The Most Stubborn Dog Breeds

All dog breeds are different. And each one has its own unique set of characteristics. For better or worse one trait many breeds have in common is stubbornness. Here are some of the most stubborn dog breeds of them all.

Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a loving family dog with a unique egg-shaped head. However, it is one breed that more often than not, takes commands as mere suggestions. What makes the Bull Terrier stubborn is the fact that this breed was originally developed as a gladiator.

This trait helped when fighting in the ring against a range of different animals. Bull Terriers are typically more interested in whatever they want to do at the time, which can make owning one a challenge. Because of this, the Bull terrier requires a strong owner with experience.

English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is well-known for its stubborn behavior. Unlike working breeds which are often eager to follow commands, the Bulldog is not motivated to do so in any way. It is often described as having selective hearing. This wrinkly dog breed can therefore be a challenge to train.

These dogs are usually only motivated by what’s in it for them. And you can use this to your advantage when you’d like to get a stubborn bulldog to do what you want. This often means a bribe of some sort such as a tasty treat.

Beagle

The Beagle is a hunting dog created for hunting rabbits. And it is easily one of the most popular hounds in the United States. Although today it functions more often as a family pet and companion than a hunting dog. The Beagle can be headstrong for sure. However, this stubbornness comes from the fact that it was developed to focus one hundred percent on tracking the scent of its prey and nothing else.

While it’s following a scent it’s as if its brain is switched off to everything else. This causes the breed to be easily distracted by scents and smells when outdoors and on walks. Many owners remedy this by both training and playing with their Beagles in ways that involve the dog finding treats and other fun rewards.

Akita

The Akita is a large and powerful Japanese dog breed. Because they are very intelligent they often lose interest during training and can be stubborn. They require a patient owner that is both attentive and a strong leader. They require this throughout their lives but especially during the training process.

That being said once fully trained this breed is not only obedient but famously loyal. And the Akita thrives when given a task or job to do. However, the Akita is not suitable for everyone. These dogs are dominant, strong, and can be aggressive around other dogs and animals.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is known for its guarding ability. However, it is also known for being obstinate. While they are obedient, unlike many other breeds which accept commands right away, the Rottweiler needs to be shown why. Owners must earn the respect of this breed. And just like with children these dogs need to be taught boundaries. This should be done consistently and consequences but of course not too firmly.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a wolf-like breed often used for sled pulling and racing. They are considered by many to be a stubborn dog breed that is very difficult to train. However, it’s actually not so much that the Husky is stubborn, but that these dogs are independent in their thinking and also follow a strict pack hierarchy.

It is extremely important to establish yourself as a strong pack leader as the breed typically only obeys whoever they see as the leader of the pack. These dogs may test your boundaries and also challenge authority. Therefore you will always want to act like the head of the pack. This includes basic behaviors such as eating first before feeding your pet and also making sure you enter into the home before your pet as well.

Dachshund

The Dachshund is often compared to a hot dog because of its long narrow body and short stature. The Dachshund was created to hunt small animals both by following their scent and also flushing them out of narrow underground burrows. Because they were created to hunt in this manner it made them independent thinkers.

The Dachshund can also be quite willful. Potty training a stubborn dachshund can be especially difficult. And it typically takes at least a few weeks to housetrain them. They can also be a challenge on the leash since they are prey-driven and may go after small animals. While a lot of patience is required, once a Dachshund is fully trained it makes an excellent family pet.

Chinese Shar-Pei

The Shar-Pei is a Chinese breed that is covered in wrinkles and has a purple tongue. It is a companion dog that is very friendly with small children. However, it could be one of the most stubborn dog breeds of all.

This stubbornness and the fact that it is a dominant breed that has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs makes it inappropriate for first-time canine owners. The Shar-Pei needs training early on that focuses on positive reinforcement along with socialization.

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is often said to be a big dog in a little dog’s body. It is highly independent like many other terriers which were developed for hunting small animals in underground dens and burrows. The “Scottie,” with its wiry black coat and distinct beard is actually one of the most stubborn small dog breeds. And it can be particularly stubborn during training. This breed requires a firm, yet at the same time gentle approach.

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu has a unique fox-like look, independent nature, and a famously stubborn attitude. This dog was developed in Japan and it’s one of the most ancient breeds of all dogs.

Interestingly it is believed that this ancient ancestry is one of the things that makes the Shiba Inu stubborn since they are so closely related to wolves. Training them can be quite difficult. Although starting training early on (typically by eight weeks of age) and using positive reinforcement can be a huge help.

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