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Top 20 Dumbest Dog Breeds – You’ll be Amazed at the Results!

Dumbest Dog Breeds

Dogs are known to be loyal and very intelligent creatures, but some breeds have been proven to be just the opposite!

Since dogs can also have varying levels of intelligence, just as there are canine Einstein and canine dummies. So, where does your dog rank on the list of dumbest dog breeds in the world? Let’s find out.

Smart Dog Vs. Dumb Dog

A smart dog is one who is easy to train and understand commands. They are also good at problem-solving and learning tricks.

Some of the smartest dog breeds include Border Collie, Poodle, and Golden Retriever, Biewer Terrier. On the other hand, a dumb dog is one who isn’t as easy to train and often doesn’t understand commands.

They may also have trouble learning tricks and solving problems. Some of the dumbest dog breeds include the Bulldog, Chow Chow, Bull Terrier, and Basset Hound.

How Do You Measure Your Dog’s Intelligence?

As Dr. Stanley Coren published in his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, there are different grades of canine intelligence.

Below are various types of intelligence:

  1. Instinctive Intelligence
  2. Adaptive Intelligence
  3. Working and Obedience Intelligence

1.     Instinctive Intelligence

This is the intelligence of dogs that’s more or less innate. It’s the ability to do what comes naturally to them, like herding, retrieving, and guarding.

Smart dogs have a good understanding of what’s expected of them and can figure things out for themselves. They’re also quick learners.

On the other hand, dumb dogs aren’t as in tune with their natural instincts. They may not understand what you want them to do or be confused when you try to teach them new things.

2.     Adaptive Intelligence

Dogs with adaptive intelligence are able to adapt to new situations, solve problems without help, and learn from their past experiences.

3.     Working and Obedience Intelligence

Working and obedience intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to learn quickly when it is trained by humans.

The ranking was based on how quickly a dog picked up new cues, how many repetitions they needed to make sure they understood said cues, and how well they followed instructions.

  1. Most Intelligent Dogs will react 95% of the time correctly when commanded.
  2. If properly trained, excellent intelligent dogs will perform reliably 85% of the time.
  3. Above-average intelligence dogs got the answer right 70% of the time.
  4. Average Intelligence dogs respond correctly 50% of the time.
  5. 30% of the time, Fair Intelligence dogs respond correctly.
  6. Lower intelligence dogs correctly respond less than 25% of the time.

Top 20 Dumbest Dog Breeds

These 20 dumbest dog breeds all have their own endearing ways about them, which we’re sure you’ll love when you meet your new furry friend!

1.  Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is often considered one of the dumbest dog breeds because of its independent nature. This dog breed is often aloof and uninterested in please its owner, which can be frustrating for those looking for a more obedient pet. However, this same trait can also be seen as an endearing quality in some people’s eyes.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog that doesn’t require a lot of training, the Afghan Hound might be the breed for you.

Afghan Hound

2. Beagle

A beagle is a popular choice for a family pet, but they are not known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They’re known for being curious and following their noses, which can sometimes lead them into trouble. Beagles are also easily distracted and tend to howl loudly. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, they’re still lovable dogs that make great companions. Beagles typically live 10-15years.

Beagles are stubborn and willful, which makes them hard to train. However, this doesn’t mean they are dumb!

3. Borzoi

If you’re looking for a dog that’s both dumb and elegant, look no further than the Borzoi. This Russian wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds around and was once used by nobility to hunt wolves. But don’t let their regal history fool you – these dogs are known for being aloof and independent, and they’re not particularly good at obedience training. In other words, they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed.

Borzoi
Borzoi

4. Basenji

The Basenji so known as the barkless dog is an ancient breed of dog from the Congo in Africa. Dogs like these are bred to be hunters, but they are most often kept as house pets nowadays because they are used to being on their own and aren’t obedient enough to do tricks.

Basenjis are known for being very quiet dogs, and they do not bark like other breeds. Instead, they make a yodeling sound called a baroo. Basenjis are also known for being escape artists, and they are often difficult to housebreak.

Basenji dog
Basenji dog

5. Bulldog

The Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, but they’re not exactly known for their intelligence. Unlike other dogs, bulldogs prefer to crash on the couch rather than chase balls or solve puzzles.

In fact, they rank near the bottom of the list when it comes to canine IQ. But that doesn’t make them any less lovable! Bulldogs are known for being loyal dogs. They are also gentle, and wonderful family companions.

Bulldog
Bulldog

6. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a classic example of a dog that is not the brightest bulb in the pack. With droopy ears and short legs, this breed was bred for hunting rabbits and other small game. And while they may be good at following a scent, they’re not so good at listening to commands. In fact, many Basset Hounds are known for being stubborn and hard to train.

Basset Hound
Basset Hound

7. Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a hunting dog by nature, and as such, has a very strong sense of smell. This dog’s nose is so sensitive that it can track a human by scent alone, which is why they’re often used in law enforcement. However, all that sniffing takes a lot of energy, and these dogs are often too lazy to put their incredible noses to good use.

Bloodhound
Bloodhound

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular dog breed, but they’re not the smartest. Known for being the beloved pet of the royals – namely King Charles II – the cavalier is graceful, gentle, and has a happy temperament.

They’re sweet and loving, but they’re not quick learners. If you’re looking for a dog who will be easy to train, this isn’t the breed for you.

9. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a toy breed of dog, the smallest in the world. They are loyal but prone to anxiety and jealousy, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

Chihuahuas are also one of the longest-lived breeds, with an average lifespan of 15 years. But all that longevity doesn’t make up for their lack of intelligence – these dogs are among the dumbest dog breeds.

10. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a dog breed that originates from China. They are known for their blue-black tongues, which is a recessive gene. Chow Chows are also one of the most independent and dominant dogs, which might explain why they’re not too fond of other dogs.

They are strong-willed and stubborn, which makes them more difficult to train, and so they wind up on the list of dumb dog breeds.

11. Great Pyrenees

One of the largest breeds, the Great Pyrenees is also one of the dumbest dog breeds. This gentle giant was bred to be a working dog, but their independent nature and lack of obedience training often get them into trouble.

The Great Pyrenees is probably not the best choice if you’re looking for an intelligent breed.

12. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is absolutely gorgeous, but they’re also known for being one of the dumbest dog breeds. They’re also easily frightened and tend to be timid around strangers.

The Italian Greyhounds are naturally nervous and do not respond well to aggressive behavior which means they are not always the easiest to train.

13. Lakeland Terrier

A breed that’s been around since the 19th century, the Lakeland Terrier was originally bred to hunt vermin and rodents in the UK. Today, they’re still used for hunting and pest control, but they’re also popular family pets.

Unfortunately, their hunting instincts can sometimes get the better of them, leading them to chase after anything that moves – including other animals and even small children. This can make them difficult to train and control, earning them a spot on our list of dumbest dog breeds.

14. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa apso is a small Tibetan breed that was once used as watchdogs in Buddhist monasteries. They’re independent and aloof, which might make them seem like they’re not the brightest dog breed around. But they’re actually very protective of their families and can be suspicious of strangers.

15. Maltese

They’re little balls of fluff that might as well be stuffed animals, and they don’t have an ounce of intelligence. This ancient dog of Malta is a happy-go-lucky breed.

Maltese are one of the dumbest dog breeds but affectionate dogs. Bred as companions for wealthy women in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, these dogs were never intended to do much more than looking cute. And they excel at that. But don’t expect them to understand anything you say or do.

16. Old English Sheepdog

If you’re looking for a dog that’s as dopey as they come, the Old English Sheepdog is your best bet. This big, shaggy breed is not only one of the dumbest dog breeds but also one of the most gentle and loving. Despite their lack of intelligence, Old English Sheepdogs make great family pets — all you need is patience to train them.

17. Pug

A pug is a small, stocky dog with a wrinkled face and short coat. Pugs are known for being lazy, silly, and good-natured.

However, they can also be stubborn and manipulative. Pugs were bred to be companion dogs, and they love nothing more than cuddling with their humans. Did you know that the Puggle is a popular mixed breed?

Pug
Pug

18. Rottweiler

A Rottweiler is a large, muscular dog with a thick coat of fur. Though they are often bred as working dogs, they are also known for being loyal and loving companions.

The Rottweiler is one of the dumbest dog breeds because it has poor memory and short attention span, which makes it unsuitable for obedience school.

Rottweilers make great guard dogs
Rottweiler

19. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a popular breed, but they’re not the sharpest tools in the shed. They’re friendly and good with children, but they’re also stubborn and independent. They’re not the easiest breed to train, but with patience and consistency, it can be done.

20. Scottish Terrier

Often referred to as the diehard, the Scottish Terrier is a tenacious and fearless breed. They are also one of the most foolish dog breeds, known for their stubbornness and lack of obedience.

This independent streak can make training a challenge, but if you’re up for the task, owning a Scottish Terrier can be a lot of fun. Just be prepared for some frustrating moments along the way.

Does Research On Dumbest Dogs Turn Out To Be Accurate?

According to a study done by Stanley Coren, the following breeds are considered the dumbest: Afghan hound, basset hound, beagle, bulldog, and Chow Chow. However, it is important to keep in mind that intelligence is not only based on obedience; dogs that are good at problem-solving or have a good memory are also considered intelligent. In other words, the research might be accurate in some ways but does not provide a complete picture.

Keep In Mind That Each Dog is an Expert in Particular Skills

That said, it’s a shame to say any breed or individual dog is dumb since certain breeds are just harder to train. Some dogs are smarter than others, but all of them have at least one talent — you just have to find out what it is. Every dog is naturally better at one thing or another, and dogs have distinct traits and behaviors. That’s why every dog breed is specialized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dog has the least IQ?

  1. Afghan Hound
  2. Basenji
  3. Bulldog
  4. Chow Chow

Which dog has a high IQ?

As the world’s premier sheep herder, the Border Collie is admired for its intelligence, extraordinary instincts, and work capacity. the Border Collie is one of the smartest dogs.

Which dog breed was the least trainable?

Afghan Hounds are considered the most difficult to train. They often ignore their owners’ commands and just do whatever they want, when they want.

How dumb are Pugs?

According to obedience & working IQ tests, pugs are the 108th smartest dog breed, placing them in the below-average category for dog intelligence.

Why Hound dogs are considered among the dumbest breeds of dogs?

Hound dogs are considered among the dumbest breeds of dogs for a variety of reasons.

They have a strong sense of smell, which means they’re often distracted by smells and can be difficult to train. They’re often independent and stubborn, which can make them difficult to control. They’re usually not very good at obedience training. They tend to howl or bark excessively. They’re often restless and easily bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors.

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