Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Dumbest dog breeds is a term that some people use to describe certain types of dogs. While some believe that the smartest dogs make the best pets, others, including canine expert Lauren Novack, argue that it’s crucial to appreciate the quirky, loving dogs that might not catch onto tricks as quickly. Novack even admits to being fond of ‘dumb‘ dogs.
But what exactly defines a dog as ‘dumb‘? Some experts measure a dog’s intelligence by how fast they pick up tricks taught by humans. However, Novack suggests that what most people truly desire in a smart dog is one that enjoys learning and is forgiving of our mistakes during teaching sessions.
ome dog breeds might not lack intelligence; they might simply lack interest in performing tricks. Others might just be laid-back and prefer snoozing a trait that’s understandable. Often, their disinterest in tricks is tied to the characteristics they were bred for.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s really loyal and calm, you might want to consider one of the breeds known for being a bit slow. Even though they’re called “dumb” dogs, they can be great cuddle buddies for hours. So, if you want a faithful friend who loves to snuggle, one of these supposedly less smart dogs could be just right for you.
Coren says,
“Studies provide valuable insights into canine intelligence and behavior, enriching our understanding of our beloved pets.”
What characteristics make these dog breeds stand out as the dumbest?
Back in the 1990s, a smart professor named Stanley Coren made a way to measure how clever dogs are. He looked at how well they can figure out problems, do what they’re born to do, and listen to human instructions.
Coren thinks that by watching dogs learn commands, we can tell which breeds need more practice to understand. He says that the breeds he calls “dumbest” need to hear commands more times than others to get them right.
However, not all experts in canine cognition adhere to Coren’s framework. Anya Parks from Boston College’s Canine Cognition Program argues that intelligence should be seen as diverse among individual dogs.
Parks and Novack both contend that attempting to gauge canine intelligence with a singular set of standardized criteria is inherently flawed.
“Novack emphasizes that dogs display diverse strengths and weaknesses, which can vary not only across different breeds but also among individual animals.
Although certain dog breeds may struggle more in obedience training, it’s certain they will continue to capture our affection, distinguishing themselves from their counterparts among the smartest dog breeds.
Top 15 Dumbest Dog Breeds List
The term “Dumbest dog breeds” is merely a label; every dog possesses its own unique intelligence and capabilities.
Dumbest dog breeds Dalmatian” is a misleading and inaccurate label, as intelligence in dogs cannot be generalized solely based on breed, with Dalmatians actually possessing a high level of trainability and intelligence. Here are the 15 dumbest dog breeds.
1: Afghan hound Dog
The Afghan hound is a fancy and expensive dog, but according to Coren’s research, it’s not the smartest. However, these dogs are known to be independent and strong-willed.
Maybe they’re just not interested in learning commands because they don’t see the point. Instead, they prefer spending time with family, showing off their beautiful hair, and getting along with other dogs.
Your Afghan hound might not be great at learning tricks, but they make up for it with their energy and friendliness. They’re always ready to play and meet new people. Plus, they have a unique trait – their luxurious coat. Despite their long hair, Afghans don’t shed much, although they do need regular grooming to keep their fur looking fabulous.
Breed overview
- Height: 25 to 27 inches
- Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
2: English bulldog
Many people really like bulldogs, including the English bulldog. According to Coren’s research, English bulldogs are ranked as the third dumbest dog breed. But they’re also known for being gentle and calm, which Novack likes a lot. Plus, they’re not likely to bite, which is a good thing.
English bulldogs don’t score well on tests for dog intelligence, but it might just be because they’re lazy. They’re famous for being lazy dogs. Lazy dogs might not want to put in the effort to learn new commands, but does that mean they’re dumb? Some people who love English bulldogs might not agree with that.
Breed overview
- Height: 14 to 15 inches
- Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
3: Basenji Dog
Coren ranks the basenji as not much smarter than the Afghan hound. But it’s not really that they’re dumb. They just don’t seem to care much about the kind of stuff that obedience training teaches. Basenjis are calm dogs that don’t bark a lot. They’re pretty independent and don’t need too much attention, which some people like.
Because of their independent nature and how they groom themselves so well, some people think basenjis are like cats. Cats aren’t considered dumb just because they don’t do tricks. Maybe basenjis should get the same understanding.
Breed overview
- Height: 16 to 17 inches
- Weight: 22 to 24 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
4: Borzoi Dog
The borzoi is one of the swiftest dogs out there, but it’s also considered one of the least smart according to Coren’s standards. This fast dog needs a lot of mental activity, but it’s tough to train because of its long, shaggy appearance. The American Kennel Club says borzois are stubborn and training them needs lots of patience, consistency, and humor.
Even though borzois might not be quick to follow commands, they’re excellent at what they were made for: hunting. So if you’re searching for a loyal and skilled hunting companion, the borzoi is smart enough for the job, even if you’re not planning to hunt wolves.
Breed overview
- Height: 26 to 28 inches
- Weight: 55 to 105 pounds
- Lifespan: 9 to 14 years
5: Chow chow Dog
Despite resembling a lion, the chow chow isn’t considered the ruler of the animal kingdom, not even in the dog world. Coren’s research places the chow chow among the least smart dog breeds. He even jokes that some furniture might be easier to train than chow chows.
However, Coren mentions that one way to measure a dog’s smarts is by how well it can do what it was bred for. Interestingly, chow chows are pretty good at that. But unfortunately, one of the things they were bred for in some places was to be food.
Breed overview
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
- Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
6: Bloodhound Dog
The bloodhound, also known as the sleuth hound, is very gentle and loving with its family. It has a special talent: finding missing people better than any other creature.
But according to Coren’s idea of dog intelligence, the bloodhound isn’t much smarter than the borzoi. It’s interesting that both these breeds, although great hunters, are ranked low in intelligence.
The borzoi relies on its sharp eyesight, while the bloodhound uses its amazing sense of smell to track down prey. But when they’re not hunting, these skills might make them seem easily distracted. This distraction can make it hard for them to learn commands. However, whether this means the bloodhound is truly dumb is up for debate. Also, there’s something charming about dogs with big ears that makes us adore them.
Breed overview
- Height: 23 to 27 inches
- Weight: 80 to 110 pounds
- Lifespan: 7 to 10 years
7: Beagle Dog
People who love dogs with floppy ears often really like the cute beagle. Their big, sad-looking eyes and funny behavior make them a favorite dog breed in the U.S. But here’s a sad fact: they’re also one of the dog breeds you find most in animal shelters.
One reason for this is because beagles, like their cousin the bloodhound, get easily distracted by smells. If they’re not on a leash, they might wander off and get lost.
Beagles are famous for being a bit stubborn, which can make teaching them tricks hard. And the truth is, a dog that doesn’t listen to commands can be tricky to live with.
Breed overview
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
8: Pekingese Dog
Pekingese dogs are known for being very affectionate towards their families. They are friendly with children, strangers, and other dogs. However, when it comes to playing fetch, they may not be very good at it. Some research suggests that Pekingese dogs are among the “dumbest dog breeds,” according to a certain method used by Coren.
But wait, there’s more to it! Pekingese dogs were actually bred to be lapdogs, and they are very good at it. So, if being good at snuggling and staying by your side makes them seem a bit silly, then maybe being smart isn’t so important after all. This quality also makes them a great choice for seniors who want a companion.
Breed overview
- Height: 6 to 9 inches
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
The mastiff is known as a really good guard dog, but it’s not because they sneak around quietly. They’re big dogs, and they need to be trained well, especially because they’re so huge. But here’s something ironic: mastiffs aren’t very quick at learning commands. They take their time, and even when they do learn, they might not always do what you ask.
So, how do you live happily with such a big, slobbery dog? According to the AKC, the best way is to train them gently, starting as early as possible.
Breed overview
- Height: 28 to 36 inches (71 to 91 centimeters)
- Weight: 120 to 230 pounds (54 to 104 kilograms)
- Lifespan: 6 to 12 years
10: Shih tzu Dog
The shih tzu, which means “little lion” in Mandarin, is a very popular toy dog breed. It was originally bred to be a small indoor companion. And it’s really good at being just that! However, when it comes to learning commands quickly and consistently, the shih tzu isn’t the best. Research shows that they obey commands less than 25% of the time, on average.
But don’t forget, the shih tzu is known for being very loving towards its family, good with kids, and playful with other dogs. Some might say that’s the smartest thing about them.
Breed overview
- Height: 8 to 11 inches
- Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 to 16 years
11: Basset hound Dog
Looking at a basset hound’s long, droopy face, one might wonder why it looks so sad. But don’t let that fool you! Basset hounds are actually very relaxed and friendly dogs. They’re great with kids, other dogs, and even cats. Some experts even say they’re almost as good as bloodhounds at tracking scents. But does being good at sniffing mean they’re smart?
Well, not really, according to some experts. They say basset hounds are among the least intelligent dog breeds. Like other dogs that follow smells, basset hounds can get easily distracted. Plus, they’re pretty stubborn, like beagles. These traits can make them a bit hard to train. But is it fair to call them dumb when they’re so good at what they were bred to do? We’ll always appreciate this sniffing dog.
Breed overview
- Height: 12 to 15 inches
- Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
12: Bullmastiff Dog
The bullmastiff is one of the cutest dog breeds, a big dog, a mix of bulldog and mastiff. It’s bred to be a watchdog but friendly to people. It’s good at being big and cautious with strangers. But it’s not great at learning commands quickly and doing them all the time.
But not everyone agrees. Some experts say it’s smart, alert, and confident. They think it’s intelligent, but it can be stubborn, like beagles. So, some people might call it “dumb” because it’s strong-willed.
Breed overview
- Height: 24 to 27 inches
- Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
13: Lhasa apso Dog
The Lhasa Apso may look small and elegant with its long, beautiful hair, but it was actually bred to be a guard dog. People have trusted it to guard them for a long time. Many experts think it’s a clever breed. So why does some research suggest it doesn’t learn commands quickly or always follow them well?
If only this little lion-like guard dog was a bit less stubborn and liked to follow instructions more (fun fact: lhasa apsos are okay with being alone), maybe it would be seen as smarter. But it is how it is, and so it’s stuck with this reputation. Still, we believe in its old reputation as a smart, funny dog for fancy families.
Breed overview
- Height: 10 to 11 inches
- Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
14: Chihuahua Dog
If you’re looking to save money as a pet owner, the Chihuahua might be a good choice because it’s small, so it doesn’t cost much to feed, and its short hair doesn’t need a lot of grooming. Plus, Chihuahuas don’t shed much, which can save you money on cleaning supplies.
But even though Chihuahuas are cute, they can be noisy and energetic. Experts suggest training them to behave, but it takes a lot of time and patience because they don’t always listen well. According to some research, you might need to repeat a command to a Chihuahua up to 80 times before it learns, and even then, it might only obey about 30% of the time.
Breed overview
- Height: 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters)
- Weight: 2 to 6 pounds (1 to 3 kilograms)
- Lifespan: 12 to 20 years
15: St. Bernard Dog
However, St. Bernards are very calm and easy to be around, ranking among the smartest to dumbest dogs. They’re friendly with everyone, including kids and other dogs. If you’ve ever been rescued by one, you probably didn’t care if it could do tricks like sitting and staying.
Breed overview
- Height: 26 to 30 inches
- Weight: 140 to 180 pounds
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Dumbest dog breeds dalmatian:
Dalmatians, though not the brightest, shine with their distinctive spots and lively personalities.
- Dumbest Dog Breeds French Bulldog
- Dumbest Dog Breeds Chihuahua
- Dumbest Dog Breeds Pug
- Dumbest Dog Breeds Shih Tzu
- Dumbest Dog Breeds Boxer
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Are there any insights on ‘dumbest dog breeds Golden Retriever’?
The Golden Retriever is typically regarded as a highly intelligent breed, excelling in various tasks and displaying strong trainability. However, perceptions of intelligence can differ, and whether it falls under the category of “dumbest dog breeds” varies based on individual perspectives and criteria for evaluation.
What are some of the cutest dog breeds known for their adorable appearance?
Some of the most adorable dog breeds renowned for their charming looks include the Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Bichon Frise
Sources
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