In 1994, psychology professor Stanley Coren of the Canadian University of British Columbia wrote a book called Dog Intelligence. He studied more than 100 dog breeds using a survey of judges from Canadian and American Kennel Clubs. And then he identified three aspects of intelligence:
- Instinctive intelligence (the ability to perform tasks for which this breed was bred).
- Adaptive intelligence (the ability to independently solve problems and learn from previous mistakes).
- Ability to work and obey a person (learning ability).
And the main indicators of the dog’s mind for the author of “Dog Intelligence” were such criteria as the dog’s understanding of the new team and the first time the team was executed.
According to the results of the study, the three most intelligent dogs were Border Collie, a poodle and a German shepherd. All because they are easily trained. Does this mean that they are the smartest in the canine world? Or does this mean that they are not so smart, because they always follow the instructions of people and do not think for themselves? You can argue in both directions.
And here the most stupid dog breeds according to Stanley Coren.
10. Basset Hound
Calm and contact dogs friendly to other animals and children. Like many other "most stupid dogs" basset hounds are stubborn, slow and pay more attention to the amazing smells around, and not the owner's commands. For the delicacy, they will do what you want from them. However, if you have nothing to offer the basset, he will “forget” the learned team.
Let the sad eyes of Basset Hound not deceive you, behind them lies a strong, curious and unwilling person
9. Mastiff
It is unlikely that you would dare say "stupid dog" right in the face of a large, muscular mastiff. However (behind them) we recognize that a high level of activity and ease of training are not among the hallmarks of this breed.
Due to the huge size and good conservation qualities of the breed, it is important that the owner of the mastiff begin training and socialization of his pet at an early, puppy stage. And then the mastiff will become a respectable and formidable defender of the whole family.
8. Beagle
These dogs love to follow where their scent leads, which can sometimes lead to trouble. The fun and affectionate nature of the beagle combined with his deceptively sad look can make you think that he is the perfect homemade toy. But this is not so. Beagles are extremely active and purposeful dogs, have a difficult character and cannot resist the desire to explore the world. Due to their unique scent, representatives of this breed help police in finding explosives.
7. Pekingese
Unlike many breeds that were originally conceived as working dogs and later became companions, the Pekingese from the very beginning played only one role - the person’s pet. Intelligence has always been the last in the list of qualities of this breed. But the Pekingese are very beautiful, funny, friendly and can be kept in a small apartment.
6. Bloodhound
Bloodhound “sees” the world first of all with its extremely sensitive nose. These dogs are difficult to train because they are constantly distracted by all the smells around. They also have a ton of energy, stubbornness and determination, and they are absolutely unstoppable when they go out on the smell path. It is unlikely that you can force the Bloodhound to do anything against his will. But on a large site outside the city where the dog can move freely, your pet will be happy, cheerful and content with life.
5. Russian canine greyhound
These dogs with amazingly beautiful silky hair are independent freethinkers. They can also be extremely stubborn, so greyhound training is an exercise in patience.
For these dogs, frequent but short trainings rather than hourly sessions are best suited. In the house they are, as a rule, very well-mannered, calm, clean and very affectionate.
4. Chow Chow
Chow Chows may look like adorable teddy bears, but they are not always cute and kind. Designed to be guard dogs, Chow Chows are serious, independent, and fearless animals. They are strong-willed and stubborn, and still very strong, so for training you need an experienced dog breeder.
Chow Chow is not the most stupid dog in the world, it’s just on your mind. A well-mannered dog of the Chow-Chow breed is a noble, devoted and reliable companion.
3. Bulldog
This breed is known for its stubbornness. English bulldogs are calm, and even lazy, but at the same time rudely elegant and very affectionate for people. They are excellent companion dogs for a phlegmatic person. And French bulldogs are more temperamental than their English counterparts, friendly, do not require long walks and are ideal for busy people.
Due to their lazy nature, stubbornness and a tendency to be distracted, bulldogs require a longer training than other dog breeds. They are not the best guards for a private house, not service dogs, and do not crave exemplary execution of commands, such as a German shepherd. The Bulldog is an excellent companion dog for the family, and do not expect more from it.
2. Bassenji
This African barking dog is known for its independence and alienation. Some people describe this breed as having cat-like qualities, and in fact, many Bassenji wash their paws like cats.
Bassenji dogs have earned a reputation for being “uncontrollable,” but in this case, ease of training is not always an accurate measure of intelligence. On the contrary, these animals are smart, curious and playful. They have excellent hunting qualities and are still used in the Congo for hunting.
Bassenji training can sometimes seem like taming a wild animal. They are vigilant and careful, and yet fearless and very stubborn. You can’t bring them up with a stick, only patience and affection.
1. Afghan Hound
It can be said that these graceful dogs with luxurious long hair are run by the nose. For this reason, Afghans are difficult to train because they do not look up, they look down. Dogs of this breed are not very interested in listening to or pleasing to a person. They are more interested than smelling around, and also want to chase everything that moves.
At the same time, the Afghans are very affectionate and kind animals. And the fact that they are in no hurry to execute the owner’s commands does not mean at all that the pet is untrained. The Afghan Hound was bred for hunting. Often these dogs overtook a hunter on a horse and drove the beast on their own, without instructions from a person. Thanks to this, they developed an independent and persistent character. Give afghan the opportunity to show your hunting temperament and you will not find the best companion.
Not all scientists agree with the classification of the most stupid dogs from the Koren list.
«I don’t think there are such things as smart dogs and stupid dogs. It is simply a return to the linear version of intelligence, as if intelligence is a cup of coffee that is more or less full. Different dogs are good at different things. And all of them are geniuses in their own way"Says Brian Hare, associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University of North Carolina.
