8 Most Stubborn Dog Breeds That Merit Hiring a Trainer

Bulldog — So cute. So stubborn. Willy Mobilo / Shutterstock

Some dogs aim to please. Others ... prefer to think for themselves. The most stubborn dog breeds tend to be intelligent, independent, and occasionally infuriating. While stubborn dogs may be harder to train, they often make fiercely loyal and clever companions when handled with patience.

Stubborn dog breeds aren’t bad; they’re just more independent. Understanding your dog's behavior, using positive reinforcement, and staying consistent can turn a willful pup into a loving, well-trained pet.

And if you're struggling? A professional trainer can help bridge the gap between stubbornness and success.

1. Afghan Hound

With its elegant appearance and aloof demeanor, the Afghan Hound is a classic stubborn breed. Originally bred for hunting, it has a strong independent streak and can be aloof during training sessions. Positive reinforcement and gentle consistency are essential.

2. Shiba Inu

This small Japanese breed is charming but headstrong. The Shiba Inu is known for its strong-willed temperament and dislike of following commands. While it's highly intelligent, its independent nature can make training a challenge. Professional help may be necessary.

3. Basset Hound

Don’t let those droopy eyes fool you! Basset Hounds are some of the most stubborn dogs around.

Bred for scent tracking, they’ll follow their noses over your voice any day. Their stubbornness combined with a laid-back nature means dog owners need lots of patience.

4. Jack Russell Terrier

These energetic terrier breeds are as clever as they are stubborn. The Jack Russell Terrier was bred to hunt small prey like foxes, so it’s no surprise they often act like they’re on their own mission. Stubborn pups like these do best with structured routines and plenty of exercise.

5. Beagle

Another scent hound, the Beagle is friendly, loving, and notoriously difficult to train. The Beagle’s independent streak and incredible nose mean it will often ignore its owner’s calls when on a scent trail. Leash training and mental stimulation help keep their focus.

6. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a bold little dog with a big attitude. Scotties are stubborn and independent, so they require firm but gentle obedience training from an early age. That said, with firm and kind leadership, they can become well-behaved members of the family.

7. Siberian Husky

Huskies are famous for their stubborn behavior. Bred to pull sleds in harsh climates, they’re independent thinkers who love to run and explore. They often ignore commands, especially if off-leash. A tired Husky is a well-behaved one.

8. Bulldog

The Bulldog may seem lazy, but don’t mistake that for obedience. These dogs can be willfully slow to respond. Their stubborn dog tendencies are softened by their sweet nature. Use treats and short, engaging training sessions.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.