Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last few years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership has soared to record levels, with around one-in-three UK households now including at least one four-legged friend.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
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Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
One thing worth considering before making a decision is that certain breeds of dog are naturally more intelligent than others.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
That’s not to say that the less clever pups don’t make loving and loyal pets, just that if you are looking for a dog that will be easy to train, learn commands, or carry out tasks, then certain breeds should be avoided.
So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that fit at either extreme of the canine intelligence spectrum.
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9. Chow Chow
What the Chow Chow lacks in intellect is more than made up for with its loyalty - doing everything they can to protect their owner from danger. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Bulldog
Perhaps the reason the gorgeous Bulldog appears on this list is that they are well known for being very lazy - preferring to curl up on the couch instead of running around being smart like a Retriever or Border Collie. | Canva/Getty Images