If you’ve ever had the pleasure of owning a dog, you know that every canine friend comes with their own unique personality traits. While some pups are total pushovers and easily trainable, others seem to have a mind of their own. In this article, we will explore some of the most stubborn dog breeds out there. From the strong-willed Schnauzers to the determined Dachshunds, these breeds have earned themselves a reputation for being a little more…challenging. So, if you’re in the market for a four-legged companion that will keep you on your toes, come along as we dive into the world of the most stubborn dog breeds.
Headstrong and independent breeds
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. However, alongside these admirable qualities, they also possess a strong-willed and independent nature. These dogs are known to be quite confident and are not easily swayed by others. While their independence can make training a bit challenging, it is this very trait that also makes them excellent working dogs. German Shepherds thrive in roles such as search and rescue, police, and military work, where their determination and self-assurance shine through.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are incredibly beautiful and energetic dogs, often associated with sled-pulling and endurance. However, behind their striking appearance lies a stubborn streak that can sometimes be quite challenging to handle. These dogs have a strong instinctual nature and tend to follow their own instincts rather than blindly obeying commands. While this independence may require extra effort in training, it also makes them curious, intelligent, and adventurous companions.
Akita
The Akita is known for its loyalty, boldness, and unwavering protection towards its family. However, this breed also possesses a strong-willed and independent nature. Akitas are not easily swayed and can be quite stubborn, especially when it comes to obedience training. Patience and consistency are key when working with these dogs. They require a firm but gentle approach, along with positive reinforcement techniques, to ensure they understand the boundaries while still maintaining their independent spirit.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are large, powerful dogs with a strong need for independence and a stubborn streak. These dogs have a rich history, working as sled dogs in harsh Arctic conditions. Their self-reliant nature allowed them to make decisions during sledding expeditions, which means they still exhibit an independent mindset today. Training a Malamute requires patience, firmness, and an understanding of their heritage. While they may not be the easiest breed to train, their loyalty and dedication make them a fantastic companion for experienced dog owners.
Determined and self-assured breeds
Bulldog
The Bulldog may have a tough and stoic appearance, but underneath it all, they have a warm and friendly heart. These lovable dogs, however, can be incredibly determined and stubborn. Bulldogs are known for their persistence in getting what they want, making training sessions sometimes challenging. It’s important to use positive reinforcement methods and consistency to work with their strong-willed nature. Despite their stubborn streak, Bulldogs are dependable, affectionate, and make great family pets.
Dachshund
Do not let their small stature fool you – Dachshunds are fearless and determined little dogs. They are notorious for their stubbornness, particularly when it comes to house training and socialization. Dachshunds are independent thinkers, and they often have their own agenda. Patiently enforcing rules and using force-free training methods are crucial for successfully managing their self-assured temperament. With proper training and socialization, Dachshunds can make loyal and affectionate companions.
Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are known for their distinctive appearance, with their long, egg-shaped heads and muscular bodies. These dogs possess a strong determination and independence that can sometimes manifest as stubbornness. Bull Terriers have a keen intellect and a strong desire to please their owners. However, they also have their own opinions about how things should be done. Consistent training, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are essential to curb their stubborn tendencies and foster a well-rounded temperament.
Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is a unique and ancient breed known for its wrinkled skin and fierce loyalty. While they are incredibly devoted to their family, they can also be strong-willed and independent. Shar Peis can display a stubborn streak, particularly during training sessions, where they often prefer to do things their way. To effectively handle this breed’s stubbornness, consistency, gentle discipline, and positive reinforcement techniques are crucial. Once properly trained, Shar Peis make excellent family pets and guardians.
Intelligent yet stubborn breeds
Border Collie
Border Collies are widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Their problem-solving skills, combined with their unmatched work ethic, have made them highly successful in herding roles. However, with their intelligence comes a certain level of stubbornness. Border Collies have strong instinctual behaviors and a need for mental stimulation. They require regular training and mental challenges to prevent boredom. While their stubborn nature can be a challenge, it is also what makes them excel in various canine sports and activities.
Beagle
Beagles are known for their charming personalities and keen sense of smell. They are intelligent and independent thinkers, which can sometimes translate into stubbornness. Beagles have a strong hunting instinct, and once they pick up a scent, they can become entirely absorbed in their pursuit. Their stubbornness often manifests during training sessions, where their strong nose can distract them. Patience, positive reinforcement, and engaging activities that cater to their scent drive are essential for successfully training a Beagle.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are famous for their exceptional tracking abilities and droopy, wrinkled faces. These dogs possess a remarkable sense of smell, paired with a strong-willed and independent nature. Bloodhounds are notorious for their stubborn streak when it comes to training, as they tend to become easily distracted by scents. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and a calm approach are vital when working with this intelligent yet stubborn breed. Bloodhounds thrive in environments where their tracking abilities can be put to good use.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are known for their unique coat pattern and energetic personalities. While these dogs are intelligent, they also have a stubborn and independent nature. Dalmatians can be challenging to train due to their spirited character and strong opinions. Consistent training, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are essential to prevent their stubbornness from becoming too overpowering. Despite their stubborn streak, Dalmatians are loyal, active, and make loving family pets for those who can meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs.
Strong-willed hunting breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, muscular dogs originally bred for lion hunting. With their strong prey drive and independent nature, they make excellent hunting companions. However, this independent streak can sometimes translate into stubbornness in other areas of their lives. Rhodesian Ridgebacks require firm yet gentle handling and consistent training from early on to ensure they understand the rules. With proper guidance and socialization, these beautiful and loyal dogs make devoted family pets.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is known for its elegance, beauty, and independent nature. These dogs have been bred for centuries for their hunting abilities in rugged terrains. While Afghan Hounds are intelligent, they can be quite headstrong and stubborn. Their independent nature often results in a selective hearing when it comes to commands. Patient and consistent training methods, coupled with positive reinforcement, are crucial for working with this breed’s stubbornness. Afghan Hounds thrive in homes that can provide them with ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Coonhound
Coonhounds are a group of breeds bred specifically for hunting raccoons and other game. They are renowned for their exceptional tracking abilities and unwavering determination. Coonhounds possess a strong-willed and independent nature, which can make training a bit challenging. These dogs have been bred to work independently in the field, following scents and making decisions on their own. Firm yet positive training techniques are necessary to effectively work with their stubbornness. Once properly trained, Coonhounds are loyal, energetic, and make fantastic hunting partners.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are famous for their long, droopy ears and affectionate nature. They are scent hounds, originally bred for tracking small game. While they are highly intelligent, Basset Hounds can be stubborn when it comes to training. Their independent nature and astute sense of smell often lead them to follow their noses rather than obeying commands. Patient and consistent training methods, along with positive reinforcement, are essential for successfully managing their stubborn streak. Basset Hounds make wonderful family pets for those who understand their unique temperament.
Energetic and stubborn terrier breeds
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with big personalities and boundless energy. They are intelligent and fiercely independent, which can sometimes manifest as stubbornness. Jack Russells possess a strong prey drive, and their determined nature can make training challenging, particularly when it comes to recall. Consistent and positive training methods, combined with ample mental and physical exercise, are necessary to manage their stubbornness successfully. Jack Russell Terriers thrive with active individuals or families who can provide them with a stimulating environment.
Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, or “Scotties,” are known for their distinctive appearance, with their wiry coats and bearded faces. These dogs are intelligent and have a strong sense of self, which can sometimes translate into stubbornness. Scottish Terriers are not easily swayed by commands and prefer to march to their own beat. Consistent and patient training methods, along with positive reinforcement, are vital to work with their independent nature. Scotties make loyal and affectionate companions for those who appreciate their spirited personality.
West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers, also known as Westies, are small terriers with big personalities. They are intelligent, lively, and possess a stubborn streak that can sometimes challenge their owners. Westies have independent minds and can be quite strong-willed when it comes to training. Their intelligence often leads to attempts to outsmart their owners. Patient, consistent, and positive training techniques are essential to managing their stubbornness effectively. Once properly trained, Westies make charming and entertaining companions.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs with big attitudes. Despite their size, they have a confident and assertive personality that can sometimes border on stubbornness. Yorkies are intelligent and independent, and they are not easily persuaded to do something they don’t want to do. Consistent and positive training methods, patience, and socialization from an early age are crucial to curb their stubborn tendencies. With proper guidance, Yorkies can excel in obedience training and make loving and loyal companions.
Guard and protection breeds
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are powerful, imposing dogs with a strong drive to protect their loved ones. Alongside their protective nature, they also possess a stubborn streak that can make training challenging. Rottweilers have an independent spirit and need a firm, consistent, yet gentle approach during training. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to ensure they understand the boundaries and become well-rounded companions. Rottweilers thrive in homes that provide them with structure, mental stimulation, and a loving environment.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are highly intelligent, energetic, and fiercely loyal dogs. They are known for their exceptional guarding abilities and unwavering dedication to their families. However, their intelligence is often coupled with a strong-willed and independent temperament, which may challenge their owners. Dobermans require consistent and firm training methods to channel their stubbornness into productive behaviors. Positive reinforcement works wonders with these sensitive yet determined dogs. With proper training and socialization, Dobermans make devoted and loving companions.
Boxer
Boxers are fun-loving, energetic, and intelligent dogs with a strong protective instinct. Alongside these admirable qualities, they also possess a stubborn streak that can sometimes make training a bit of a challenge. Boxers are independent thinkers and require firm but gentle handling during training. Using positive reinforcement techniques and consistency are key to successfully managing their stubbornness. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make loyal, affectionate, and protective family pets.
Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are muscular, powerful dogs with a natural instinct to protect and guard their family. They have an independent and determined personality, which can sometimes manifest as stubbornness. Cane Corsos require an experienced owner who can provide consistent training and clear leadership. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement and structured training methods. With the right guidance, Cane Corsos become devoted and protective companions, making them excellent guard dogs and family protectors.
Stubborn working breeds
Mastiff
Mastiffs are gentle giants known for their loyalty and calm demeanor. However, they can also be stubborn, especially when it comes to training. Mastiffs possess a strong will and independent nature, making early socialization and training vital. Positive reinforcement methods and a consistent routine help manage their stubbornness successfully. Once properly trained, Mastiffs make devoted and gentle companions, as well as impressive working dogs in roles such as search and rescue or therapy work.
Great Dane
Great Danes are among the largest dog breeds, known for their noble appearance and gentle nature. Despite their gentle demeanor, they can exhibit stubbornness during training. Great Danes are intelligent and independent thinkers, often requiring a creative and patient approach to training. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods work best with these sensitive giants. With proper guidance, Great Danes become well-mannered and obedient companions who are excellent with families and children.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are beautiful, large dogs with a friendly and gentle temperament. They were originally bred for various working tasks, including pulling carts and herding livestock. While they are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs can also possess a stubborn streak. Training these dogs requires consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization. When properly trained, Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate, loyal, and make excellent family pets, particularly for those with an active lifestyle.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are impressive and gentle giants, known for their strength and water rescue abilities. They are intelligent dogs, but their independent nature can sometimes result in stubbornness. Newfoundland dogs require firm yet gentle handling during training. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods work well with their sensitive temperament. Early socialization and exposure to various environments are essential for managing their stubborn streak. Newfoundlands are loving and patient companions, making them ideal family pets for those who can provide them with the attention and care they deserve.
Stubborn small breeds
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small in size, but they have a big personality and a stubborn streak to match. These tiny dogs are independent thinkers and often believe they are much larger than they actually are. Training a Chihuahua requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. They respond well to short, engaging training sessions that cater to their intelligence and attention span. Chihuahuas are loyal and devoted companions, making them a popular choice for those seeking a small yet spirited pet.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, often referred to as “Poms,” are fluffy little dogs with a lively and confident temperament. Despite their small size, they can be quite strong-willed and independent. Pomeranians require a consistent and patient approach to training due to their stubborn nature. Positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior are key to successfully managing their stubborn streak. Pomeranians excel in activities such as obedience, agility, and trick training when given the right guidance and mental stimulation.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs known for their luxurious coats and friendly nature. However, they can also be quite stubborn, which can make training sessions a bit challenging. Shih Tzus have a strong independent streak and may require extra patience and consistency during training. Positive reinforcement methods work well with their sensitive temperament. With proper training and socialization, Shih Tzus become well-behaved and loving companions, making them suitable for individuals or families looking for a small and lively pet.
Pug
Pugs are small, sturdy dogs with a friendly and playful personality. Despite their lovable nature, they can be stubborn at times. Pugs have a strong-willed and independent temperament, which may make training a bit challenging. With their short attention span and desire for their own way, consistent and positive reinforcement methods are essential when working with a Pug. They respond well to short and engaging training sessions that cater to their intelligence and energy level. Pugs make delightful family companions due to their affectionate and gentle disposition.
Highly independent hound breeds
Basenji
Basenjis are unique and charming dogs known for a range of distinctive qualities, including their independent nature. They have a combination of intelligence and stubbornness, which can sometimes present training challenges. Basenjis are not easily swayed by commands and prefer to think for themselves. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques are crucial for successful training and managing their independent streak. Basenjis thrive in environments where they have mental and physical stimulation to keep their curious minds engaged.
Ibizan Hound
Ibizan Hounds are elegant and athletic dogs with a strong instinctual nature. They possess a high level of intelligence, but alongside it comes stubbornness. Ibizan Hounds have a keen prey drive and a strong independent spirit, making off-leash training a challenge. Consistent training methods, positive reinforcement, and secure outdoor spaces are crucial to work with their stubborn and independent nature. With proper training, Ibizan Hounds make loving and loyal family companions.
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are robust and energetic dogs with a deeply ingrained hunting instinct. While they are intelligent, they also possess a stubborn streak that can make training a bit challenging. Norwegian Elkhounds have an independent nature and a strong sense of smell, which can sometimes lead them to disregard commands in favor of pursuing a scent. Consistency, firmness, and positive reinforcement techniques are key to training this breed successfully. With proper training and exercise, Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal and loving companions.
Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds are graceful and athletic dogs known for their striking appearance and independent nature. They possess both intelligence and stubbornness, making training sessions an interesting endeavor. Pharaoh Hounds have a strong prey drive and a need for mental stimulation. Consistent, patient, and rewarding training methods work best with this breed. Pharaoh Hounds excel in canine sports and activities that challenge their agility and intelligence. With the right guidance, they become affectionate and devoted companions.
Stubborn herding breeds
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties, are highly intelligent and energetic dogs. They have a strong herding instinct and a natural inclination to think independently. Shelties can be quite stubborn, particularly when it comes to training, as they prefer to make their own decisions. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and mental stimulation are crucial for successfully training a Shetland Sheepdog. With the right approach, they become obedient and loyal companions, excelling in agility, obedience, and herding trials.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs, or “heelers,” are intelligent and active dogs, originally bred for herding cattle in rugged Australian landscapes. They possess an independent and determined nature, which can sometimes manifest as stubbornness during training. Australian Cattle Dogs require a firm but fair approach, along with consistent training methods that utilize their intelligence and energy. Positive reinforcement techniques work well with this breed, as they respond positively to rewards and praise. With proper training and exercise, Australian Cattle Dogs become devoted and capable working partners.
Welsh Corgi
Welsh Corgis, both Pembroke and Cardigan varieties, are small but mighty herding dogs. They are intelligent, confident, and strong-willed, which sometimes translates into stubbornness. Corgis have an independent nature and are always ready to make decisions on their own. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are vital in training a Corgi successfully. With the right guidance, Welsh Corgis become obedient and loyal companions, making them fantastic family pets for those who can accommodate their energy level and mental needs.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs, also known as Bobtails, are large and lovable dogs known for their shaggy appearance and friendly nature. They possess intelligence, but they can also exhibit stubbornness during training. Old English Sheepdogs have an independent and determined personality, which requires a consistent and patient approach to training. Positive reinforcement methods and a gentle demeanor work well with this sensitive breed. With proper guidance, Old English Sheepdogs become loyal and affectionate companions, making them suitable for families or individuals seeking a devoted and lively pet.
In conclusion, while these breeds may be considered stubborn, each brings unique qualities and characteristics that make them incredible companions in their own right. Understanding their independent nature and utilizing positive reinforcement techniques, consistency, and patience will help ensure a successful partnership with these headstrong dogs. Whether you’re looking for a working dog, a loyal family companion, or an adventurous sidekick, these stubborn breeds offer a mix of intelligence, determination, and independence that can make life with them a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
