Lots of dog breeds are highly trainable and learn new commands easily. However, some unruly dog breeds are not so easy to train. They are quite stubborn and test the patience of even the most patient owners.
Certain breeds have the potential to exhibit aggressive behavior. They have an independent mind and tend to make their own decisions. However, it does not mean they do not make good family pets.
Even the most unruly and aggressive dog breed can be trained with patience and consistency. Such dogs do not make a good fit for new pet parents and are better suited for experienced dog owners. As a rule of thumb, you can use reward-based training to teach these dogs.
Here are some of the most unruly dog breeds that test even the most patient owners.
The Most Unruly Dog Breeds That Test Even the Most Patient Owners
1. Afghan Hound
Having an elegant appearance and aloof temperament, the Afghan Hound is a classic stubborn dog breed. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, and they have a strong independent streak. Afghan Hounds can sometimes be aloof during training sessions.
Consistent training based on positive reinforcement based training methods is the best for these dogs. During sessions, they might do the trick perfectly for the first time. But later they may look at you like, “I already did it, why will I do it again?”
In the absence of proper training and socialization, Afghan Hounds can become assertive dog breeds. Their stubbornness comes wrapped in eye-catching coats that need regular grooming to stay in top-notch condition.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are highly energetic small dogs with minds of their own. They were originally bred for hunting foxes, so they are fearless, clever, and possess a strong work ethic. These traits come with a little bit of stubbornness.
Jack Russell Terriers often tend to believe that they are the smartest one in the room. Without regular exercise, JRTs can become destructive. Lack of aggression can also turn them into an aggressive dog breed. They are incredibly loyal to their owners.
However, Jack Russell Terriers tend to be wary of strangers and possess territorial instincts. These fiesty, highly driven, and tenacious hunting dogs thrive in households that provide them with structured routines and plenty of exercise.
Jack Russell Terriers focus more on pleasing themselves rather than obeying their owners. They may not be well-suited for experienced dog owners.
3. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is a fiercely independent dog breed, known for its stubborn nature. Originally bred for hunting and guarding in Japan, Shiba Inus demand an experienced handler. Shiba Inus are famous for their stubbornness and are notoriously hard to train.
They can also exhibit aggressive behaviors if not trained properly. Shibas are alert and active dogs who do not like strangers. Therefore, early socialization is also important to turn them into well-behaved pets.
Shiba Inus are a better choice for experienced pet parents, full of patience and have experience in handling aggressive dogs. Shiba Inus are fairly energetic and need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They can climb walls if they don’t get daily exercise, explains the American Kennel Club.
4. Basenji
Famous for their cat-like fastidious nature and distinctive yodel-like sounds called ‘baroos,’ Basenjis are popular barkless dogs. Basenjis were originally bred in Africa for hunting independently. These self-sufficient dogs tend to have a mind of their own.
Basenjis are not naturally aggressive, but a lack of proper training and adequate exercise can lead to an aggressive dog. These unruly canines have a headstrong personality, which makes them hard to train. A professional dog trainer can teach them in a better way.
According to PetMD, Basenjis are aloof dogs who need extended training and play sessions to stay out of trouble. Socialization starting from an early age can play an important role in turning them into well-behaved pets. However, they are very intelligent and respond well to positive training.
5. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are placid and gentle dogs known for their friendliness. They are not one of the aggressive breeds, but can be hard to train due to their extremely stubborn nature. Basset Hounds excel as scent trackers and family pets.
Their strong sense of smell and curious nature can easily distract them. So it is better to keep training sessions short and engaging. A patient handler who can offer firm training is needed to train these dogs. Providing stimulation and creative activities can help them respond positively to you.
It is recommended to start training sessions as soon as the puppy reaches eight weeks old. Responsible ownership is needed as Basset Hounds are often uninterested in the commands given by their owners.
6. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are feisty dogs with a territorial nature. They are incredibly loyal to their family and make excellent watchdogs. Scotties were originally bred to hunt vermin, so they are tenacious and love doing things on their own.
According to WebMD, Scottish Terriers are good for people but aggressive towards other dogs. They are notoriously independent and not very easy to train. In fact, Scotties are quite stubborn, but aggressive tendencies and stubborn dog behavior can be overcome by starting firm training right away.
Puppies have a high adaptability level, and you can easily train them at a young age. However, adult Scotties can be a challenge to train due to their strong-willed personality. Properly trained and well-socialized Scottish Terriers make excellent family pets.
7. Shar Pei
Shar Pei is an ancient dog breed recognized by its signature wrinkles, blue tongue, and serious expressions. These intelligent dogs usually have a calm demeanor, but are notoriously stubborn. But as guard dogs, they are independent thinkers.
Shar Peis are naturally protective of their owners and do not like strangers. They can exhibit aggressive behavior when it comes to defending against potential attacks. This aggressive dog breed is sometimes involved in fatal dog attacks.
Their strong-willed personality can make training a bit challenging. Consistency, patience, and using positive reinforcement-based training methods work best for them. Shar Peis are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them.
8. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are fierce and small dogs who would prefer resting in your lap over performing a task. These fiesty canines are not only challenging to train, but also the laziest. Chihuahuas are known for their petite size and big personalities.
Chihuahuas can become aggressive dog breeds in the absence of proper training. They have a protective nature but make poor guard dogs due to their small size. Unfortunately, they are not well-suited for first-time dog owners and homes with small kids.
Various factors can trigger aggressive behavior in Chihuahuas, such as inadequate training or guarding instincts. They are also prone to fear-based aggression. They form strong bonds with their owners and may bark often to let you know they are the boss.
9. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is an incredibly loyal and highly intelligent dogs who forms incredibly strong bonds with its owners. Having strong protective instincts, Chow Chows make excellent guard dogs. They have a low-maintenance personality, but tend to think independently.
Chow Chows are not naturally outgoing and social dogs. They tend to be aloof towards strangers and aggressive towards other dogs. They make good fighting dogs as well. Chow Chows are great family pets, but are not known for being playful and patient.
That is why they are better suited for families without boisterous children. Chow Chows are physically strong and can be quite stubborn. Lack of proper training or regular exercise can turn them into an aggressive dog breed.
A Chow Chow’s temperament is very similar to that of a Rottweiler. Rottweilers, however, tend to be more sociable than Chow Chows. Chow Chows are a bit more reserved. These powerful dogs have a bite force of around 220 psi.
Conclusion
From Shar Peis to Jack Russell Terriers and Scottish Terriers, some dog breeds have higher aggressive tendencies compared to others. Lack of adequate training, socialization, or regular exercise can lead to this kind of dog behavior.
Aggressive dog breeds like Doberman Pinscher and Pit Bulls are reportedly involved in dog bite incidents and fatal bite attacks. Such breeds are usually stubborn and hard to train. They can test even the most patient owners.
However, even the most aggressive dog breeds can be turned into well-behaved pets with proper training and early socialization.
