Some experts argue for the celebration of less intelligent but affectionate dog breeds, challenging the preference for highly intelligent dogs. While certain breeds may not excel in obedience training, they offer loyalty and calm companionship, appealing to those prioritizing canine affection over intellectual prowess. Despite obedience challenges, supposedly less intelligent breeds win over owners with their endearing qualities.

Afghan hound

Despite being among the priciest dog breeds globally, the Afghan hound is reported to have the lowest IQ according to Coren’s research. However, their independence and strong-willed nature may explain their reluctance to learn commands. Afghans are known for their affectionate behavior towards family members, entertaining kids with their glamorous hair-flipping antics, and getting along well with other dogs. While they may not excel in mastering complex tricks, their energetic and playful nature, coupled with their luxurious, low-shedding coats, makes them appealing companions.

Basenji

Ranked just below the Afghan hound in intelligence by Coren, the basenji may not be “dumb” but rather disinterested in obedience training interactions. Known for its quiet nature and low need for attention, the basenji’s independent streak and fastidious grooming habits have led to comparisons with cats. While it may not engage in typical tricks for human entertainment, the basenji’s unique approach to learning deserves understanding and acceptance.

English bulldog

Despite being highly favored, English bulldogs, including the English bulldog itself, are considered the third least intelligent by Coren’s research. Despite their low canine intelligence ranking, these dogs are appreciated for their sweet and docile nature, with a reputation for being among the least likely to bite. While Coren’s standards may label them as lazy, a quality they are known for, it raises the question of whether a lack of motivation for learning commands truly equates to low intelligence. English bulldog enthusiasts may argue otherwise.

Chow chow

Despite its lion-like appearance, the chow chow is not considered the king of the jungle or the dog park, as Coren ranks it among the least intelligent dog breeds, humorously stating that some furniture might be more trainable than chows. However, Coren notes that assessing canine intelligence should consider a dog’s ability to perform its bred purpose, and chow chows excel in that regard. Unfortunately, one of their original purposes in some countries was to be raised as food.

Borzoi

Despite being one of the fastest dogs globally, the borzoi is considered one of the least intelligent breeds according to Coren’s criteria. Known for needing ample mental stimulation, these shaggy and lanky dogs are notoriously difficult to train. The American Kennel Club notes their catlike stubbornness and recommends patient, consistent, and good-humored training methods. However, their intelligence shines when it comes to their original purpose: hunting. If you seek a loyal and capable hunting companion, the borzoi may prove smart enough, even if wolf-hunting isn’t on your agenda.

Bloodhound

The bloodhound, recognized for its docility and affection, excels in locating missing persons but is considered slightly less intelligent than the borzoi by Coren’s standards. Both breeds, master hunters, may seem distractible when not on a hunt due to their specialized skills—sight for the borzoi and an exceptional sense of smell for the bloodhound. While this trait may affect command learning, whether the bloodhound is truly “dumb” remains debatable. The charm of dogs with big ears, like the bloodhound, adds to their appeal.

Pekingese

Pekingese dogs are known for showering affection on their families, displaying good behavior, and friendliness towards children, strangers, and other dogs, according to the AKC. Despite these positive traits, playing fetch may not be their forte, placing them among the less intelligent breeds in Coren’s methodology. However, Coren’s research acknowledges nuance, recognizing that Pekingese dogs, originally bred as lapdogs, excel in that role. Whether this specialized skill makes them seem less intelligent is subjective, but it also makes them a top choice for seniors.

Beagle

Beagle enthusiasts are drawn to their pint-size, sweet-faced charm, making them one of the most popular U.S. breeds. However, their high distractibility due to a keen sense of smell and stubborn nature contribute to their classification among the less intelligent breeds. Despite training challenges, the beagle’s love for exploration and happy-go-lucky demeanor remains endearing.

Mastiff

The mastiff, renowned as an excellent guard dog, is among the world’s largest domesticated breeds. Despite their docile and dignified nature, training is essential for giant dog breeds, according to the AKC. Ironically, mastiffs are not adept at learning commands quickly, and even when they do, consistency in performing them is lacking. This places mastiffs among the less intelligent dog breeds, as indicated by Coren’s research. To live harmoniously with these adorably gigantic dogs, the AKC recommends gentle training, emphasizing an early start for optimal results.

Basset hound

Despite its droopy face, the basset hound is known for its friendly nature and compatibility with children, dogs, and even cats. Renowned for its scent-tracking skills, it ranks among the top 10 least intelligent breeds by Coren’s standards, primarily due to its distractibility and stubbornness. However, questioning the fairness of labeling it as “dumb” arises given its proficiency in its intended purpose. Regardless of intelligence ranking, the basset hound is cherished for its exceptional sniffing abilities.

Shih tzu

The shih tzu, Mandarin for “little lion,” stands out as one of the most popular toy dog breeds, originally bred as an indoor lap dog. Despite excelling at this role, the shih tzu does not perform well in learning commands with speed and consistency, as per Coren’s research, obeying a first command less than 25% of the time. This classification places it among the less intelligent dog breeds. However, its known affection towards family, friendliness with children, and playful nature with other dogs suggest there’s more to this breed than intelligence rankings may indicate.

Bullmastiff

Bred as a bulldog and mastiff hybrid, the bullmastiff, another giant dog breed, excels as a docile guard dog with its humans. Despite its size and wariness of strangers, the bullmastiff, like the mastiff, is not known for quickly learning commands and performing them consistently, leading to its classification among the less intelligent dog breeds by Coren’s criteria. However, other experts, such as the AKC and the American Bullmastiff Association, dispute this characterization. They describe the bullmastiff as intelligent, alert, and confident, offering a differing perspective on the breed’s cognitive abilities.

Lhasa apso

Despite its small size and elegant long hair, the lhasa apso, originally bred as a guard dog, is acknowledged by the AKC for its historical proficiency in this role. Many canine intelligence experts consider it an intelligent breed. However, Coren’s research categorizes the lhasa apso as less intelligent due to its slower learning pace and inconsistent performance in mastering commands. Despite its stubbornness and independent-mindedness, qualities that make it comfortable when left alone, the lhasa apso is regarded as a smart, aristocratic family comedian with a thousand-year-old reputation.

Chihuahua

For budget-conscious pet owners, the Chihuahua is considered one of the cheapest dog breeds due to its small size, resulting in lower feeding costs, and its short, low-maintenance hair. Additionally, the Chihuahua sheds minimally, potentially saving on cleaning expenses. However, experts advise obedience training for this energetic and vocal “purse dog” to prevent it from dominating the household. Training a Chihuahua demands time and patience, as per Coren’s research, requiring up to 80 repetitions to teach a command, and even then, it obeys the first time less than 30% of the time.

St. Bernard

The St. Bernard, among the most popular mountain dog breeds, is renowned for its enormous size and gentle temperament rather than its intelligence. Bred methodically by monks during the Middle Ages for alpine search and rescue, St. Bernards excel in their intended purpose. However, they are notably challenging to train for tasks beyond search and rescue. Despite this, St. Bernards are celebrated for their calm and easygoing personalities, being sweet, affectionate, observant, watchful, and excellent with people of all ages, as well as other dogs. The focus on their propensity for rescue overshadows any challenges in basic obedience training.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are affectionate and playful, but they can be stubborn and sensitive, making them challenging to train. They often need patience and consistency in training methods.

Pug

Pugs are known for their playful and affectionate nature, but they can be distractible and sometimes stubborn, which may lead to challenges in training.

Skye Terrier

Known for their loyalty, Skye Terriers are independent dogs that can find it hard to focus on training, leading to perceptions of lower intelligence

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are spirited and strong-willed, making them difficult to train for inexperienced owners. Their independence is often mistaken for a lack of intelligence.

Tibetan Spaniel

These dogs are alert and protective, but their independent nature can make training a challenge. They may not respond as well to traditional obedience training methods

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed is known for being affectionate but can struggle with learning new commands and have poor recall, traits that might affect their perceived intelligence.

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers are independent and energetic, often showing defiant behavior that makes training difficult, which may be mistaken for a lack of intelligence.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are affectionate but can be independent and stubborn, traits that make training more challenging and can lead to perceptions of lower intelligence.

Italian Greyhound

Known for their mischievous and stubborn nature, Italian Greyhounds can be loving but challenging to train, affecting their perceived intelligence.

Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terriers are independent and have their own mind, a trait that often leads to challenges in traditional obedience training, affecting their perceived intelligence.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are courageous and lively but can be stubborn and independent, traits that can make obedience training more challenging and lead to perceptions of lower intelligence.

Great Pyrenees

These dogs are known for their calm demeanor and protective instincts. However, their independent nature can make them seem aloof and slow to obey commands, which may be mistaken for a lack of intelligence​.

Akita

Akitas are loyal and protective, but their independent nature can make them difficult to train, potentially affecting their perceived intelligence.

Alaskan Malamute

Known for their strength and endurance, Alaskan Malamutes can be independent and stubborn, which may hinder their trainability and lead to perceptions of lower intelligence.

Boxer

Boxers are playful and energetic but can be stubborn and require patience and consistency in training, which might affect their perceived intelligence​.

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are loyal and protective but can be willful and require firm, consistent training, which may be mistaken for a lack of intelligence.

Saluki

Salukis are independent and can be aloof, traits that might make them seem less intelligent in traditional obedience-based measures, but they are actually quite adept at hunting and running.

Bull Terrier

Known for their unique egg-shaped head and muscular build, Bull Terriers can be quite stubborn and independent, which might make training a challenge.

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