Thursday, March 12, 2009

In Appreciation of the Less Smart Four-Legged Friends

Apparently, there is a new, updated list of the ten smartest dog breeds. OK, so maybe you're looking for a dog. You might think this list would be a great place to start. It's not. Go out and get the dumbest dog you've ever seen. Trust me. I know it sounds crazy, but I know what I'm talking about on this.

We have two dogs, and we love them both. One is a smarter-than-me Golden Retriever. He opens doors. He stands on his hind legs and looks into doors (and windows), which makes for uncomfortable conversations with the neighbors. . .He opens gates. He gets into closed, dog-proof trash cans. He pretty much does whatever he wants to do, and we can't stop him. He likes to go down to the neighbor's house and play with their FIVE dogs. (He hangs with a rough crowd.) He is a daily dose of trouble.

The other dog is a terrified-of-his-shadow, "less-smart" Cocker Spaniel. I am not implying in any way that all Cocker Spaniels are dumb. Unfortunately, ours is. Somedays, you have to show him that you did indeed put food in his dish. He doesn't find his way out of the yard (maybe because he couldn't find his way back!). He is no trouble. His day is made by petting him or playing with him or hugging him. . .

In fact, when I think about it, dumb dogs have always been less trouble, and we've had a lot of dogs. There was Maggie, the 1/2 Bassett-1/2 Beagle, who could literally not find her food and water if you didn't show her where it was. Then, on the other side of the spectrum, there was Annabelle, the hyper-active DIVA Bassett hound, who could tell you exactly what she thought of you with one look. . .Yep, dogs are great, but dumb ones are a lot less trouble!

4 comments:

steffj89 said...

omg....i so hear ya....our stupidest dog is rapidly becoming my favorite....
steff

Debbie said...

We aren't dog people but we have had our share of dumb cats and they are fun too!

CC said...

I always grew up with pound puppies. Not the brightest, but so sweet!

And I'm with Debbie about dumb cats. I really don't like cats at all....unless they are particularly dumb! ;)

Julie said...

I'm with ya! The best dog I ever had was dumb. Like couldn't fetch a stick dumb, but he was so sweet and awesome and the fact that he looked menacing (95lb Rottie mix) was a plus. No one who might mess with me knew he was dumb. Smart dogs are a PITA. Have one now. I think I'll place an ad for "dumb dog wanted" next time we get a dog.