FAQs About ‘Dumb’ Dog Breeds

Are Basset Hounds smart?

Yes, Basset Hounds are exceptionally smart, but in a very specific way. Their intelligence is instinctive and olfactory (related to smell). They possess a world-class ability to find and follow a scent trail, a task that requires immense focus and problem-solving. They do not, however, rank highly in working or obedience intelligence, which is the ability to learn and follow human commands quickly. This means they require a different, more patient and creative training approach that focuses on motivation and working with their natural instincts.

Is my stubborn dog just trying to dominate me?

No, this is an outdated and harmful myth. The idea of “dominance” or a dog trying to be the “alpha” has been largely debunked by modern animal behaviorists. What we interpret as “stubbornness” is almost always something else: a lack of motivation (the reward isn’t good enough), confusion (the dog doesn’t understand what you’re asking), fear or anxiety, physical pain, or, most commonly in breeds like the Basset Hound, an overwhelming instinct that is more powerful than your command. The solution is to build a better partnership through positive training, not to engage in a battle for dominance.

Which dog breeds are considered the most ‘intelligent’?

According to the obedience-focused rankings created by Dr. Stanley Coren, the breeds that consistently rank in the top tier for working and obedience intelligence include the Border Collie, Poodle, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher. It is crucial to remember that this list primarily measures the speed of learning human commands and the reliability of response. It is not a measure of a dog’s overall problem-solving ability or its instinctive genius.

How can I make training my independent dog more effective?

The key is motivation and management. First, discover what your dog finds truly rewarding—this is often a very high-value food treat that they don’t get at any other time. Second, keep your training sessions very short (3-5 minutes) and fun to maintain their interest. Third, manage the environment to set them up for success; for example, practice recall in a securely fenced area where they can’t be distracted by a scent and wander off. Finally, incorporate their natural instincts into training by turning it into a game, like scent work or “find it,” which makes learning enjoyable for them.