The 10 Most Difficult Dog Breeds to Train

Training difficulty doesn’t mean a dog is unintelligent or “bad.” In fact, many hard-to-train breeds are extremely smart—but their intelligence comes with independence, stubbornness, or strong instincts that don’t always align with human expectations. These dogs tend to think for themselves rather than automatically comply.

What makes a breed difficult to train usually comes down to temperament, motivation style, attention span, and instinctual drives. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, any breed can be trained—but some require far more effort and understanding than others. Below are 10 dog breeds widely considered among the most challenging to train.

1. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are intelligent but famously independent. They were bred to hunt using sight rather than following human commands. This makes them aloof, easily distracted, and uninterested in repetitive training. They tend to obey only when they see personal value in it.

2. Basenji

Often called “the cat of the dog world,” Basenjis are highly independent and strong-willed. They dislike repetition, resist obedience training, and follow their own logic. Their intelligence makes them problem-solvers—but not people-pleasers.

3. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are reserved, stubborn, and highly independent. They bond closely with one person but are not naturally eager to obey commands. Training requires firm consistency, early socialization, and mutual respect rather than force.

4. Bulldog

Bulldogs are affectionate but notoriously stubborn. Their low energy and laid-back attitude often translate into resistance to structured training. They prefer comfort over compliance, making motivation a consistent challenge.

5. Beagle

Beagles are intelligent but heavily driven by scent. Once their nose takes over, commands fade into the background. Their strong prey drive and curiosity make focus difficult, especially outdoors. Training requires high-value rewards and patience.

6. Bloodhound

Bloodhounds possess one of the strongest scent drives of any breed. While intelligent, they are easily distracted and single-minded once tracking a scent. Obedience often loses priority when instinct is activated.

7. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are confident, independent, and famously stubborn. They tend to question commands rather than follow them. Training requires creativity, respect for boundaries, and avoiding power struggles—force will almost always backfire.

8. Siberian Husky

Huskies are intelligent, energetic, and independent thinkers. Bred to work without constant human direction, they often ignore commands they find unnecessary. Consistency is essential, but even well-trained Huskies retain a strong independent streak.

9. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russells are extremely intelligent—but their energy and intensity make training challenging. They become bored easily, test boundaries, and require constant mental stimulation. Without structured outlets, training sessions can quickly derail.

10. Dachshund

Dachshunds were bred to hunt independently underground, which explains their stubbornness. They are clever but selective listeners. House training and obedience often take longer due to their strong will and independent problem-solving nature.