Potty training your new four-legged friend can feel like an endless battle, especially when you’re dealing with certain breeds that seem determined to test your patience at every turn. While every dog is unique, some breeds have earned reputations for being particularly challenging when it comes to housebreaking.
These stubborn companions often combine intelligence with independence, creating a perfect storm of willful behavior that can drive even experienced dog owners to the edge of desperation. Yet understanding what makes these breeds tick can be the key to finally achieving success in your house training journey.
#15 Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are “sweet-natured, playful, and incredibly gentle dogs”, but their sensitive nature can make potty training surprisingly difficult. These dogs are prone to excitement urination and can become defensive if training methods are too harsh.
When housebreaking their dog, owners should “avoid being too harsh, yelling or physically punishing a Cocker Spaniel when potty training, as they’ll likely either become defensive or urinate in submission.” Their high energy levels can also lead to accidents when they become overly excited.
#14 Beagle
Beagles can be difficult to housetrain because according to Pets4Homes, the breed doesn’t rank very highly on the canine intelligence spectrum for working ability. Pets4Homes, says: “they also tend to be excitable dogs with a short attention span that tend to get easily distracted and have a rather selective memory!”
Their hunting instincts mean they’re constantly following scent trails, which can lead them away from designated potty areas. These lovable hounds would rather investigate an interesting smell than focus on bathroom etiquette, making consistency absolutely crucial during training.
#13 American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is notoriously independent, often displaying a stubborn streak making it one of the most challenging breeds to potty train. Their wayward nature means they require extra patience and consistency.
These hunting dogs possess strong scenting abilities that can easily distract them from housebreaking routines. Their independent nature, bred for making decisions while hunting, translates into a dog that doesn’t always feel compelled to follow human rules about where to eliminate.
#12 Basset Hound
It’s tough to teach scent hounds like the Basset Hound to go potty because they’re also a stubborn breed. They can easily be distracted by their amazing sense of smell. Thus, they’d rather follow their noses over listening to your bathroom rules.
You need extra patience and perseverance to help them understand where and when to do their business. Their low-slung bodies and methodical pace can also make it challenging to get them outside quickly when nature calls.
#11 Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is like the supermodel of the dog world – absolutely stunning but not always cooperative when it comes to following rules. Afghan hounds have the independent personality of a cat and tend to do what they want, when they want, possibly ignoring your prompts and commands.
The Afghan Hound rounds out our list because training one takes patience and plenty of treats. These sensitive and independent dogs don’t respond well to intimidation and may shy away from firm commands. Instead, they thrive on positive reinforcement and rewards to build consistent habits.
#10 Maltese
I’ve read countless times that a Maltese is one of the harder breeds to house train, and that they have a short term memory, therefore making it pretty hard for them to completely understand training. Their tiny size means they have equally tiny bladders that need frequent emptying.
Maltese and Maltese crosses are notoriously stubborn when it comes to housetraining. However, these intelligent little dogs can be successfully trained with patience and consistent positive reinforcement, though it often takes longer than with other breeds.
#9 Pekingese
“It can take a while for a Pekingese to get to grips with where to toilet,” says Pets4Homes, “and as a very petite breed too, they may need to go more frequently than larger breeds, which means plenty of reinforcement and giving them the chance to go out regularly.”
These regal little dogs have maintained their royal attitude throughout history, often displaying selective hearing when it comes to commands. Their proud nature and small bladder capacity create a challenging combination for house training success.
#8 Boston Terrier
Popular dog breeds like the Boston Terriers can be headstrong. If you don’t consistently train them, they’ll be confused and could resist potty training. They’re relatively easy to train, so you must show them who’s boss.
Their playful nature can work against successful potty training, as they may get easily distracted during bathroom breaks. These intelligent dogs need consistent leadership and clear boundaries to understand household rules about elimination.
#7 French Bulldog
We often see that small breeds such as French Bulldogs are harder to potty train so you need to work extra hard with them. Their relaxed, easygoing nature can translate into a laid-back attitude toward learning bathroom rules.
French Bulldogs are known for their easygoing nature and distinctive bat-like ears. Due to their relaxed disposition, French Bulldogs may take a bit more time to establish a routine for successful potty breaks. Consistent training with positive reinforcement is crucial.
#6 English Bulldog
The English bulldog is often considered to have lower working intelligence compared to some other breeds, they can “generally only pick up a very limited and low-level range of commands in general training.” This breed typically takes longer than most to make the mental connections involved in picking up toilet training, however, consistency, vigilance, and positive reinforcement will pay off in the end
Their stubborn streak combined with their low energy levels means they’re not always motivated to go outside for bathroom breaks. These lovable couch potatoes prefer comfort over following rules, making patience essential for success.
#5 Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell terriers are widely considered among the most difficult terrier breeds to housetrain, as they can be some of the most stubborn dogs out there.
Jack Russell terriers are known to be a challenging breed, to say the least. From chewing up your shoes to running around the house at full speed, these pups are little balls of energy that can be difficult to potty train. Their high intelligence works against them, as they often think they know better than their humans.
#4 Dachshund
Christman agrees that house training can be a challenge for Dachshunds. “These dogs are stubborn. It takes about a year for them to be potty trained,” he says. Their long bodies and short legs can make rushing outside difficult when accidents are imminent.
These determined little sausage dogs hate cold weather and wet conditions, often refusing to venture outside during unfavorable weather. Their strong-willed nature means they’ll hold out for more comfortable conditions, leading to indoor accidents.
#3 Pomeranian
The AKC describes Pomeranians as “alert” and “highly intelligent,” noting that they “excel in activities like agility, rally, and obedience, or working as therapy dogs.” However, they also warn that “housebreaking can be a challenge, so consistency and patience are key.”
MedNet Direct says that although Pomeranians love pleasing their owners, “their personalities can make them hard to train. When you combine that with extra small bladders that can’t hold it for long, it makes training even harder.” Experts note that housebreaking can be a challenge with this breed, so consistency and patience are key.
#2 Chihuahua
MedNet Direct says that Chihuahuas are: “known for urinating whenever and wherever they feel like it because they know that they’ll get away with it. Chihuahuas can also be challenging to potty train because “they hate going outside when it’s too cold or wet out.” Chihuahuas could benefit from having a safe place inside to go to the potty.
These tiny dogs have equally tiny bladders that need emptying every few hours, making accidents more likely. Their fearless attitude despite their small size often translates into stubbornness during training sessions.
#1 Shih Tzu
Taking the number one spot on Christman’s list of difficult dogs to potty train is the beloved toy breed, the Shih Tzu. “This is their reaction to you potty training them: ‘NO,'” Christman says comically in his post, looking away and feigning disinterest.
Training a Shih Tzu can be both an amusing and a frustrating experience, as the breed tends to charm his owner into letting him have his own way, which can result in a chubby, less-than-completely-housebroken pet who is difficult to groom. Their adorable faces and charming personalities often allow them to manipulate their way out of proper training.
Conclusion
While these fifteen breeds present unique challenges, remember that stubbornness often comes hand-in-hand with intelligence and strong personalities. With consistent training, patience, and the right approach, even the most willful dogs can master house training.
The key lies in understanding your dog’s specific motivations and adapting your training methods accordingly. What do you think about these challenging breeds? Have you experienced the joys and frustrations of training any of these stubborn housebreakers?
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