrador_retriever.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever) ## [Labrador Retriever](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever) A large retriever that is gentle, playful and very cooperative, ideal for an active family life. Intelligence: 5/5Large United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever) [ 166 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-labrador-retriever) 6. 6 [![Belgian Malinois](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4758/chien_de_berger_belge_malinois.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois) ## [Belgian Malinois](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois) A lively, loyal and protective working dog, as intelligent as it is athletic. Intelligence: 5/5Medium Belgium [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois) [ 162 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-belgian-malinois) 7. 7 [![Rottweiler](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4427/pexels-photo-8962010.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/rottweiler) ## [Rottweiler](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/rottweiler) A powerful, stable dog and deeply loyal when it is well trained. Intelligence: 5/5Giant Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/rottweiler) [ 145 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-rottweiler) 8. 8 [![Miniature American Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5447/berger_americain.webp)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd) ## [Miniature American Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd) Small, lively and versatile shepherd, it combines the drive of a herding dog with a more compact size. Intelligence: 5/5Medium United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd) [ 133 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd) 9. 9 [![Beauceron](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/9916/beauceron.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/beauceron) ## [Beauceron](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/beauceron) A large French shepherd dog, loyal, deterrent and remarkably versatile. Intelligence: 5/5Large France [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/beauceron) [ 121 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-beauceron) 10. 10 [![White Swiss Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/5489/berger_blanc_suisse.png)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/white-swiss-shepherd-dog) ## [White Swiss Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/white-swiss-shepherd-dog) An elegant white shepherd, sensitive and very attached to its family. Intelligence: 5/5Large Switzerland [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/white-swiss-shepherd-dog) [ 117 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-white-swiss-shepherd-dog) 11. 11 [![American Staffordshire Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4103/pexels-photo-11839376.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-staffordshire-terrier) ## [American Staffordshire Terrier](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-staffordshire-terrier) An athletic, loyal and affectionate terrier that requires a firm, gentle and responsible education. Intelligence: 5/5Medium United States [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-staffordshire-terrier) [ 113 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-american-staffordshire-terrier) 12. 12 [![Border Collie](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4416/pexels-photo-32635798.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-collie) ## [Border Collie](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-collie) A brilliant, intense and tireless herding dog, made to work and learn. Intelligence: 5/5Medium United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-collie) [ 83 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-border-collie) 13. 13 [![Poodle]()](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/poodle) ## [Poodle](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/poodle) A brilliant, elegant and versatile dog, from toy to large size. Intelligence: 5/5Medium France [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/poodle) [ 73 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-poodle) 14. 14 [![Akita Inu](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/1288/pexels-photo-8940562.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/akita-inu) ## [Akita Inu](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/akita-inu) Noble and faithful Japanese dog, the Akita Inu combines calm, dignity and a strong character. Intelligence: 5/5Large Japan [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/akita-inu) [ 58 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-akita-inu) 15. 15 [![Belgian Tervuren](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8216/berger-belge-tervueren-8.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-tervuren) ## [Belgian Tervuren](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-tervuren) An elegant, vigilant and tireless Belgian Shepherd, as gifted for work as he is devoted to his family. Intelligence: 5/5Large Belgium [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-tervuren) [ 52 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-belgian-shepherd-dog-tervuren) 16. 16 [![Altdeutscher Schäferhund](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/10060/altdeutscher-schaferhund-1789019683904-0.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/altdeutscher-schaferhund) ## [Altdeutscher Schäferhund](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/altdeutscher-schaferhund) An old-type German Shepherd, rustic, versatile and very attached to its owner. Intelligence: 5/5Large Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/altdeutscher-schaferhund) [ View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-altdeutscher-schaferhund) 17. 17 [![English Pointer](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/8396/pointer-anglais-8.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-pointer) ## [English Pointer](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-pointer) A large elegant pointing dog, hardy and very attached to its family. Intelligence: 5/5Large United Kingdom [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-pointer) [ 41 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-english-pointer) 18. 18 [![Weimaraner](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/9615/braque-de-weimar-27095-5.jpg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/weimaraner) ## [Weimaraner](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/weimaraner) Also called Weimaraner, this athletic German pointing dog combines energy, scenting ability and attachment to its family. Intelligence: 5/5Large Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/weimaraner) [ 37 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-weimaraner) 19. 19 [![Schnauzer](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/6652/pexels-photo-3610168.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schnauzer) ## [Schnauzer](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schnauzer) A bearded, vigilant and athletic dog, as endearing as it is well-balanced. Intelligence: 5/5Medium Germany [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/schnauzer) [ 36 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-schnauzer) 20. 20 [![Maltese](https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:120:100/el:1/q:82/f:webp/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4910/pexels-photo-23542118.jpeg)](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) ## [Maltese](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) A small elegant, affectionate and lively companion with a long silky white coat. Intelligence: 5/5Small Italy [View listing](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maltese) [ 33 breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-maltese) This ranking is based on scores from 1 to 5 assigned to each dog breed in our listings. In a tie, breeds with more breeders in France rank higher. ## Other dog breed rankings - [Dog breeds suited to apartment living](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-for-apartments) - [Dog breeds for families with children](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-with-children) - [Dog breeds for first-time owners](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-for-first-time-owners) - [Most affectionate dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/most-affectionate) - [Dog breeds that get along with other pets](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-with-other-pets) - [Easy-to-train dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/easiest-to-train) - [Dog breeds that bark less](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-bark-the-least) - [Guard dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/best-guard-dogs) - [Calm, low-energy dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/calmest) - [Dog breeds that shed less](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-shed-the-least) - [Dog breeds that drool less](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-drool-the-least) - [Low-maintenance dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/easiest-to-groom) - [Hardiest dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/healthiest) - [Dog breeds that need little exercise](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/that-need-little-exercise) - [So-called hypoallergenic dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/hypoallergenic) - [Small dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/smallest) - [More affordable dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed-rankings/cheapest) [All dog breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds) [Breed comparison](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds) [Which dog should you choose?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. 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