There are many reasons to choose a small dog. And luckily there are many fabulous breeds to choose from. Yet there are some that can be more headstrong than others. This doesn’t mean they are any less amazing, but it’s something you’ll want to take into consideration. So here are some of the most stubborn small dog breeds.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a high-spirited and feisty little breed that often acts like a much bigger dog than it really is. In fact, despite its small size, it makes an excellent watchdog. Like most stubborn dog breeds the Scottish Terrier is an independent thinker.
And it can be particularly headstrong during training. The breed is also very sensitive so while training needs to be consistent you should never punish or scold your Scottie during training sessions.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier has a unique coat with markings that make it seem as if it’s wearing a tuxedo. These are clingy companion dogs that are very intelligent. And like many smart dogs, they are also stubborn. Because of this it usually takes them longer to learn commands and to train them than other dog breeds.
For example housetraining a stubborn Boston Terrier pup can take up to six months, so you will want to start as early as you can. With all types of training, you will want to be patient and give your Boston Terrier as much time as he needs to get it right.
Dachshund
The Dachshund has one of the most unique-looking body types of all dogs. It is both very low to the ground and also long. What actually makes the Dachshund stubborn is the fact that it was created to be extremely confident and think on its own when hunting.
It was originally used to hunt animals much larger than itself and specifically badgers which are known for being ferocious. Their stubbornness can make the early stages of training a bit challenging. That being said the breed is great with small children and is an excellent family dog.
Pug
The Pug has a distinct round head with a wrinkly flat face and large eyes. While they are small, many people are surprised to find out that Pug is actually in the toy group. These laid-back dogs make an ideal family pet. However, they are considered stubborn since they think for themselves and typically do whatever they feel is the best option for them at the moment.
Unfortunately, this may not coincide with what their owner would like them to do. Because of this, extra time and patience are needed when training this stubborn small dog breed. Reward-based training appeals to the Pug’s self-serving nature and often gets the best results.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is one of the Tibetan dog breeds. In the past, it was used as a watchdog in Tibetan monasteries. While this is a companion dog it is known for being headstrong.
What makes the Lhasa Apso stubborn is its independent nature and that it often simply isn’t motivated or interested in listening to commands. Like with other stubborn small dog breeds using treats and rewards during training can be a big help when you’d like to create an obedient and well-trained pet.
Corgi
The Corgi was created as a livestock herding dog. Therefore it is strong, sturdy, and thinks for itself. It likes to do things its own way. This breed is often considered to be a big dog but in a small package.
The Corgi will need firm and consistent training from an early age to make sure their stubbornness doesn’t cause a problem in the future. This lively and loyal breed comes in two types the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a dog with high intelligence and a ton of energy. It was created to hunt foxes and despite its small size has one of the strongest wills of any dog breed. The Jack Russell needs an owner that understands it is a hunting dog with a strong prey instinct that requires a lot of exercise. And when it comes to training the breed can be stubborn. Training should therefore include rewards and praise.
You may also want to make training sessions exciting to help keep the attention of a stubborn Jack Russell Terrier. Starting to train your puppy as early as possible is very important. And be sure to stay calm, assertive, and above all patient. Training a Jack Russell just takes longer than with other breeds. It’s something you’ll need to accept from the start when owning one.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small and compact breed with bat-like ears. It is a favorite for those who love wrinkly dog breeds and would like a pet that can easily live in an apartment or small space. Like its relative the English Bulldog, the Frenchie can also be quite stubborn.
Obedience classes can be a big help when it comes time to teach a young dog what is expected of him. When training at home, positive praise and rewards will work well with a stubborn French Bulldog. Always keep in mind that the breed is quite sensitive so keep things positive at all times.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Don’t be fooled the Miniature Bull Terrier is the same dog as the Bull Terrier. It’s just smaller in size. And that means it has all the same traits and characteristics including clownish behavior, the habit of getting up to mischief, and a very strong will.
This is one of the stubborn small dog breeds that are typically only recommended for dog owners with a lot of experience. However, once you do own one you may not want to own any other breed. Training a Mini Bull Terrier will test your patience, but making it fun by turning it into a game can help.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Dogs With Webbed Feet
Dogs with webbed feet have extra skin in-between their toes. These breeds were purposely bred to have this webbing in order to help them perform various jobs, (often in and around the water). The increased surface area that the webbing provides can help them to do...
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...