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© Getty Images
0 / 31 Fotos
Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Bred to brave the swamps of Louisiana, these canines were used as protection, primarily from wild hogs. If left alone too much, they can become aggressive and destructive. This combined with their independent nature means they need an experienced trainer.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Siberian husky
- Siberian huskies were bred to think independently, which can make them less responsive to traditional training methods. They're also prone to lots of barking, digging, and running away when they're not properly exercised.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Afghan Hound
- With its elegant snout and sleek long hair, the Afghan Hound has a dazzling appearance. But you might have a hard time training this dog because they tend towards aloofness. While they might not always obey, they will certainly stay loyal.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Jack Russell Terrier
- This small, powerful breed was bred for fox hunting. They have a very high prey drive, which makes them one of the hardest dogs to train.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Chow Chow
- The Chow Chow has been bred for centuries in China, where they first earned their reputation as a royal dog. However, their stubbornness makes them difficult to train. Perhaps it's their royal blood?
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Basenji
- A calm dog breed, the Basenji is highly independent and doesn't bark very much. But their independent and selective personality can be a challenge, especially in distracting environments.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Bloodhound
- Bloodhounds are hunting dogs known for their exceptional sense of smell. However, their instincts and self-reliance can pose a challenge during training.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Chihuahua
- As the world's smallest dogs, Chihuahuas are also one of the most aggressive and independent breeds, a combination that makes them hard to train.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
Malamute
- Similar to huskies, the malamute is a cold-weather breed known for its strong sense of independence. They're also not very motivated by food, toys, or pleasing their owners.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Great Pyrenees
- The Great Pyrenees were bred to operate on their own agenda, as they guarded sheep and rarely relied on human command. This sense of independence makes them one of the hardest dogs to train.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
Border Collie
- This loyal and high-energy breed is known for herding sheep over vast distances throughout Scotland and England. Regarded as one of the smartest dogs, they can present destructive or obsessive behaviors if not given plenty of exercise.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Bulldog
- Bulldogs are lazy couch potatoes, so you need a lot of patience and persistence to successfully train them! Plus, they're highly independent and stubborn.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Shar Pei
- Traditionally kept as a property guardian and for hunting, this breed has been around since ancient China. However, as a pet, their high intelligence and independent nature can make them difficult to train.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Australian Shepherd
- A highly intelligent dog, you'd think that the Australian Shepherd would be easy to train. However, this breed has a tendency to grow bored very quickly and is more apt to push your boundaries. They might just outsmart you!
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Australian Cattle Dog
- With high energy and intelligence, this breed can easily become destructive if they don't have a job. Bred to herd sheep, the Australian Cattle Dog needs robust daily exercise and early training to produce the results you desire.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Kuvasz
- This Hungarian breed was bred for guarding livestock in frigid temperatures. Used to going days without any human guidance, a strong pup can really do some damage if not properly trained.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Basset Hound
- Originally bred to be scent hounds, the Basset Hound is otherwise quite lazy. Thankfully, they're easily motivated by food. Just be sure to use small training treats, as they have a heightened risk of becoming obese.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Borzoi
- Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi is fast and will chase anything that moves. Make sure to start with short training sessions and don't forget treats for when they've done well.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Bullmastiff
- Originally bred to protect estates in Victorian England, these natural guard dogs can be challenging to train due to their independent nature.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Rottweiler
- Although they're one of the most intelligent breeds, Rottweilers can be a bit stubborn and aloof, which can make training difficult.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Greyhound
- A famous racing breed, the intelligent Greyhound is highly energetic. However, they're pretty sensitive and need a soft hand in training. If training is too harsh, they can become timid and fearful.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Canaan Dog
- One of the oldest breeds around, the Middle Eastern Canaan was used for guarding camps and livestock from predators. Their strong defensive instincts can make training tough.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- A popular hunting breed, they are the most stubborn of all the retrievers. With their guard dog qualities, it's best that only experienced dog owners and trainers handle them.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Pug
- Independent and mischievous, this playful breed needs consistent obedience training. And while you'll want to constantly pick them up, this could develop "little dog syndrome," which makes them even harder to train.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Dalmatian
- Highly intelligent and loyal, Dalmatians have lots of energy and need to be kept busy. When bored, they can become aggressive and destructive, which is a combination that can make them hard to train.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Beagle
- A skilled hunting dog, the Beagle can be hard to train because they have a strong focus on the smells around them and a genetic inclination to follow scent trails. They have a strong predisposition to bark and chase if they're not trained.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
American Pit Bull Terrier
- Long bred for their aggression and fighting skills, this doesn't mean this breed can't be well-behaved and loving. However, with that in mind, they're only recommended for experienced owners.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Affenpinscher
- While smart, these pooches are independent and in need of consistent obedience training. For anyone willing to put in the time, this smart breed makes a fine companion dog.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Black and Tan Coonhound
- A breed that needs lots of exercise and room to roam, the Black and Tan Coonhound usually needs an experienced trainer. While they're friendly and loving, these four-legged doggos are independent and stubborn.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
St. Bernard
- This giant-loving breed is highly intelligent, but they're very independent. Training early should help them learn to obey commands. Sources: (Reader's Digest) (PetKeen) See also: The secret ways dogs communicate with their owners
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 31 Fotos
Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Bred to brave the swamps of Louisiana, these canines were used as protection, primarily from wild hogs. If left alone too much, they can become aggressive and destructive. This combined with their independent nature means they need an experienced trainer.
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Siberian husky
- Siberian huskies were bred to think independently, which can make them less responsive to traditional training methods. They're also prone to lots of barking, digging, and running away when they're not properly exercised.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Afghan Hound
- With its elegant snout and sleek long hair, the Afghan Hound has a dazzling appearance. But you might have a hard time training this dog because they tend towards aloofness. While they might not always obey, they will certainly stay loyal.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Jack Russell Terrier
- This small, powerful breed was bred for fox hunting. They have a very high prey drive, which makes them one of the hardest dogs to train.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Chow Chow
- The Chow Chow has been bred for centuries in China, where they first earned their reputation as a royal dog. However, their stubbornness makes them difficult to train. Perhaps it's their royal blood?
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Basenji
- A calm dog breed, the Basenji is highly independent and doesn't bark very much. But their independent and selective personality can be a challenge, especially in distracting environments.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Bloodhound
- Bloodhounds are hunting dogs known for their exceptional sense of smell. However, their instincts and self-reliance can pose a challenge during training.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Chihuahua
- As the world's smallest dogs, Chihuahuas are also one of the most aggressive and independent breeds, a combination that makes them hard to train.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
Malamute
- Similar to huskies, the malamute is a cold-weather breed known for its strong sense of independence. They're also not very motivated by food, toys, or pleasing their owners.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
Great Pyrenees
- The Great Pyrenees were bred to operate on their own agenda, as they guarded sheep and rarely relied on human command. This sense of independence makes them one of the hardest dogs to train.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
Border Collie
- This loyal and high-energy breed is known for herding sheep over vast distances throughout Scotland and England. Regarded as one of the smartest dogs, they can present destructive or obsessive behaviors if not given plenty of exercise.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Bulldog
- Bulldogs are lazy couch potatoes, so you need a lot of patience and persistence to successfully train them! Plus, they're highly independent and stubborn.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Shar Pei
- Traditionally kept as a property guardian and for hunting, this breed has been around since ancient China. However, as a pet, their high intelligence and independent nature can make them difficult to train.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
Australian Shepherd
- A highly intelligent dog, you'd think that the Australian Shepherd would be easy to train. However, this breed has a tendency to grow bored very quickly and is more apt to push your boundaries. They might just outsmart you!
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
Australian Cattle Dog
- With high energy and intelligence, this breed can easily become destructive if they don't have a job. Bred to herd sheep, the Australian Cattle Dog needs robust daily exercise and early training to produce the results you desire.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Kuvasz
- This Hungarian breed was bred for guarding livestock in frigid temperatures. Used to going days without any human guidance, a strong pup can really do some damage if not properly trained.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Basset Hound
- Originally bred to be scent hounds, the Basset Hound is otherwise quite lazy. Thankfully, they're easily motivated by food. Just be sure to use small training treats, as they have a heightened risk of becoming obese.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Borzoi
- Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi is fast and will chase anything that moves. Make sure to start with short training sessions and don't forget treats for when they've done well.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Bullmastiff
- Originally bred to protect estates in Victorian England, these natural guard dogs can be challenging to train due to their independent nature.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Rottweiler
- Although they're one of the most intelligent breeds, Rottweilers can be a bit stubborn and aloof, which can make training difficult.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Greyhound
- A famous racing breed, the intelligent Greyhound is highly energetic. However, they're pretty sensitive and need a soft hand in training. If training is too harsh, they can become timid and fearful.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Canaan Dog
- One of the oldest breeds around, the Middle Eastern Canaan was used for guarding camps and livestock from predators. Their strong defensive instincts can make training tough.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- A popular hunting breed, they are the most stubborn of all the retrievers. With their guard dog qualities, it's best that only experienced dog owners and trainers handle them.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Pug
- Independent and mischievous, this playful breed needs consistent obedience training. And while you'll want to constantly pick them up, this could develop "little dog syndrome," which makes them even harder to train.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Dalmatian
- Highly intelligent and loyal, Dalmatians have lots of energy and need to be kept busy. When bored, they can become aggressive and destructive, which is a combination that can make them hard to train.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
Beagle
- A skilled hunting dog, the Beagle can be hard to train because they have a strong focus on the smells around them and a genetic inclination to follow scent trails. They have a strong predisposition to bark and chase if they're not trained.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
American Pit Bull Terrier
- Long bred for their aggression and fighting skills, this doesn't mean this breed can't be well-behaved and loving. However, with that in mind, they're only recommended for experienced owners.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Affenpinscher
- While smart, these pooches are independent and in need of consistent obedience training. For anyone willing to put in the time, this smart breed makes a fine companion dog.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Black and Tan Coonhound
- A breed that needs lots of exercise and room to roam, the Black and Tan Coonhound usually needs an experienced trainer. While they're friendly and loving, these four-legged doggos are independent and stubborn.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
St. Bernard
- This giant-loving breed is highly intelligent, but they're very independent. Training early should help them learn to obey commands. Sources: (Reader's Digest) (PetKeen) See also: The secret ways dogs communicate with their owners
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
Dog breeds that are challenging to train
These adorable dogs will never be the teacher's pet...
© <p>Getty Images</p>
Along with offering love and affection, dog training is incredibly important when you bring a new furry friend home. In some cases, especially with the hardest dogs to train, the process requires a lot more patience and consistency. And while personal history combined with physical capabilities partially determine training ability, studies have shown that breed plays a role too.
In this gallery, we've assembled the dog breeds experts say are the hardest to train. But keep in mind that it's not that these pups aren't trainable, but rather that they might require some extra attention and a knowledgeable trainer. Click through the gallery to meet the class clowns!
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