20 Least Obedient Dog Breeds: Challenging Canines for Experienced Owners

Dogs are beloved companions, known for their loyalty and affection.

While many canines are eager to please their owners, some breeds have independent streaks that can make training challenging.

Understanding the least obedient dog breeds can help potential owners make informed decisions about which type of dog best suits their lifestyle and expectations.

These breeds often possess strong-willed personalities, high energy levels, or stubborn tendencies that require patient and consistent training approaches.

1. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are known for their independent nature and strong-willed personality. These elegant dogs possess a unique combination of beauty and stubbornness that often challenges even experienced owners.

Their intelligence is undeniable, but they tend to use it selectively when it comes to obedience. Afghan Hounds have a reputation for being aloof and difficult to train, often choosing to follow their own agenda rather than commands.

These sighthounds were originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, which contributes to their independent streak. Their natural instinct to chase prey can override obedience training, making them prone to ignore recalls.

Afghan Hounds require patient, consistent training methods and early socialization. Even with proper training, they may still exhibit selective listening and stubbornness throughout their lives.

2. Basenji

Basenjis are known for their independent nature and challenging trainability. These African hunting dogs have a reputation for being stubborn and difficult to obey commands.

Basenjis possess a high prey drive, which can make them easily distracted during training sessions. Their natural instinct to chase small animals often overrides their desire to please their owners.

These dogs are intelligent but have a tendency to think for themselves. They may understand commands but choose not to follow them if they see no benefit in doing so.

Basenjis require consistent, patient training methods and early socialization. Even with dedicated effort, they may never achieve the level of obedience seen in more compliant breeds.

Their unique vocalizations, including yodels and baroo sounds, can make them seem defiant when they’re actually trying to communicate. This can be mistaken for disobedience by inexperienced owners.

3. Bulldog

Bulldogs are known for their stubborn nature and independent streak. These stocky, wrinkle-faced dogs often have a mind of their own when it comes to following commands.

Their laid-back temperament can make training a challenge. Bulldogs may choose to ignore instructions, especially if they don’t see an immediate benefit for themselves.

Consistency and patience are key when working with this breed. Positive reinforcement techniques tend to be more effective than harsh corrections.

Bulldogs can be particularly resistant to leash training and recall commands. Their tendency to wander and explore at their own pace can make walks unpredictable.

While not impossible to train, Bulldogs require dedicated owners willing to put in extra time and effort. Their charming personalities often make up for their lack of obedience.

4. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are known for their independent nature and strong-willed personalities. These fluffy dogs often exhibit stubborn behavior, making them challenging to train for inexperienced owners.

Chow Chows tend to be aloof and may not respond consistently to commands. Their natural inclination towards independence can lead to selective hearing when given instructions.

Training a Chow Chow requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. Early socialization is crucial to help these dogs become more receptive to training efforts.

Chow Chows are protective of their families and can be wary of strangers. This trait, combined with their strong-willed nature, can make obedience training an ongoing process throughout their lives.

While intelligent, Chow Chows may not always see the need to follow commands, especially if they perceive no immediate benefit to themselves. This characteristic contributes to their reputation as one of the less obedient dog breeds.

5. Borzoi

Borzois are elegant sighthounds known for their independent nature. These tall, graceful dogs were originally bred for hunting, which contributes to their strong prey drive and tendency to chase small animals.

Borzois have a reputation for being aloof and somewhat stubborn when it comes to training. They often prefer to make their own decisions rather than following commands.

While intelligent, Borzois can be challenging to motivate during obedience training. They may quickly lose interest if sessions become repetitive or lack excitement.

Patience and consistency are key when working with Borzois. Positive reinforcement techniques tend to yield better results than harsh corrections or repetitive drills.

Despite their independent streak, Borzois can form strong bonds with their families. They typically respond well to gentle guidance and respectful handling.

6. Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are renowned for their exceptional sense of smell, but this trait can make them challenging to train. Their noses often lead them astray, causing them to follow scents rather than obey commands.

These large, wrinkly dogs have a stubborn streak that can frustrate even experienced owners. They tend to be independent thinkers, preferring to make their own decisions rather than following instructions.

Bloodhounds require consistent, patient training from an early age. Their strong-willed nature means they may ignore commands if they find something more interesting to investigate.

While intelligent, Bloodhounds can be easily distracted by scents in their environment. This can make obedience training a lengthy process, requiring dedication and persistence from their owners.

Despite their challenges, Bloodhounds can become loyal companions with proper training and socialization. Their gentle nature and affectionate personality balance out their stubborn tendencies.

7. Pekingese

Pekingese dogs are known for their independent and stubborn nature. These small, lion-like canines have a long history as companions to Chinese royalty, which has influenced their confident and sometimes defiant behavior.

Training a Pekingese can be challenging due to their strong-willed personality. They often prefer to do things on their own terms and may not respond well to traditional obedience methods.

Pekingese are intelligent dogs, but they can be selective about when to follow commands. This breed tends to have a mind of its own and may ignore instructions if they don’t align with its desires.

Consistency and patience are crucial when working with Pekingese. Positive reinforcement techniques can be effective, but owners should be prepared for a potentially lengthy training process.

Despite their stubborn streak, Pekingese can form strong bonds with their owners. With proper socialization and training, they can become loving and loyal companions.

8. Dalmatian

Dalmatians are known for their distinctive spotted coats and energetic personalities. These dogs were originally bred for endurance, which contributes to their high energy levels and need for regular exercise.

Dalmatians can be challenging to train due to their independent nature and strong-willed temperament. They often have a mind of their own and may not always comply with commands, especially if not properly trained from a young age.

These dogs require consistent and patient training methods. Without proper guidance, Dalmatians can become stubborn and difficult to manage. They may also exhibit selective hearing, choosing when to obey commands based on their own interests.

Dalmatians thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. Inadequate exercise can lead to behavioral issues and make them less responsive to training efforts. Potential owners should be prepared for a commitment to regular exercise and ongoing training to ensure a well-behaved Dalmatian.

9. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are known for their spirited and independent nature. These small but energetic dogs were originally bred for hunting, which contributes to their strong-willed personality.

Jack Russells possess a high prey drive and tend to chase after small animals. This instinct can make them challenging to control off-leash in open areas.

Training a Jack Russell Terrier requires patience and consistency. They are intelligent dogs but can be stubborn when it comes to following commands.

These terriers have a tendency to bark excessively and may exhibit destructive behavior if not properly stimulated. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them well-behaved.

Jack Russells often have a mind of their own and may not always respond to their owner’s commands. Their independent streak can make them less obedient compared to some other breeds.

10. Pug

Pugs are known for their charming and playful personalities. These small dogs often have a mind of their own when it comes to obedience training. Their stubborn nature can make them challenging to train consistently.

Pugs tend to be easily distracted, especially by food or interesting smells. This can make it difficult to keep their attention during training sessions. They may choose to ignore commands if they find something more appealing.

While intelligent, Pugs can be selective about when they want to listen. They might understand a command but decide not to follow it if they’re not in the mood. This breed often requires patience and persistence from their owners during training.

Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Pugs. They respond well to treats and praise, which can help motivate them to cooperate. Consistency and short, fun training sessions are key to success with this breed.

11. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are known for their adorable appearance and friendly personalities. However, these small dogs can be quite stubborn when it comes to training and obedience.

Shih Tzus often have a mind of their own and may not always respond to commands. Their independent nature can make them challenging to train, especially for first-time dog owners.

These dogs tend to be easily distracted, which can interfere with their ability to focus during training sessions. Consistency and patience are key when working with Shih Tzus.

While they can learn basic commands, Shih Tzus may not excel in advanced obedience training. Their strong-willed nature sometimes leads them to ignore commands or choose when to follow them.

Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Shih Tzus, as they respond well to praise and treats. Early socialization and training can help improve their obedience levels.

12. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers are known for their strong-willed and independent nature. These small but sturdy dogs often have a mind of their own, making them challenging to train.

Scottish Terriers were originally bred for hunting, which contributes to their tenacious and determined personality. They can be stubborn when it comes to following commands, especially if they perceive no immediate benefit.

Training a Scottish Terrier requires patience and consistency. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, but may still choose to ignore commands if something more interesting catches their attention.

Scottish Terriers have a high prey drive, which can make them difficult to control in the presence of small animals. They may chase after perceived prey, disregarding their owner’s calls.

While intelligent, Scottish Terriers can be selective in their obedience, often deciding for themselves whether a command is worth following.

13. Skye Terrier

Skye Terriers are known for their independent nature and stubborn streak. These long-bodied, short-legged dogs originated in Scotland and were bred for hunting small prey.

Skye Terriers can be challenging to train due to their strong-willed personality. They often prefer to do things their own way rather than following commands.

These dogs require consistent, patient training from an early age. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Skye Terriers, as they respond poorly to harsh methods.

While intelligent, Skye Terriers may choose to ignore commands if they don’t see the benefit for themselves. This selective hearing can make obedience training a time-consuming process.

Socialization is crucial for Skye Terriers to prevent them from becoming overly wary of strangers or other animals. Without proper guidance, they may develop stubborn or defensive behaviors.

14. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and loving nature, but they can be challenging to train. These large dogs have a stubborn streak that can make obedience training difficult.

Their size alone can make them hard to control, especially if they haven’t been properly trained from a young age. Saint Bernards may not always respond quickly to commands, preferring to move at their own pace.

These dogs were originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps, which required independent thinking. This trait can sometimes translate to a lack of interest in following orders.

While Saint Bernards are generally calm and patient, their strong-willed nature can lead to selective hearing when it comes to commands. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are essential for managing their stubborn tendencies.

15. Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their shaggy coats and playful personalities. These large, fluffy dogs can be challenging to train due to their independent nature.

Old English Sheepdogs possess a strong herding instinct, which can lead to stubborn behavior. They may try to herd family members or other pets, ignoring commands in the process.

These dogs have a tendency to become easily distracted, making obedience training more difficult. Their intelligence can work against them, as they may choose to follow their own agenda rather than comply with instructions.

Old English Sheepdogs require consistent, patient training from an early age. Without proper guidance, they can develop selective hearing and become less responsive to commands.

While affectionate and loyal, Old English Sheepdogs can be strong-willed. Their size and strength combined with their independent streak can make them challenging for inexperienced dog owners.

16. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees dogs are known for their independent nature and strong-willed personalities. These large, majestic canines were originally bred to guard livestock, which required them to make decisions on their own.

Their protective instincts often lead them to act autonomously, sometimes disregarding their owner’s commands. Great Pyrenees may choose to ignore recalls, especially when they perceive a potential threat.

Training these dogs can be challenging due to their stubborn streak. They tend to question the necessity of commands and may not always comply, even when they understand what’s being asked of them.

While intelligent, Great Pyrenees can be slow to respond to instructions. Their deliberate nature means they often take time to process and react to commands, which can be mistaken for disobedience.

17. Whippet

Whippets are known for their independent nature and strong prey drive. These sleek, athletic dogs were originally bred for hunting rabbits and other small game.

While intelligent, Whippets can be challenging to train due to their stubborn streak. They often have selective hearing, choosing when to follow commands based on their own interests.

Whippets require patient and consistent training methods. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, as they respond poorly to harsh corrections.

These sighthounds have a tendency to chase after moving objects. This instinct can make them difficult to control off-leash, especially in areas with distractions.

Despite their occasional disobedience, Whippets are generally gentle and affectionate companions. They form strong bonds with their families but may not always prioritize pleasing their owners over their own desires.

18. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are small but spirited dogs known for their independent nature. These pint-sized pups often have a mind of their own, making obedience training a challenge.

Yorkies can be stubborn and may not always listen to commands, especially if they’re distracted by something more interesting. Their strong-willed personality can lead to selective hearing when it comes to following instructions.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier requires patience and consistency. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, but their short attention spans can make longer training sessions difficult.

Despite their size, Yorkies have a big-dog attitude and may not back down from confrontations with larger dogs. This fearless nature can sometimes override their obedience training in certain situations.

While intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers can be difficult to housebreak. They may require more time and effort to fully grasp bathroom routines compared to some other breeds.

19. Mastiff

Mastiffs are large, powerful dogs known for their gentle nature and protective instincts. Despite their size, they can be surprisingly stubborn when it comes to obedience training.

These dogs often have a mind of their own and may not always follow commands promptly. Their independent streak can make training sessions challenging for owners.

Mastiffs tend to be calm and laid-back, which sometimes translates to a lack of enthusiasm for learning new tricks or following instructions. They may need extra motivation and patience during training.

Consistency is key when working with Mastiffs. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques and may become uncooperative if faced with harsh discipline.

While Mastiffs can be loving and loyal companions, their stubborn streak places them among the less obedient dog breeds. Owners should be prepared for dedicated training efforts to ensure good behavior.

20. Beagle

Beagles are known for their independent nature and strong sense of smell. These traits can make them challenging to train and less obedient than some other breeds.

Bred for hunting, Beagles have a tendency to follow their noses, often ignoring commands when an interesting scent catches their attention. This single-minded focus can lead to wandering and difficulty in maintaining their concentration during training sessions.

Beagles are also known for their stubborn streak. They may understand commands but choose not to follow them if they find something else more appealing.

While intelligent, Beagles can be easily distracted, especially outdoors. This can make recall training particularly challenging, as they may not respond when called if they’re engaged in following a scent trail.

Patience and consistency are key when training Beagles. Positive reinforcement methods, particularly those involving food rewards, tend to be most effective with this breed.

Understanding Dog Obedience

Dog obedience varies widely between breeds and individual animals. Training success depends on factors like intelligence, temperament, and the owner’s approach.

Factors Influencing Obedience

Breed characteristics play a significant role in a dog’s obedience. Some breeds were developed for independent work, making them less inclined to follow commands. Intelligence also impacts trainability, but it’s not always correlated with obedience.

A dog’s age can affect its ability to learn and follow instructions. Puppies are often more receptive to training, while older dogs may have ingrained habits.

Environmental factors and early socialization experiences shape a dog’s behavior and responsiveness to commands. Dogs with limited exposure to different situations may struggle with obedience in unfamiliar settings.

Training Techniques for Difficult Breeds

Positive reinforcement is key when working with stubborn or independent breeds. Treats, praise, and toys can motivate dogs to follow commands. Consistency in training sessions helps establish clear expectations.

Short, frequent training periods often yield better results than long, infrequent sessions. This approach helps maintain the dog’s interest and prevents frustration.

Clicker training can be effective for precision in teaching new behaviors. The distinct sound marks the exact moment the dog performs the desired action.

For high-energy breeds, incorporating physical exercise before training sessions can improve focus and receptiveness to commands. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys or scent work can also enhance overall obedience.

Challenges of Ownership

Owning a less obedient dog breed comes with unique difficulties that require patience and dedication. These challenges can test even experienced dog owners.

Behavioral Issues

Less obedient breeds often exhibit stubborn or willful behavior. They may ignore commands, resist training, or act out in undesirable ways. Some common behavioral issues include:

• Excessive barking or howling
• Destructive chewing
• Digging
• Jumping on people
• Pulling on the leash

These behaviors can be frustrating and may lead to strained relationships between dogs and their owners. Addressing these issues requires consistent training, positive reinforcement, and sometimes professional help.

Socialization Needs

Proper socialization is crucial for less obedient breeds. Without it, they may become anxious, aggressive, or fearful in new situations. Socialization challenges include:

• Difficulty introducing the dog to new people or animals
• Nervousness in unfamiliar environments
• Aggression towards other dogs or strangers
• Overexcitement in social settings

Owners must invest significant time and effort in exposing their dogs to various stimuli from an early age. This process should continue throughout the dog’s life to maintain good social skills and prevent behavioral regression.

Tips for Owners

Training less obedient dog breeds requires patience, consistency, and tailored strategies. Establishing routines and using positive reinforcement can significantly improve results.

Creating a Consistent Routine

Set clear expectations for your dog’s behavior. Establish a daily schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and training sessions. Stick to this routine as much as possible to provide structure and stability.

Be consistent with rules and boundaries. If jumping on furniture is not allowed, enforce this rule every time. Mixed messages can confuse dogs and hinder progress.

Incorporate short training sessions into your daily routine. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions, 2-3 times a day. This helps maintain focus and prevents boredom.

Positive Reinforcement Strategies

Use treats, praise, and toys to reward desired behaviors. Offer high-value rewards for challenging tasks or during distracting situations.

Timing is crucial. Reward your dog immediately after they perform the desired action to create a clear association.

Utilize clicker training to mark correct behaviors precisely. Pair the click sound with treats to reinforce positive actions.

Be patient and celebrate small victories. Progress may be slow with less obedient breeds, so acknowledge and reward incremental improvements.

Avoid punishment-based methods, as they can damage trust and increase resistance. Instead, redirect unwanted behaviors to more appropriate activities.