While most dogs are eager to please their owners, some breeds don’t always want to follow cues or learn commands. This makes them difficult to train, which is why they end up on our dumbest dog breed list.
The imposing Mastiff may not be the most intelligent dog, but they were bred for a reason: to protect ancient civilizations. They’re still great guard dogs and do their job well, but their stubbornness can get in the way of training.
Chihuahua
A lot of people have a bad rap towards Chihuahuas. They are often seen as small, airhead dogs that don't have much intelligence.
However, this is a false perception.
They are actually very intelligent if trained properly, which is easier with puppies than with older dogs.
They are also very socialized and adapt well to new situations if trained early on. Unfortunately, a lot of people fail to train their chihuahuas correctly or socialize them with other animals and humans. This makes them nervous and confused about the world around them.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet hundreds of years ago and served as indoor guard dogs in Buddhist temples. They were revered as a symbol of the snow lion, a celestial animal that is believed to bring good luck.
The Lhasa Apso is a loyal, intelligent, and fearless breed that is extremely alert. They are very protective of their human family and will bark frequently to warn you of danger.
Beagle
Bred for hunting, Beagles are scent hounds that have around 220 million scent receptors in their snouts. This is more than 44 times as many as the average dog.
They also have a larger area in their brains dedicated to processing scents than most other breeds. This is because they need to track and follow a smell to find their prey.
Like all dogs, Beagles can develop certain eye conditions including glaucoma and distichiasis, which are painful and often cause blindness if left untreated. At every exam, we'll check your pet's eyes to look for these conditions and start treatment as soon as possible.
Panginese
The Panginese deserves to be on this list for many reasons, not the least of which is the illustrious title of being the world's smallest dog. Their tiny frame is also responsible for some rather impressive feats of strength and endurance.
They're not the most intelligent of creatures, but they are still quite the show-stoppers. They also happen to be the best looking, most well-mannered and obedient of all dog breeds. The best part is that they're a lot of fun to be around!
Chow Chow
A dog of many talents, the Chow Chow is a popular companion that hails from China. Bred to be loyal and protective of their people, they’re an excellent choice for families with children and seniors.
They can also make great guard dogs for homes or livestock. But because they’re aloof with strangers, it’s important to socialize them early and often.
These dogs can be stubborn, and training them can be difficult if not done properly. They’re more likely to ignore verbal corrections than respond to physical punishment.
Basenji
Basenjis were originally bred for hunting in Africa, where they were used to flush small game into hunters' nets and to control village rodent populations.
Their independent streak and sometimes mischievous nature make them stubborn, but they can be trained. Treat them with kindness and consistency, using positive reinforcement methods like food rewards and praise.
A high-spirited hound, Basenjis are highly intelligent and very alert. They hunt by sight and give chase to what moves. They can excel at lure coursing, an activity where they follow a lure over a course while giving chase.
Shih Tzu
A loyal and loving companion, the Shih Tzu is the perfect cuddle buddy. They’re happiest when they spend time in your lap, where you can rub their soft, furry body and tell them everything will be okay.
They love attention and are always ready to give it. However, like all dogs, they can be a bit stubborn and need training to be well behaved.
Shih Tzus are prone to health problems, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (a slipped kneecap), and eye anomalies such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and corneal dryness. These conditions can be serious, so it’s important to discuss them with your vet before bringing home a puppy.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are a popular breed, but this breed can be a challenge to train. They have an uncanny ability to follow a scent, but they aren’t always good at obeying commands.
This makes them a frustrating dog to train, and it doesn’t help that they are notoriously strong-willed pups.
If a Bloodhound is trained properly, they can make great family dogs. They are loyal and love their humans. However, they can be aloof with strangers.
