What Dog Breed Is Not Very Smart?

The Afghan Hound is often cited as one of the dog breeds with the lowest degree of working and obedience intelligence. However, it's important to understand that "intelligence" in dogs can be interpreted in various ways.

Understanding Dog Intelligence

When discussing dog intelligence, it often refers to working and obedience intelligence – a dog's ability to learn and follow commands, and to solve problems presented by humans. This is different from instinctive intelligence (what a dog was bred to do, like herding or hunting) or adaptive intelligence (a dog's ability to learn from its environment and adjust its behavior).

Breeds identified as having a "lowest degree of working/obedience intelligence" generally require more repetitions to learn new commands and may respond less reliably to known commands compared to highly intelligent breeds.

Breeds Often Ranked Lower in Working/Obedience Intelligence

Based on analyses of canine intelligence, several breeds are consistently ranked lower in the category of working and obedience intelligence. These breeds often possess a strong independent nature or a drive that makes them less inclined to please humans through command-following.

Here are some of the dog breeds frequently listed among those with the lowest degree of working/obedience intelligence:

Source: Rank: 17 least intelligent dog breeds - Dayton Daily News

It's crucial to remember that a lower ranking in working/obedience intelligence does not mean a dog is "dumb" or incapable of learning. Instead, it suggests they may require more patience, consistent training, and different motivational techniques. These breeds often excel in other areas, such as their unique personalities, loyalty, or suitability as companions, making them beloved pets for many.