You’ve always dreamed of having a dog. The cuddles, the loyalty, those soulful eyes gazing at you with pure devotion. Maybe you’ve scrolled through hundreds of puppy pictures, imagining long walks together and cozy evenings on the couch. The excitement is real, I get it. There’s something magical about welcoming a canine companion into your life for the very first time.
Here’s the thing, though. Not every breed is going to make that journey easy, especially if you’re new to dog ownership. Some breeds come with personalities that will test your patience, challenge your resolve, and sometimes make you wonder if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. These dogs aren’t bad, far from it actually. They’re just wired differently, bred for centuries to think independently, to make their own decisions, to be, well, a little bit headstrong.
Let’s be real. Choosing the wrong breed as a first-time owner can turn your dream into a daily struggle. So let’s dive into six breeds that, while absolutely wonderful in the right hands, might be a bit too much for someone just starting out.
Afghan Hound: The Elegant Rebel
Picture a dog that looks like it stepped right off the cover of a fashion magazine. That’s the Afghan Hound. Dating back thousands of years and originating from the mountains of Afghanistan where they were used to hunt, these sighthounds are absolutely stunning with their flowing, silky coats and regal bearing.
The problem? Though highly intelligent, Afghans can be difficult to train because they are stubborn. They were bred to hunt independently without constant human direction, which means they’re natural born decision-makers. Afghans are instinctively and genetically self-thinkers, born to hunt on their own without cues from the human.
What makes them particularly challenging is that they are highly sensitive to harsh correction, which often elicits a refusal to obey. Try to force an Afghan to do something and you might witness what some owners call a meltdown. Not until you have witnessed an Afghan Hound throw themselves to the ground shrieking, screaming in their top voice in defiance will you totally understand the need to be creative with your training. That’s not exactly what most first-time owners bargain for.
Basenji: The Barkless Beauty with a Mind of Its Own
Known as the barkless dog from Africa, the Basenji makes a unique yodel-like sound instead of barking. Sounds adorable, right? They are. They’re also incredibly smart, clean, and cat-like in their grooming habits.
The catch is their fierce independence. Basenjis are an intelligent breed, but their stubbornness and independent nature often have trainers convinced otherwise. They were prized for independent thinking, which means they’re not exactly eager to follow commands just because you asked nicely.
Basenji are willful, stubborn animals so training one is more like training a cat than a dog. They become bored quickly, so brief, positive bursts of encouragement are the best way to train them. If you’re picturing obedience training where your dog happily performs on command, you might want to adjust those expectations. This breed is not an ideal choice for a first-time dog owner. They require patience, creativity, and someone who understands that not every dog is motivated by pleasing their human.
Siberian Husky: The Gorgeous Escape Artist
With their striking blue eyes and wolf-like appearance, Siberian Huskies are undeniably gorgeous. Originally bred in Siberia as a sled dog, known for its striking appearance often with blue or multicolored eyes and a thick double coat, they’re energetic, friendly, and full of personality.
They’re also notorious for being one of the most stubborn breeds out there. Siberian Husky is considered the most stubborn dog breeds on the list. The modern breeds are true descendants found in the cold Siberian wilderness who are simply not eager to follow commands.
Huskies need a strong leader, significant exercise time, and other incentives to make training effective. Their independence and penchant for escaping the yard make them ideal for an experienced dog owner. These dogs have short attention spans and boundless energy. Without proper outlets, they become destructive. Imagine coming home to find your couch shredded or a newly dug tunnel under your fence. This high-energy breed requires a lot of exercise and is prone to bolting out the door. They are also very intelligent and skilled escape artists with a strong will that can lead them to ignore you in favor of doing whatever they want.
Shiba Inu: The Spirited Spitfire
This Japanese breed has become incredibly popular, partly thanks to internet memes. Shiba Inus are compact, clean, and absolutely charming with their fox-like faces and curled tails. They’re also famously difficult.
Shiba Inus are also extremely strong-willed and stubborn. They will fight back if they feel threatened. Their stubbornness is partly genetic, since they were bred to make decisions independently during the hunt. This independence makes them less likely to obey commands without their own input.
What really sets Shibas apart is their selective hearing. The so-called will-to-please is different in many breeds of the so-called original type than in a Labrador Retriever, for example. They’re smart enough to understand what you want, they just might not care. Shiba Inus are among the most difficult dog breeds to train. First-time dog owners may find their Shiba Inu’s stubbornness a challenge when dog training. They need consistent training, mental stimulation, and owners who won’t give up when the dog decides to do its own thing.
Chow Chow: The Aloof Guardian
With their lion-like mane and distinctive blue-black tongue, Chow Chows are striking and dignified. One of the oldest of dog breeds noted for its lionlike mane and blue-black tongue, the breed originated in ancient China. The Chow Chow’s genetics are very close to those of the wolf.
Their ancient lineage shows in their temperament. The Chow Chow is extremely independent, even stubborn, making it difficult to train. It is not particularly playful as an adult, and it is a fairly low-energy dog.
These dogs are naturally protective and can be aggressive toward strangers if not properly socialized. Chow chows are fairly intelligent but they have both an independent and a stubborn streak, so training them can be a challenge. To do well in competitions, they require a firm, patient trainer who has plenty of creativity. They bond deeply with their families but aren’t the cuddly, outgoing companions many first-time owners expect. The Chow Chow temperament is, in a word, a challenge. He is a stubborn, independent dog who can easily become overly aggressive to anyone who invades his personal space. Without extensive early socialization and confident leadership, Chows can become territorial and difficult to manage.
Dachshund: The Bold Little Hunter
Don’t let their short legs and long bodies fool you. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, and that fearless, determined spirit lives on in every wiener dog you see today. They’re adorable, affectionate, and surprisingly willful.
Dachshunds are also among the breeds most challenging to train due to their hound instincts. Their high energy and bold attitude mean they need plenty of exercise and a persistent owner. They have minds of their own and aren’t always interested in following directions.
These little dogs can be vocal, prone to digging, and stubborn about house training. Their hunting background means they have a strong prey drive and can be impulsive. They’re also known for developing behavior issues like excessive barking or resource guarding if not properly trained. For someone without experience managing strong-willed dogs, a Dachshund’s big personality in a small package can be overwhelming. They need consistent boundaries, patience, and owners who understand that size doesn’t dictate stubbornness levels.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Look, every dog deserves a loving home, and these breeds are no exception. They’re loyal, unique, and deeply rewarding for the right owners. The key phrase there is “the right owners.” If you’re a first-time dog owner, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to fail with these breeds, but it does mean you need to go in with your eyes wide open.
While the most stubborn dog breeds can be challenging, they are rewarding for owners who understand canine psychology. Breeds like Akita, Siberian Husky, and Chow Chow are best for experienced handlers. These independent thinkers need patient, consistent training, plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and owners who won’t take their stubbornness personally.
If your heart is set on one of these breeds, consider working with a professional trainer from the start, doing extensive research, and honestly assessing whether you have the time, energy, and patience required. There’s no shame in choosing a more beginner-friendly breed for your first dog. You’ll have plenty of time to work up to the more challenging ones once you’ve got some experience under your belt. What matters most is finding a companion whose needs match your lifestyle and abilities. Did you expect stubbornness could be this intense? What breed would you choose?