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Some dogs aim to please. Others aim to test your patience—and look impossibly cute while doing it. Stubborn dogs aren’t necessarily bad dogs; they prefer to think for themselves. They’ll follow your lead… eventually, but only after thoroughly questioning your logic and maybe throwing in a dramatic sigh for flair. These independent pups have minds of their own and aren’t afraid to use them, especially when treats are involved—or conveniently forgotten. While training them might require a little extra patience and creativity and hilarious defiance makes every moment worth it.
Bulldog
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Bulldogs are basically stubborn marshmallows. They may move at their own pace—and that pace is often “why rush?”—but they do it with irresistible charm. Tell a Bulldog to come? Expect them to consider it for a few seconds, yawn, and eventually make their way toward you like they invented time. While they’re incredibly loyal and affectionate, they don’t exactly thrive on being told what to do. You can’t rush a Bulldog… and honestly, why would you want to?
Dachshund
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Dachshunds are tiny dogs with vast opinions. Bred to hunt badgers independently, they’re wired to make their own decisions—and they’ll let you know it. These sausage-shaped rebels will follow commands… if they think it’s a good idea. They’re clever, funny, and persistent, especially when they want something (like your sandwich or your warm blanket). Dachshunds may be stubborn, but they’re also so charming that you’ll probably let them win.
Shiba Inu
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Shiba Inus are elegant little foxes with zero time for your nonsense. They’re clean, confident, and about as cooperative as a cat with a to-do list. Shibas are known for their independent nature and the infamous “Shiba scream” when something displeases them. While they’re intelligent and loyal, they rarely do things to make you happy—unless it aligns with their plans. Training a Shiba requires patience, a sense of humor, and a healthy respect for their ego.
Chow Chow
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Chow Chows are stoic fluff bears with serious main-character energy. They don’t respond well to commands they didn’t personally approve of, and often act like they’re royalty being mildly inconvenienced by your presence. Chows are highly independent and not overly affectionate—but when they choose to show love, it feels like a royal decree. You don’t own a Chow; you coexist with one. And if you ask them to sit, be prepared for a long pause and a suspicious glance.
Afghan Hound
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Afghan Hounds are stunning, and they know it. With their flowing coats and regal stance, they look like they just walked off a runway—and they act like it, too. These dogs are notoriously independent and don’t see the point in following commands they find beneath them. They’re smart, but their motivation to cooperate depends entirely on how interesting you are. Basically, they’ll sit… if the lighting’s good and they’re in the mood.
Basenji
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Basenjis don’t bark—but they definitely speak their minds. These clever, cat-like dogs are famously independent and often treat training like a polite suggestion. They’ll assess your request, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide if it’s worth their time. Basenjis are intelligent, clean, and full of personality, but they’re not exactly eager to please. They’re more likely to roll their eyes at you than roll over.
Scottish Terrier
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Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, are tiny tanks with a stubborn streak as long as their beard. They’re brave, dignified, and not terribly interested in being told what to do. With a mind of their own and a taste for independence, Scotties often march to their beat, especially if there’s something more interesting than obedience happening nearby. They’re loyal and loving, but they’re also not here for your training games unless treats are very clearly involved. Resistance is their love language.
Akita
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Akitas are noble, powerful, and highly independent. They form strong bonds with their families but don’t typically respond to the “eager to please” instinct. In fact, they often seem to believe that obedience is a two-way street. Akitas like things done a certain way (their way), and they’re not shy about asserting themselves. They’re strong-willed and sometimes aloof, but their loyalty runs deep—even if it’s wrapped in a thick layer of “no thanks.”
Lhasa Apso
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Lhasa Apsos were bred to guard Tibetan monasteries, and they haven’t forgotten their sacred duties—or their right to ignore you. These little lions are confident, stubborn, and completely comfortable setting boundaries. They’re affectionate with their people, but they’ll let you know when it’s cuddle time and when it’s “talk to the paw” time. Lhasas enjoy training if it benefits them directly. Otherwise, they’ll politely decline. You can try to argue, but they have already left the room.
Jack Russell Terrier
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Jack Russells are bright, energetic, and headstrong in the most chaotic way. These feisty little dynamos have no shortage of personality and absolutely no shortage of opinions. Training a Jack Russell is like negotiating with a caffeinated genius who’s already five steps ahead of you. They love to explore, test limits, and create their games—even if those games involve dismantling your throw pillows. If you’re not keeping things interesting, they will.
Beagle
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Beagles are joyful, food-driven, and charmingly stubborn. Their noses lead the way, and once a scent has their attention, good luck calling them back. Beagles are intelligent and friendly, but their independence makes them masters of selective hearing. You’ll find yourself repeating commands while they pretend they’ve just discovered a new continent. But then they’ll look at you with those big, brown eyes—and suddenly, you’re the one rolling over.
The Dogs Who Heard You—They Just Chose Not To Listen
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These headstrong breeds may test your patience, challenge your authority, and quietly laugh at your attempts to enforce rules—but they’ll also charm you into total surrender. Their stubborn streak isn’t defiance—it’s personality, and it shines through in every side-eye, dramatic sigh, and selective hearing moment. They’re independent, opinionated, and often hilariously unpredictable. Training them may feel more like negotiating with a furry diplomat, but you’ll never be bored. They might not always listen, but they’ll always keep you laughing—and somehow, completely wrapped around their paw.
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