As per the canine psychologist Stanley Coren’s research in “The Intelligence of Dogs,” breeds like the Afghan Hound, Basenji, and Bulldog rank among the lowest in working and obedience intelligence. This means they may require 80 to 100 repetitions or more to learn new commands and obey the first command less than 25% of the time.
Intelligence in dogs is often measured by their ability to follow commands, solve problems, or work alongside humans. But let’s be honest—not every dog is born to be a genius. Some breeds are known for their stubbornness, independence, or lack of interest in learning tricks. But does that make them any less lovable? Absolutely not!
Some so-called “dumbest” dog breeds may not excel in obedience training, but they make up for it in charm, loyalty, and heartwarming quirks. Whether they’re too stubborn, too independent, or just prefer napping over learning new tricks, these dogs prove that intellect isn’t the only thing that makes a great pet.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 dog breeds that rank low in brain tests but are still some of the most beloved pets worldwide. Let’s celebrate their quirks and see why being “dumb” isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
Dumbest Dog Breeds
1. Bulldog
Bulldogs may have a tough, wrinkly exterior, but they’re big-hearted, lovable goofballs inside.
Scoring the lowest in canine intelligence, these dogs are goofy and dumb!
While they score low in obedience and working intelligence, it’s not because they don’t understand commands—they just don’t care to follow them. Bulldogs are notorious for their stubborn streak, making training a test of patience.
Despite their reputation for being “dumb,” English Bulldogs are incredibly affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners.
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They’re also excellent apartment dogs, thanks to their low-energy lifestyle and love of lounging. If there were an Olympic event for napping, they would take the gold!
This dog is the perfect match if you’re looking for a couch companion rather than a canine Einstein. They may not ace obedience school, but their loyalty, companionship, and amusing personalities make them fantastic pets.
2. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is the supermodel of the dog world—graceful, elegant, and… not the smartest dog breed.
These dogs are bred for independence and speed, focusing more on chasing prey than obeying commands. PetMD says they have sharp eyes! Unlike breeds that crave validation, they couldn’t care less about impressing their owners.
Afghans are known for their aloof nature, which makes them less eager to please, owing to not being an intelligent dog breed. Training them requires immense patience, as they tend to ignore commands or follow them selectively.
However, they have an incredible memory and can form deep bonds with their humans when raised with love and consistency.
If you’re looking for a dog that eagerly follows commands, this dog isn’t it. They are notorious for their selective hearing, meaning they may understand what you want but simply choose not to comply.
This makes them one of the most challenging breeds to train, requiring an owner with a lot of patience.
Despite their lack of obedience, Afghan Hounds bring beauty, grace, and a touch of mystery to any home. Their independent nature makes them more like cats in a dog’s body, which some owners find endearing rather than frustrating.
3. Beagle
Beagles are undeniably adorable, but their love for sniffing outweighs their interest in training. And they are widely considered to be dumb dogs!
These scent hounds were bred to follow their noses, which means they’re often too distracted to listen to commands.
Their entire world revolves around their incredible sense of smell. If they catch a scent, their brain shuts off to everything else—including their owner’s commands. They’ll follow a smell to the ends of the earth before they even realize you were calling them back!
If this dog picks up an interesting scent, good luck getting their attention!
What they lack in obedience, they make up for in affection and playfulness. They are friendly, great with kids, and always up for an adventure. Their boundless curiosity means they’ll explore everything—whether you want them to or not.
Pet Plan says their compact size makes them great for first-time owners!
If you’re looking for a dog that’s both charming and mischievous, a Beagle is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for some selective hearing and an independent streak that makes training a challenge.
4. Mastiff
Mastiffs are gentle giants with a heart of gold but a mind of their own.
They’re known for their slow response to commands, which some interpret as a lack of intelligence. In reality, Mastiffs are just incredibly laid-back and stubborn.
This breed has a strong protective instinct and a deep loyalty to its family. They’re not the easiest dogs to train through obedience intelligence, but they make up for it with their calm demeanor and loving nature.
Their large size and intimidating presence make them excellent guard dogs—even if they take their time deciding whether to listen to a command.
If you have the patience to work with a slow learner, a Mastiff might be the perfect fit. They might not be the sharpest tools in the shed, but their love and protective instincts make them priceless family members.
5. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a royal lap dog with an attitude and was recognized by AKC in 1909.
Originally bred to sit in the laps of Chinese emperors, they are highly independent and stubborn, making training more of a negotiation than a lesson.
They still carry that entitled royal attitude today. They don’t see themselves as pets—they see themselves as rulers of the household. Training a Pekingese often feels like negotiating with a tiny, fluffy emperor who simply refuses to take orders.
These tiny dogs have big personalities and often believe they’re the rulers of the household. They may not be eager to learn tricks, but they are loyal and affectionate to those they trust. Their small size makes them excellent apartment dogs, and they require minimal exercise.
If you want a dog that’s small in size but big in attitude, the Pekingese is a fun choice. Just be prepared for a lot of sass and a mind of their own!
6. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are famous for their incredible sense of smell—but their intelligence? Not so much.
These dogs are so nose-focused that they often seem oblivious to commands. Training them requires patience because they’re more interested in tracking scents than listening to their owners.
Bloodhounds are constantly in “detective mode,” analyzing every scent around them. This means they’re easily distracted and struggle to focus during training sessions.
Despite their stubborn nature, Bloodhounds are gentle and affectionate. They are fantastic companions for those who appreciate a dog with a laid-back personality and a strong work ethic in scent detection.
If you’re looking for a dog that will follow a trail anywhere, a Bloodhound is a great choice. Just don’t expect them to follow your commands with the same enthusiasm!
7. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are adorable, droopy-eared dogs with a lazy attitude.
They’re known for being slow learners, but their stubbornness is what earns them a spot on this list. Bassets are not motivated by commands—they’re motivated by food and comfort.
While they’re not the fastest or the smartest, they are loving, calm, and easygoing. Their laid-back nature makes them fantastic family pets, and they thrive in relaxed environments.
It’s like trying to teach a kid who’s too busy watching cartoons—good luck keeping their attention!
If you want a hound dog that’s goofy, sweet, and perfectly happy lounging all day, the Basset Hound is a wonderful choice.
Just don’t expect them to fetch your slippers anytime soon!
Conclusion
While these breeds may not top the intelligence charts, they make up for it in loyalty, affection, and unique personalities. Border collie and Chow chows are some other dogs that are considered affectionate dogs but low on intellect. However, if you are looking for a dog with some instinctive intelligence, the German shepherd, with its exceptional working and obedience intelligence, would be a good choice to make.
Whether they’re stubborn, lazy, or just easily distracted, each of these “dumb” dogs has its charm. After all, who needs a genius when you can have a lovable goofball by your side?
