Stubborn dogs can make you want to pull your hair out. While training is easier for some dog owners than others, there are a few stubborn dog breeds that make the task seem impossible. Some dogs are eager to please and easy to train, requiring just a bit of direction to convince them to put the right paw forward. These pups will sit whenever you ask and stay out of trouble, making them the best dogs for first-time owners.
Then there are the other dogs. These headstrong hounds might know you want them to avoid dumpster diving, but they just don't care. They know they're supposed to stay off the couch, but you get to sit on it, and so does the cat—so why shouldn't they? These dogs are often some of the smartest dog breeds, because a little bit of extra intelligence can actually make them the hardest dogs to train. These pups understand the meaning of no, but they've chosen to ignore it. While every pup is different, these 10 stubborn dog breeds are known for their dogged (pun intended!) attitudes.
1. Akita
Akitas were bred for obedience training as guardians, and they're fiercely loyal to their friends and owners. But that doesn't mean they'll give in to whatever their owners have to say. They're notorious for simply walking away during training sessions after deeming the activity to not be worthy of their time.
2. Beagle
The only thing a Beagle is ruled by is his nose. They're known for their powerful sniffers, and a Beagle's sense of smell often trumps any kind of command. They might think about doing what you asked, but you see that tree over there? Yea, that tree smells interesting. And unless you have something to offer him that smells better, you're out of luck. Basset Hounds and Afghan Hounds fall in this category as well.
3. Collie
Collies are herding dogs bred to control groups of large livestock all on their own. They're expected to make on-the-job decisions without human input, and that often translates into an extremely independent attitude. The Border Collie can also be put into the stubborn herding breed category. But with the right kind of training and socialization, Collies make great family pets.
4. Siberian Husky
The Internet is in love with the stubborn tendencies of the Siberian Husky. Huskies are extremely smart; some might say too smart. They're world-class escape artists and have even been known to throw toddler-in-a-grocery-story-worthy temper tantrums to get their way.
There's no doubting the fact that Siberian Huskies are beautiful, intelligent, and companionable dogs, but it takes a motivated trainer to handle their stubborn antics and they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
These fox hunting dogs may be small, but their independence is fierce. The tiny body of a Jack Russell Terrier is filled to the brim with adventurous energy, and curbing all that excitement is no easy task. Once they find something they like, they simply don't give it up. That could be chewing on your socks, torturing the cat, or demanding belly rubs.
A lot of little dogs have these stubborn traits including Scottish Terriers, well really all Terriers (Fox Terriers and Boston Terriers), and Lhasa Apsos. So maybe these particular breeds make for a poor choice when it comes to an owner with little patience.
6. Chinese Shar-Pei
This ancient breed may look like a pile of adorably squishy wrinkles, but their independence isn't something to take lightly. The territorial nature of the Chinese Shar-Pei makes the breed an effective guard dog, but it also means they like their space. With the right amount of socialization from a young age, they're one of the best dogs to welcome you into their personal bubbles.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
This giant dog breed has a stubborn streak rivaled only by its need to protect. The Tibetan Mastiff often comes across as overprotective because of their belief that they know best. To them, your unimpressive human instincts simply can't compare to their 2,000 years-worth of guard duty experience.
While he means well, your Tibetan Mastiff's thick head may end up getting you both into trouble.
8. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs stand no higher than 16 inches at the shoulders, but they're compact little powerhouses fueled by their own strong wills. They're one of the smartest dog breeds and often turn a deaf ear toward any command they simply don't feel like fulfilling.
It will take an assertive leader to get through the thick skull of an English Bulldog.
9. Dachshund
While dachshunds were originally bred as hunting dogs, these pups are most well-known for their status as wiener dogs. While they might look silly, their history of attacking small, vicious prey inside of holes in the ground has bred a dog that isn't afraid to back down from a fight. Dachshunds are some of the most stubborn dogs on the planet, in spite of their small size.
10. Shiba Inu
The shiba inu is a hunting dog from Japan. The face of doge coin, this meme-worthy pup was bred for its assertiveness and independence during the hunt. Even if you're not hunting with a shiba inu, you'll find that they're bold and smart with a penchant for making sure they get their own way.
A stubborn attitude can be extremely counterproductive when you're trying to teach your pooch some manners, but don't give up on your independent-minded dog just yet. With the right kind of attention and socialization, and maybe a good dog trainer, it's possible to train even the most stubborn dog breeds to become well-mannered family members.
You won't be able to staunch their independence for good, but why would you want to? Your dog's stubbornness may be challenging at times, but it's all part of what makes him unique.
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