The basenji, placed just above the Afghan hound on Coren’s intelligence scale, might not lack intelligence but rather shows little interest in obedience training. Recognized for its quietness and minimal demand for attention, the basenji’s autonomy and meticulous grooming habits draw comparisons to felines. While it doesn’t perform standard tricks for entertainment, the basenji’s learning style is worthy of respect and appreciation.

Favored by many, the English bulldog is ranked as the third least intelligent dog breed by Coren. Despite their low ranking, these dogs are loved for their gentle and friendly nature, and are known for being unlikely to bite. Coren’s evaluation may deem them lazy, but it prompts a discussion on whether a reluctance to learn commands necessarily indicates a lack of intelligence. Supporters of English bulldogs might disagree with this assessment.

The chow chow, despite its majestic, lion-like looks, does not dominate in intelligence rankings or dog parks, according to Coren, who humorously claims that some furniture may be easier to train than chow chows. However, Coren also suggests that intelligence assessments should account for a breed’s ability to fulfill its breeding purpose, at which chow chows are adept. Unfortunately, their breeding purpose in some regions historically included being raised for consumption.

Known for their speed, borzois rank low on Coren’s intelligence scale. These tall, furry dogs require significant mental engagement and are notoriously hard to train, with the American Kennel Club advocating for training that is patient, consistent, and light-hearted. Despite their training challenges, their intelligence is evident in their primary role as hunters. For those looking for a faithful and competent hunting partner, a borzoi might be a smart choice, regardless of your interest in wolf hunting.

The bloodhound, noted for its gentle nature and prowess in tracking, ranks slightly higher in intelligence than the borzoi according to Coren. Both breeds excel as hunters, which may cause them to seem unfocused when not tracking due to their specialized abilities—the borzoi in sight and the bloodhound in scent. Whether this impacts their ability to learn commands and makes them truly “dumb” is up for debate. Nonetheless, the endearing nature of dogs with large ears like the bloodhound only enhances their appeal.

Pekingese dogs are renowned for their affectionate nature towards their families, displaying good behavior and friendliness towards children, strangers, and other dogs as noted by the AKC. Though they may not excel in fetch, placing them lower on Coren’s intelligence scale, his research does acknowledge that Pekingese dogs shine in their role as lapdogs. The debate over their intelligence might be subjective, but their effectiveness in this role makes them a preferred choice for senior citizens.

Beagles, beloved for their compact size and appealing faces, are among the most favored breeds in the U.S. Their sharp sense of smell and stubbornness often lead to distractions, classifying them as less intelligent in training contexts. Despite these challenges, beagles remain beloved for their adventurous spirit and cheerful attitude.

Mastiffs, known for their role as formidable guard dogs and their massive size, require careful training, according to the AKC. Despite their calm and noble demeanor, mastiffs often learn commands slowly and may not consistently follow them, ranking them lower in intelligence per Coren’s findings. The AKC advises gentle, early training to ensure a peaceful coexistence with these giant, lovable dogs.

The basset hound, despite its melancholic expression, is recognized for its friendly demeanor and compatibility with kids, other dogs, and cats. Famous for its tracking abilities, it is listed among the least intelligent breeds by Coren, largely due to its distractibility and stubborn nature. However, its specialized skill set prompts a reevaluation of what “dumb” truly means, making its intelligence ranking a topic of debate. Regardless, the basset hound’s exceptional scent-tracking abilities make it a treasured breed.

Known affectionately as “little lion,” the shih tzu is a favored toy dog breed, historically bred for companionship. Although it may struggle with command training, obeying less than 25% of commands on the first try as per Coren’s research, its affectionate nature, friendliness with children, and playful interactions with other dogs highlight qualities that go beyond mere intelligence rankings.

The bullmastiff, a cross between a bulldog and a mastiff, is praised as a gentle guard dog around family but cautious around strangers. Similar to mastiffs, bullmastiffs are not quick to learn or consistently obey commands, leading to their placement among the lower intelligence breeds in Coren’s evaluation. Yet, other experts like the AKC and the American Bullmastiff Association view the breed as intelligent, alert, and confident, offering an alternative perspective on their cognitive abilities.

The lhasa apso, a small breed with long elegant hair bred originally as a guard dog, is recognized for its effectiveness in this historical role by the AKC. While some experts deem it intelligent, Coren’s research classifies it lower due to its slow training response and inconsistency in command execution. Despite its independent nature and stubborn streak, the lhasa apso is considered a clever, noble breed that thrives in a family setting, often seen as a humorous addition.

The Chihuahua, known for being one of the most economical dog breeds due to its minimal dietary and grooming needs, also sheds very little, which can further reduce household maintenance costs. Despite its small size, the energetic and vocal Chihuahua requires persistent training, as acknowledged by Coren, who notes it may need upwards of 80 repetitions to learn a command, and typically obeys the first command less than 30% of the time.

The St. Bernard is celebrated for its large size and gentle nature, more so than its intellectual capacity. Originally bred for search and rescue by medieval monks, these dogs excel in their designed role but can be difficult to train for other tasks. Nonetheless, their calm and affable demeanor makes them beloved companions, well-suited to families and effective in rescue operations, overshadowing any shortcomings in basic obedience training.

French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature but also for their stubbornness and sensitivity, which can complicate training efforts. Success with French Bulldogs in training typically demands a great deal of patience and consistent methodology.

Pugs are celebrated for their playful and loving demeanor, although their distractibility and occasional stubbornness can complicate training efforts.

Skye Terriers are esteemed for their loyalty but possess an independent streak that may hinder their training, sometimes leading observers to underestimate their intelligence.

Shiba Inus are energetic and have a strong will, traits that can make training particularly challenging for those without experience. Their autonomous nature is often incorrectly interpreted as a lack of intelligence.

These dogs are vigilant and protective, yet their independence can pose difficulties in training. They may not adapt well to conventional obedience training techniques.

This breed is affectionate yet struggles with learning new commands and often has poor recall, characteristics that might impact how intelligent they seem.

Scottish Terriers are independent and vivacious, frequently exhibiting defiant behavior that complicates training efforts, which could be misconstrued as a lack of intelligence.

Maltese dogs are loving but also independent and stubborn, attributes that can make training more complex and contribute to perceptions of them being less intelligent.

Italian Greyhounds are known for their mischievous and stubborn disposition, which, while endearing, can make training a challenge and affect their perceived intelligence.

Norfolk Terriers are known for their independence and strong-mindedness, traits that often lead to challenges in conventional obedience training and affect their perceived intelligence.

Dachshunds are bold and lively but can also be stubborn and self-reliant, traits that can make obedience training more difficult and lead to perceptions of lower intelligence.

These dogs are appreciated for their calmness and protective nature. However, their independent streak may cause them to appear detached and slow to follow commands, which could be misinterpreted as a lack of intelligence.

Akitas are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, yet their independent temperament can complicate training efforts, potentially impacting how intelligent they are perceived to be.

Alaskan Malamutes are celebrated for their strength and stamina, but their independent and stubborn characteristics can impede trainability, potentially leading to perceptions of lower intelligence.

Boxers are playful and full of energy but can also be stubborn, requiring patience and consistent training, which might influence perceptions of their intelligence.

Cane Corsos are devoted and protective, yet their strong-willed nature necessitates firm and consistent training, which could be misconstrued as a lack of intelligence.

Salukis are known for their independence and aloof demeanor, traits that might cause them to be perceived as less intelligent in traditional obedience contexts, despite their proficiency in hunting and running.

Bull Terriers, recognizable by their distinctive egg-shaped head and muscular physique, can be quite stubborn and independent, which may make training them more challenging.