Just like some of us humans, some dog breeds are…not the brightest. They are not dumb or anything like that, they are just harder to train and they act a bit silly. Some of them don’t outgrow the toddler phase.

And that’s completely fine. We love them anyway. They are still lovely, loyal, and fluffy companions. In fact, some of them are even cuter when they’re a bit more silly. I mean, we all love a fluffy goof!

But it’s only a matter of training. If they lack training, they lack discipline. So, let’s take a look at the breeds that require more training than the rest do:

1. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds have many skills such as their great sense of smell. However, they may not be the sharpest when it comes to learning new ones. Basset Hounds are fairly smart dogs, but they’re not so easy to train, given the fact that they’re extremely stubborn.

If you want to bring out the best in them, you have to have a firm, but patient hand, which isn’t easy for many owners out there. Bassets can be serious barkers. They have sturdy feet and nails, so they’re very good diggers. They have a strong hunting urge, so if you don’t know how to safely confine it, they will go out hunting on their own.

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2. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a highly affectionate, docile, and cuddly dog. They are almost like a cat. They are also very independent which is why it can be quite tricky to train them. From what we know, afghans are very happy when they have a high level of activity.

According to the American Kennel Club, they need plenty of fenced-in running space. But they are great as hunting companions, Afghan hounds might get a bit ditzy from time to time, and their sensitive but independent nature makes them very hard-to-train dogs.

But, let’s admit it, their coat is simply majestic.

3. English Mastiff

This breed is a very cute, loving, and loyal one. However, due to the fact that it takes them so long to learn new skills and obey commands, they are thought to be lacking on the intelligence side. These giant mutts are so big, that they’re able to destroy your living room without even realizing it.

They can be very difficult to train, especially if you don’t raise them to respect you (but this doesn’t mean you beat them). Of course, even if they do respect you, they will still have problems doing anything more complicated than “stand there and drool”.

They should be trained young in order to avoid disobedience.

4. Borzoi

The Borzoi is similar to the Afghan Hound. Borzoi’s personality is similar to a cat’s as well. They are even more independent than the previously mentioned breeds. So, if you’re truly a cat-lover who wants to add a dog to their feline collection, THIS is your breed!

Yep, you’ve heard that right. These dogs are absolutely OBSESSED with cleanliness, and they make their owners prove their leadership before deciding if they should or shouldn’t show their loyalty.

The borzoi is a very noble breed that’s very stately and highly dignified, but still independent and hard to train. While this dog isn’t very bright, he’s terribly affectionate.

5. Chow Chow

These beautiful lion-like dogs are great cuddlers. However, the loving breed is quite stubborn and can sometimes even become jealous! We know this doesn’t necessarily mean they lack intelligence, but they appear to be harder to train.

They are one of the oldest dog breeds in history, as they date all the way back to China’s Han Dynasty. They are bred for various activities, such as hunting, guarding, and hauling. They made their way on this list not because they are dumb, but because they are so intelligent yet stubborn that they prefer not to listen to cues or to take directions.

6. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog has an intimidating appearance, but in reality, they are very loving and gentle. They can be difficult to train, but they are among the favorite picks among dog owners. They aren’t the brightest dogs when it comes to obedience and working intelligence.

English Bulldogs are somehow slow-moving and lazy, but at the same time extremely loving and connected with their owners.

If you aren’t a patient person, then you shouldn’t get an English Bulldog because it requires a lot of time to train them and make them obedient. But you’ll realize that this dog will make every moment of patience worth it!

7. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier’s willingness to learn can be an issue that has been mistaken with a comprehension problem. They have a BIG personality, which makes it sometimes difficult to educate them. They were originally bred as mousers.

In fact, they impressed a 17th-century laird so much that he nicknamed these dogs “diehards”. And this is mainly the reason why they’re on this list: not because they were actually dumb, but because they’re also extremely “diehard” when it comes to training, and they only follow orders when they want to.

This breed is well-known for its habit of standing its ground against their owner.

8. Chihuahua

There are mixed opinions when it comes to the Chihuahua dog. Some say they are difficult dogs. Some say they are very loving pets. The truth is they are both. To show their possessive behavior, they are well-known for their excessive bark.

They are extremely stubborn, and they also have a very strong will. They will never obey your commands just for the sake of obeying you. They are motivated by other things. So if you’re having trouble with them, it’s because you don’t have the right approach. It’s not their fault.

That can easily be prevented by training them early as puppies.

9. Lhasa Apso

This breed is known for its confidence and courage. However, due to the fact that they tend to easily lose focus and interest, their disobedience will take over. Did you know that there’s an old Buddhist legend that believed Lhasa Apsos are the reincarnations of Buddhist monks who didn’t succeed in reaching Nirvana?

They’re extremely stubborn, as they once were the companions of the emperors of China, a fact that they will never forget. Bottom line: even though Lhasa Apso doesn’t want to follow your commands, this doesn’t mean that they don’t understand them!

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 6 Dog Breeds You Can Safely Leave Alone For Hours