Choosing the perfect canine companion during your golden years should be a joyful experience, not an exhausting challenge. While small dogs seem like the ideal choice for seniors looking for manageable pets, not all little dogs are created equal. Some pint-sized pups pack stubborn personalities that clash dramatically with the slower, calmer lifestyle many older adults prefer.
Let’s be real, nobody wants to spend their retirement years wrestling with a four-legged dictator who refuses to listen. Here’s a look at ten small dog breeds whose stubbornness and strong-willed nature make them particularly challenging for senior owners.
Chihuahua
These tiny dogs would rather lie in your lap than work for a reward, and they’re not only challenging but also one of the laziest. The Chihuahua needs all the patience you can muster to train because they seem to think that they are the boss. Their big personalities crammed into those pocket-sized bodies create unique problems for seniors seeking peaceful companionship.
The Chihuahua can be extremely difficult to house train and many owners recommend keeping a litter box in the house just in case. These dogs tend to be aggressive when not trained, hence you must work with a professional pet trainer to avoid this type of problem. For a senior on a fixed income or with limited mobility, managing this feisty little creature becomes almost impossible without serious commitment.
Dachshund
That adorable wiener dog you’ve been eyeing might just outsmart you at every turn. The short wiener dog is well-known for their lively and independent attitude, as well as their intelligence, hunting ability, and stubbornness. They have minds of their own and rarely hesitate to show it.
Doxies like to do things their own way, and you are likely to find your Dachshund digging holes, chewing on shoes, or chasing your other pets on a daily basis. Honestly, this constant mischief can drain the energy of even the most patient senior. Their notorious back problems also require careful handling, which can be taxing for older owners with limited physical strength or mobility challenges.
Jack Russell Terrier
Don’t let that small frame fool you into thinking these are gentle lap dogs. For a small dog, the Jack Russell Terrier sure has a big fursonality, and they are known for their fun-loving and independent attitude, with a streak of stubbornness that makes them difficult to train. These dogs were bred to hunt, and that relentless energy never quits.
Jack Russells are incredibly energetic and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and they can be a handful to train and manage, which might be challenging for less active seniors. They need constant stimulation, long walks, and firm training. Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with boundless energy who require a substantial amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied. I think it’s safe to say that seniors looking for a quiet afternoon companion should steer clear of this tornado in fur form.
Pekingese
With their royal Chinese heritage comes an attitude to match. Pekingese feel self-important and have a strong-willed attitude that reflects their originality to Chinese royalty. Their stubbornness often causes them to show indifference to commands, which means training a Pekingese can be exhausting.
These fluffy little emperors demand respect on their own terms. Without proper training, Pekingese can tend to get snappy and bitey – even with their own pet parent. For seniors hoping for an easygoing companion, this breed presents too many headaches. Their grooming needs are also extensive, requiring regular brushing and professional grooming to keep their luxurious coat maintained.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu, a small breed originally from Japan, should be on the list of the most stubborn dog breeds because of its bold and independent personality, and accompanied by a stubborn characteristic, this breed is highly disobedient and needs consistent and assertive training techniques. Many owners describe them as more cat-like than dog-like in their behavior.
Their fierce independence makes them frustrating for seniors who expect a dog to actually listen to them. They require experienced handlers who understand their unique personalities. Shiba Inus are known for their bold and fiery personalities, often accompanied by a stubborn streak that can make training a test of wills, and they’re fiercely independent and intelligent, qualities that require consistent, patient training techniques. Here’s the thing: if you’re retired and looking for relaxation, battling wills with a Shiba Inu isn’t the way to get it.
West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
These adorable white fluffballs come with terrier tenacity. Demanding and testy, with the typical stubbornness and cleverness of a true terrier, the Westie must be shown early on by the owners exactly who is in charge. They’re smart enough to figure out loopholes in your rules and bold enough to exploit them.
Westies need firm, consistent leadership from day one. For seniors who might be more lenient or have difficulty maintaining strict boundaries, these dogs can quickly become household tyrants. Their high energy levels also require daily walks and playtime that might exceed what many older adults can comfortably provide.
Beagle
Those sad, soulful eyes hide a stubborn scent hound who follows their nose above all else. The Beagle is friendly, loving, and notoriously difficult to train, and the Beagle’s independent streak and incredible nose mean it will often ignore its owner’s calls when on a scent trail. Once they catch an interesting smell, good luck getting their attention back.
Beagles are not the easiest dog to train and their independence can make them less than ideal as a pet for elderly people. They’re escape artists who need secure fencing and constant supervision. For seniors living in apartments or communities with noise restrictions, the Beagle’s loud baying creates additional problems that can strain relationships with neighbors.
Scottish Terrier
Scotties carry themselves with dignified independence that borders on outright defiance. These compact terriers were bred to hunt independently, making decisions without human input. That same trait translates to a modern dog who thinks your commands are merely suggestions.
Their strong-willed nature demands an equally strong-willed owner. Seniors seeking a more accommodating pet will find the Scottie’s stubbornness exhausting. They also require regular grooming to maintain their distinctive wiry coat, adding another layer of maintenance that can overwhelm older owners.
Boston Terrier
The “American Gentleman” may look dapper in his tuxedo markings, but don’t expect impeccable manners. Boston Terriers make excellent family dogs, due to their affectionate and friendly nature, although training this breed can require plenty of patience. They’re smart and energetic, which sounds great until you realize they use that intelligence to test boundaries constantly.
Their stubbornness shows up during training sessions when they simply decide they’re done cooperating. Boston Terriers also have bursts of high energy that require regular exercise. For seniors with mobility limitations or those recovering from health issues, keeping up with a Boston Terrier’s needs becomes increasingly difficult.
Shih Tzu
Wait, isn’t the Shih Tzu supposed to be a great senior dog? While they’re often recommended, there’s a catch. Although the Shih Tzu is a happy, affectionate and generally agreeable breed, some of these dogs can be stubborn in typical training situations. Their stubbornness might not be as aggressive as other breeds, but it’s persistent.
Shih Tzus have high-maintenance coats that need to be brushed frequently if kept long, and because they have hair rather than fur, they will need trips to the groomer for haircuts. For seniors without reliable transportation or on limited budgets, maintaining a Shih Tzu’s grooming needs becomes burdensome. Their tendency to be set in their ways also means adapting to new routines or environments can be challenging.
Conclusion
Owning a dog during your senior years can bring incredible joy, companionship, and purpose. The right dog becomes your best friend, walking companion, and constant source of comfort. However, pairing yourself with a stubborn small breed that demands more energy, patience, and training expertise than you have to give creates stress rather than happiness.
These ten small dog breeds, despite their compact size, require experienced handlers, consistent training, and energy levels that don’t typically align with a senior’s lifestyle. Before bringing any dog home, consider your physical capabilities, living situation, budget for grooming and veterinary care, and honest assessment of your patience levels. There are plenty of wonderful, more accommodating breeds out there that will better suit your golden years without the daily battles of wills. Which breed surprised you the most on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
