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10 Least Obedient Dog Breeds

| September 5, 2017

If you are looking for a training challenge, then one of these breeds may be for you; these intelligent dogs will definitely make you work for the results you seek. However, if successful, you will receive full bragging rights.

#1 – Afghan hound

The Afghan is known for being aloof and independent, traits that can make training a challenge. It makes sense, however, since he was originally used to chase prey independently over very long distances. He would lose the prey if he wanted to stop and check in with his owner all the time.

Image source: @Jetteff via Flickr
Image source: @Jetteff via Flickr

#2 – Chow Chow

The American Kennel Club describes this breed as having “cat-like personalities [that] make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds” (www.akc.org). Like cats, they are smart, you just have to convince them that what you want them to do is also what they want to do.

#3 –  Basenji

Like the Afghan hound, the Basenji was used to hunt at a great distance from his human, so he also is independent and aloof. They are full of energy and love to play, so that can be one way to get them more interested in you and training.

Image source: @CraigCochrane via Flickr
Image source: @CraigCochrane via Flickr

#4 – Bulldog

The Bulldog does everything on his time. Not unintelligent, he just sees no reason to hurry when asked to do something by his owner. This can be frustrating to some, especially if they are used to training quick breeds like a Shetland Sheepdog, for example. Nonetheless, they are very smart and many have become famous for performing tricks, like Tillman, the skateboarding bulldog.

Image source: @sabianmaggy via Flickr
Image source: @sabianmaggy via Flickr

#5 – Bloodhound

No surprise, another hunting dog that is known for being harder to trainer than other breeds. They are considered quite affectionate, however, they are bossy as well and tend to want to have things their way, making training a challenge if your way does not align with theirs.

Image source: @JohnLeslie via Flickr
Image source: @JohnLeslie via Flickr

#6 – Pekingese

Bred as a lapdog for the royals of China, the Fu Lin (or Lion Dog), was never meant to carry out an obedience drill or an agility course. So it makes sense that people often find these intelligent courageous dogs are more interested in attention than in training.

Image source: @pekie via Flickr
Image source: @pekie via Flickr

#7 – Dachshund

Notorious for being almost impossible to house train, the doxie is, in a word, stubborn. Yet another hunting breed, they also are independent and want to make their own house rules, much to the chagrin of their owners.(but man are they cute!)

Image source: @BarbaraMuller-walter via Flickr
Image source: @BarbaraMuller-walter via Flickr

#8 – Welsh Terrier

Although some may feel all terriers should be on this list (most terrier breeds are known for being intelligent but also somewhat stubborn), the Welsh Terrier may be King of the Terriers when it comes to being independent. They are difficult to housebreak, cannot be trusted off-leash (due to chasing), and definitely have a “why should I do what you are asking” attitude. But they also have a fun-loving personality with a spring in their step that is guaranteed to make you smile.

Image source: @somethingferdinand via Flickr
Image source: @somethingferdinand via Flickr

#9 – Borzoi

Like the Chow Chow, The AKC describes the Borzoi as “cat-like and [having] independent and undemanding natures” (www.akc.org). They prefer to do what they want when they want and need a lot of training before they can be trusted off-leash.

Image source: @Deb via Flickr
Image source: @Deb via Flickr

#10 – Beagle

A smart hunting breed, the Beagle’s main problem with training is his nose. Off-leash work is almost impossible without a very firm obedience foundation because if they pick up a scent, they’re gone. However, there are trainers who compete (successfully) with Beagles in off-leash sports such as agility; it’s just more of a challenge getting them to that stage than say a Border Collie.

Image source: @Maelick via Flickr
Image source: @Maelick via Flickr

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