Introduction

One more criterion to be taken into account when it comes to selecting a dog breed is intelligence level. However, there are some breeds of dogs that have been considered as less intelligent as those mentioned above. These dogs are deemed as dumb, but they misunderstood.

The thing is that they may possess some other characteristics, and intelligence is only one trait of their temper. We will, however, in this article, take a look at the truth behind such myths as well as other facts that people do not know about the so-called dumbest dog breeds.

1. Understanding Dog Intelligence

To quantify the intelligence of dogs, one often has to consider the level of their obedience and certain problem-solving abilities. However, intelligence can be of different nature in each breed. Some dogs are bred to work or to guard or to herd or to just hunt while some of them have difficulty following instructions.

The need to classify some dogs as stupid is unadvisable because every breed of dog has strengths that can be explored. It is important to remember that animals may be equally intelligent, but just have other shapes of thought processes or they are more solitary creatures with the different values.

2. The Myth of the “Dumb” Dogs

The following term is something one shouldn’t use least if one values his or her pet; the term is “dumb” dog. Most of the dogs regarded as dumb are just more self-reliant or perceive things in their own manner. For instance, Afghan hounds appear stupid or mere dull as they may be seen as aloof while in fact, they may be engaged in their programs. In one way, it is important to understand that dogs do not operate or reason similarly to human beings and using the word ‘dumb’ to refer to dogs is not appropriate.

3. The Basenji: A Unique, Independent Breed

The Basenji is one of the most famous dogs for which was associated with the given label of “dumb.” Basenjis are characterised by their few barking hence may look unresponsive and defiant. In fact, this breed is very intelligent, but it is very independent at the same time as well.

Their disobedience can be seen as being due to their independence and their desire for independence they do not want to listen to commands anymore. It should however be noted that they are good hunters capable of undertaking assignments and tasks independently without having to wait for new instructions.

4. The Afghan Hound: Majestic but Misunderstood

Again, Afghan Hounds are regarded as one of the dumb animals because of their reserved temperament. Nevertheless, all of them have their own intelligence that made them autonomous in making decisions.

There are different theories regarding the early breeding history of Afghan Hound, but it is known that they were bred to hunt in rough terrains of Afghanistan; their very nature is self-directing than most of the other breeds of dogs. Afghan hounds are NOT always BMC (Brace Mine’s Command), however they are good trackers and very intelligent, to problem solve.

5. The Shih Tzu: Sweet but Stubborn

Thus, another specimen that can be considered to be ‘dumb’ because of the unjustified complacency is the Shih Tzu. These dogs are quite stubborn thus making training to be quite a complex exercise. Shih Tzus were bred strictly for companionship not working so they won’t be as motivated to retrieving things as some other breeds.

But they are intelligent enough in terms of embracing and expressing their affection towards families and being loyal to them. Their actions should not be taken as evidence of their inability to think as their move suggest that they do.

6. The Bulldog: Gentle Giants with a Slow Pace

Dogs are for most people associated with dull-witted as they do not exhibit the way how contraptions should be – active and dynamic. However, their cunning is more cunning. Bulldogs are slow learners when it comes to new tasks but they understand very well once treated patiently and trained.

Their slowness may be perceived as some kind of idiotism but in fact it is only because they do not like hurrying. Bulldogs particularly do well when challenged to learn tasks that will take some time to be completed.

7. A breed of dog, the Basset Hound is quite laid-back but very intelligent at the same time.

People have often given Basset Hounds a stereotype of being slow and slow thinking dogs which are not true at all. These dogs are quite intelligent specially if you consider that they are used to tracking than listening and obeying orders.

Basset Hounds are practical dogs that were initially bred for hunting and perfected at it seeing that the canine has an extraordinary sense of smell. They maybe looked like they are being unilateral in their decision-making or even lethargic but they are just intensely concentrated on instinct. They are smart in terms of olfactory abilities and their physical fitness is unbeatable.

8. The Chow Chow: Stubborn but Independent

Their aloof temperament makes this breed to be thought of as ‘dumb.’ Nevertheless, this breed does not always display its spy nature since it is not obedient enough to follow orders. Chow Chows are quite independent and that does not augur well with training. The breed was developed for hunting and guarding, and were endowed with self reliance and muscularity that is not present in many modern breeds. They are inclined to be stubborn and that stemmed from their belief to be decisive and determined.

9. The Borzoi: Elegant and Independent Thinkers

Therefore, Borzoi dogs are regarded as dumb dogs due to their non-activity, failure to perform tricks or even follow instructions. Nevertheless, they are intelligent, self-willed dogs, and therefore it is rather difficult to give them a proper trainings. Due to their training being as hunters from early ages, they are more concerned with what that instinct tells them rather than concern of what humans would want them to do.

They have great thinking capacities of their own, which make them intelligent hunters and contenders. Borzois are generally not known for trick learning abilities but they are really very fond of racing and racing related activities, so one should not underestimate the intelligence of such dogs.

10. Surprising Facts About “Dumb” Dogs

Even if a certain breed of dog is referred to as a ‘dumb’ breed, they may be less inclined to oblige their owner and incapable of learning simple commands or are just plain stubborn, there is usually more to their stupid behaviors. Most of these breeds are loners and problem solvers and hence they are good at doing tasks that do not involve spoken or relayed orders.

For example, the Basenji will not be very easy to train while the Afghan Hound is very skilled in hunting and complex terrains. This shows that these breeds, which are described as ‘dumb’, are in fact capable of a lot than what most people can think of.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worthwhile to emphasize that specific violations are wrong when it comes to the intelligence of certain dogs. These dogs are still intelligent but in their own way and because they are natural and driven by their instincts they do not respond willingly or quickly to command.

The Basenji is tenacious, the Afghan Hound is independent, and the Basset Hound has one of the most powerful scent detector abilities that can be observed in any dog breed. It assistance of all this it is imperative to find something positive in every breed and not compare it with the set benchmarks of intelligence.