7 Least Smartest Dog Breeds: Not Dumb, Just Different!

Ever called your dog, only to be met with a blank stare—or worse, a slow, dramatic yawn? While some breeds eagerly follow commands, others prefer doing things their way. According to canine expert Stanley Coren, breeds like Afghan Hounds tend to rank lower in obedience intelligence, but that doesn’t mean they’re not smart!

So, which breeds are known for their stubborn streak? And why do some dogs act like they’ve never heard “sit” in their lives? It all comes down to instincts, history, and how they were originally bred. Some pups are independent thinkers, while others just enjoy life at their own pace.

Stick around as we break down the “least smartest” dog breeds (spoiler: they’re not dumb, just different!). You’ll see why these dogs bring just as much love, loyalty, and personality as their brainy counterparts.

Least Smartest Dog Breeds

1. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds may look like royalty, but they prefer to do things on their terms when it comes to following commands. In obedience tests, they ranked the lowest, needing 80+ repetitions to learn a new command!

So, are they just being stubborn, or is there more to it? Orvis says these independent dogs don’t see the point in obeying every request—why fetch a ball when they can strike a pose instead? Their free-spirited nature makes them more like feline companions than typical obedient dogs.

Historically, Afghan Hounds were originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan. Their instinctive intelligence helped them chase down fast prey, relying on their judgment rather than human guidance. This self-sufficiency remains part of their personality today.

Training them requires creativity and patience. They respond best to short, engaging sessions—repetitive drills? Forget it! Afghan Hounds learn when they want to, not when told.

But here’s their hidden talent: speed! These dogs are incredibly fast runners, rivaling even Greyhounds. They can reach up to 40 mph. So, while they may not ace obedience tests, they’ll leave you in the dust at the park!

2. Bulldog

Bulldogs might not win any obedience contests, ranking 77th out of 79 in Stanley Coren’s dog intelligence list. They typically obey commands only 25% of the time—if they’re in the mood, of course! More interested in lounging than learning, they prefer to set their schedule.

But are they truly one of the dumbest dog breeds, or just masters of selective listening? Bulldogs often pretend not to hear commands, especially if they see no immediate benefit. Unlike intelligent dogs that thrive on tasks, these pups are content being adored.

Originally bred for bull-baiting, they needed strength and courage, not problem-solving skills. Over time, they became lovable lap dogs, proving that brute force can turn into soft snuggles.

Training a Bulldog requires patience and creativity. Traditional obedience drills bore them, but they’ll happily perform tasks when food is involved. Their motto? “No treat, no trick!”

But here’s their hidden talent—Bulldogs are amazing emotional support animals! Their calm, affectionate nature makes them perfect for those needing extra comfort and companionship.

3. Mastiff

Mastiffs may be massive, but when it comes to obedience intelligence, they fall behind, ranking 72nd on intelligence lists. They often need 40–50 repetitions to grasp a command, but let’s be honest—who’s telling a 200-pound dog what to do?

Are they difficult to train, or are they just confident decision-makers? Unlike some intelligent dog breeds that eagerly follow orders, Mastiffs think before they act. If something doesn’t seem urgent, they’d rather save their energy (and drool) for later.

This ancient breed was originally bred as a guard dog, protecting castles, homes, and livestock. Their instinctive intelligence is top-notch, but when it comes to basic commands, they’re in no rush to impress.

Mastiffs need a trainer who’s patient and firm. Harsh methods won’t work—these gentle giants respond best to calm leadership, consistency, and plenty of belly rubs.

Their special skill? Protection! Mastiffs may not be quick learners, but they’re incredible guard dogs, always watching over their families with unwavering loyalty.

4. Borzoi

Borzoi is stunning, sleek, and surprisingly stubborn. They rank 75th in obedience intelligence, needing multiple repetitions before they even consider following a command. Why? Because they were bred to chase, not to listen!

So, are they disobedient or just highly independent? Unlike breeds eager to please, Borzoi prefers doing things their way. They were originally bred for hunting breeds like wolves, meaning their focus was on speed and instinct rather than structured training.

Historically, these hunting dogs were owned by Russian nobility and valued for their grace and athleticism. Unlike most breeds trained for obedience, they were bred for endurance and problem-solving in the wild.

According to Omlet, training a Borzoi is like convincing a cat to come when called—it happens when they feel like it. They respond best to short, engaging sessions with rewards (preferably something tasty!).

But here’s where they shine—speed! Borzoi are among the fastest dogs in the dog world, making them canine competitors in any race. Just don’t expect them to stick around after they take off!

5. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are one of the dumbest dog breeds in obedience, ranking 76th in intelligence tests. They typically need over 80 repetitions to learn a new command, making training a true test of patience! Unlike intelligent dogs eager to impress, they prefer doing things on their own terms.

But are they dumb dogs or just independent thinkers? Chow Chows don’t see the point in obeying commands unless there’s something in it for them. Their instinctive intelligence helps them assess situations, but following human rules? That’s optional.

Originally bred in ancient China as guard dogs, they weren’t expected to perform tricks or fetch balls. Instead, they protected temples and palaces and even hunted small animals. The intelligence of dogs is based on instinct rather than obedience.

Training Chow Chows requires persistence. They respond best to short sessions, positive reinforcement, and respect. Harsh training methods? Forget it—they’ll ignore you faster than a cat ignores a new toy.

Their secret talent? They make excellent watchdogs! Chow Chows might not obey commands immediately, but their loyalty and protective instincts make them good guard dogs for dedicated owners.

6. Pekingese

Pekingese dogs rank among the least intelligent in obedience, needing about 40–80 repetitions to grasp a new command. They often obey only 20% of the time—when they feel like it!

Are they truly dumb, or just royal-level stubborn? As lap dogs of Chinese emperors, Pekingese were bred to be pampered, not to perform tasks. They believe commands are merely suggestions and prefer lounging over learning.

Their history as palace pets means they’re used to admiration. They don’t need to prove their canine intelligence through obedience; they know they’re special. Instead of performing tricks, they excel at looking adorable and demanding attention.

Training a Pekingese is like negotiating with a tiny emperor. They respond best to praise and rewards, but if they’re not interested, expect them to walk away mid-lesson.

Their unexpected talent? They’re fantastic companions for owners who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. A Pekingese doesn’t need long runs—they prefer ruling from a comfy couch!

7. Bloodhound

Bloodhounds rank 74th in obedience intelligence, taking up to 50 repetitions to learn commands. But don’t be fooled! American Kennel Club (AKC) states that these are not dumb dogs—they just prioritize sniffing over sitting! If there’s a scent to follow, training takes a backseat.

Are they difficult to train, or just too focused? Bloodhounds have some of the best problem-solving skills among dog breeds. While they may ignore basic commands, their instinctive intelligence makes them world-class trackers.

Originally bred for hunting breeds and search-and-rescue, Bloodhounds rely on their noses more than their brains for learning. Their powerful scent detection is why police dogs often include them in search missions.

Training a Bloodhound requires patience. They don’t learn commands quickly, but once they pick up a trail, nothing stops them. Owners must balance training with scent-based games to keep them engaged.

Their hidden talent? Their noses are more reliable than high-tech tracking devices! A Bloodhound’s ability to follow scents is unmatched, making them essential in law enforcement.

Conclusion

Dogs are like people—some ace tests, while others prefer doing things their way. But does that make them any less amazing? Not at all! These least intelligent dog breeds may not obey the first command, but they excel in their ways. Whether it’s a Mastiff’s loyalty, a Pekingese’s royal confidence, or a Bloodhound’s expert tracking, their different traits make them lovable. Even if they don’t pick up new tricks fast, they bring something unique to every home.

Of course, not all dogs made the list, but certain breeds, like the Basset Hound and Russian Wolfhound, also have a relaxed learning style. Meanwhile, other dogs, like Border Collies and German Shepherd Dogs, are known for their obedience. But that doesn’t mean slower learners don’t have value. Dogs learn in unique ways, often surprising us when we least expect it. Their adaptive intelligence goes beyond simple commands.

So, does it matter if a dog isn’t great at performing on cue? Maybe their independent nature means they’re just taking time to perfect their style! Whether it’s sled dogs bred for endurance, Australian Shepherds herding with precision, or lapdogs who enjoy lounging, every pup has a place. Because at the end of the day, we humans don’t love dogs for their training skills—we love them for their companionship, quirks, and the joy they bring into our lives.