Study Reveals the Least Intelligent Dog Breed That Needs Commands Repeated 80 Times!

From guide dogs for the visually impaired to police dogs trained to detect drugs or explosives, from search and rescue dogs in mountains or seas to dogs that can detect diseases and seizures, and not to forget the herding dogs – it’s clear why dogs are considered man’s best friend. Beyond their cute appearance and their ability to evoke a feeling of unconditional love in us, they are capable of many impressive feats, which are often linked to a form of intelligence. However, like humans, not all animals are created equal: some dogs are indeed smarter than others. Studies have shown that the average intelligence of a dog is comparable to that of a two-and-a-half-year-old child.

Of course, each breed is different: some are better at remembering commands, others excel at solving spatial problems, and yet others have a more effective visual memory. For instance, research has shown that Border collies can remember up to 1,000 words from our vocabulary, compared to an average of 165 to 250 words for other dogs. However, it’s the Belgian Malinois that takes the top spot for intelligence among our four-legged friends. So, who ranks as the least intelligent? Stanley Coren, a canine psychology expert at the University of British Columbia, explored this in his book The Intelligence of Dogs. By examining the acumen of man’s best friend, he inadvertently also addressed their less intelligent moments.

As reported by GEO, the researcher studied 130 different breeds and consulted over 200 canine obedience judges across the USA and Canada, which helped him create a ranking. Despite its innate elegance and speed, the Afghan Hound emerged as the least intelligent of all. It would need an order to be repeated more than 80 times before it could finally learn it. Moreover, the tested dogs obeyed a first command (already learned) in less than 25% of cases. While the Afghan Hound tops the list of the least intelligent, it is not the only one slow to catch on. Following it are the Basenji, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Borzoi (or Russian Greyhound), Pekingese, Beagle, Mastiff, Basset Hound, and finally the Shih Tzu.

Of course, each dog is unique, and it’s possible to enhance their cognitive abilities with training, similar to early childhood activities for children: introducing them to new places, enhancing their social interactions, or offering them interactive games with rewards, like puzzles or hide-and-seek. Regardless of whether a dog is the canine Einstein or the class dunce, all dog owners will agree: their furry friend is the best, no matter what the scientists say!