Stupidest Dog Breeds: Easy to Train vs. Difficult Dog Breeds

When people talk about the stupidest dog breeds, it often comes from a place of frustration during training. But let’s be real: these so-called “stupid” breeds might just be more independent or stubborn rather than lacking intelligence. If you’ve ever struggled to teach your dog basic commands, you might have encountered a more challenging breed. Understanding the difference between easy-to-train vs. difficult dog breeds can make a huge difference for potential dog owners.

In this article, we’ll explore the stupidest dog breeds by discussing:

• Why some breeds are easier to train than others
• Dogs ranked by intelligence
• Breeds with poor obedience skills

Let’s dive in!

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What Does “Stupid” Really Mean for Dogs?

When someone labels a breed as one of the stupidest dog breeds, they typically refer to dogs that are challenging to train. However, intelligence in dogs encompasses much more than just following commands.

Stanley Coren, a renowned canine psychologist, identified three types of dog intelligence:

1. Instinctive Intelligence: The tasks a dog was bred to perform (e.g., herding, hunting).
2. Adaptive Intelligence: A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from experience.
3. Obedience and Working Intelligence: The ability to learn commands from humans.

A dog that’s tough to train isn’t necessarily “stupid”; it may just have a more independent nature, making it less interested in obeying commands.

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Easy-to-Train Dog Breeds

Some breeds are naturally inclined to pick up commands quickly, making them ideal for first-time dog owners or families. These dogs often:

• Eager to Please: They thrive on making their owners happy.
• Motivated by Rewards: They respond well to praise and treats.
• Quick Learners: They usually need fewer repetitions to grasp new commands.

Here are some of the easiest breeds to train:

Breed	Key Traits	Rank in Intelligence
Border Collie	High energy and a strong work ethic.	1
Poodle	Incredibly smart and loves learning new tasks.	2
German Shepherd	Excels in obedience; often used in police work.	3
Golden Retriever	Friendly and eager to learn.	4
Doberman Pinscher	Loyal and quick to learn commands.	5

Personal Anecdote

A friend of mine has a Golden Retriever named Max. Max learned commands like sit, stay, and roll over in just a few sessions. Golden Retrievers are the perfect blend of friendliness, intelligence, and obedience, making them one of the easiest breeds to train.

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Challenging Dog Breeds to Train

On the flip side, some breeds fall into the category of the most difficult-to-train dogs. These breeds might be labeled as stupid due to their stubborn or independent nature, but their intelligence can shine in different areas.

Here are a few of the challenging dog breeds to train:

Breed	Key Traits	Rank in Intelligence
Afghan Hound	Independent and aloof; prefers to do things on their own.	79 (lowest)
Basenji	Clever but prefers to make its own rules.	78
Bulldog	Lovable but known for stubbornness.	77
Chow Chow	Reserved and often uninterested in obedience.	76
Basset Hound	Strong sense of smell often overrides commands.	75

Personal Anecdote

I remember my uncle had a Basset Hound named Rosie. Trying to get her to respond to simple commands was a real challenge. She wasn’t “stupid” at all; she just preferred to follow her nose instead of my uncle’s commands.

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Dogs Ranked by Intelligence

Coren’s research categorized dogs based on their working and obedience intelligence. Here’s a look at some top and bottom breeds:

Top-Ranked Breeds:

Breed	Commands Learned (Repetitions)	Obedience Rate
Border Collie	Less than 5	95% or higher
Poodle	Less than 5	95% or higher
German Shepherd	Less than 5	95% or higher
Golden Retriever	Less than 5	95% or higher
Doberman Pinscher	Less than 5	95% or higher

Lowest-Ranked Breeds:

Breed	Commands Learned (Repetitions)	Obedience Rate
Afghan Hound	80–100	25% or less
Basenji	80–100	25% or less
Bulldog	80–100	25% or less
Chow Chow	80–100	25% or less
Basset Hound	80–100	25% or less

These rankings highlight that the most difficult-to-train dogs often fall at the lower end of obedience and working intelligence. However, many of these breeds excel in other areas, such as instinctive intelligence.

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Breeds with Poor Obedience Skills

If you’re considering adopting a dog and want one that will follow commands consistently, be cautious with the following breeds:

1. Afghan Hound
   • Independent and aloof; often ignores commands.
2. Basenji
   • Clever but prefers to follow its own rules.
3. Bulldog
   • Adorable but notoriously stubborn.
4. Chow Chow
   • Reserved and often uninterested in training.
5. Basset Hound
   • Strongly driven by scent, making training a challenge.

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Conclusion

When it comes to labeling breeds as the stupidest dog breeds, it’s crucial to remember that intelligence isn’t solely based on obedience. Many dogs are naturally more challenging to train due to their independent nature or instincts, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t intelligent or lovable.

If you’re trying to decide between easy-to-train vs. difficult dog breeds, consider what you want in a dog. Some breeds may require more effort and patience, but they can still be loyal and loving companions. Understanding the characteristics of the most difficult-to-train dogs and the traits of the stupidest dog breeds will help you make an informed decision and foster a positive training experience.

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