These Are the 16 Most Disobedient Dog Breeds in the World
Every dog breed boasts unique traits. Many of these breeds are wonderfully affectionate, loyal, and intelligent. However, some are stubborn and independent. While these dogs are renowned for their lovable personalities, they often march to the beat of their own drum, making training a bit more challenging.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are known for their independent and unresponsive behavior. They tend to do what they want, when they want. The dogs’ strong-willed nature causes them to often resist commands unless they see the point of them. So it can be challenging to train them. Owners also need lots of patience to ensure the dogs understand their place within the household pack.
Basenji
Basenjis are elegant, medium-sized dogs known for their sleek coats and cat-like cleanliness. Often independent and free-spirited, these dogs can be extraordinarily stubborn. This dog breed can ignore commands if they don’t feel like obeying. Their high energy and curiosity levels mean they frequently get distracted. Providing plenty of mental and physical exercise for the dogs can be helpful.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are known for their unique wrinkled faces and muscular build. But despite their charming appearance, they’re quite strong-willed, lazy, and can be notoriously stubborn. This breed often ignores commands if they don’t align with their immediate desires. Bulldogs respond best to patience and a firm yet gentle hand.
Afghan Hound
Known for their lovely, silky coat, Afghan hounds are elegant creatures with a striking appearance. They possess a very independent streak and sometimes seem withdrawn. This breed’s stubbornness stems from their ancient hunting instincts, making them less responsive to commands.
Dalmatian
Famous for their spots, Dalmatians are energetic and social companions. However, they can be very stubborn, making them challenging to train. Their strong-willed nature can make it difficult to command them. You need to build a strong bond with them and use rewards to acknowledge their good behavior.
Chihuahua
Little but fierce, Chihuahuas are known for their smart demeanor and bold personalities. They can be quite stubborn and often refuse to follow commands if they sense weakness or inconsistency in training. The dogs’ disobedience stems from their independent nature and need for firm leadership.
Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are robust and strong-willed dogs with a unique egg-shaped head. They are playful, loyal, but often troublesome. Their determination can turn into stubbornness, which may lead to disobedience. This may happen if they are not properly socialized or trained early on.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are small, charming dogs with a long, flowing coat. They are smart and independent, but often manifest stubbornness. This breed’s disobedience stems from their headstrong nature and preference for doing things their way.
Akita
The Akita is a large, powerful dog famous for its loyalty and strong-willed nature. Originating from Japan, Akitas are inherently independent and can be quite stubborn. The dogs’ disobedience often stems from their dominant personality and wariness of strangers. Frequently training and socializing them can make the pets better-behaved family companions.
Lakeland Terrier
Lakeland Terriers are small, energetic dogs with a bold and adventurous spirit. These lively pups can be quite willful, often thinking they know best. Their disobedience is usually due to their independent, terrier nature. Regular training sessions and keeping them mentally stimulated can help in managing the dogs’ stubborn trait and ensuring they follow commands more reliably.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant with calm yet protective behavior. This dog breed has a natural instinct to guard, which can make them quite headstrong. Just give your pet dogs steady training and socialize them early.
Pekingese
Famous for their lion-like appearance, Pekingese are charming, small dogs with a big personality. But this breed often ignores commands if they don’t feel like following them. They have a proud attitude that makes them disobedient at times.
Jack Russell Terrier
Bred originally for hunting, Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and intelligent dogs. Their lively and fearless personality can sometimes translate into willful behavior. They are very independent and may ignore commands to do their own thing.
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a distinctively wrinkled and powerful dog breed. Despite their loyal and protective nature, they can also be quite stubborn. Their independent spirit can make them quite disobedient, especially if they don’t see any reason to follow orders.
Beagle
Beagles are small, lovable dogs known for their friendly and curious nature. Despite their charm, the dogs’ strong sense of smell often overrides commands, which can lead to stubbornness. These scent hounds can be easily distracted by interesting smells, often ignoring commands if something catches their attention.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are sleek, athletic dogs known for their hunting skills. While they’re super energetic and smart, the dogs’ independent behavior can make them quite stubborn. They can be disobedient, especially if they are not mentally and physically stimulated.
How to train your dog to be obedient
Following these simple tips can encourage your dog to obey instructions:
- Use simple commands when speaking to them, such as “come,” “go,” “sit,” and “stand.” Using long sentences for the same command can confuse them.
- Ensure your dogs’ training sessions are not too long to maintain their attention. Ideally, keep the sessions around 10–15 minutes.
- Reward their good behaviors with praise, playtime, toys, or treats. This will encourage them to continue with the behavior.
- Socialize your dogs early by exposing them to different dogs, environments, and people. Doing this will allow them to adjust to their environment and become less fearful.
- Make sure your dogs are physically and mentally stimulated. This can help to prevent boredom and aggressive behaviors, including disobedience.
- Be consistent with your training approach by using the same commands and reward system.
- If you don’t see positive results after several sessions, seek professional help.
25 Best Hunting Dog Breeds in the World
25 Best Hunting Dog Breeds in the World
About the Author
Meet Jacqueline, a seasoned writer at Animaloverse who has spent over a decade exploring the fascinating world of animals. Her love for animals, which also fuels her writing, is drawn from her personal experiences with all kinds of pets. The animal kingdom continues to ignite her curiosity as she discovers new insights every day. She also finds joy and personal growth through sports. In winter, she enjoys skiing, embracing the thrill of invigorating cold weather activities. When summer arrives, she sets out on hiking trails, exploring the beauty of nature. Among all her passions, her dog Bailey holds a special place in her heart as together, they go on exciting adventures. The happiness she experiences with Bailey often serves as inspiration for her writing.