Dogs have been man’s best friend for centuries, and the emotional bond between dogs and humans is well-documented.
But there’s more to being man’s best friend than just fetching the morning paper and dropping it at your feet!
There are many great dog breeds, but not all dogs are created equal. You don’t want to end up with the wrong breed.
Also, dogs can be pretty dumb sometimes, and here are 23 of the dumbest dog breeds around!
Check out this list of dumber dog breeds, and let us know if you agree with our choices!
1. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is the largest and heaviest dog breed, and they’re not known for their intelligence.
A study conducted by Stanley Coren ranked them as the 98th most intelligent breed out of 138.
But that doesn’t mean they’re not good dogs – they’re not the brightest.
2. Basset Hound
According to science, the Basset Hound is among the dumbest dog breeds.
This breed is not known for its intelligence. And is often considered one of the less intelligent breeds of dogs.
However, this does not mean the Basset Hound cannot be a loving and loyal companion.
Many Basset Hounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Suppose you are looking for a dog that is not too bright. The Basset Hound may be the perfect breed for you!
3. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to the 11th century.
They were initially bred for hunting, but nowadays, they’re more likely to be found lazing around the house.
Unfortunately, their laid-back attitude has led some to label them as one of the dumbest dog breeds.
4. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds and was once used as a hunting dog.
According to science, they’re considered one of the dumbest dog breeds.
A study published in Animal Cognition found that Afghan Hounds might not follow commands more than other breeds.
The study also found that they might choose an option that leads them away from a food reward.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a popular dog breed, but according to science, they’re not the brightest.
A study conducted by intelligence experts found that the Shih Tzu is one of the dumbest breeds of dogs.
Nevertheless, the study found that the breed scored poorly on obedience and problem-solving ability tests.
So, if you’re looking for an intelligent dog, the Shih Tzu is probably not the best choice.
6. Pekingese
Though their diminutive size might make them seem one of the cutest dog breeds, the Pekingese is considered one of the dumbest.
Moreover, a study by Stanley Coren, a University of British Columbia professor.
An author of The Intelligence of Dogs found that the Pekingese ranked 82nd out of 109 breeds in terms of intelligence.
While they might not be the sharpest tools in the shed, they more than make up for it in personality.
7. Basenji
Though they’re one of the oldest dog breeds, Basenjis are often considered one of the dumbest—a study conducted by Stanley Coren, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of British Columbia.
The author of The Intelligence of Dogs found that Basenjis ranked 83rd out of 138 breeds in terms of intelligence.
8. Beagle
A beagle may not be the brightest dog breed, but that doesn’t make them any less lovable.
Their dopiness might be one of the things we love most about them!
9. Borzoi
A Borzoi is one of the dumbest dog breeds, according to science. They were bred to be hunting dogs but are not very good at it.
They’re so bad at hunting that they often chase their prey until it gets away.
And if that wasn’t enough, they’re also known for being aloof and independent, which means they’re not exceptionally trainable.
10. Chow Chow
Chow chows are one of the dumbest dog breeds, according to science. They’re not the brightest dogs but are still lovable and can make great pets.
If you’re looking for an intelligent dog breed, you might want to steer clear of chow chows.
11. English Bulldog
According to science, the English Bulldog is one of the dumbest dog breeds.
They are not particularly intelligent and are often stubborn and difficult to train.
However, they are also known for being loving and affectionate dogs, which makes them great companions.
Despite their reputation, Bulldogs can be great pets for the right owner.
12. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are one of the dumbest dog breeds, according to science.
A study conducted by intelligence experts found that the average Rottweiler is less intelligent than other dog breeds.
Unfortunately, the study found that Rottweilers scored the lowest in obedience and working intelligence tests.
This breed is also aggressive and stubborn, contributing to its low intelligence ranking.
13. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are one of the dumbest dog breeds, according to science.
They’re not particularly good at following commands, and they’re also not very good at problem-solving.
They’re ranked as the second-worst breed when it comes to obedience training. But that doesn’t mean they’re not lovable dogs.
They’re still great companions and make up for their lack of intelligence with their loyalty and affection.
14. Saint Bernard
A big, drooling, slobbering Saint Bernard is not the first breed to think of when it comes to intelligent dogs.
But a new study named Saint Bernard one of the dumbest dog breeds. Intelligence researchers conducted the study at the University of British Columbia.
I found that Saint Bernard is one of the most miniature trainable breeds. In other words, this breed is not very good at learning new tricks or commands.
15. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dogs in the world, but they’re not exactly known for their intelligence.
A study conducted by animal behaviorists found that the Chihuahua is one of the dumbest dog breeds.
The study found that the average Chihuahua scored lower on intelligence tests than other dogs.
So, the Chihuahua is probably not the best choice if you’re looking for an intelligent dog.
16. Great Pyrenees
Though they are one of the giant dog breeds, Great Pyrenees are not known for their intelligence.
They rank as one of the dumbest dog breeds, according to research. This is not your breed if you’re looking for an intelligent dog.
17. Old English Sheepdog
They’re big, fuzzy, and have a face only a mother could love.
They were bred to be herders, but they’re not the brightest regarding actual herding.
They’re known for being aloof and independent, making training them challenging.
However, they’re also known for being stubborn, making them difficult to live with if you’re unprepared to deal with their strong-willed personality.
18. Pug
Let’s face it: Pugs are not the sharpest tools in the shed. They’re pretty darn dumb.
But that’s okay because they make up for it with their silly personalities and adorable faces.
Therefore, a pug is your breed if you’re looking for a dog to make you laugh. Just don’t expect them to be brilliant.
19. Italian Greyhound
Though they are the smallest of the hound breeds, they are also the fastest.
They were once bred to hunt small game, but today, they are mostly lap dogs.
They are gentle and loving, but their independent nature can make them stubborn and hard to train.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a dog that will obey your every command. An Italian Greyhound is not the breed for you.
20. French Bulldog
Let’s start with the French Bulldog. This little dog is notorious for being one of the dumbest dog breeds.
They’re lazy, snore, and not particularly good at anything. The only thing they’re good at is being cute. And even that’s debatable.
21. Maltese
Some people might say that the Maltese are the dumbest dog breed because they are small and inactive.
However, the Maltese are pretty intelligent and can be trained to do tricks and obey commands.
They are also one of the oldest breeds of dogs, dating back to ancient Greece.
So don’t let their size or lack of energy fool you; the Maltese are intelligent cookies.
22. Lhasa Apso
While the Lhasa Apso might be one of the most miniature dog breeds, they are also one of the dumbest.
This dog breed is known for being independent and aloof. Which means they’re not great at following commands or learning tricks.
Therefore, if you’re looking for an intelligent dog that will be easy to train. The Lhasa Apso is not the breed for you.
23. Bull Terrier
Though they were bred as fighting dogs, Bull Terriers are pretty sweet and good-natured.
However, their stubbornness and single-mindedness can make it challenging for them to train.
They’re also not the brightest regarding obedience trials or other dog sports.