We all know that moment when you see an adorable puppy and your heart just melts. Those big eyes, fluffy fur, and wagging tail make you want to scoop them up immediately. But here’s something every dog lover should know – sometimes the cutest breeds can be the most challenging to train and control.
It’s not about being a bad dog parent or lacking experience. The truth is, some of our most beloved furry friends come with personalities as big as their cuteness factor. These breeds often have traits that were specifically developed for certain jobs, and those same characteristics that made them excellent hunters, herders, or guards can make them wonderfully stubborn companions in our modern homes.
Before you fall head over heels for that Instagram-worthy pup, let’s explore ten absolutely adorable breeds that might test your patience, creativity, and treat supply. Understanding these challenges upfront doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider these breeds – it means you’ll be better prepared to give them the love and training they deserve.
The Charmingly Stubborn Siberian Husky
Those piercing blue eyes and that gorgeous thick coat make Siberian Huskies look like they stepped out of a fairy tale. They are not for inexperienced pet parents and are known for their gorgeous appearance and high energy levels. These stunning dogs were originally bred to run across frozen tundra for miles, which explains their incredible stamina and independence.
They were bred to be independent, as this ensured a mushing group of huskies would ignore commands if the terrain was deemed unsafe. But all these years later, that independence means they have a stubborn streak when it comes to listening to commands. Huskies are escape artists. Like, Mission Impossible-level. If they’re bored or under-stimulated, they’ll find a way to dig, jump, or chew their way to freedom. This makes reliable recall and leash manners non-negotiable – and very hard-earned.
The Aristocratic Afghan Hound
The Aristocratic Afghan Hound (image credits: unsplash)
Afghan hounds are an ancient breed that are the “royals” of the dog world. With their flowing silky coat and elegant gait, they look like they should be posing for a magazine cover. Afghan Hounds are extremely intelligent, but have independent qualities more in line with cats. They prefer to do what they want, when they want, and love pretending you didn’t just call their name. Because of their intelligence, they often learn their commands well, but they just later choose to ignore them if you don’t stay consistent.
Although not impossible, it’s extremely difficult to train them out of their desire to chase. Plus, since they are agile and lightning-fast (around the speed of a purebred racehorse!), you’ll need more than an assertive voice to reign them in, so you’ll have to have fast reactions and be able to have a strong hold over them. Their aloof nature means they’ll love you deeply but on their own terms.
The Endearingly Vocal Beagle
With those soulful brown eyes and floppy ears, Beagles look like the perfect family dog – and in many ways, they are. The Beagle is one of the best family dogs around, which is no surprise considering their happy-go-lucky nature and utter cuteness. As sweet and friendly as this breed is, though, they aren’t always the easiest to train. Their incredible nose gets them into trouble constantly.
Beagles are the party animals of the dog world – happy, vocal, and totally driven by their nose. But that same sniffer makes training them a bit of a rollercoaster. These hounds were bred to track scents for miles, and once they catch a whiff of something interesting, it’s game over for your carefully planned training session. They can be a challenge training in distracting outdoor environments and off leash recalls, but thankfully most of the time, they are very food driven! Joy says that this helps in the training process, as you can use high-value dog treats to engage and train them with endless skills and good manners.
The Fluffy Teddy Bear Chow Chow
Chow Chows might look like walking teddy bears, but don’t let the fluff fool you – these pups have an ancient emperor vibe and a serious case of “don’t tell me what to do.” Independent, aloof, and a little dramatic, Chow Chows are notorious for being one of the hardest breeds to train. Their lion-like mane and blue-black tongue make them absolutely striking, but their personality can be quite challenging.
Their cat-like personalities mean they’re not always eager to please. They don’t care that you have treats or that you learned that new trick on TikTok. They’ll do what they want when they want – and maybe shoot you a side-eye for trying too hard. A number of studies found Chow Chows to be stubborn and difficult to train. First and foremost, they are all beautiful but less intelligent than many others. While they are regal and lion-like, they do not learn very fast. Secondly, they are more cat-like in their personality and are more aggressive.
The Wrinkled Wonder Chinese Shar-Pei
Those adorable wrinkles and that hippopotamus-like face make Chinese Shar-Peis irresistibly cute. But beneath all those folds lies a dog with serious attitude. While Chinese Shar-Peis have serious cuddle potential, their unique personality might not be the best fit for every family. These independent pups can be a bit aloof with strangers and territorial over their loved ones. For families who understand and respect their boundaries, Shar-Peis can be incredibly loyal and devoted.
They just require a confident, experienced owner who can establish themselves as the pack leader. Consistent, gentle but firm training is key. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement go a long way with these sharp minds! Their independent streak means they’ll question every command and decide whether it’s worth their time to comply.
The Mischievous Jack Russell Terrier
Those bright, intelligent eyes and compact size make Jack Russell Terriers look like the perfect apartment companion. Don’t be fooled by their small stature! Don’t let the Jack Russell Terrier’s adorableness and playful personality fool you into thinking they are easy to train! These small dogs were bred to be fox hunters, so their prey drive is incredibly high, making training them difficult.
These little dynamos were bred to chase foxes into their dens, which required incredible courage, determination, and independence. Those same traits that made them excellent hunters now make them challenging pets. They’re incredibly intelligent but also incredibly stubborn. Biggest Challenges: High-energy, protective, can get nippy around feet. Take caution around small children. Training Needs: Focus on socialization with strangers, and controlling nipping. They need constant mental stimulation or they’ll create their own entertainment, usually at your expense.
The Droopy-Eared Basset Hound
With their long ears, droopy eyes, and gentle expression, Basset Hounds look like the epitome of a laid-back family dog. Basset hounds are famous for their easygoing demeanor, so if you’ve never personally owned one, you’re probably wondering how they’ve taken up a spot on our list. However, any pup parent of a basset hound will know exactly why they’re a top contender for the hardest dog to train; they’re slow learners and one of the most difficult breeds to housebreak.
Basset Hounds are adorable but can be stubborn, especially when it comes to housebreaking. Their keen sense of smell often distracts them during training sessions. Positive reinforcement and patience are key with this breed. Their motto seems to be “why walk when you can amble, and why amble when you can just lie down?” Getting one of these pups motivated to pay attention and listen to you will probably be the most challenging part of training a Basset Hound. However, because these dogs love scents and food, you’ll have a much easier time if you can keep them focused with tantalizing treats!
The Sausage-Shaped Dachshund
Those impossibly short legs and long body make Dachshunds look like adorable hot dogs on legs. But behind that comical appearance is a dog with the heart of a much larger hunter. An extremely smart breed, the Dachshund was initially bred to hunt badgers, leading them to be independent thinkers who are used to making decisions on their own. So, they can be a bit of a handful during training. It’s also easy for them to get distracted, leading to ignored commands.
These pups are sensitive to negativity, so stick with positive reinforcement during training, and never yell at your Dachshund. Go with shorter training sessions and mix things up to keep your dog’s attention focused on you! Their fearless nature means they think they’re much bigger than they actually are, which can lead to some interesting behavioral challenges when dealing with larger dogs or asserting their independence.
The Powerful Bullmastiff
With their wrinkled face and gentle eyes, Bullmastiffs look like oversized teddy bears who just want to cuddle. A combination of the Bulldog and Mastiff, the Bullmastiff is smart and fearless. However, due to their history of being guard dogs, they can be extremely wary and occasionally aggressive toward people they don’t know, which makes training and socialization vital. The issue is that this breed is incredibly independent due to their past and can be very stubborn.
Although bullmastiffs are people pleasers, they aren’t dog pleasers whatsoever and have high guarding instincts. They require more training and socialization than other breeds to help them feel at ease around other dogs and strangers. Bullmastiffs also like to do things their own way, a trait which coupled with their strong build and large size can make it impossible to get them to do what you want. Therefore, they need a confident, strong-willed owner to match their equally strong-willed nature. At over a hundred pounds, when they decide they don’t want to do something, good luck changing their mind!
The Fuzzy Pekingese
Those flat faces and flowing coats make Pekingese look like little lions, which is exactly what they were bred to resemble for Chinese royalty. These tiny dogs carry themselves with the dignity of their imperial heritage, and they expect to be treated accordingly. It is one of the oldest breeds known today. This breed was around during ancient times and its personality has not changed much. These dogs are affectionate and like being around their owners. Though this breed of dogs is not looking to rule above you, it has an extremely low obedience level.
Their regal attitude means they’ll decide when they want to follow commands and when they’d rather do their own thing. These are not stupid dogs, but they are independent dogs that make training much harder than it is with many other dog breeds. These dogs always provide their owner attention and love. Training a Pekingese is like negotiating with a tiny, furry diplomat who believes they’re in charge of the household – because in their mind, they absolutely are!
Conclusion
These ten adorable breeds prove that cuteness and trainability don’t always go hand in hand. Their challenging personalities often stem from the very traits that made them excellent at their original jobs – independence, intelligence, strong prey drives, and determination. But no breed is untrainable. By working with their natural instincts rather than against them, you can foster a well-behaved companion.
The key to success with these breeds lies in understanding what makes them tick, using positive reinforcement consistently, and maintaining patience throughout the process. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key elements in successfully training these dogs. Remember that all dogs (like people) learn at a different pace. So be patient, consistent, and persistent. With the right approach, even the most stubborn furry companions can become well-mannered family members who’ll steal your heart completely.
The bond you’ll develop with a challenging breed can be incredibly rewarding – there’s something special about earning the respect and cooperation of a dog who doesn’t give it easily. What surprises might your next four-legged family member have in store for you?
Esther is from India; the heartbeat of South Asia, holding a Master’s degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Animal Welfare. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare drives her passion and dedication to working for animals, ensuring their well-being, and advocating for their rights. With a solid academic background and hands-on experience, she is committed to making a positive impact in the field of animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys embroidery and sewing. As a Chennaite from Tamil Nadu, Esther loves Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
