Some dogs learn tricks super fast, but others? They’re a bit more stubborn dog breeds. Don’t worry, though—these stubborn dog breeds are still awesome pets! They just have their own way of doing things. Nicole Ellis, a dog trainer from Rover, says a stubborn dog breed might not listen right away because they’re super smart or like to think for themselves. Training them takes a little extra work, but it’s so worth it. Let’s check out seven stubborn dog breeds that trainers say are amazing, even if they’re a bit hardheaded.
- 1 What Makes a Dog “Stubborn”?
- 2 Why Choose a Stubborn Dog Breed?
- 3 1. Akita: The Loyal Guardian
- 4 2. Basenji: The Barkless Wonder
- 5 3. Shiba Inu: The Fox-Like Maverick
- 6 4. Afghan Hound: The Regal Rebel
- 7 5. Scottish Terrier: The Small but Mighty Spirit
- 8 6. Beagle: The Scent-Driven Sweetheart
- 9 7. Bulldog: The Tenacious Couch Companion
- 10 Tips for Training Stubborn Dog Breeds
- 11 Why Stubborn Dogs Make Great Pets
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 Author
What Makes a Dog “Stubborn”?
A stubborn dog breed doesn’t always follow your commands. They might ignore you or do their own thing. But Ellis says it’s not always about being naughty. Sometimes, they’re just in pain, can’t hear well, or don’t like the treats you’re using. Once you figure out what’s going on, training a stubborn dog breed can be fun and rewarding.
- Why they seem stubborn: They’re smart and like to make their own choices.
- What to check: Make sure they’re not sick or confused before calling them stubborn.
- Why it’s okay: With patience, these dogs become loyal buddies.
Why Choose a Stubborn Dog Breed?
Stubborn dog breeds have big personalities. They’re loyal, smart, and super unique. If you’re okay with a little challenge, these dogs will steal your heart. They’re perfect for people who love a dog with some attitude. Here’s why stubborn dog breeds are so special:
- They’re super loyal once they trust you.
- Their quirky ways make every day fun.
- They’re great for owners who like a challenge.
Here’s a quick table to compare these awesome stubborn dog breeds:
| Breed | Height (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Lifespan (years) | Personality Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akita | 24–28 | 70–130 | 10–14 | Loyal, dignified, patient |
| Basenji | 16–17 | 22–24 | 13–14 | Smart, independent, poised |
| Shiba Inu | 13.5–16.5 | 17–23 | 13–16 | Alert, active, attentive |
| Afghan Hound | 25–27 | 50–60 | 12–18 | Sweet, independent |
| Scottish Terrier | 10 | 18–22 | 12 | Confident, spirited |
| Beagle | 13–15 | 20–30 | 10–15 | Curious, friendly, merry |
| Bulldog | 14–15 | 40–50 | 8–10 | Friendly, calm, courageous |
1. Akita: The Loyal Guardian
Akitas are big, strong dogs from Japan. They were bred to guard and hunt, so they’re a bit stubborn dog breeds by nature. Ellis says training them feels like a tug-of-war sometimes, but once they trust you, they’re your partner for life.
- Why they’re tough: Akitas don’t just obey—they want to work with you.
- Best for: People who are confident and want a super loyal dog.
- Fun fact: They’re quiet and calm but super protective.
Training Tips: Use yummy treats like chicken. Be patient and build trust with them. They hate being bossed around, so keep it gentle.
2. Basenji: The Barkless Wonder
Basenjis are called “barkless dogs” because they don’t bark much. These African hunters are super independent, almost like cats. That makes them one of the stubborn dog breeds, but they’re so worth it.
- Why they’re tough: They love doing their own thing and might ignore you.
- Best for: Active people who like smart, quirky dogs.
- Fun fact: They’re super clean and act like little cats.
Training Tips: Keep training short and fun. Use games to keep them interested, and give them treats they can’t resist.
3. Shiba Inu: The Fox-Like Maverick
Shiba Inus look like little foxes and come from Japan. They’re super smart but definitely a stubborn dog breed. Ellis says they’re bold and love being in charge.
- Why they’re tough: They question your commands if they don’t feel like listening.
- Best for: People who love active, clean dogs with big personalities.
- Fun fact: They’re super neat and love to groom themselves.
Training Tips: Don’t bore them with the same old tricks. Use toys or puzzles to keep their brain busy, and always reward them.
4. Afghan Hound: The Regal Rebel
Afghan Hounds are gorgeous with their long, silky fur. They were bred to chase animals in tough places, so they’re super independent and a bit of a stubborn dog breed.
- Why they’re tough: They follow their instincts instead of your commands.
- Best for: People who love grooming and want a fancy, loyal friend.
- Fun fact: They’re super loyal but can be silly once they trust you.
Training Tips: Be patient and use gentle training. Grooming time can help you bond with them, so make it fun.
5. Scottish Terrier: The Small but Mighty Spirit
Scottish Terriers are tiny but full of attitude. These stubborn dog breeds were made to hunt small animals, so they’ve got a strong will and big personality.
- Why they’re tough: They have their own ideas and don’t always listen.
- Best for: People who love small, feisty dogs with lots of charm.
- Fun fact: They’re super brave for their size!
Training Tips: Play games like fetch to use their hunting instincts. Keep training fun and short to keep them interested.
6. Beagle: The Scent-Driven Sweetheart
Beagles, like Snoopy, are cute and friendly but super stubborn dog breeds. Their noses are always sniffing, which makes training hard sometimes.
- Why they’re tough: They follow scents instead of your voice.
- Best for: Families who love happy, social dogs.
- Fun fact: Their howling “Beagle voice” is super cute!
Training Tips: Use smelly treats to grab their attention. Train them on a leash so they don’t run off after a scent.
7. Bulldog: The Tenacious Couch Companion
Bulldogs are chill, cuddly dogs with a stubborn dog breed streak. They were bred for tough jobs, so they can be set in their ways.
- Why they’re tough: They’re slow to change their minds once they decide something.
- Best for: Calm homes that want a relaxed, loyal buddy.
- Fun fact: They love napping on the couch with you!
Training Tips: Keep training short since they tire out fast. Use treats they love, and be super calm and patient.
Tips for Training Stubborn Dog Breeds
Training a stubborn dog breed takes some extra love and patience. Here are easy tips to make it work:
- Use awesome treats: Try bits of chicken or cheese to get their attention.
- Keep it short: Train for 5–10 minutes so they don’t get bored.
- Make it fun: Play games or use toys to keep them excited.
- Build trust: Spend time bonding so they feel safe with you.
- Be consistent: Use the same words and rewards every time.
Why Stubborn Dogs Make Great Pets
Stubborn dog breeds might take more work, but they’re so worth it. They’re loyal, funny, and full of personality. Whether it’s the protective Akita or the cuddly Bulldog, these stubborn dog breeds bring joy to the right home. With a little patience, you’ll have a best friend who’s one of a kind.
- They’re loyal: Once they love you, they’re all in.
- They’re unique: Their quirks make every day special.
- They’re smart: You’ll love watching them figure things out.
Conclusion
Stubborn dog breeds like the Akita, Basenji, or Beagle aren’t always easy, but they’re amazing pets for the right person. They need patience, love, and a little creativity to train, but the reward is a loyal, fun companion. If you’re ready to put in the effort, one of these stubborn dog breeds could be your perfect match. Which one’s your favorite?
