Oh, dogs. Our loyal companions, our snuggle buddies, and occasionally…our biggest headaches.
Many dogs aim to please their humans, but some breeds just march to the beat of their own drum. Training these independent doggos requires patience, determination, and creativity.
If your dog has ever outsmarted you, chances are they belong to one of the breeds on this list. So, stick around, and find out if my guess was right!
1. Scottish Terrier
Small dog, huuuge personality! Scottish Terriers like to do things their way, and if they decide something isn’t worth their time? Good luck convincing them otherwise. They pout their little mustaches your way!
They’re fiercely independent and brilliant. So, you’d think they’d be easy to train. Well, sure, but not without negotiation! They might pretend not to hear you when you tell them something, just for laughs. Kind of like a grandpa who’s watching a football game.
2. Chinese Shar Pei
These dogs really like to think for themselves, and they’re not afraid to show it! Shar Peis love the fact that they’re guard dogs. Without question! But they are also very skeptical of authority.
They’ll guard your home, they’ll guard their independence…but I assure you, they won’t guard your patience!
And if you try to challenge that? Well, that wrinkly unamused face will surely let you know! While not the type to challenge authority directly, they do disobey!
3. English Bulldog
Lovableness and couch-potato-ness are a great combo in a dog. But these dogs are a bit spicier than that. They have a very bull-headed nature! Yes, the pun was intended.
They’re absolute masters at selective listening. And more often than not, they are the ones to decide if they will follow your commands or not! Especially if there is no treat involved. Treats are a doggo’s best friend!
4. Jack Russel Terrier
Two words: tiny tornados. Jack Russels are hunting dogs. Adorable ones, sure, but hunting dogs nonetheless. That means that training them will feel like trying to outsmart a crafty toddler.
They love to test boundaries in your rules. Any loophole that they can find, they will use it! That’s because they thrive on mental stimulation. So if you can make training a game, you’ll win them over with lots of hard (and fun) work!
But they are still incredibly stubborn and are sore losers!
5. Dachshund
Dachs have a quirky charm that makes it hard to stay mad at them, even when they’re being stubborn! I mean, how can you stay mad at a little hot dog on legs?!
They were meant for hunting badgers, so it’s no surprise they’re not afraid to stand their ground! They understand you perfectly, but their rebellious nature means that they will do what they want when they want!
6. Siberian Husky
Are you ready for a musical show? Well, even if you’re not…you’re gonna hear one. Huskies will make sure that you do. Groomers have a great time listening to endless howls while they blow dry their furs!
They’re not defiant – they just, um, have their own agenda! The Husky tops the list as the king (or queen) of stubbornness for a good reason.
They will make sure to challenge you! Huskies want to make sure that you’re the boss after all. And what’s a good government without good opposition?
7. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus might be small, but their stubborn streak is legendary. Originally bred as hunting dogs in Japan, these independent pups have a mind of their own.
They often decide when — or if — they’ll listen to commands, and their “Shiba scream” when things don’t go their way is unforgettable.
While they can be affectionate, their bold personalities make them a challenge for first-time dog owners. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to keeping these fox-like pups in check.
8. Afghan Hound
With their elegant, silky coats and regal posture, Afghan Hounds might look like runway models, but they definitely have a stubborn side. Bred for hunting in rugged terrains, they were used to make independent decisions while chasing prey, which explains their aloof nature.
Afghans are known for ignoring commands unless they’re in the mood, making patience and creativity essential in training. However, their beauty and gentle nature make them worth the extra effort!