You know that friend who insists they don’t need directions even when they’re obviously lost? That’s pretty much what living with a stubborn small dog is like. These pint-sized pups pack more attitude per pound than most of us can handle, and they seem to think their small stature exempts them from following the rules.
The truth is, small stubborn dogs need just as much training structure and consistency as their larger counterparts – maybe even more. These little dogs often require the same serious approach to training that you’d use with a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler, because their stubborn streak can be just as challenging to overcome. Let me take you through ten of the most willful little characters that’ll test your patience but steal your heart.
Jack Russell Terrier: The Tiny Tornado
Jack Russell terriers are extremely intelligent but also known to be very stubborn, which may result in difficulties while training. These little hunting machines were bred to think independently and chase foxes into underground dens, so asking them to sit quietly isn’t exactly in their DNA. Training jack russells isn’t always easy, as they can be stubborn, excitable and have a high prey drive, which is unsurprising given their breed history – jack russells were bred to hunt foxes.
The Jack Russell Terrier has almost as much personality as he has energy, which can present as a playful and clever dog who has a stubborn streak during training. Their intelligence actually works against you sometimes – they’re smart enough to figure out loopholes in your training methods. Most dogs have a reputation for being “untrainable” not because they truly can’t be trained, but because they don’t respond well to common treat-based training methods, and any dog who’s stubborn, driven, excitable, and intelligent will quickly figure out the loopholes.
Boston Terrier: Small Package, Big Attitude
Boston Terriers may be small, but they have a big personality and can be stubborn at times, especially if they think they’ve found a more exciting way to do things. Originally bred to be ratters and fighters, these “American Gentlemen” have kept their feisty spirit even after generations of family life. Their compact size often fools people into thinking they’ll be pushover pets, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Boston Terriers are known for being difficult to housetrain, and you should watch out for this tendency in mixed breeds that include Boston Terrier genetics, as it might take more persistence if they have inherited the same issue. They’re people-pleasers at heart, but only when it suits their agenda. Although the Boston Terrier was supposedly bred to be a fighter, they are now sweet and gentle but fun-loving, energetic pets.
Chihuahua: Napoleon Complex on Four Legs
Chihuahuas may be one of the smallest dog breeds, but they have a big attitude and can be surprisingly stubborn. As the most petite pooch in the world, you may not expect them to have such a big attitude, but the Chihuahua needs all the patience you can muster to train because they seem to think that they are the boss. These tiny tyrants act like they own the world, and honestly, they probably do own yours if you let them get away with it.
Their small size makes people think harsh corrections aren’t needed, but that’s exactly how you end up with a four-pound dictator running your household. Chihuahuas need the same firm boundaries and consistent training as any large breed. Use patience and positive reinforcement while dealing with stubborn dog breeds, and keep training sessions interesting and varied to hold their attention.
Dachshund: The Stubborn Sausage
With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds are brave and curious, but they are also one of the most stubborn dog breeds, often having a mind of their own. These “wiener dogs” were originally badger hunters, which required them to make independent decisions underground where their humans couldn’t help them. That independent streak hasn’t gone anywhere, and it shows up daily during training sessions.
The short wiener dog is well-known for their lively and independent attitude, as well as their intelligence, hunting ability, and stubbornness, as Doxies like to do things their own way. They’ll look at you with those soulful eyes while completely ignoring your “come” command because they spotted something interesting across the yard. They need someone who knows what they’re doing because this breed knows how to get what they want without working.
Shiba Inu: The Dignified Rebel
Behind that foxy face, is a dominant, stubborn, intelligent, and extremely mischievous personality, which can make them a challenge to care for, and indeed Shiba Inus are not for the faint-hearted. Shiba Inus are among the most popular dog breeds due to their fox-like appearance, but they are also known for their stubborn and independent nature. These dogs have perfected the art of selective hearing – they understand every word you say, they just choose not to comply.
These adorable and spirited dogs are known for their confidence, intelligence, and independence, and while they can be affectionate and loyal, they also possess a stubborn streak that may test your patience during training sessions. These dogs often have a mind of their own and may ignore commands if they don’t see the benefit for themselves. Think of them as cats in dog bodies – they’ll show affection, but only on their terms.
Pekingese: The Royal Holdout
The Pekingese is a regal breed but can be very stubborn, as they are affectionate with their families but might not always listen to commands. These little cuties are very intelligent, but with intelligence, often comes a stubborn personality, as they want to be the one in charge and decide when they choose to listen. Having been bred to be companions to Chinese royalty, they’ve never quite gotten over their aristocratic roots.
Without proper training, Pekingese can tend to get snappy and bitey, and they also prefer to be the focus of all your attention, so they prefer a house to themselves over sharing the space with other dogs or children. They’re the prima donnas of the dog world, demanding respect and attention while giving you exactly as much cooperation as they feel like giving. Training them requires the patience of a saint and the persistence of a telemarketer.
Scottish Terrier: The Bearded Bulldozer
Scottish Terriers are tiny but have a big personality, and they are known for being independent and stubborn, which can be challenging during training. Don’t let their good looks fool you because these dogs are stubborn too, as vocal, active, and proud, a Scottish Terrier will do whatever they set their mind on. These bearded little warriors march to their own drumbeat and expect the world to adjust accordingly.
The Scottish Terrier is a bold little dog with a big attitude, and Scotties are stubborn and independent, so they require firm but gentle obedience training from an early age, though with firm and kind leadership, they can become well-behaved members of the family. They’re like having a tiny, hairy teenager who thinks they know better than you about everything. Their confidence is both endearing and infuriating in equal measure.
Miniature Pinscher: Small Dog, Big Ego
Miniature Pinschers are small but mighty, as they are fearless and energetic, with a stubborn streak that can make them a handful to train. Min Pins are one of the most active, independent, but stubborn dog breeds, and despite their stubbornness, they require tons of exercise, constant stimulation, and a partner in crime who can understand their needs. Don’t let the “miniature” part fool you – these dogs have the personality of a much larger dog crammed into a tiny package.
They strut around like they own the place and often challenge dogs ten times their size. Reaching only 16 inches tall, you’ll have a hard time getting this muscular pup to listen, as these dogs are known for their super high intelligence, but their strong will and lazy lifestyle mean they would rather just ignore you during training sessions. Their intelligence combined with their stubborn nature makes them master manipulators who’ll find every loophole in your training routine.
Beagle: The Nose-Driven Negotiator
Beagles are adorable and friendly but are also one of the most stubborn dog breeds, as they’re often led by their noses, making them easily distracted and hard to train. The Beagle is friendly, loving, and notoriously difficult to train, as the Beagle’s independent streak and incredible nose mean it will often ignore its owner’s calls when on a scent trail. These hunting dogs were bred to follow scent trails independently, and that instinct overrides pretty much everything else.
Bred for scent tracking, they’ll follow their noses over your voice any day, and their stubbornness combined with a laid-back nature means dog owners need lots of patience. Training a Beagle is like trying to have a conversation with someone who’s constantly getting text messages – they’re physically present but mentally somewhere else entirely. Their gentle nature makes it hard to stay mad at them, which they absolutely use to their advantage.
Chinese Shar-Pei: The Wrinkled Warrior
With their wrinkled skin and severe expression, Chinese Shar-Peis are an independent breed that tend to be aloof and stubborn, especially with strangers. Shar-Pei is an ancient dog breed known for its original traits, and early training is a must for these dogs due to their uncompromising character, though a Shar Pei dog can be an obedient trainee only if they’re with a good trainer. These ancient guard dogs have been protecting Chinese families for thousands of years, and they take that job seriously.
Don’t let the floppy flaps and velvet snoot fool you, Shar-Peis can be quite difficult dogs to train, as their personalities can often lean toward that grumpy guy who yells at kids for being too noisy, and they just don’t have a forte for socializing with others outside their family. They’re like having a grumpy security guard who only trusts the people on their approved list. Their loyalty is fierce, but their cooperation is strictly conditional.
Conclusion
Training these small stubborn breeds isn’t about breaking their spirit – it’s about channeling that incredible determination into something positive. Patience and consistency are fundamental principles in training stubborn dogs, and by establishing clear boundaries, maintaining a calm and assertive demeanor, and providing consistent guidance, owners can gradually modify their dog’s behavior. These little characters didn’t earn their reputations by accident, but with the right approach, their stubbornness can become their strength.
While stubborn dogs may be harder to train, they often make fiercely loyal and clever companions when handled with patience, as stubborn dog breeds aren’t bad; they’re just more independent, and understanding your dog’s behavior, using positive reinforcement, and staying consistent can turn a willful pup into a loving, well-trained pet. Remember, these dogs were bred to be independent thinkers, and that intelligence is still there – you just need to convince them that listening to you is the best idea they’ve had all day.
What’s amazing is that once you earn their respect and cooperation, these stubborn little souls become incredibly devoted companions. Did you expect that your biggest challenge would also become your most rewarding relationship?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
