Like human beings, dogs have differences in breeds. Not all dogs are smart enough to learn tricks or commands.
Many breeds are praised for their trainability and skills as problem solvers; therefore, some take their time to realize what the owner is telling them and are thus ranked worst dog breeds. This, in no way, says that they lack love or devotion.
It merely means that the characteristics that present them with greater challenges to their training. Let’s get into this and find some of the hardest dog breeds to train, problematic behavior, and why they are usually tagged as the slowest learning dog breeds.
1. Afghan Hound
This Afghan Hound is often quoted as one of the dumbest dog breeds but is always lavished with praise for its magnificent grace.
However, most of the reputation regarding this breed is due to its aloof and independent nature. Bred originally for the hunt, Afghan Hounds mastered their ability to make decisions on the field.
This independent nature also makes them the least likely to be interested in following commands and is one of the reasons why they are also one of the notoriously hardest dog breeds to train.
Though they are a little challenging in their training, their noble presence and jocular nature make them a joy to have around you.
Afghan Hounds can be slow to catch on sometimes, but once the connection has been established, they become very loyal.
2. Basenji
Basenjis are referred to as “barkless dogs” due to the odd noises they make. How fascinating that could be; this silence makes the independent nature of a low-intelligence dog breed. Basenjis are, essentially, solitary and don’t care much for repetitive training exercises.
These dogs were bred in Africa as hunting companions. They rely more on instincts rather than commands, so it is not such an easy breed to train. This is among the slowest learning breeds of dogs.
On the other hand, this type of intelligence makes its way to the dog’s problem-solving capacity and adaptability, which makes them very perfect escape artists and great adventurers.
3. Bulldog
The Bulldog is a very affectionate, stocky breed that can be described with words like calm, but unfortunately for this breed, people see them as unmotivated and lethargic, putting them on the list of least intelligent dog breeds.
Bulldogs are such good companions; they are only incredibly resistant to structured training sessions.
One of the behavioral traits that one can’t stand in a person is their obstinacy and non-readiness to do things on their turf. However, they are extremely devoted and loving and do pretty well in an environment where one would care for the unusual individuality that surrounds them.
4. Chow Chow
In every way except one, pretty close to one of a kind, Chow Chows resemble lions in manes and aloofness.
Their independence and disdain for the approval of their human are just some reasons why they are one of the most trying breeds to train, as they tend to be quite dignified and sometimes arrogant.
This breed was used as guard dogs, and their intelligence still stands in their evaluations of situations in making independent judgments.
They’re not the perfect dogs for usual training. Their loyalty is so strong for protection, a great companion when needed.
5. Borzoi
The Borzoi is a stunning, lovely sighthound that is sometimes considered one of the dumbest breeds of dogs due to its dislike of obedience. Originally bred to hunt, Borzois are very independent and prefer to depend on their instincts rather than on training.
Such a peace-loving temperament does make them a good family companion. However, the training does require time from them as well as effort from you.
Most first-time dog owners do get frustrated with this less responsive breed of dog known as Borzois, but whoever does realize that personality finds it an easy, loving, and friendly companion.
6. Bloodhound
Really, the tracking and search-and-rescue missions are gold for bloodhounds since they just can’t be outdone when it comes to the smell.
However, the kind of focus on scents often makes bloodhounds ignore commands, thus tending to occupy the lowest position in the list of intelligent dog breeds for obedience training.
They possess special intelligence and hence are perfect for nose-activated actions. Perhaps slow to learn what simple commandments mean though, with such unmatched tracking skills, their expertise makes them unsurpassable anywhere for the police and rescue departments.
7. Pekingese
The Pekingese, once the favorite breed among the Chinese royalties in their palaces, finds itself on that list of breeds due to labeling it as one of the dumbest breeds of dogs.
Small in size, it appears to be one of those breeds that prefers solitude and should be pampered. For that reason, this would make training challenging.
Pekingese dogs are attached and affectionate but very often treat themselves like royalty and thus insist on being treated like it too. The breed lives by attention and love but disregards commands if they seem dull.
8. Mastiff
Mastiffs are big, friendly dogs with submissive and docile temperaments. They are often misunderstood to have low intelligence due to their laid-back nature. They learn slowly and easily get bored, often being mistaken for stubborn dogs.
However, Mastiffs are very loyal and caring to people. What they love is a relaxed environment because they can always express their very affectionate personalities.
9. Beagle
Even though the Beagles are very playful and curious dogs, they most of the time get distracted by a strong sense of smell. That makes them very easily become one of the most troublesome breeds of dogs in training.
They are indeed rather independent creatures who prefer their nose more than some task that would tell them what to do.
Though they are slow learners, Beagles are friendly and really good family dogs. Their intelligence is their smell-siting sense, which makes them among the best companions for hunting.
10. Basset Hound
Drooping ears and fond faces are bestowed upon Basset Hounds. Their obstinacy and obsessiveness in nature regarding scent appear on this list as some of the hardest breeds to train.
These hounds are not easy to train commands for but work great on activities that require the scenting type. Their characters are the main reasons why, despite their terrible track record in being trained, they make such fantastic companions.
11. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are excellent and affectionate dogs. But because of independent personalities, it is one of the slowest learning dog breeds. As a loyal companion, Shih Tzus likes to lounge around and be comfortable rather than obey.
Although they fare poorly in their training, Shih Tzus are loyal and tender mates, who can bloom full if there is proper nurturing.
12. Old English Sheepdog
It is covered with loose, shaggy fur because of its laid-back nature making this one of the dumbest dog breeds around.
Old English Sheepdogs do not learn commands quickly, but these dogs are friendly and nice with their families. That’s because the instinct to herd that they possess has a rather significant strength in its core though their good manners might be an issue at times.
Conclusion
Even though they are quite well known to be amongst the low-intelligence dog breeds, the bottom line is that intelligence can come in various forms. They score less likely to be great at basic obedience, but surely bring a plus point with them.
