15 Independent Dog Breeds With No Chill For Commands

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Some dogs were born to heel. Others? Born to ignore your pleas, roll their eyes (in spirit), and make you question if you even own a dog. These are the independent thinkers, the stubborn furballs who scoff at obedience school diplomas and treat “sit” like it’s beneath them. Don’t get us wrong—they’re smart, sometimes too smart, but they play by their own rules. If you’re dreaming of a dog who lives to please, you’re barking up the wrong tree with these headstrong, no-chill legends of the canine world.

Afghan Hound

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With their flowing coat and regal posture, Afghan Hounds might just be the most glamorous rebels in the dog world. Bred for independent hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, they’re highly intelligent but rarely interested in following orders. They’re the type to look you dead in the eyes when you say “come” and then casually walk in the opposite direction. Training one requires patience and humility—you are not the main character in their story.

Basenji

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The Basenji is often referred to as the “barkless dog,” but that doesn’t mean they’re silent when it comes to disobedience. These dogs are thinkers, problem-solvers, and certified escape artists who don’t care much for rules. Originally bred in central Africa for solo hunting, they were expected to think on their paws without human input. Ask them to sit and you’ll get a blank stare and maybe a sarcastic yodel.

Shiba Inu

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The Shiba Inu might look like a fox and act like a cat, but it’s definitely a dog, with zero interest in pleasing you. This breed is renowned for its stubborn nature and the legendary “Shiba scream” it emits when it doesn’t get its way. They are clean, clever, and supremely self-confident, often ignoring commands unless it fits their personal agenda. Living with one feels more like having a sassy roommate than a pet.

Chow Chow

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Chow Chows carry themselves like ancient royalty, and treat your commands like unsolicited peasant chatter. They’re deeply loyal to their family but often aloof, independent, and uninterested in performing tricks for praise. These dogs think they know better than you, and sometimes, they actually do. If you’re dreaming of off-leash playtime and enthusiastic obedience, this breed will humble you quickly.

Borzoi

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The Borzoi is all elegance and zero enthusiasm for commands. These tall, graceful dogs were bred for solo hunting and decision-making, not for sitting pretty on command. They’re affectionate in their own low-key way but would much rather stare wistfully into the horizon than listen to your training cues. Even if they understand what you want, they’re not likely to show it.

Scottish Terrier

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Scottish Terriers are like tiny tanks powered by attitude and independence. Originally bred to hunt vermin in harsh Scottish terrain, they were expected to rely on their instincts, not wait for instructions. They can be affectionate and loyal, but are rarely eager to comply with commands unless they personally agree with them. Training a Scottie requires confidence, patience, and a good sense of humor.

Alaskan Malamute

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Alaskan Malamutes are powerful, beautiful, and alarmingly good at ignoring you. These dogs were bred to work in harsh arctic conditions and make decisions on the fly—obedience was never part of the job description. While they’re affectionate with their pack, they’re also willful and clever, which can lead to plenty of backtalk. Don’t be surprised if your “stay” turns into a dramatic sled-dog sprint.

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russells are small in size and large in chaos. With boundless energy and a brain that never sleeps, they are always ten steps ahead of you—and usually somewhere you don’t want them to be. They were bred to chase foxes, not follow orders, so obedience is often overridden by instinct and curiosity. Training them feels like negotiating with a caffeine-fueled genius on roller skates.

Siberian Husky

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Siberian Huskies are the comedians of the canine world, and your commands are the setup for their jokes. Bred to pull sleds over long distances, they were taught to think independently and survive in extreme conditions, not obey like robots. They’re vocal, dramatic, and known for throwing temper tantrums when they don’t get their way. If you want a dog who listens, you should probably keep walking.

Beagle

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Beagles follow their nose—and absolutely nothing else. These scent hounds were bred for tracking and hunting, which means that once a scent catches their attention, they enter a state of full-on trance. You could be shouting their name and offering bacon, but they’ll still be halfway across the park chasing a squirrel trail. Commands are secondary to smells, and good luck convincing them otherwise.

Lhasa Apso

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Lhasa Apsos look like little divas and act like ancient warriors who’ve seen too much. These dogs were originally bred to guard Tibetan monasteries and bark in response to tense situations. They bond with their humans but expect to be treated with the reverence of a holy relic. Commands are met with skeptical glares, and even then, they’ll consider it more of a conversation than a directive.

Akita

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Akitas are majestic, loyal, and completely uninterested in your commands. This Japanese breed was used for hunting and protection, relying heavily on independent thought and action. They are incredibly intelligent, but with that comes a natural skepticism of orders that don’t make sense to them. Training an Akita feels like arguing with a silent samurai who has already made up their mind.

Weimaraner

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Weimaraners are loyal, intelligent, and remarkably independent. They’ll follow you everywhere—just not into the realm of obedience. These dogs tend to get bored easily and are constantly seeking ways to entertain themselves, which often conflicts with your training goals. Commands are like speed bumps in their thought process—noticed, but rarely heeded.

Irish Terrier

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Irish Terriers are all fire and flair, packed into a lean, fearless body. They were bred to work independently and confront danger without waiting for instructions. This bold spirit means they’re often more interested in being right than being obedient. They’ll love you fiercely—but they’ll test your patience just as fiercely, too.

Tibetan Mastiff

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Tibetan Mastiffs are massive, majestic, and stubborn to a fault. Originally tasked with guarding entire villages, they learned to rely on their own judgment, and that independent streak remains today. You can’t bribe them, you can’t sweet-talk them, and you definitely can’t rush them. Training one is like trying to convince a mountain to move—it might, but only if it feels like it.

The Final Snub To Sit And Stay

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These dogs aren’t here for your ego boost. If you’re looking for instant obedience and blind loyalty, a robot might be a better choice. These breeds have large brains, strong personalities, and little interest in following orders just to please you. They march to the beat of their paw prints, often in chaotic, dramatic, and ridiculously funny ways. Living with one means letting go of control, embracing surprises, and learning to appreciate the joy of laughter. In the end, you’ll love them for who they are—stubborn sass and all.