BreedWise

Least Obedient Dog Breeds (2026)

Let’s be honest about the word “dumbest”: nobody can rank raw canine intelligence, and the famous rankings (Stanley Coren’s included) actually measure obedience — how fast a breed learns commands. That’s what we measured too, using our dataset’s trainability scores, lowest first. A low-obedience breed isn’t a bad dog; many are independent thinkers bred to work alone. But if you want a dog that learns fast, start at the bottom of this list — or skip straight to the best dogs for first-time owners for the easy learners.
Bulldog dog
#1

Bulldog

Trainability: 2/5

Weak trainability (2/5). Typical weight 18–23 kg; lifespan 8–10 years.

Shiba Inu dog
#2

Shiba Inu

Trainability: 2/5

Weak trainability (2/5). Typical weight 8–11 kg; lifespan 13–16 years.

French Bulldog dog
#3

French Bulldog

Trainability: 3/5

Good trainability (3/5). Typical weight 8–13 kg; lifespan 10–12 years.

Dachshund dog
#4

Dachshund

Trainability: 3/5

Good trainability (3/5). Typical weight 7–15 kg; lifespan 12–16 years.

Beagle dog
#5

Beagle

Trainability: 3/5

Good trainability (3/5). Typical weight 9–13.5 kg; lifespan 10–15 years.

Cane Corso dog
#6

Cane Corso

Trainability: 3/5

Good trainability (3/5). Typical weight 41–54 kg; lifespan 10–12 years.

Yorkshire Terrier dog
#7

Yorkshire Terrier

Trainability: 3/5

Good trainability (3/5). Typical weight 2–3 kg; lifespan 11–16 years.

Pomeranian dog
#8

Pomeranian

Trainability: 3/5

Good trainability (3/5). Typical weight 2–3 kg; lifespan 12–16 years.

How this ranking works: Ranked by trainability score (1–5), lowest first. “Dumbest” here means least obedient — the standard, Coren-style reading — not least intelligent and not least lovable. Trait scores are our 1–5 editorial ratings across 42 breeds — not paid placements, not a popularity contest.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dumbest dog breed?

By our data, the top-ranked is the Bulldog — Weak trainability (2/5).

Are these rankings objective?

They're computed from our 1–5 trait scores across 42 breeds — the same dataset behind every page here. No sponsored placements; the methodology is shown above.

Should I still meet the dog first?

Yes. Data narrows the field, but individual temperament varies. Meet the dog, talk to the breeder or shelter, and consider your routine honestly.

What is the lowest IQ dog breed?

There is no scientific IQ test for dog breeds, so any ‘lowest IQ’ list is really measuring obedience — how quickly a breed learns commands. By that measure (our dataset’s trainability scores), the Bulldog and Shiba Inu sit at the bottom with 2/5. Low obedience is not low intelligence: many of these breeds were bred to think independently.

What is the most untrainable dog breed?

‘Untrainable’ is a myth — every breed on this list can learn with the right motivation. What varies is willingness: independent breeds like the Shiba Inu or Bulldog (trainability 2/5) ask ‘what’s in it for me?’ while a Border Collie asks ‘what’s next?’ Adjust the method, not the verdict.

So which is the smartest dog breed?

By obedience-based measures, the Border Collie and Poodle — both score 5/5 for trainability in our dataset and top every published ranking. But remember the framing of this page: fast learning is one narrow slice of canine intelligence. The ‘least obedient’ breeds here are often the most independent thinkers.

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