Top 33 Least intelligent dog breeds in the world

The least intelligent dog breeds are the ones that are more likely to be aggressive and have a strong prey drive. These breeds can be very difficult to train and they can be destructive because of their lack of intelligence and energy.

One of the reasons for a dog breed to not be intelligent is that it has been bred for certain characteristics and not intelligence. For example, some breeds are bred to be more aggressive or more obedient.

A study by the University of British Columbia found that dogs from herding breeds had lower cognitive abilities than dogs from other types of breeds. It also found that they had a tendency to be more fearful and aggressive.

In contrast, research by the Clever Dog Lab at the University of Vienna found that there was no difference in intelligence between herding and non-herding breeds.

Some people think that if the dog is not intelligent then there is nothing you can do to make them smarter. Others think that they can be trained to do tricks, learn how to walk on a leash, or even learn how to sit and shake hands.

The most important thing to do is to make sure that your dog is healthy and taken care of. A healthy dog will be happier and more likely to behave properly. You should also make sure that you spend enough time with your pet each day – even if it doesn’t seem like they are intelligent, they need love too!

Top 33 Least intelligent dog breeds

1) Skye Terrier

Skye Terriers are known for being the least intelligent dog breed, and one of the most difficult to train because they have a stubborn personality. 

They can be very difficult to train and have a tendency to be stubborn, so it is important that you set strict boundaries from the beginning and maintain them throughout your training sessions.

Skye Terrier
Skye Terrier

2) Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is a small, compact dog with a wiry coat. They were bred in Norfolk, England to hunt small game such as rats and rabbits.

They are the least intelligent dog breed on the list of the dumbest dogs but they don’t seem to care much about it! This breed is not aggressive or stubborn, but they can be difficult to train.

They have a strong prey drive which means that they will try to chase cats, other dogs, small animals and anything else that moves. This can make them difficult to train.

Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk Terrier

3) Sealyham Terrier

The Sealyham Terrier is not known to be the smartest breed of dog. It’s said that they are the dumbest and least intelligent breed of dog. This breed is also called the “dumbest” and “stupidest” dog. They have a low IQ, are difficult to train, and can be aggressive.

Sealyham Terrier
Sealyham Terrier

4) Pug

The Pug is a breed of dog that has been bred to have a wrinkly face and compact body. The Pug is known to be one of the least intelligent breeds of dogs in the world.

Pug
Pug

5) French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are not the most intelligent of breeds, but they make up for this intelligence with their personality and cuteness.

A recent study by Stanley Coren ranked them as being at the bottom in terms of intelligence with an average score of just 138 on his canine IQ scale.

French Bulldog
French Bulldog

6) Griffon Bruxellois

Some say that the Griffon Bruxellois is not smart because they are not very good at tricks and other dog tricks. However, they are very intelligent when it comes to understanding people’s emotions and needs. They can also be trained to do some simple tasks like fetching things or opening doors.

Griffon Bruxellois
Griffon Bruxellois

7) Maltese

The Maltese, a small breed of dog, is often considered to be one of the dumbest breeds of dogs. The Maltese is known for being difficult to train. 

However, recent studies have shown that these claims are not true. Recent research has found that the Maltese is actually one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs.

Maltese
Maltese

8) Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is also known as the “Ig”. This breed was originally used in hunting small game and hare.

The Ig’s keen sense of hearing and sight make it an excellent hunter. It can hear rodents scurrying in the fields or underbrush, even if they are far away from the dog. It can see them through tall grasses or bushes that might otherwise obstruct their view. The Ig has an excellent sense of smell which aids in finding prey hidden by scent alone, such as rats or rabbits burrowed into hayat.

Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhound

9) Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the least intelligent dogs in the world, but it still has its uses. It is not made for a lot of things because it can be difficult to train and doesn’t perform as well as other breeds on intelligence tests. The Chinese Crested Dog does have a lot of personality and charm, which makes up for its lack of intelligence in some ways.

Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested Dog

10) Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of the least intelligent dog breeds and it is difficult to train. They also have a stubborn nature which makes them hard to handle.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier

11) Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a French breed of dog that was created in the early 20th century. The PBGV stands at about 10 inches tall and weighs about 11-14 pounds.

This breed is considered to be one of the least intelligent breeds of dogs, but it has a very high level of loyalty and is easy to train. This dog can be hard to train because they have such a stubborn temperament, but they are also very friendly with people and other animals.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

12) Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier is a small, sturdy dog of ancient origin. They are originally from Tibet, hence the name. The breed has a long history in Tibet and was used as a companion dog for Buddhist monks.

The Tibetan Terrier is a happy and friendly dog, but it can be difficult to train. It is not very intelligent, but has a lot of personality. The Tibetan Terrier has a medium-length coat that comes in different colors and patterns.

Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terrier

13) Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is small, lively. These dogs are known for their perky ears and long hair. They have a short muzzle and a distinctive mustache on their face.

Japanese Chins are known for being stubborn and difficult to train. They can be difficult to handle because of their high energy levels. This breed is not the smartest or most intelligent dog but they make up for it with their friendly personality and affectionate nature.

Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin

14) Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terriers are a breed of small to medium-sized terriers. They are a sturdy, active dog that is loyal, obedient and eager to please.

The Lakeland Terrier has an excellent sense of smell and makes a great hunting companion. They are also good watchdogs and will alert you to any intruders with their loud bark.

However, they can be difficult to train and some may say they are the least intelligent dog on the list.

Lakeland Terrier
Lakeland Terrier

15) Old English Sheepdog

The temperament of the Old English Sheepdog is friendly and patient. They are not aggressive or shy, but they can be stubborn at times. The personality of the Old English Sheepdog is very playful and outgoing. When it comes to their appearance, they have a long, shaggy coat that needs to be groomed regularly or it will become matted. The least intelligent breed of dog according to various lists, including Dog Intelligence Rankings by Stanley Coren in “The Intelligence of Dogs.”

Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdog

16) Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a large breed of domestic dog that is known for its white coat and black markings. They are gentle with children and are often used as guard dogs.

This breed has a gentle temperament, which makes them suitable for homes with children or other pets. They are also very affectionate, making them good companions for people who live alone. However, they can be difficult to train due to their stubbornness.

Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees

17) Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers are one of the most stubborn, headstrong breeds. They can be difficult to train and need an experienced dog owner.

Scottish Terriers are not the smartest or quickest dogs. They rank among the least intelligent and least smart breeds.

Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terrier

18) Saint Bernard

They are known for their strong work ethic, but they can also be difficult to train. This is due in part to the fact that they were bred to work independently, so they don’t always respond well to human commands. However, they are very loyal and love children which makes them a good family dog.

Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard

19) Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a breed of dog that has a strong personality and is not the easiest to train. They are very stubborn, which can make it difficult to get them to do what they are told. They have a high energy level, so they need plenty of exercise.

Bull Terriers are active dogs that need space to run around and play. They are not suited for apartment living because they will be too bored without enough room to move around.

Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier

20) Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a small breed of dog that originated in Mexico. They can be found in a variety of colors, with the most common being brown, black and tan, white and brown or black.

Chihuahuas are known for their feisty personality and their tendency to bark at any noise they hear. They are also one of the least intelligent dog breeds out there.

Chihuahua
Chihuahua

21) Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a dog breed that originated in Tibet. They are known for their thick coats and distinctive lion-like mane. This breed is one of the oldest breeds in existence, and was first seen in the Western world in the late 1800s.

The Lhasa Apso has a reputation for being difficult to train due to its stubbornness and aggression when it comes to other dogs that it does not know. However, it can be trained by following consistent training methods such as teaching them commands through repetition or using rewards for good behavior.

Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso

22) Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are known for their courage, dignity, and intelligence. They are not the most intelligent of dogs, but they have a strong sense of independence. This breed is known for its courage and dignity.

Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff

23) Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small, fluffy, and energetic dog that can be a bit difficult to train. They are not the most intelligent dogs but they are very loving and loyal.

The Shih Tzu has been bred to be a companion rather than a working breed. They have been used as watchdogs in China but this is not their primary use in modern times.

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu

24) Basset Hound

Basset hounds are known for their low energy, easy going temperament, and goofy personality. They have a long nose and droopy ears that give them a sad look. Basset hounds are considered to be the least intelligent dog breed because they are not as smart as other breeds. They can be difficult to train, but they make up for it with their sweet disposition.

Basset Hound
Basset Hound

25) Mastiff

Mastiffs are known for their gentle, loyal temperaments and their playful, outgoing personalities. They are not the most intelligent, but they can be difficult to train. They have been used as guard dogs in the past but are now popular as family pets because of their gentle nature.

Mastiff
Mastiff

26) Beagle

The Beagle is one of the most difficult breeds to train. It’s a breed that’s not quite as intelligent as other breeds and it has a difficult temperament.

Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs, so they have many traits that make them good at hunting, such as being able to track prey and having an acute sense of smell.

Beagle
Beagle

27) Pekingese

Pekingese are small dogs with a unique appearance and temperament. They are very stubborn, which can make training difficult.

Pekingese have been around for centuries and have always been considered one of the least intelligent breeds of dogs. Their intelligence is measured in their ability to learn tricks, which is why they are often used as therapy dogs.

Pekingese
Pekingese

28) Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a breed of large-sized dog with a long, hanging drop-shaped tail and distinctive black mask. The breed has been used for many purposes over the centuries, including hunting deer, tracking humans, and even sniffing out drugs or explosives.

Bloodhound
Bloodhound

29) Borzoi

The Borzoi is a type of dog that has been bred to have an independent, aloof, and dignified personality. The breed is also known for its beautiful coat and the ability to hunt in packs.

The Borzoi is a breed of dog that was developed in Russia in the late 1800s. This breed was primarily used for hunting. The main goal of breeding this type of dog was to create a canine with an independent personality that would not follow the commands of humans but instead rely on their own instincts.

Borzoi
Borzoi

30) Chow Chow

Chow Chow dogs are usually classified as the least intelligent dog breed. They are known for their temperaments that can be difficult to train.

Chow Chow dogs have a long history in China, where they were used by royalty. The breed was even given the name “Royal Dog of China” because of its popularity among Chinese emperors.

The Chow Chow has a short muzzle, a square head and large ears with hanging tufts. It has a short coat that is smooth and shiny with a black nose and black nails.

Chow Chow
Chow Chow

31) Bulldog

Bulldogs are not the smartest, but they have their own special personality traits that make them difficult to train. For example, they are naturally very territorial and will be aggressive when strangers enter their territory.

The bulldog is one of the least intelligent breeds in the world with an average IQ of just 60. They are also one of the least smart breeds with an average score on an intelligence test of just 19 points out of a possible 100 points.

Bulldog
Bulldog

32) Basenji

The Basenji is a breed of dog that has a difficult time training and being trained. They have a difficult time learning basic skills, like how to sit or come when called. It’s also hard for this breed to learn commands, since they can’t communicate with humans in any way other than barking or howling.

Basenji
Basenji

33) Afghan Hound

Afghan hounds are a type of dog that is often referred to as the dumbest breed. They are known for their stubborn and independent nature, which makes them difficult to train.

The Afghan hound is a large and powerful sight hound that has a short coat and strong muscles. Its lifespan is typically around 10-12 years. It was originally bred in Afghanistan from the Central Asian Ovtcharka, the Caucasian Ovcharka, the Central Asian Ovcharka, and the Caucasian Ovcharka.

Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound

Published by

Henry Mark

Mark is Editor at dognamesbest.com covering Information about breeds, naming dogs. He's a graduate in veterinary medicine at the agricultural academy.