Every dog owner dreams of a well-behaved furry companion, but some breeds are more challenging to train than others. With an estimated 65.1 million U.S. households owning dogs1 and spending billions on pet care annually, understanding breed-specific behavior is crucial for potential owners.
If you’re up for the task of taming these free spirits, here are 15 of the most disobedient dog breeds.
1. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a striking breed known for its wolf-like appearance and piercing blue eyes. Originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sledding, these dogs have an innate desire to run and explore.
Their independent nature and high energy levels can make them challenging to train, as they often have their own agenda.
Huskies require consistent training from an early age and plenty of daily exercise to keep their mischievous behavior in check. Without proper outlets for their energy, such as running, hiking, or playing, they may become destructive or attempt to escape.
2. Beagle
Beagles are beloved for their adorable appearance and friendly demeanor, but don’t let their cute faces fool you. These scent hounds were bred to follow their noses, which often leads them to ignore commands in favor of an interesting smell.
They are also known for their vocal nature, and their howls and bays can be heard from miles away.
Beagles are highly food-motivated, which can be used to your advantage during training. Keep training sessions short and engaging, using plenty of treats and praise to keep their attention focused on you.
These dogs also require regular exercise, such as walks or playtime in a securely fenced area, to prevent boredom and mischief.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their distinctive long ears, short legs, and laid-back personality. These low-riding hounds were originally bred for hunting small game, and their keen sense of smell often leads them to follow their nose instead of their owner’s commands.
Bassets are also notorious for their selective hearing, often choosing to ignore their owners when it suits them.
Training a Basset Hound requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor. Due to their short attention spans, bassets benefit from brief, frequent training sessions rather than long, drawn-out ones.
Regular exercise, such as leisurely walks or nose work games, can help keep them mentally stimulated and less likely to engage in mischief.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs are known for their muscular build, wrinkled face, and strong-willed personality. Originally bred for the cruel sport of bull-baiting, these tenacious pups have a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge.
They may resist commands or become easily distracted, requiring extra patience and persistence from their owners.
Bulldogs are also known for their affectionate and loyal disposition. Building a strong bond with your Bulldog through positive reinforcement can help make training more effective.
Short, frequent training sessions are best for Bulldogs, as they can become bored or frustrated with lengthy sessions.
5. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are known for their lion-like appearance, with a thick, fluffy coat and a distinctive ruff around their neck. These independent and aloof dogs were originally bred as guard dogs in ancient China, and their protective nature can make them wary of strangers and resistant to commands.
They require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement.
Early socialization is crucial for Chow Chows to prevent aggressive or fearful behavior. Exposing them to a variety of people, places, and experiences from a young age can help them become well-adjusted and more receptive to training.
Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or obedience training, can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
6. Dachshund
Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs,” are beloved for their elongated bodies and short legs. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other small game, these tenacious pups have a strong prey drive and an independent streak that can make training a challenge.
They may resist commands or become easily distracted by interesting sights, sounds, or smells.
Despite their stubborn nature, Dachshunds are also known for their loyal and affectionate personalities. Due to their long backs, it’s essential to avoid activities that put excessive strain on their spine, such as jumping from high places.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese are small, regal-looking dogs with long, flowing coats and flat faces. Originally bred as companions for Chinese royalty, these independent pups have a strong sense of self-importance and can be resistant to commands.
They may require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.
Pekingese are loyal and affectionate towards their owners. Due to their flat faces, Pekingese are prone to respiratory issues and may require special care in hot or humid weather.
8. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are a Japanese breed known for their fox-like appearance, with a compact body, pointed ears, and a curly tail. These independent and strong-willed dogs were originally bred to hunt small game, and their prey drive can lead them to ignore commands in favor of chasing small animals or interesting scents.
Shiba Inus require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them engaged.
Early socialization is crucial for Shiba Inus to prevent aggressive or fearful behavior towards strangers or other dogs. Expose them to various people, places, and experiences to help them become well-adjusted and more adaptable.
Shiba Inus should also go on walks or have playtime to keep them active.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs with a strong prey drive and an independent streak. Originally bred in England for fox hunting, these feisty pups require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.
They may resist commands or become easily distracted by interesting sights, sounds, or smells.
Jack Russells require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. These intelligent pups thrive on activities that challenge their minds and bodies, such as agility courses, obedience training, or interactive play sessions.
10. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog, known for their compact size, large ears, and feisty personality. These loyal and affectionate pups can be stubborn and resistant to training, requiring a firm and consistent approach with plenty of positive reinforcement.
They may also be prone to excessive barking and territorial behavior, especially towards strangers or other dogs.
Due to their small size, Chihuahuas are prone to dental issues and may require special care to maintain their oral health. They are also sensitive to cold temperatures and may require a sweater or coat in cooler weather.
11. Akita
Akitas are a large, powerful breed from Japan, known for their loyalty, courage, and independent nature. Originally bred as guard dogs and hunting companions, these strong-willed pups require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.
They may be wary of strangers and other dogs, requiring early socialization to prevent aggressive or fearful behavior.
Akitas are also known for their cleanliness and cat-like grooming habits, making them a good choice for those who prefer a tidy home. However, they are heavy shedders and require regular brushing to maintain their thick, double coat.
This dog breed is loyal and protective of their family, but their size and strength may make them unsuitable for homes with small children or inexperienced owners.
12. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are a distinctive breed, known for their white coat with black or liver-colored spots. Originally bred as coach dogs in Croatia, these energetic pups require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
They may resist commands or become easily distracted, requiring a firm and consistent approach to training with plenty of positive reinforcement.
Dalmatians thrive on activities that challenge their minds and bodies, such as agility courses, obedience training, or long runs alongside a bicycle. Without proper outlets for their energy, Dalmatians may become destructive or develop problem behaviors, such as excessive barking or chewing.
They are prone to certain health issues, such as deafness and urinary stones, and may require special care to maintain their health. They are also heavy shedders and require regular brushing to maintain their short, dense coat.
13. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are a large, powerful breed known for their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities. Originally bred for hunting and tracking game, these independent pups require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.
They may resist commands or become easily distracted by interesting scents, requiring patience and persistence from their owners.
Their size and strength may make them unsuitable for homes with small pets or fragile objects. They are also prone to certain health issues, such as ear infections and hip dysplasia, and may require special care to maintain their health.
14. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are a tall, elegant breed known for their long, silky coat and aristocratic appearance. Originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, these independent pups require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.
They may resist commands or become easily distracted by interesting sights or sounds, requiring patience and persistence from their owners.
Afghan Hounds are aloof and dignified. However, their long coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles, and they may not be suitable for homes with small children or other pets.
This breed is also prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and bloat.
15. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a large, powerful breed known for their strength, loyalty, and protective nature. Originally bred for herding and guarding livestock, these strong-willed pups require a firm and consistent approach to training, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.
They may be wary of strangers and other dogs, requiring early socialization to prevent aggressive or fearful behavior. They are also heavy shedders and require regular brushing to maintain their short, dense coat.
While these breeds may be more challenging to train than others, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual with their own unique personality. With patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, even the most stubborn pup can learn to be a well-behaved member of the family.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.