What makes a dog stubborn? Is it their strong will, independence, or just a personality trait they were born with? While many popular breeds are known for their headstrong nature, some lesser-known dogs are just as determined. If not more so.
These stubborn pups may not be on every dog lover’s radar, but their unique, strong-willed personalities are hard to ignore.
If you are not afraid of this challenge and you are willing to spend time and have patience, then these seven lesser-known breeds could be just what you are looking for. Although they might be difficult to train, the benefits are amazing.
Let’s explore these seven most stubborn dog breeds.
Incredibly Stubborn but Lesser-Known Dog Breeds
1. Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is one of the rarest dog breeds with an interesting background. It was originally bred in Norway for puffin hunting.
One of its most notable features is the six toes on each foot, a physical adaptation that helps them navigate steep cliffs and rugged terrain. This unique trait, along with their flexible joints, allowed them to work in difficult, isolated environments.
Stubborn Personality
Lundehund dogs are smart, yet can be difficult to train. They were born to be independent, so they don’t always respond well to commands.
They prefer to think for themselves and will ignore instructions if they don’t understand the reasoning behind them. When training a dog, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are essential for training sessions as well as earning their trust.
Loyalty and Bonding
Once you earn their respect, Norwegian Lundehunds are incredibly loyal companions. They are stubborn dogs, but their bond with their owners is strong. These dogs thrive on positive experiences and can be affectionate, making them wonderful pets for the right person.
2. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a primitive breed of Thailand. It was rarely found outside of Thailand, but its popularity is increasing now.
They were bred for hunting, and their powerful instincts make them excellent at their job, but less suited for family life. They are tough and stubborn dog breeds as they manage themselves and survive in the wild.
Strong-willed and Independent
Thai Ridgebacks are known for their independence and strong personality. They might not follow orders just because they are asked.
They need a strong leader to guide them, but they will challenge the commands if they don’t understand the purpose behind them. As noted by PetMD, Thai Ridgebacks learn quickly when training sessions are kept engaging and fun.
Loyal But Aloof
Once bonded with the owner, the Thai Ridgeback will be loyal and protective for its whole life. Nevertheless, they don’t naturally show affection towards other dogs and are aloof with strangers.
It is important that this breed is well-socialized and trained from an early age by a professional trainer to become a well-balanced dog.
3. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a striking dog breed from West Africa, specifically the Sahel region. This breed is known for its elegant physique. They are slim and athletic in build and built for speed.
With their deep chests and long legs, Azawakhs are well adapted to run on harsh terrains. They were originally bred to hunt in a desert climate with physical traits needed to cover long distances quickly and efficiently.
Strong-Willed and Independent
Azawakhs are known for their independence, a trait that was crucial for their original role as hunters. They are not typically driven by a desire to please their owners and prefer to make their own decisions. This strong-willed nature can make them less obedient and more difficult to train compared to other breeds.
Training Needs
Due to their independent trait, Azawakhs require a patient and persistent approach to training. They respond best to gentle guidance, using positive reinforcement techniques rather than forceful methods.
A calm, structured environment is essential for them to thrive. Although they are intelligent, they may not be motivated to follow commands unless they understand the reason behind them.
Loyalty and Independence
Azawakhs are not overly affectionate, especially with strangers. According to WebMD, they are intelligent and affectionate with their owners, but not particularly interested in learning tricks. They enjoy daily exercise and are happy to relax at home afterward.
Due to their strong prey drive, they may chase smaller animals and should always be leashed during walks. A securely fenced yard is also important to prevent them from running after potential prey.
4. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is the national breed of Israel, known for being smart, independent, and great at guarding. Originally, they were bred to protect livestock in Israel’s desert areas.
After World War II, Dr. Manzel started a program to train Canaan Dogs as guide dogs for blind people, proving how adaptable and intelligent these dogs are.
Their alertness, agility, and quick reflexes make them highly capable in a variety of tasks, including guarding and herding. The Canaan Dog’s resourcefulness and adaptability allow it to succeed in diverse environments, making it both a dedicated working dog and a loyal pet.
Training Challenges
Canaan Dogs are highly intelligent but are also independent thinkers, making training a challenge. Their natural instincts for guarding and decision-making mean they are not always motivated to follow commands unless they understand the reasoning behind them. Successful training requires patience and consistency, as well as a firm yet gentle approach.
Loyal and Protective
Once a Canaan dog bonds with its family, it’s a loyal and protective companion. They are naturally wary of strangers but defend their loved ones fiercely.
Canaan Dogs are highly intelligent, and if they become bored, they may resort to excessive barking or digging. To keep them engaged, be sure to provide plenty of mental stimulation through training, exercise, playtime, and interactive toys.
5. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is one of the most famous hairless and unique dog breeds in the world. This breed has three sizes such as small, medium, and large. This dog’s appearance shows strength, speed, and harmony. Their skin tone ranges from brown to yellow.
A Challenge to Train
Peruvian Inca Orchids are not particularly eager to please. It requires an experienced dog owner to understand their independent mind. Teaching them is not easy.
They may ignore you if they choose not to perform the activity. Early socialization is very important if you want to train this dog, and you should incorporate positive reinforcement and consistent routines during training sessions.
Bonding with the Owner
Despite their stubbornness, Peruvian Inca Orchids are incredibly loyal to their family once they form a bond. They may take time to warm up, but once they do, they can be very affectionate.
According to AKC, they are not suited for outdoor living and need sunscreen on sunny days to protect their sensitive skin. In addition to regular grooming, occasional baths will help keep them clean and looking their best.
6. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
The Xoloitzcuintli is a Mexican Hairless Dog, and it is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. These dogs were bred by the ancient civilizations of Mexico and are considered calm and devoted. Nevertheless, they also nearly always have a strong, independent streak that makes training hard.
Stubborn but Loyal
Once bonded, Xoloitzcuintli can be calm and loving; however, training them can be difficult. They wish to do things their own way, and that requires someone experienced to handle them with patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement works best with this breed.
Bonding Takes Time
Xolos are not always immediately affectionate with strangers, and they can be reserved at first. However, once they warm up to their family, they become extremely loyal and loving companions.
This hairless breed may be small, but they have a big bark. They’re known to alert their families to passersby with a loud voice, but they don’t bark without reason.
7. Karelian Bear Dog
The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog breed that is primarily bred in Finland. This breed is designed for tough tasks like hunting big animals like bears and guarding property.
Their strength and independence make them a highly stubborn dog breed. They are used to keep bears away from human-inhabited places. They are very clever, yet they have their own mind.
Training the Karelian Bear Dog
Training a Karelian Bear Dog requires consistency and being firm with your corrections. They do best in structured environments where they know what to do. Just because they are stubborn does not mean they can not be trained, but they do need an experienced owner who is patient and assertive.
Courageous and Loyal
Karelian Bear Dogs are super loyal to their family and will protect their loved ones at all costs. Due to their courage and strength, these dog breeds are good working dogs.
They should always be kept on a leash when outdoors, as their strong prey drive can cause them to chase anything that catches their eye.
Conclusion
If you have a strong or stubborn dog, you may need to try harder with them. However, most stubborn dogs are loyal and intelligent, which makes going the extra mile totally worth it. These not-so-famous dog breeds are not the most trainable. But their unique traits make them an interesting pet.
If you are an experienced dog owner, you can develop an intense bond with this breed and receive great devotion. Training these breeds takes time. They can be independent thinkers who need time to succeed in training. One of these breeds can be a lifetime companion and a member of your family if you’re going to take the challenge.
