20 Dog Breeds That Are Famously Stubborn

Some dogs live to please, eager to follow every command and gaze up at you with adoration. Others? Not so much. Stubborn dog breeds have their own ideas about how life should go, and they’re not afraid to make that clear.

Whether it’s selective hearing, flat-out defiance, or a proud independence that makes them slow to obey, these pups tend to walk to the beat of their own drum.

Training them takes patience, consistency, and a sense of humor — but the reward is a companion full of personality. Here are 20 famously stubborn breeds that challenge their owners, frustrate trainers, and charm everyone with their quirks.

1. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an epitome of elegance and aloofness, often seen with a sense of superiority in its demeanor. Commands are mere suggestions to them, as they prefer to act according to their whims. This breed is known for its grace and dignity, making them a favorite in the show ring.

Despite their independent nature, Afghan Hounds are affectionate with their families. However, they require patience and understanding in training, as their stubborn streak can make them challenging to handle. Their long, silky coat demands regular grooming, adding to their regal appearance.

2. Basenji

Dubbed the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is famous for its unique vocalizations that resemble yodels. These dogs are nearly cat-like in their independence, often choosing their own paths without regard to commands.

Their aloof nature doesn’t hinder their affection for their families, though they can be wary of strangers. Basenjis are intelligent and can be trained with consistency, but their natural stubbornness requires patience. Their sleek, short coat is low-maintenance, but their boundless energy means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

3. Bulldog

Stubborn but lovable, Bulldogs are known for their laid-back personality and distinctive appearance. They may take their time in obeying commands, often requiring motivation in the form of treats or affection.

Despite their stubborn streak, Bulldogs are gentle companions who enjoy lounging around with their families. Training them requires a firm yet loving approach, as they respond best to positive reinforcement. Their unique facial structure and wrinkles require special care, ensuring they remain clean and healthy.

4. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are known for their royal demeanor and fierce independence. These dogs are not quick to follow orders unless respect is earned, often acting with an air of aloofness.

Training a Chow Chow demands patience and a mutual understanding, as they are not easily swayed by commands. Their loyalty is unmatched, and once you gain their trust, they are devoted companions. With their thick, luscious coat and distinctive blue-black tongue, Chow Chows require regular grooming to maintain their majestic appearance.

5. Shiba Inu

Infamously independent and bold, the Shiba Inu is a breed that often believes it’s in charge. These dogs are spirited and self-assured, with a strong sense of self.

While they can be challenging to train due to their willful nature, Shiba Inus are loyal to their families. Their aloofness towards strangers makes them excellent watchdogs. The breed’s compact size and fox-like appearance add to their charm, but their double coat requires regular brushing to keep shedding under control.

6. Beagle

Driven by scent more than commands, Beagles are known for their independent streak and love for exploration. These dogs require a firm but loving hand to guide them, as their curiosity often leads them on adventures.

Beagles are friendly and social, making them great companions for families. However, their strong sense of smell can make training challenging, as they are easily distracted by scents. Regular exercise is essential to keep them happy and healthy, and their short coat requires minimal grooming.

7. Dachshund

Small in size but huge in ego, Dachshunds are known for their stubborn nature and determination. These little dogs often prefer their own ideas over yours, making training a test of patience and creativity.

Despite their independent spirit, Dachshunds are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. Their unique body shape and lively nature make them entertaining companions. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are key to keeping them engaged, and their short or long coats require regular grooming depending on type.

8. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are known for their feisty nature and strong will. These little dogs won’t hesitate to challenge authority, often acting with a sense of independence.

Training a Scottie requires patience and consistency, as they are not easily swayed by commands. Their loyalty is unwavering, and once they’ve bonded with their owners, they are devoted companions. The breed’s distinctive beard and wiry coat add to their charm, requiring regular grooming to maintain their appearance.

9. Jack Russell Terrier

High-energy and clever, Jack Russell Terriers are known for their intelligence and boundless enthusiasm. These dogs often outsmart and outlast novice owners, making them a challenging yet rewarding breed.

Training a Jack Russell requires creativity and patience, as their independent nature can make them stubborn. However, their loyalty and affection make them excellent companions for active families. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy, and their short coat is easy to maintain.

10. Pekingese

Bred to be royalty, Pekingese expect their humans to adjust to their pace, not the other way around. These dogs are known for their dignified and aloof nature, often acting with an air of superiority.

Training a Pekingese requires patience and understanding, as they can be stubborn and independent. Despite their aloofness, they are affectionate with their families and enjoy spending time in their company. Their long, flowing coat demands regular grooming to maintain its beauty, adding to their regal appearance.

11. Shar Pei

Reserved and aloof, Shar Peis are not quick to obey unless you’ve built deep trust with them. These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, often acting with a sense of independence.

Training a Shar Pei requires patience and consistency, as their stubborn nature can make them challenging to handle. Once trust is established, they are devoted companions. Their distinctive wrinkled skin and short coat require regular care to keep them healthy and comfortable.

12. Lhasa Apso

This ancient watchdog breed, Lhasa Apso, prefers to make its own rules, often acting with a sense of independence. These dogs are known for their alertness and protective instincts, making them excellent companions.

Training a Lhasa Apso requires patience and consistency, as their stubborn streak can make them challenging to handle. Despite their independent nature, they are loyal to their families and enjoy spending time with them. Their long, luxurious coat requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty and elegance.

13. Akita

Fiercely independent and strong-willed, the Akita is a breed that commands respect. These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, often acting with a sense of authority.

Training an Akita requires patience and confidence, as their stubborn nature can make them challenging to handle. Once trust is established, they are devoted companions who will fiercely protect their families. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding season, to keep them looking their best.

14. Alaskan Malamute

These working dogs, the Alaskan Malamutes, are strong, smart, and not easily swayed by treats alone. They are known for their independence and determination, often acting with a sense of purpose.

Training an Alaskan Malamute requires patience and consistency, as their stubborn nature can make them challenging to handle. Despite their independent spirit, they are loyal to their families and enjoy spending time with them. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding season, to keep them looking their best.

15. Basset Hound

Sweet but headstrong, Basset Hounds are known for their stubborn streak and love for following scents. These dogs are driven by their nose more than commands, often leading them on adventures.

Training a Basset Hound requires patience and creativity, as their independent nature can make them challenging to handle. Despite their stubbornness, they are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. Their short coat is low-maintenance, but their long ears and wrinkles require regular cleaning to keep them healthy.

16. Chinese Crested

Though small, the Chinese Crested can be surprisingly resistant to training routines. These dogs are known for their unique appearance and playful nature, often acting with a sense of independence.

Training a Chinese Crested requires patience and consistency, as their stubborn streak can make them challenging to handle. Despite their independence, they are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. Their hairless or powderpuff coat requires regular care to keep their skin healthy and comfortable.

17. Tibetan Mastiff

Protective and independent, the Tibetan Mastiff is a breed that questions commands from those they don’t trust. These dogs are known for their loyalty and guarding instincts, often acting with a sense of authority.

Training a Tibetan Mastiff requires patience and confidence, as their stubborn nature can make them challenging to handle. Once trust is established, they are devoted companions who will fiercely protect their families. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding season, to keep them looking their best.

18. Great Pyrenees

Bred to guard flocks solo, the Great Pyrenees make decisions based on instinct, not obedience. These dogs are known for their independence and protective nature, often acting with a sense of authority.

Training a Great Pyrenees requires patience and understanding, as their stubborn streak can make them challenging to handle. Despite their independence, they are loyal to their families and enjoy spending time with them. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding season, to keep them looking their best.

19. Old English Sheepdog

Playful and charming, Old English Sheepdogs are known for their independent streak and love for testing boundaries. These dogs are intelligent and require a firm but loving hand in training.

Despite their stubbornness, Old English Sheepdogs are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. Their distinctive shaggy coat requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy.

20. Siberian Husky

Intelligent and willful, Siberian Huskies are known for their independent nature and love for adventure. These dogs are spirited and energetic, often requiring consistent engagement to keep them focused.

Training a Siberian Husky requires patience and creativity, as their stubborn streak can make them challenging to handle. Despite their independent nature, they are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families. Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding season, to keep them looking their best.