This list of the “least obedient dogs” doesn’t mean they’re any less lovable or can’t be trained. They can. Because these breeds are intelligent, they are more independent and stubborn. They just require more patience and effort.
10. Beagle
Beagles were bred to follow their nose all day in the pursuit of rabbits, so getting them to listen to your commands instead can be a challenge. Training them requires creativity. If they spot something outside a window that looks like something to hunt, they’ll bark or howl. These dogs need activity and exercise to keep them from becoming destructive.
9. Borzoi
Originally called Russian Wolfhounds, Borzoi were bred for — you guessed it — hunting wolves. These independent dogs can be as stubborn as cats. Training them requires consistency and patience. They’re easily bored with training, and food doesn’t always work, so it requires creativity. They have a strong desire to chase things and, therefore, must be kept on a leash when not in a well-fenced area.
8. Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terriers were bred for hunting rodents, badgers, and foxes. They are lively, energetic dogs that won’t back down from a challenge. These dogs are independent, and it takes consistency and patience to get them to listen to someone else’s directions. They have boundless energy and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Without them, they’ll find trouble to get into.
7. Dachshund
Although dachshunds are typically lapdogs these days, they were originally bred to hunt small animals such as rodents, rabbits, badgers, and other burrow-dwelling animals. They have an instinct to dig. Brave and independent, dachshunds are stubborn. They are very difficult to housebreak and train. These lively dogs need exercise and stimulation otherwise they can become destructive.
6. Pekingese
The Royals in China bred Pekingese as lapdogs. This upbringing seems to have given these dogs a self-important attitude that makes training them a challenge. They are extremely intelligent, independent, and stubborn. They also don’t get along well with other dogs or strangers. For the best success, they need obedience training and socialization at the earliest possible age.
5. Bloodhound
Renowned for their tracking capabilities, bloodhounds were originally bred and trained for hunting rabbits, deer, and wild boars. Bloodhounds are certainly capable of being trained. All it takes is patience and consistency. The problem with bloodhounds is their independent attitude. Unless given the right training from the start, they will epitomize the definition of stubbornness.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs were bred from the now extinct Old English Bulldog which drove cattle to market, as well as participated in the sport of bull-baiting. Those skills required tenacity which carries through as stubbornness. Today’s Bulldogs aren’t aggressive and are quite the opposite. They do things at their own speed, on their own time, and only if they want to.
3. Chow Chow
Originally from northern China, the personality of Chow Chows is often compared to cats because of their independent, reserved, and aloof nature. Although intelligent, they are extremely stubborn. They are aggressive to people and dogs outside their immediate family. They are considered high-risk dogs due to their aggressiveness and ability to unleash lethal bites.
2. Basenji
Originating in central Africa and bred as hunting dogs, Basenjis are highly prey-driven and will go after cats and other small animals. With short attention spans, they are considered the second-least-trainable dog. Like cats, they are independent. Also like cats, they dislike wet weather and refuse to go outside in any damp conditions. They are climbers and can easily scale chain-link fences.
1. Afghan Hound
Originating from Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound is a type of sighthound bred for their use of sight and speed in hunting. They were bred to be independent thinkers without needing directions. They’re the least-obedient dog. No amount of training will overcome their instinct to chase prey. They require a large, securely fenced area to run and get their needed exercise.
