20 Dog Breeds That Are Very Cute But Not Very Smart (Sorry!)

Let’s be honest—when it comes to dogs, smart isn’t always at the top of our must-have list.

Sometimes, all you want is a wiggly tail, a goofy grin, and a pup who looks at you like you hung the moon (even if they don’t quite understand how fetch works).

Sure, intelligence can be useful for training and tricks, but there’s a special kind of charm in those furballs who are, well… a little simple.

This list isn’t meant to insult your dog’s honor—we’re not saying they’re dummies, just that their talents lie elsewhere.

These breeds may not excel in obedience trials or learn commands with lightning speed, but they make up for it in personality, cuddles, and comedic timing.

Think of them as the class clowns of the dog world: always adorable, sometimes confused, and constantly entertaining. Some are stubborn. Others are just blissfully unaware. A few are too busy being dramatic to care what you’re saying.

But all of them share one thing in common—they’re irresistibly cute and absolutely lovable, even if you have to repeat “sit” seven times and bribe them with a treat every time they do it.

So if you’re looking for a dog that will make you laugh more than they’ll master agility courses, you’re in the right place.

Here are 20 dog breeds that are total sweethearts with faces you’ll melt over—but let’s just say they’re not exactly solving calculus anytime soon.

1. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is drop-dead gorgeous—graceful, silky-coated, and elegant like a runway model. But ask one to come when called, and you might just get a dismissive glance in return.

These dogs are incredibly independent and aloof, which makes training a bit of a challenge. It’s not that they can’t learn—it’s that they often just don’t want to. They march to the beat of their own fabulous drum.

Still, their glamorous appearance and quirky personality make them unforgettable companions. Just don’t expect them to win any obedience trophies—or even respond the first time (or third) you call their name.

2. Bulldog

Bulldogs are undeniably cute with their squished faces, snorting noses, and lumbering gait. But when it comes to brains? Let’s just say they’re more about vibes than strategy.

They’re notorious for being stubborn, slow to train, and often disinterested in anything that requires too much effort. You might ask for a sit and get a yawn in return. Or a nap. Probably a nap.

That said, they’re lovable and loyal companions who bring calm and joy to any home. They might not fetch your slippers, but they’ll happily snuggle while you pretend they understand every word you say.

3. Basenji

The Basenji is sleek, stylish, and known as the “barkless dog”—but their silence doesn’t mean they’re paying attention. These pups are famously hard to train and even harder to impress.

They’re clever, yes, but in a way that works against you. Instead of listening, they analyze, plot, and decide whether it’s worth their time to cooperate. Spoiler: It often isn’t.

Still, they’re affectionate, playful, and packed with personality. You just need to accept that training a Basenji is more like negotiating with a cat than teaching a dog.

4. Chow Chow

Chow Chows look like oversized teddy bears, and their dignified demeanor adds to the royal vibe. But don’t let the fluff fool you—these dogs are stubborn with a capital S.

They’re not big on following commands or showing much eagerness to please. In fact, they often act more like aloof cats than eager-to-please pups. You tell a Chow to “sit,” and they’ll think it over… for a while.

They’re loyal and protective, no doubt, but they do things on their own terms. If you want a dog who jumps to obey—keep walking. If you want a cool, independent fluffball? This might be your royal match.

5. Pekingese

With their lion-like mane and royal history in Chinese palaces, the Pekingese expects to be treated like royalty—and they behave accordingly. Obedience is beneath them.

These little dogs are incredibly loving to their chosen people but tend to scoff at training routines. They prefer lounging on cushions to learning tricks, and they’re not big on following commands unless it aligns with their own agenda.

Still, their expressive eyes and adorable pout make it hard to stay mad when they ignore you. They’re all about drama, snuggles, and doing things at their own luxurious pace.

6. Borzoi

The Borzoi is like the aristocrat of the dog world: tall, graceful, and not particularly interested in following orders. These elegant sighthounds were bred to chase, not to obey.

Training a Borzoi often feels like trying to convince a fashion model to run laps for treats. They’re gentle and sweet but easily distracted and not especially food-motivated.

Despite their distant nature, Borzois are affectionate with their families. Just don’t expect them to stick around if something catches their eye in the distance—they were built for the chase, not the classroom.

7. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are walking fuzzballs of joy. They’ve spent centuries perfecting the art of being pampered, and they aren’t in any rush to pick up commands.

They’re affectionate, funny, and full of personality, but obedience training isn’t exactly their strong suit. They’ll often look at you mid-command as if to say, “Why would I do that when I could just be cute?”

While they’re not the brightest on the block, their charm more than makes up for it. These dogs aren’t here to fetch—they’re here to be adored, and they do that job very well.

8. Lhasa Apso

Once revered as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries, Lhasa Apsos have retained a strong sense of independence. Translation: they’ll ignore your commands if they feel like it.

These dogs are intelligent in their own way—but stubborn to the core. They don’t take kindly to repetitive drills or forced obedience. If training becomes a chore, they’ll check out faster than you can say “treat.”

Despite their sass, they’re loyal and protective of their people. Just be prepared to earn their respect before they even consider listening to you.

9. Basset Hound

That face, those ears, those sad eyes—Basset Hounds are masters at melting hearts. Unfortunately, they’re also masters at ignoring basic commands.

These dogs follow their noses above all else, and once a scent trail is found, good luck calling them back. Their stubborn streak is legendary, and they respond to commands only when it suits them.

Still, their sweet, laid-back personality makes them hard not to love. Training might be a challenge, but you’ll get endless affection—and a whole lot of comic relief—in return.

10. Mastiff

Mastiffs are massive, gentle giants with hearts of gold and a noticeable lack of urgency. Ask them to sit, and they might need a moment… or ten.

They’re not the most motivated learners, often preferring a good nap over a training session. Their size makes consistency essential, but their mellow nature means they won’t rebel—they’ll just move at their own pace.

That said, they’re deeply loyal and protective. Training takes patience and repetition, but once they get it (eventually), they’ll be solid, if slightly sleepy, companions.

11. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are small, snorty, and full of charm. They’ll make you laugh with their goofy expressions and dramatic sighs—but don’t expect them to master commands quickly.

Training a Frenchie can feel like herding a very cute, very lazy potato. They’re stubborn and easily distracted, especially if you don’t have food in your hand. Even then, they might still shrug you off for a cozy nap.

Despite their willful streak, they’re affectionate and great with families. Just be prepared to repeat yourself—a lot—if you want them to actually do something.

12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Few breeds can compete with the cuteness of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. With those big eyes and silky ears, they basically radiate “cuddle me” energy.

Training, though? It’s a mixed bag. They’re eager to please but often more focused on affection than instruction. They’d rather melt into your lap than tackle a complex command.

These dogs are sweet, sociable, and endlessly loving—but they won’t be winning any dog IQ contests soon. Then again, who needs brains when you’ve got that face?

13. Pug

Pugs are lovable little clowns. With their squishy faces, curly tails, and constantly confused expressions, they’re experts at making you smile.

Unfortunately, those same adorable looks often come with a side of selective hearing. Pugs can be stubborn and slow to pick up commands, especially if the task requires too much effort—or movement.

What they lack in smarts, they make up for in devotion and entertainment value. They’ll keep you laughing, even if they don’t quite understand why you’re asking them to “stay” for the fifth time.

14. Beagle

Beagles are scent hounds through and through, which means they’re ruled by their noses—not their brains. Once they catch a whiff of something interesting, good luck getting their attention back.

These pups are friendly and energetic, but their stubbornness can make training feel like a full-time job. They’ll ignore commands if there’s even a hint of something better to sniff.

That said, they’re lovable and loyal companions. Just be ready to outsmart them—or at least distract them with snacks—if you want a shot at success.

15. Great Pyrenees

Majestic and mellow, the Great Pyrenees was bred to guard flocks, not to master obedience drills. They’re independent thinkers with a strong sense of duty—but not necessarily to you.

Training them requires patience, repetition, and plenty of incentives. They’ll obey when they feel it’s important, but they’re not likely to jump to follow casual commands.

Still, they’re fiercely loyal and make excellent protectors. Just don’t be surprised if they give you a blank stare when you ask for a high-five.

16. Japanese Chin

With their dainty movements and feathered coats, Japanese Chins practically float through life like little aristocrats. And like true nobility, they don’t take orders from just anyone.

These dogs are intelligent but independent, often preferring to observe rather than participate. They’ll ignore your commands with an air of polite disinterest—and somehow still charm you completely.

They thrive on companionship and love being pampered. Training them takes a soft touch and low expectations. Think of them more as decorative roommates than eager students.

17. Dachshund

Dachshunds may be small, but they’ve got big opinions—and an even bigger stubborn streak. These sausage-shaped cuties were bred to hunt badgers, so they’re fearless and independent.

That independence often translates to ignoring commands, especially if they think their way is better. They’re smart, but they use their smarts to serve themselves, not you.

Still, their spunky personality and adorable waddle make them impossible to resist. You’ll spend a lot of time repeating yourself, but they’re worth every “sit” that goes unanswered.

18. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is a giant puffball of personality. They look like walking stuffed animals and tend to act like goofy toddlers.

These dogs are sweet and social but often scatterbrained. Their clownish behavior can make training tricky, especially if they get bored or distracted. They’ll happily chase their tail instead of following your cues.

Despite their stubborn side, they’re affectionate and loyal companions. Just know that their big brains are mostly used for mischief—not memorizing commands.

19. Maltese

The Maltese is tiny, fluffy, and utterly devoted to being adored. They’re more focused on human affection than intellectual challenges.

These dogs can be trained, but you’ll need a lot of patience—and maybe some bribes. Their diva attitude means they’re more interested in being held than learning “roll over.”

Still, their charm is off the charts. If you’re looking for a smart working dog, keep walking. If you want a loyal little lovebug who occasionally listens, the Maltese is your match.

20. Italian Greyhound

Delicate, elegant, and slightly dramatic, Italian Greyhounds are equal parts cuddle bug and chaos agent. They love their people but don’t always grasp the concept of obedience.

Training these dogs can be challenging—they’re sensitive and prone to nervousness, and consistency is key. But even with effort, they’ll often choose cuddles over commands.

Their sweet nature and sleek style win hearts easily, even if their attention span is… questionable. Just know they’re not in it for the work—they’re in it for the warmth of your lap.