15 Dog Breeds Impossible To Train (And 10 That Will Love The Activity)

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The Shiba Inu – A Cat in a Dog’s Body

The American Kennel Club has said the Shiba is, in many ways, “more like a cat than a dog” and this perfectly captures why these adorable Japanese natives drive their owners to distraction. Shiba Inu, a small breed originally from Japan, should be second on the list of the most stubborn dog breeds because of its bold and independent personality.

Their fierce independence means they’ll happily ignore your commands while maintaining direct eye contact, as if to say “I heard you, I just don’t care.” Many people believe that Shiba Inus are very feline-like. This perception is built around three of their strongest characteristics – independence, aloofness and determination.

Afghan Hounds – Beauty with Brains but No Compliance

Dignified and sophisticated, a strong stature, elegant in looks – Afghan hounds are an ancient breed that are the “royals” of the dog world. These flowing-coated beauties were bred for hunting in the harsh Afghan mountains, requiring split-second independent decision making.

Afghan Hounds are extremely intelligent, but have independent qualities more in line with cats. They prefer to do what they want, when they want, and love pretending you didn’t just call their name. Their high prey drive combined with lightning speed makes recall training nearly impossible once they spot something interesting.

Siberian Huskies – Escape Artists with Selective Hearing

They were bred to be independent, as this ensured a mushing group of huskies would ignore commands if the terrain was deemed unsafe. But all these years later, that independence means they have a stubborn streak when it comes to listening to commands.

These gorgeous working dogs have energy levels that could power a small city and the attention span of a goldfish. Several studies and experts have confirmed that Huskies are indeed one of the most stubborn dogs in the world. These dogs have short attention spans that frequently lead to temper tantrums. Their talent for escaping makes Houdini look like an amateur.

Chow Chows – The Aloof Aristocrats

Along with their trademark blue tongue, teddy bear appearance and scowl, Chows are also known for their aloofness and independence. Put simply, they’re “less eager to please than many other dog breeds”.

Chow Chows have a reputation for being strong-willed and aloof. They can be wary of strangers and may require extensive socialization. Training a Chow Chow requires firmness, consistency, and reinforcement. Think of them as the aristocrats of the dog world – they’ll acknowledge your presence when it suits them.

Basenji – The Barkless Rebel

Breeds like Akitas, Shiba Inus, Afghan Hounds, Siberian Huskies, Basenjis, and Beagles are often recognized for their independent streaks. The Basenji might not bark, but they’ll find plenty of other ways to show their stubborn streak.

Originally from Central Africa, these compact hunters were bred to think independently while tracking game through dense forests. This self-reliance translates into modern dogs who question every command and prefer to make their own decisions about when, where, and if they’ll cooperate with training.

English Bulldogs – Immovable Objects

There’s no mistaking an English Bulldog. With its squat, heavily-muscled body and square-jawed head, they cut quite the imposing figure. While friendly and generally eager to please, they can be quite resolute if the mood pleases them.

These loveable tanks operate on their own timeline, which is usually measured in geological epochs. When a Bulldog decides they’re done walking, no amount of coaxing will budge them. They’ve perfected the art of passive resistance that would make Gandhi proud.

Jack Russell Terriers – Tiny Tornadoes

Jack Russell Terriers are lively, intelligent, and highly energetic dogs. They possess a strong prey drive and may exhibit stubborn tendencies. These pint-sized powerhouses pack the determination of a dog ten times their size.

Originally bred to flush foxes from their dens, Jack Russells maintain their fearless, single-minded focus today. They’ll hear your command, process it, then decide whether it aligns with their personal agenda – which usually involves chasing something small and fast-moving.

Rottweilers – The Gentle Giants Who Choose Their Moments

Given their loyalty and great strength, Rotties can be wonderful companions. They’re also self-confident and a protector of their inner circle. That means that if there isn’t a calm, stable, and firm ‘pack leader,’ they will assume that role.

These powerful dogs need consistent leadership from day one, or they’ll happily promote themselves to household CEO. While incredibly loyal and intelligent, they have strong opinions about how things should be done and aren’t shy about expressing them through selective obedience.

Chinese Shar-Pei – Wrinkled and Willful

Shar-Peis are smart and devoted dogs, but their independent thinking and love of doing things at their own pace can make training them a constant battle. Shar-Pei is an ancient dog breed known for its original traits, such as its wrinkly coat and blue tongue. Early training is a must for these dogs due to their uncompromising character.

These distinctive wrinkled dogs approach training with the enthusiasm of someone attending a tax audit. They’ll learn what you’re teaching, but implementing it is entirely optional from their perspective.

Beagles – Nose-Led Detectives

Beagles are known as one of the best hunting dogs and companions in history. However, these dogs are also famous for their independent and tenacious character, making them hard to please. Once that famous Beagle nose catches an interesting scent, your training session effectively ends.

These compact hounds were bred to follow their noses above all else, including human commands. Their single-minded dedication to interesting smells means recall training becomes an exercise in optimism rather than obedience.

Dachshunds – Low-Riding Rebels

Others, including Bulldogs and Dachshunds, also tend to show a strong-willed or resistant nature when it comes to following commands. These “sausage dogs” may be low to the ground, but their stubbornness reaches incredible heights.

Originally bred to hunt badgers in underground burrows, Dachshunds developed fierce independence and determination. Modern Dachshunds retain this fearless attitude, approaching training with the confidence of dogs much larger than their compact size suggests.

Akitas – Silent Judges

Akitas are known for their strong-willed and independent personalities. They were originally bred for guarding and hunting, which required them to make their own decisions. For those reasons, Akita is considered one of the most stubborn dog breeds in the world.

These Japanese giants operate with the solemnity of ancient samurai warriors. They’ll assess your training requests with judicial thoughtfulness before deciding whether your command meets their standards for implementation.

Bull Terriers – Egg-Headed Entertainers

Bull Terriers are known for their strong personalities and determination. They can be stubborn and willful, requiring firm and consistent training. With their distinctive egg-shaped heads and triangular eyes, these dogs march to their own beat.

These muscular entertainers possess both intelligence and a mischievous streak that makes training feel like negotiating with a comedian who’s forgotten their lines but refuses to leave the stage.

Great Pyrenees – Mountain Guardians

Great Pyrenees are gentle giants with a strong instinct to protect and guard. They can be independent thinkers and may exhibit stubborn and aggressive behavior. These majestic livestock guardians were bred to work independently in the Pyrenees mountains.

Their job required making life-or-death decisions without human input, creating dogs who trust their own judgment above all else. Training a Great Pyrenees feels like asking a mountain to move – theoretically possible, but requiring geological patience.

Scottish Terriers – Pocket-Sized Powerhouses

Vocal, active, and proud, a Scottish Terrier will do whatever they set their mind on. If these dogs don’t want to do something, they don’t. Furthermore, a Scottish Terrier can be a handful since they’re a one-person type of dog.

These compact Scotsmen embody everything stubborn about terrier temperament in a dignified package. They approach training with the attitude of Highland chieftains who’ve never heard the word “compromise.”

Border Collies – The Overachievers

The Border Collie is a whip-smart workaholic. They learn remarkably fast, and you might find them looking at you as if to say, “Is that all you wanted?” Sharpen your skills to keep up with this highly trainable breed.

Border Collies are often regarded as the most intelligent dog breed. They excel in their ability to learn agility and obedience due to their high intelligence and energy levels. These canine Einsteins learn so quickly that training becomes less about teaching and more about keeping up with their genius-level problem-solving abilities.

Golden Retrievers – The People Pleasers

Golden Retrievers are not only one of the most popular family dog breeds, but they’re also highly trainable. They are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for obedience and retrieval training. Some even say they are the easiest dogs to train.

Consistently near the top of the most popular breeds list, this beautiful and friendly dog is also very trainable and eager to please. Golden Retrievers can be silly and fun, but don’t underestimate their brainpower. Their sunny disposition and food motivation make training sessions feel more like playtime than work.

Labrador Retrievers – Enthusiasm with Intelligence

Similar to Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers are known for their intelligence and willingness to learn. They are highly adaptable and can excel in various types of training, from basic obedience to advanced tricks.

Labs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, and they’re also among the easiest dogs to train (their very high food drive doesn’t hurt, they’ll do backflips for a treat!). They’re bred to be people-pleasing, stable and confident, which makes them an excellent family pet – they are not easily fazed. Their enthusiasm for life translates into enthusiasm for learning.

German Shepherds – The Versatile Workers

There is good reason this large and powerful breed is often used for police and military work. The German Shepherd Dog is a tireless worker and wants nothing more than to please their handlers.

German Shepherds are renowned for their versatility and intelligence. They are often used as working dogs in roles like police work and search-and-rescue due to their strong work ethic and quick learning abilities. These noble dogs approach training with the seriousness of graduate students – focused, dedicated, and eager to excel.

Poodles – Intelligence in Three Sizes

The Poodle is intelligent, keen to work, and eager to please. No matter the size, these dogs will happily learn whatever you choose to teach. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Regardless of size, they are all highly intelligent and trainable. Poodles are often seen in sports like agility and obedience trials, showcasing their quick learning abilities.

Don’t let their fancy hairdos fool you – underneath those curls lies a brilliant mind that craves mental stimulation. Poodles treat training like intellectual puzzles, solving problems with an almost mathematical precision that leaves their owners impressed.

Shetland Sheepdogs – Small Packages, Big Brains

Shetland Sheepdogs or “Shelties” are highly trainable and intelligent pups, making them of course easy to train. Bred to be herding dogs, they are known for having a strong desire to please their owners and shine when it comes to agility and obedience tasks. In his seminal book The Intelligence of Dogs, famous dog researcher Stanley Coren even ranked Shelties sixth out of 132 breeds for intelligence.

These mini-Collies pack full-sized intelligence into compact frames. They approach training with the focused intensity of Border Collies but with slightly more patience for repetition and a stronger desire to please their human companions.

Doberman Pinschers – Athletic and Alert

Another common police and military breed, the commanding Doberman Pinscher is a fearless and loyal companion. Doberman Pinschers are exceptionally intelligent, loyal, and trainable. These versatile dogs excel in obedience competitions as well as police and military work.

These sleek athletes combine physical prowess with mental sharpness, creating dogs who excel at complex training scenarios. Their natural alertness and desire to work make them eager students who master new concepts with impressive speed.

Corgis

Corgis, with their sharp minds and eager-to-please attitudes, are among the easiest dog breeds to train. Originally bred as herding dogs in Wales, they developed quick reflexes, problem-solving skills, and a natural ability to follow commands—all traits that make them highly responsive in obedience training today. Their intelligence is often compared to much larger working breeds, but what sets Corgis apart is their enthusiasm; they genuinely enjoy learning new tricks and thrive on positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and play. With consistency and structure, most Corgis master basic commands quickly and can even excel in advanced activities like agility, rally, and herding trials, making them a favorite choice for owners who want a trainable yet playful companion.

Papillons – Tiny Athletes

This most brilliant of the toy dogs is superb at agility, general tricks, obedience, and all-around good social behaviors. He is also especially adept at training his owners. The Papillon is the perfect breed for people who are looking for a smart, easily trained dog in a small package.

These butterfly-eared beauties prove that intelligence comes in all sizes. Despite weighing less than many house cats, Papillons tackle training challenges with the confidence of much larger dogs, often surprising their owners with their athletic abilities and quick learning.

Australian Cattle Dogs – Workaholics with Heart

Another member of the herding group, Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their intelligence and ability to learn new cues quickly. These energetic dogs have a strong desire to please their pet parents, and they make good companions for families who have lots of time to spend with their pooch outdoors.

These compact herders combine the intelligence of Border Collies with slightly more manageable energy levels. They approach training with workmanlike dedication, treating each session as an important job that deserves their full attention and effort.

Conclusion

The difference between a “difficult” and “easy” dog often comes down to matching breed characteristics with owner expectations and lifestyle. Those stubborn breeds aren’t actually trying to frustrate you – they’re just following thousands of years of genetic programming that told them to think independently. Meanwhile, the eager-to-please breeds have been selected for cooperation and human partnership.

Understanding your dog’s natural tendencies doesn’t mean accepting bad behavior, but it does mean adjusting your training approach to work with their instincts rather than against them. Whether you’re dealing with a selective-hearing Husky or an overeager Golden Retriever, patience and consistency remain the keys to success. After all, every dog can learn – some just prefer to negotiate the terms first.

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