10 Dog Breeds Known for Their Unmatched Stubbornness

Originally bred for hunting in Japan, Shiba Inu are known as some of the hardest dogs to train. Instead of obeying you, they would probably want you to respect and obey them. Apart from having a stubborn streak, they are smart dogs who love to be independent. Essentially, if you want a dog with the spirit of the cat, Shiba Inus will be perfect for you. 

A reddit user, @tsukipluekuroeshiba, explains how Shiba Inus can be stubborn. She says, “Shiba stubborness is basically the fact that they will only do things if they want to. Shiba’s are easy to train, they understand things very quickly but whether they want to do what you tell them is where the stubborness comes from. The first step to training a Shiba is gaining their trust and affection.”

Most people find Siberian Huskies beautiful because of their appealing coats, piercing eyes, and erect triangular ears. This is why they are a favored breed for many dog owners. However, their beauty comes at a price. Siberian Husky is an incredibly stubborn breed. Huskies were originally bred for pulling sleds in the snow, which required them to make decisions autonomously. This independence has stayed with them and so, they don’t like following commands from humans. 

However, this doesn’t mean that Huskies are untrainable. According to Certified Dog Trainer Kailey Cullin, “Huskies are often called stubborn; in reality, it’s about having control over your dog and working with them at their pace. They’re fully capable of being trained.”

Jack Russell Terriers’ (JRTs) small size is not indicative of their personality. They are extremely unyielding, which doesn’t make their training easy. These terriers are also highly energetic and love to engage in mischief. Athletic owners will love to have them as companions for strenuous activities like hiking and running.

Jack Russell Terrier owner, Natasha Miller, talks about how she deals with her JRT and Pug mix, “My biggest advice is patience. You have got to have patience when it comes to JRTs because they are as stubborn as they are intelligent and could play for 24hours if let. But getting irritated and yelling or aggressive with them does not work. I admit I had an awful day where I was yelling at him for every little thing, and I’m telling you, he listens more when I talk to him.”

Another small dog on the list of most stubborn breeds is Chihuahua. These little animals pack a lot of bossiness, and thereby, training them is not an easy task. However, these sassy dogs are also extremely loyal and lovable. Moreover, they make for great playtime buddies despite their small stature. They are also known to bark a lot, so you should think twice before adopting them if you live in an apartment. 

Expert animal trainer Brandon McMillan says, “Training a stubborn and independent Chihuahua takes time and diligence. Effective dog training relies on repetition, so expect to repeat every step several times.”

English Bulldogs are one of the laziest breeds, which is why they would rather choose lounging over following their owners’ commands. They are ideal for less-active owners due to their laid-back personality. However, this could also become an obstacle in training them. So, if you adopt them, be ready to receive a significant amount of love, loyalty, and attitude from these fierce-looking dogs.

A former dog walker, @leila_laka, shared their experience with English Bulldogs on Reddit, “I was a dog walker in college. This breed was incredibly stubborn and, on walks, would sit or lay down and literally refuse to move!”

Another Japanese hunting dog to make this list of stubborn dogs is Akita. You may have seen the movie “Hachi” and cried your eyes out. The dog, Hachi, an Akita, is depicted as an extremely loyal dog in the film and that is true in real life too. Once they form a bond with their owner, an Akita dog will be loyal to them until their last breath. However, that doesn’t make training them any easier.

Marilyn, a dog parent, has described her Akita, Snickers’ stubborn nature on The Well Heeled Way. She said, “I have a 4-year-old Akita, Snickers. A playful, loving dog with a mind of her own. Akitas are known for their “stubborn ” nature, and even though a very loving dog, things were quite often on her terms and that included our walks.”

Beagles are undoubtedly cute little doggos with their floppy ears capable of stealing anyone’s heart. However, what you may not know about them is they are quite stubborn and difficult to train. They are super friendly and curious dogs. As a result of their curiosity, they would rather spend their time discovering new things and places instead of following their humans’ commands. 

Reddit user @englishnerd693 writes, “Beagles are super smart but very stubborn. You have to be consistent, or they will learn to ignore you. I also suggest getting him some puzzle toys that dispense treats so that he can get some mental stimulation.”

Dachshunds are little balls of energy, making them one of the most energetic dogs. They are courageous, bold, and independent, which also leads to them being stubborn. If you’re not patient with Dachshunds, it can be quite stressful for you to train them. They would rather be digging in the ground, tearing up shoes, or running around the house. 

Qualified experts like Louise Hawkins, a Veterinary nurse, agree with Helen Knight when she writes about Dachshunds, “Their stubborn streak means they sometimes have selective hearing and may be distracted by interesting smells that appeal to their hunting instinct.”

Mainly used as guard dogs, Rottweilers are protective, smart, and loyal. However, sometimes, they may not obey your command if they feel the need to protect you. A Rottweiler needs a persistent and firm training schedule. They are perfect for owners who need a loyal friend by their side and can put time and effort in training these large creatures. 

As per Ready To Rottweiler, “There are four reasons Rottweilers exhibit stubborn behavior. Most commonly, they have had poor training or no training at all. Otherwise, lack of exercise may lead to stubborn behavior, as well as negative associations with good behavior or being unwell.”

A Scottish Terrier is a gorgeous, loyal, and brave dog who loves to do whatever they want. Their beautiful double coat is a prominent reason for their popularity. They are perfect for people who are not fitness freaks but want to have daily playtime sessions with their dogs. If you’re getting a Scottish Terrier, it’s important that you start their training right away as a puppy. Their high intelligence means that they will learn commands quickly but following them is another manner. 

Scottie owner @AMPlants on Reddit provides an example of this breed’s stubbornness from their own life. They stated, “I take mine to work every day. Last Wednesday, he just straight up refused to go. Completely ignored me, refused treat bribes, just blatantly refused to go.”