Picture this: you’ve just brought home your adorable new furry friend, armed with all the best training books and treats money can buy. You’re ready to teach your pup to sit, stay, and come when called. Yet somehow, your dog looks at you with those innocent eyes and seems to be saying, “Thanks, but I’ll pass.” Welcome to the world of stubborn dog breeds.
These aren’t bad dogs, mind you. They’re just incredibly independent thinkers who march to the beat of their own drum. While some pups live to please their humans, these breeds have other priorities. They’re the ones who’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about dog training. Still, with the right approach and a hefty dose of patience, even the most headstrong pup can become a well-behaved companion. So let’s dive into the world of these wonderfully willful breeds and discover what makes them tick.
Siberian Husky: The Escape Artist Extraordinaire
These striking blue-eyed beauties were literally bred to think for themselves. 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.
They are an extremely energetic breed that need loads of exercise. They were originally bred to to run for miles on end in frozen tundra, and their souls are still born to run – for hours! Without enough exercise, they will quickly become destructive. Your Husky might look like they’re listening to your recall command, but if there’s something more interesting across the yard, good luck getting them back.
They are also skilled escape-artists, and have trouble controlling their small prey drive around cats and small animals. Many Husky owners have stories of finding their dog three neighborhoods away, having squeezed through what seemed like an impossibly small gap in the fence.
Shiba Inu: The Cat in Dog’s Clothing
Many people believe that Shiba Inus are very feline-like. This perception is built around three of their strongest characteristics – independence, aloofness and determination. They’re one of the most ancient dog breeds of the world and their dash of “wilderness” often comes with a hint of unwillingness to be cuddly.
They are very intelligent, highly alert and attuned to their environs. They are quick to form perceptions about the world which can be difficult to change. This is where their “stubbornness” is most highlighted. Imagine trying to convince a teenager that your way is better when they’ve already made up their mind. That’s a Shiba Inu for you.
Shiba Inus are known for their bold and fiery personalities, often accompanied by a stubborn streak that can make training a test of wills. They’re fiercely independent and intelligent, qualities that require consistent, patient training techniques. They’ll give you that look that clearly says, “I heard you, but I’m choosing to ignore you.”
English Bulldog: The Immovable Object
The Bulldog may seem lazy, but don’t mistake that for obedience. These dogs can be willfully slow to respond. Their stubborn dog tendencies are softened by their sweet nature. Think of them as the couch potato who’s perfectly content to stay put, thank you very much.
Bulldogs are the epitome of a stubborn breed, often choosing leisure over obedience. While their laid-back nature makes them excellent companions for less active households, their stubborn streak can prove challenging during training sessions. They’re best suited for owners who can appreciate their unique personalities and are patient with their training needs.
Bulldogs are well-loved for their unique looks and laid-back personality. However, they can be stubborn, often preferring a good nap over a training session. Training a Bulldog requires understanding that they operate on their own timeline, not yours.
Jack Russell Terrier: Small Dog, Big Attitude
For a small dog, the Jack Russell Terrier sure has a big fursonality. They are known for their fun-loving and independent attitude, with a streak of stubbornness that makes them difficult to train. Don’t let their size fool you into thinking they’ll be pushovers.
These energetic terrier breeds are as clever as they are stubborn. The Jack Russell Terrier was bred to hunt small prey like foxes, so it’s no surprise they often act like they’re on their own mission. Stubborn pups like these do best with structured routines and plenty of exercise.
The Jack Russell is an energetic and happy dog, as long as they get to explore and hunt. They can be assertive and stubborn when they think they are in the right. You will find that sometimes your little terrier doesn’t want to be bothered with doing what you have taught them just because the mood isn’t right. But if you remain patient and confident, they will eventually oblige.
Basset Hound: The Nose Knows Best
Don’t let those droopy eyes fool you! Basset Hounds are some of the most stubborn dogs around. Bred for scent tracking, they’ll follow their noses over your voice any day. Their stubbornness combined with a laid-back nature means dog owners need lots of patience.
With their floppy ears and sad eyes, Basset Hounds are hard to resist. However, they can be pretty stubborn, especially regarding training and walking. When they catch an interesting scent, your commands become background noise to their powerful nose.
Even though they are easygoing and friendly, they need a firm yet patient hand to convince them to do something they aren’t sure of. With their strong hunting instincts, they are known to go their own way if they catch an interesting scent. Providing stimulating and creative activities will help them respond positively to you. The Basset Hound will be less inclined to be stubborn if you provide a positive training environment and include them in family activities so they aren’t left alone.
Beagle: The Selective Listener
Another scent hound, the Beagle is friendly, loving, and notoriously difficult to train. Beagles are adorable and friendly but are also one of the most stubborn dog breeds. They’re often led by their noses, making them easily distracted and hard to train.
Beagles are friendly, curious, and have a nose that always knows – often leading them on adventures that ignore recall commands. Fortunately, their stubbornness is matched by their charm. They’re a beloved breed for owners who appreciate their independence and can provide patient, creative training.
Training a Beagle requires competing with every fascinating smell in a three-mile radius. They’ll hear you calling, but that squirrel trail from this morning is just too interesting to ignore right now.
Dachshund: The Little Napoleon
The short wiener dog is well-known for their lively and independent attitude, as well as their intelligence, hunting ability, and stubbornness. 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.
With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds are brave and curious. However, they are also one of the most stubborn dog breeds, often having a mind of their own. Dachshunds, originally bred as hunting dogs, possess a fearless and determined nature. On the other hand, Dachshunds have inherited their stubborn traits from their hunting lineage, which makes them determined to follow their instincts.
Dachshunds are brave and bold, often showing no fear despite their small size. This courage, combined with a strong sense of independence, can make them quite stubborn when it comes to training or obeying commands. They’re best suited for owners who can match their determination with patience and consistency.
Chinese Shar Pei: The Wrinkled Warrior
How could such a squishy wrinkly baby face be such a challenge? Don’t let the floppy flaps and velvet snoot fool you, Shar-Peis can be quite difficult dogs to train. Their personalities can often lean toward that grumpy guy in your neighborhood who yells at kids for being too noisy outside, and steals any balls that land in his yard. Shar Peis just don’t have a forte for socializing with others outside their family. They can be easily territorial, and become aggressive with strangers when they’re not properly socialized.
With their wrinkled skin and severe expression, Chinese Shar-Peis are an independent breed. They tend to be aloof and stubborn, especially with strangers. They’re incredibly loyal to their families but can be suspicious of anyone else.
Their wrinkly appearance makes them too adorable, especially as just pups. Their tenacious personality, stout appearance, and unbreakable loyalty undoubtedly make them attractive pets for humans living alone. They are beyond protective and would go to any level to save their humans.
Afghan Hound: The Runway Model
With its elegant appearance and aloof demeanor, the Afghan Hound is a classic stubborn breed. Originally bred for hunting, it has a strong independent streak and can be aloof during training sessions. Afghan Hounds are like the supermodels of the dog world, elegant but known for their independent nature. This makes them one of the most stubborn dog breeds, often choosing to do things their way.
These gorgeous dogs seem to know exactly how stunning they are and aren’t particularly interested in your opinion about what they should be doing. They approach training sessions with the same enthusiasm most people reserve for doing their taxes.
Training an Afghan requires understanding that they’re not trying to be difficult – they’re just incredibly independent thinkers who need to see the value in what you’re asking them to do.
Akita: The Silent Stoic
Akitas are known for their strong-willed and independent personalities. They were originally bred for guarding and hunting, which required them to make their own decisions. Akitas are strong-willed and fiercely loyal, sometimes translating into a stubborn streak. They are intelligent but may only sometimes show eagerness to please, making them challenging to train.
Akita, also known as the Hachiko dog, is considered to be one of the most loyal breeds of the world. Their loyalty is unwavering, but it comes with conditions. They’ll listen to you when they respect you, but earning that respect takes time and consistency.
These powerful dogs need an experienced handler who understands their independent nature. They’re not the type to blindly follow commands without understanding why they should bother.
Conclusion
Training stubborn dog breeds isn’t about breaking their spirit or forcing compliance. It’s about understanding what makes them tick and working with their natural tendencies rather than against them. The most stubborn dog breeds above are popular, so they have qualities that people love, like being protective, loyal, intelligent – and, of course – loving companions. They are just a little difficult to train. Some people enjoy a challenge.
The most stubborn dog breeds tend to be intelligent, independent, and occasionally infuriating. While stubborn dogs may be harder to train, they often make fiercely loyal and clever companions when handled with patience. These dogs aren’t trying to make your life difficult – they’re just wired to think for themselves.
Remember that every training success, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. With consistency, patience, and the right approach, even the most headstrong pup can learn to work with you as a team. What do you think about these wonderfully willful breeds? Have you experienced the joy and challenge of training one of these independent thinkers? Tell us in the comments.
