Least obedient dog breeds
When it comes to obedience, many factors affect the dog’s character. The quality and duration of training, environmental factors, and individual dog personality are all major contributors – but to what extent can a dog’s breed and genetic composition play a role?
In 1994, neuropsychological researcher Stanley Coren sought to compile the definitive resource for understanding the inner workings of our canine companions, captured within his book, “The Intelligence of Dogs.” Coren’s research was based on extensive surveys of 208 obedience judges from the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs, representing half of all judges in North America. According to Colleen’s data, 51% of dogs’ intelligence comes from their genes, while 49% is based on the environment. Collected statistics of 140 recognized dog breeds, Colleen ranked them according to their work and obedience intelligence. This form of canine intelligence represents a breed’s ability to learn and respond to commands and training, and is described by Colleen as “a measure of what dogs can do to humans”.
Drawing from Coren’s research, Stacker compiled the breeds that ranked in the lowest half of working and obedience intelligence. Each breed is broken down by their estimated understanding of new commands and ability to obey a known command the first time while adding in details on their trainability and history as a breed. Coren’s research evaluated the animal’s problem-solving capabilities, obedience, memory, social training, and powers of observation.
1. Soft-coated Wheaten terrier (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
This soft-coated wheaten dog was originally an Irish hound, described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove” because its muscular body was covered with soft fur.
2. Bedlington terrier (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
Bellington Terrier, named after a small town in northern England, has a general body composition and sheep temperament. They have thick white coats, and their body structure enables them to run at an extremely fast speed.
3. Smooth fox terrier (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
Fox terriers are easily distinguished from the sharp contrast between the colorful fur covering the head and the white fur usually covering most of the body. Unlike their close relatives in the barbed fox terrier, this breed has more angular, v-shaped heads.
4. Curly coated retriever (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
This curly, hairy hound was originally used in England to catch waterfowl. It is important that the owner of this breed incorporate fun into the training process to keep the dog’s attention.
5. Irish wolfhound (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
The Irish Wolfhound is the highest of all breeds officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Although they are at least 30 inches tall, they are gentle giants. The Irish Wolfhound is considered one of the most concerned and loyal dog breeds.
6. Kuvasz (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
The beautiful Hungarian Kuwaz breed is similar to the American favorite Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, although the working dog has a unique snow-white coat. During his reign in the mid-15th century, King Matthias I of Hungary trusted his “Kuvs” more than his real palace guards, which showed their loyal nature.
7. Australian shepherd (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
The Australian Shepherd Dog is a high-energy breed. Before the appearance of the United States, its origin was relatively unknown. Known for its territorial and protective nature, this breed requires careful and active training.
8. Saluki (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
Salukis have origins in the Middle East and resemble greyhounds. The breed is the second-fastest in the world.
9. Finnish spitz (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
The Finnish Spike Dog, also known affectionately as the Finnish Spike Dog, is one of the loudest and loudest dogs in the world. Although this may be bad for casual dog lovers, enthusiasts are very proud of the noise of these dogs. In Finland, the owners gather to decide whose Finch will be designated as the “King of Buck”, responsible for the best Yodelin.
10. Pointer (tie)
– Understanding of new commands: 25 to 40 repetitions
– Obey first command: 50% of the time or better
The etymology of “pointer” is quite self-evident. These runners’ companions take the position of standing in the direction, which is especially useful for hunters looking for hunting birds.
