Dogs are the sweetest angels, lighting up your home with quirks and affection, but only if they are born to please. Some would rather roll their eyes at your command than patiently follow them. These are the least obedient, worst-behaved dog breeds that have mastered the art of ignoring orders.
Big or small, these mischief-makers are bred to misbehave and demand independence only to do what they want. Sure, they are charming, lovely, and affectionate. But all the nice things last until you start training or ask to obey.
They are clever, stubborn, and unapologetically difficult to be with. They are sure to make you question your sanity. Let’s dive into the world of troublemakers who secretly thrive on making you mad.
Least Obedient Worst Behaved Dog Breeds
1. Chow Chow
Chow Chow looks like they own the place with a thick lion-like mane and deep-set almond eyes. These dogs also have a serious protective nature, which sounds good until they start deciding who can enter your home, friends, neighbors, or even delivery guys.
Their quiet confidence is what makes them different from the obedient dog breeds. They don’t seek approval. They don’t need your praise. They do what they believe is right.
You can’t expect emotional expression either. Chow Chow just sits there, being aloof. Their loyalty comes with conditions. WebMD added that these dogs are territorial and tend to stay at home comfortably.
Here’s What to Do
Training a Chow Chow takes patience and consistent effort. Yelling or pushing them never works. They respond well to calm respect. You earn their trust without commanding it.
2. Old English sheepdogs
The Old English Sheepdogs look cute with their thick, soft coats. But, behind that giant furball coat and goofy grin lies a stubborn, bossy, and completely unpredictable dog.
AKC mentioned that these dogs need physical exercise. But in obedience training, they are a test of patience. Their working and obedience intelligence is only used to outsmart you. They will act confused just to get it done with.
These Sheepdogs were originally bred to herd cattle, which gave rise to their independent nature. It is still alive, but only to direct and not follow.
Leave them alone too long, and they will invent their own entertainment that won’t be amusing to you. Chewed shoes, rearranged pillows, or random holes in your yard, they will be behind every destruction.
Borrow Patience if you have to
When trained with positive reinforcement and patience, they will become reliable helpers. Set boundaries from day one so that they won’t run your house like a farm.
3. Scottish Terrier
That long beard, sharp upright ears, and confident stride, the Scottish Terrier screams attitude. Their intelligence is undeniable, but they prefer doing things their own way, usually with drama. PetMD highlighted that they are energetic dogs, requiring daily exercise.
When it comes to obedience training sessions. Scottish Terriers are a puzzle. They understand your commands. They just don’t always care. Around other animals, their bossy nature can turn into full-on rivalry. They don’t back down easily.
Living with one means constant negotiations. They are demanding, vocal, and impossible to intimidate. They’ll run circles around inexperienced owners. Then nap like they did nothing wrong.
Their protective instinct doesn’t help either. They bark at every sound, every shadow, every breeze. You will never need an alarm.
Treat them with respect
Training a Scottie requires patience and consistency, but most importantly, respect. They respond best when treated like a partner, not a student.
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is just a saint by name. They look so big and kind that people forget they’re also one of the least obedient dog breeds. Sure, they look like teddy bears, but they are not as soft when it comes to training.
A Saint Bernard listens only when they want to. They don’t ignore your command intentionally; they are just busy calculating if it’s worth giving a reaction. They’re intelligent dogs, but they have their own timing. Rushing them means digging their heels in.
These gentle giants used to rescue lost travellers in the snowy Alps with their massive size, strength, and thick tricolor coat. Back at home, that same independent hero energy makes them a little too relaxed about following commands.
Reward your way to training
Keep commands simple and consistent. Use food rewards. This is the only language they truly understand.
5. Welsh terrier
The Welsh terrier is a tiny storm of energy, stubbornness, and mischief that never runs out of energy. They show deliberate rebellion. They challenge the command and sprint in the opposite direction.
PDSA pointed out that these dogs are part of the “Terrier group” that used to do hunting. That bravery and courage are still here in modern times. They have a strong sense of adventure. It sounds cute until it turns into daily escapes. Leave the door open for a half second and consider them gone.
Welsh Terriers are loud with constant barking. Their protective instincts kick in over every leaf that moves. Quiet homes are not for them.
How to gain control over them
Keep training sessions short, strict, and unpredictable. Use positive reinforcement, but with boundaries. Early socialization is key. Give them plenty of exercise, like puzzle toys or long walks, to exhaust their energy.
6. Dachshund
Dachshunds are among the least obedient dog breeds for a reason. They may be small, but they act like they rule the neighborhood. That long, sausage boy, short legs, and smug little face, this breed is chaos packed into a few stubborn inches.
They are intelligent dogs, but their brains work differently. Instead of using their smarts to please you, they love to outsmart you. Let’s not forget the roller coaster of mood swings, sweeter in one minute and dramatic in the next.
They want attention constantly, but only on their own terms. They remember exactly where you hide things like the TV remote or snacks.
Try to train this way
Use firm boundaries and proper training till they get stubborn. Keep sessions short and fun.
7. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound looks sluggish with droopy ears. But they are active in not listening to you. Their stubborn streak is next-level. They move when they want, eat when they want, and nap wherever they want. You can’t even rush them; they will sit down and become immovable.
They are messy too. Drool, fur, and muddy paws everywhere. They walk into puddles with no sense of walking safely. Combine this with a careless attitude, and you’ve got a dog that turns your clean home into a slob zone in no time.
Their bodies do not help either. With those short legs and heavy build, they’re not exactly athletic. These dogs were bred to follow scents. Once they catch a whiff of something, they won’t waste a second chasing that smell at all costs.
Managing their behavior
Yelling or forcing makes them even more stubborn. Respond with gentle persistence, and you will see quite a difference. Use food reviews followed by short commands. Make sure their walk includes time for sniffing.
8. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are massive, muscular, and built like tanks. Originally bred as guard dogs, they were trained to make their own decisions on the field. This independence never left.
These large dogs also have a mind of their own around strangers. Their protective instincts make them suspicious of guests, delivery guys, or even your friends.
Their sheer size makes their disobedience even more frustrating. When a dog this heavy decides not to listen, they become immovable, unimpressed, and too proud to budge. Don’t expect them to listen when they’re excited. Expect only chaos when they are riled up about anything.
What works with this dog
With Bullmastiff, respect beats dominance. If you bully them into obedience, they will push back harder. Use firm commands and get calm behavior instantly. Make sure to keep your training sessions brief.
9. Beagle
The Beagle has those big brown eyes and floppy ears that make everyone melt. But they are actually mischievous little rebels behind that sweet face. They think the rules you make are optional to follow.
They are social, yes, but they use that energy for mischief. Leave them alone for too long. They’ll chew through shoes, pillows, or anything remotely expensive.
Beagles are painfully noisy. They have a distinct baying howl that can make your neighbor hate you or complain about it.
They were developed as hunting dogs, designed to chase scents with laser focus. That instinct never turned off. Once they smell something interesting, it’s game over. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, or they’ll create their own chaos.
Training that might work
Treat them to scent-based rewards like treats, toys, or anything that grabs their nose. Keep training short and playful, and never expect robotic obedience ever.
Conclusion
These born rebels are sure to make you forget what friendly and mannered dogs look like. These least obedient, worst-behaved breeds are strong-willed, old, and sometimes a little too clever for their own good. Owning one of these dogs requires endless patience, never-ending consistency, and knowing how to laugh when things don’t work.
These dogs want to prove nothing and are actually content with their attitude. If you think you can handle that disobedience and unlimited chaos, you can gain a loyal buddy for life. These pups may not be good at listening, but they are good at rewriting rules and owning their least obedient behavior.
