Categorizing dog breeds is a great way to find out which dog breed is the best one for you. Your wishes when it comes to the characteristics of your perfect dog might not be met if you are not searching for a dog in the fitting category.
Least obedient dog breeds are for those people who like to have a dog that has its own personality. If you are looking for a dog that will always do what they wish to do, and not what they are supposed to or told to do, this list will be the one for you.
Also, if you are a person who is looking for dog breeds that will be great for obedience training, this list will give you all of the possible answers for: which breed not to buy.
These dogs are all charming in their own ways, and definitely have personalities of their own. Let’s find out which dog breeds of the dog kingdom are the least obedient ones!
Least Obedient Dog Breeds
Let’s go through this extensive list of least obedient dog breeds together!
1. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are on the list of least obedient dog breeds because they were bred to be hunting and tracing dogs.
This makes any kind of dog have these crazy instincts to go beyond their owner’s command, no matter how attached they are to their owner, and how lovable they are.
Scotties are adorable little troublemakers with a big personality and an even bigger independent streak. Originally bred for hunting and tracking, these dogs are hardwired with strong instincts that make them notorious for being one of the least obedient breeds.
You can call them “stubborn,” “willful,” or “adventurous,” but the truth is, these dogs have been trained for centuries to think for themselves, chase down prey, and get the job done without waiting for a command. The result? A dog who’s more likely to follow its nose than its owner’s voice.
No matter how much your Scottie loves you (and trust me, they do!), their natural instinct to “go after it” will always be a temptation. Be ready to embrace the challenge of owning a dog that might just decide to do what they want, whenever they feel like it.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds were developed as fox, weasel, rodent, and even boar hunters. They have courage, self-reliance, and tenacity.
They are infamously challenging to housebreak and teach. They require activities that will keep their brain and body engaged because they are vivacious and bright.
Their rebellious nature can be made worse by boredom.
They may be motivated to completely dig up your back yard because they have been bred to follow their desire to dig tunnels while pursuing badgers.
They enjoy barking as well. Dachshunds can be prevented from acting destructively with puzzle and interactive dog toys.
3. Chihuahua
Their bark will cut right through your eardrums. For such a small breed, they produce a significant amount of noise. Chihuahuas frequently reach a maximum height of only eight inches.
These small dogs are pretty mean towards strangers, and sometimes even towards their owner. They have odd personalities that are really hard to manage. Chihuahuas may be small in size, but their attitude is massive.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s the embodiment of “big things come in small packages,” then look no further—because Chihuahuas have a larger-than-life personality that can both charm and challenge.
These tiny dogs often have an exaggerated sense of their own importance, strutting around like they’re the CEO of the household, ready to take charge and tell everyone what to do. And if you think that’s cute, wait until you try to get them to listen.
They’re independent, opinionated, and often do not feel like obeying commands, especially if they think they’ve got a better idea. Trying to train a Chihuahua can feel like negotiating with a tiny, fur-coated dictator who isn’t afraid to assert their authority. So, buckle up—being the “leader of the pack” might not be as easy as you think with one of these feisty furballs in the mix!
4. Borzoi
You would be correct in assuming that a dog raised to fight wolves may have an autonomous mindset and be less likely to comply with humans. This is the Borzoi.
The Borzoi, once known as the Russian Wolfhound, will chase whatever it can, and doesn’t really care about obeying commands.
The AKC says that they can be recalcitrant in their silent, cat-like nature, so coaching is best done with persistence, patience, and a sense of humor.
They must be held on a leash or permitted to run in a secure area because of their great urge to chase objects. This is not the kind of dog that will saunter leisurely behind you on a hike when left unattended.
Read more about: 30 Borzoi Colors
5. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound was developed to track deer and wild boar, and when on the hunt, he was required to be independent-thinking.
Without proper training, the Bloodhound’s rebellious nature can make him highly unruly in modern times.
Bloodhounds have an infinite supply of energy, and will travel to the far corners of the earth to find their prey.
The Bloodhound is described as “the meaning of the word stubborn” by Dogtime. A lot of care, training, and exercise can help the Bloodhound develop into a sensitive, understanding family pet.
Many people think the label “blooded” hound comes from the fact that these dogs were once maintained as prestige hounds by members of the royal family.
6.Basenji
The Basenji has a highly cat-like disposition, just like the Chow Chow. They were developed to be solo hunters, much like the Afghan Hound. Although they are known as the “barkless dog,” this does not imply that they are silent.
They produce a noise that has been compared to a cackle and a yodel. Your neighbors might not find it as endearing as you do.
They require early socialization and training. They struggle to concentrate throughout training because of their limitless energy and limited attention span.
The excellent thing is that you are able to utilize positive reinforcement training methods on them because they have a strong desire to play. But don’t get too excited about that “play” part, because despite their enthusiasm, Basenjis have a seriously independent streak.
These dogs were bred to work alone, so when it comes to following commands, they’re about as cooperative as a cat in a bath. They’ll give you that “I’m not doing that” look and trot off to do their own thing, leaving you frustrated and wondering who’s really in charge here.
7. Pug
When they first began to serve their owners in the historic Han period, believe it or not, Pugs were avid hunters.
They frequently run off if they see something that they wish to chase because they are hunting dogs. Your orders to stay, heel, or sit will definitely be ignored.
Pugs are known for their stubborn nature, and their free will that nobody in this world has the power to influence.
They might look like lazy lap dogs, but when they catch sight of something they want to chase, all bets are off. It’s like they have selective hearing, tuned only to things that interest them, and unfortunately, you aren’t always at the top of the list.
Pugs are notoriously stubborn, and their strong-willed nature is something they inherited long ago. It’s as if they’ve been bred to think they know best and, honestly, they’re not wrong.
Pugs have a free-spirited attitude that defies authority – no matter how much you beg, bribe, or plead. They do what they want when they want, and trying to break them of this habit feels like trying to teach a brick wall to fetch.
8. Beagle
Beagles were trained to follow their nose all day long in search of prey; therefore, it can be difficult to train them to obey your commands rather than their nose.
It takes imagination to train them because of their obstinacy and propensity to follow their nose. Your Beagle won’t care what time of day it is if he spots something outside a window that he wants to chase.
Additionally, they were created to bay while on a hunt so that people can track the bark of the dog pack.
Your Beagle won’t care what hour of day (or night) it is if he spots anything outside the house that he feels the need to chase. To prevent them from acting destructively, they require a lot of activity.
9. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound has been originally developed to pursue prey over long ranges for the whole day long (maybe that is why they are so pricey!).
Instead of asking their master for guidance, these sighthounds had to use their own judgment to keep tabs on the prey. These days, those characteristics are exhibited as independence and aloofness.
They compensate for their inability to adhere by being incredibly kind and devoted. No amount of training, according to owners of this noble breed, will be able to suppress their innate desire to pursue prey.
To satisfy their desire to actually sprint and run, they must have the chance to do it at least a couple of times per week in a sizable, properly-adjusted area.
It can be difficult to get them to pay attention to you rather than constantly scanning the surroundings looking for something to catch.
10. Chow Chow
It’s claimed that Chow Chows have highly cat-like characteristics. They are autonomous, aristocratic, distant, introverted, smart, and stubborn.
Due to their inherent independence, they frequently choose to refuse your commands unless you can persuade them that doing so will benefit them.
Without receiving a lot of interaction as puppies, Chow Chows, no matter if male or female, are indeed susceptible to developing territorial behavior and aggression toward any human or canine outside of their close family.
They can be a liability anywhere other than your own property because of this, yet they can make great guard dogs. They are quite difficult to persuade that not all outsiders pose a threat to your family.
11. Pekingese
The Pekingese wasn’t ever intended to complete an obedience test or an agility class; instead, it was developed as a lap dog for more than just the Chinese royal family.
Training them can be difficult because of their strong aura of a powerful ego, which leads them to assume you are their king or queen rather than the other way around.
Although they are rebellious and headstrong, they are also very brilliant.
With their family, they are loving, but they may not be compatible with strangers as well as other dogs. From a very young age, they are required to be groomed and schooled in obedience.
So, when you try to train them, don’t be surprised if they give you that look of complete indifference, as if you’re beneath their noble stature. They know they’re smarter than you – they just don’t feel like proving it unless it serves their royal agenda.
12. Husky
This one was an easy guess – the talkative Husky is sometimes almost obnoxious. Their loudness cannot be tamed no matter how hard you try.
They are really stubborn, will ‘talk back’ to you, and will disobey you at any chance they get.
They do have a mind of their own, but they are actually very loving dogs (that have very loud howls).
Huskies are like that one friend who can’t stop talking—except their version of “talking” is howling, whining, and barking nonstop. They’re stubborn as a mule, and if they don’t feel like listening, good luck getting them to obey!
Try to issue a command, and they’ll probably give you a sassy howl or flat-out ignore you, as if to say, “I’m doing my own thing, thanks.” Despite their rebellious ways, they’re big-hearted, just with very loud opinions!
13. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute was bred to be a working dog. And, as you can see, most of the dog breeds from this list are Terriers, or dog breeds that were bred to be working dogs.
Alaskan Malamutes were bred to be independent thinkers – tough dogs that can survive in any circumstance, thanks to their intelligence.
They don’t like being told what to do because they know what to do by themselves. Alaskan Malamutes are the ultimate “I’ll do it my way” dogs.
Bred to think for themselves and survive in the harshest conditions, they’ve got an independent streak that would make even the most stubborn terrier look like a rule-follower.
Tell them what to do, and they’ll probably give you a look like, “I already know what I’m doing—thanks for the suggestion, though!” Obedience? That’s optional.
14. Coton De Tulear
My friend has one of these cute canines, and that is the reason why I put this dog on this list. The Coton De Tulear is a really vocal dog breed.
No matter how hard you try to prove to them that there is no need to bark at everything, you won’t succeed.
Barking at clouds and rain? the Coton De Tulear has got you covered. Barking at an unfamiliar sock in the living room? Yes. Barking at you for showing up in a different T-shirt? Most definitely. And, the best part is there is literally no way of stopping them.
Read Also: Coton De Tulear Growth Chart — Tiny But Tenacious Dogs
15. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu breed is accustomed to being treated like a prince or a princess.
For Chinese emperors, these canines were specifically bred as lapdogs. They won’t just submit to any other non-royal commanding officer! Some say they are the worst, others say that their Shih Tzu is their spoiled baby.
Shih Tzus will give you a spoiled stare when you command them to, for example, sit, and you both will know that there is no way that they will obey you.
16. Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier, like numerous other canines on this list, was developed as a solo hunter.
They were raised to think independently, so following orders from others doesn’t come easily to them. Welsh Terriers have a never-ending supply of energy and willingness to compete.
They enjoy solving puzzles as well, and if you don’t provide them with enough mental challenges, they might solve that puzzle by figuring out how to enter the trash or locate your favorite piece of clothing to shred into bits and pieces.
Welsh Terriers enjoy being up high, such as on top of cabinets and other pieces of furniture, just like cats do. They also have a propensity for tunneling and howling.
17. Bulldog
They no longer exhibit hostile behavior as they once did when they were trained to be bull-baiting dogs, but they still act independently, at their own pace, and only when they feel like it.
It can be difficult to get them to take a walk, but it’s important since Bulldogs are especially likely to be overweight, which makes a number of the other health issues they are prone to worse.
No matter if it is a male or a female, all Bulldogs are reportedly slow learners, despite how adorable they are.
18. Jack Russell Terrier
Just as any other Terrier on this list, the Jack Russell Terrier is a dog breed that used to be a hunting dog.
They are raised to hunt rodents that live in holes underground. That is why it will be almost impossible to stop them from digging holes and alerting you with loud barks.
Jack Russell Terriers have a one-track mind: hunt, dig, bark, repeat. Bred to hunt down rodents hiding underground, these dogs are practically programmed to dig holes like they’re looking for buried treasure.
And forget about getting them to stop – they’re like little fur-covered bulldozers with no off switch. Their loud barks? They’re just making sure you know that something is going on, even if it’s just a patch of dirt. Obedience? Good luck with that!
Final Word
I hope that you have gone through our list of least obedient dog breeds, and understood that most of them are actually bred for specific purposes.
Working dogs have some in-born instincts that other dog breeds don’t have, which, if not properly steered, might result in destructive behavior at home.