Wondering what breeds of dogs are the most stubborn? There are many dog lists out there, but in our experiences, these dogs are top on our list of hard-headed stubborn-as-a-mule breeds – they want things done on their own time, in their own way, and to heck with what you want, Hooman! It is a good thing they’re cute and loveable despite their stubborn dog breeds streak!
Ranking #1 as the Most Stubborn Dog Breed – the Husky
– these dogs are highly intelligent and have Houdini-like abilities to escape from any confinement. They’re escape artists, highly vocal (they’ll argue with you every step of the way) and, of course, very stubborn.
#2 – Great Pyrenees
– Pyrs have a strong independent streak. They were bred to make decisions independently so that they were able to guard livestock without human supervision being required. As a result, these dogs can be quite obstinate. They’re not the type of dogs who will submit to being taught tricks – maybe they’ll shake a paw on command here and there, but for the most part they’ll just roll their eyes at you. They’re intelligent but not for impressing. Their main concern is being protective and guarding with a discerning eye. These dogs can appear docile and friendly, but make no mistake, if there’s danger to their flock (animal or human), they’ll become ferocious beasts in the blink of an eye. These dogs can scare bears and wolves away – they will stand their ground and defend due to their often serious type of personality.
#3 – Beagle
– this stubborn dog breed is very smart and very trainable. But they’re most likely to respond to reward based training. You want them to do something? Appeal to their “What’s in it for me?” attitude. Beagles want to pleases themselves and so they need a reason to want to please you. They need a strong person to be in charge, or they’ll just do what they want to. They love to bark and ignore your attempts to curb this. They’re a very cheerful and playful breed.
#4 – English Bulldog
– no, bulldogs are not stupid, but their sheer stubbornness can make them appear that way. It isn’t that they don’t understand what you want them to do, it is just that they. don’t. care. These are very affectionate, courageous and intelligent dogs, and they make wonderful additions to any home. Their bullheadedness can make training difficult, so you have to be firm with them and communicate that you are the one who is in charge. Reward with lots of praise, toys or treats and start their training early.
#5 – Shiba Inu
– these dogs are extremely strong-willed and stubborn. They will fight back if they feel threatened and they will fight you every step of the way when they don’t want to do something. Highly independent thinkers, they have to be trained appropriately in order to prevent them from developing aggression issues down the road. Shiba Inus have a very singular state of mind – they will not back down even if it puts them in conflict with other dogs and people. They will not surrender even when all is lost. As a result, it can be difficult to get them distracted when they’re focused on any particular goal or objective.
Coming in at #6 for Stubborn Dog Breeds – Dachshund
– these dogs were bred as scent hounds. Their job covered ground, sniffing out small game. So yes, they’re controlled by their nose and their belly! Super smart, they were bred to not back down or give up and are known to think for themselves. They’re the type to keep at any problem in front of them until they solve it, and so they’ll figure out exactly what you don’t want them to. People often say “Dachshunds train you”, but it isn’t impossible to train these strong-willed doggos. The key is to find out what motivates your particular pup (treat? ball? chewy toy?) and use it as a reward. They bark, and bark, and bark, and bark. They’re also notoriously hard to potty-train. Being an ongoing training experience for Dachshund owners, this explains one of the main reasons these dogs end up in shelters.
