They may be tiny, but some microdog breeds have the biggest personalities! If you’ve ever owned a stubborn small dog, you know exactly what we mean. You say “Sit,” they stare at you like you’re speaking another language. You call their name, and suddenly, they’ve forgotten they even have a name.
While small dogs are often seen as easy-to-handle companions, some breeds come with a serious attitude and a mind of their own. They’re independent, strong-willed, and absolutely convinced that they’re in charge—no matter how big (or small) they actually are.
But why are some micro dog breeds so stubborn? And more importantly, how can you train them without losing your sanity? In this article, we’ll uncover the most adorably headstrong small dog breeds and what makes them so notoriously hard to train.
Stubborn Micro Dog Breeds
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small, but their reputation is anything but. Originally from Mexico, this breed was cherished by ancient civilizations and has since become a beloved companion worldwide. Despite their size, they carry themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog, making them a favorite among those who adore feisty, spirited pets.
Stubbornness is practically in their DNA. As one of the most stubborn dog breeds, Chihuahuas have an independent streak that can be challenging for first-time owners as per PDSA. Their strong-willed nature means they prefer doing things their own way, often ignoring commands unless there’s something in it for them. They may be tiny, but they certainly don’t like being told what to do.
Their bold personality often leads to excessive barking, territorial behavior, and selective hearing. Known to challenge dogs ten times their size, Chihuahuas have a fearless nature that makes them seem completely unaware of their small stature. They also tend to form deep bonds with one person, making them overprotective and sometimes wary of strangers.
Obedience training can be tricky with a Chihuahua due to their short attention span and stubborn attitude. They tend to lose interest quickly, especially if training sessions are repetitive. Without proper guidance, they can develop a “small dog syndrome,” where they assume they’re in charge of the household.
The key to training a Chihuahua lies in patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Reward-based training sessions work best, using treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Since these dogs respond poorly to harsh discipline, a gentle yet firm approach is essential to keep them engaged and cooperative.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds may be shaped like a hot dog, but don’t be fooled—there’s nothing soft about their personality. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these little dogs are fearless, determined, and surprisingly strong for their size. Their long bodies and short legs make them instantly recognizable, but it’s their lively, mischievous nature that steals the show.
Owning a Dachshund means living with a stubborn breed that believes they’re the boss. Their independent nature makes them excellent problem-solvers, but it also means they don’t always see the point in following orders. Give them a command, and they’ll take their sweet time deciding if it benefits them. It’s not defiance—it’s just Dachshund’s logic at work.
Their big personality comes with a few quirks. Barking is a favorite pastime, and they have no problem letting the entire neighborhood know when something—anything—happens as WebMD stated. Digging is another signature move, a habit left over from their hunting days. And don’t expect them to share their toys; what’s theirs is theirs, and they make that very clear.
Getting a Dachshund to cooperate in an obedience class is like negotiating with a tiny, four-legged lawyer. Their attention span is short, and their determination is sky-high. If they sense a loophole, they’ll find it. Training requires a creative approach because repeating the same commands too often will only make them tune you out.
Patience, persistence, and a sense of humor are the keys to success. Making training feel like a game keeps them interested, and rewards—especially treats—work wonders. Since they love to follow their noses, using scent-based activities can keep strong-willed dogs like Dachshunds engaged. As long as they think they’re in charge, they’ll happily play along.
3. Pekingese
Wrapped in a luxurious mane and carrying itself like royalty, the Pekingese is a dog that knows exactly who’s in charge—them. Bred to sit at the feet of Chinese emperors, this ancient breed hasn’t forgotten its noble roots. Small in size but grand in attitude, they move through life with an air of entitlement. Their confidence is unmatched, and they expect the world to cater to their every whim.
When it comes to stubbornness, Pekingese dogs could write the handbook on doing things their way. These tiny emperors have an independent nature that makes them resistant to authority. Commands are often met with an unimpressed stare as if questioning why they should even bother. They enjoy making their own decisions and will follow instructions only if it benefits them.
Living with a Pekingese means embracing their larger-than-life personality and unwavering opinions. They take guarding their space seriously, often barking at anything they deem unworthy of their presence. Possessiveness comes naturally, and they are unlikely to share their favorite resting spots.
Training a Pekingese is a test of patience, requiring clever strategies to keep them engaged. Intelligence is not the issue, but their willingness to cooperate depends entirely on their mood. Repeating commands only strengthens their resolve to ignore them. The best approach involves positive reinforcement, making training periods feel more like a royal reward than a chore.
Winning over a Pekingese takes firm training, consistency, and the right incentives. Treats and praise can work, but only if presented in a way that flatters their self-importance. Making them believe the training was their idea is the ultimate trick to success. With the right balance of persistence and respect, they may just decide to listen.
4. Maltipoo
A delightful mix of Maltese and Poodle, the Maltipoo is as charming as it is headstrong. These small breeds thrive on human attention and aren’t afraid to demand it. Their fluffy coats and playful nature make them irresistible, but don’t be fooled—they have a sneaky independent side. Behind that sweet face is a pup who knows exactly how to get what it wants.
Despite their affectionate nature, Maltipoos have a stubborn streak that keeps their owners on their toes. If they decide a command doesn’t suit them, they’ll simply ignore it with a look of pure innocence. Their cleverness allows them to manipulate situations to their advantage, proving size has nothing to do with attitude. They may be tiny, but their determination is anything but.
These stubborn pups have an opinion on everything, and they aren’t shy about expressing it. Barking is their preferred method of communication, whether it’s to get attention or protest a rule. Their strong attachment to their owners also means they dislike being left alone. If ignored for too long, they’ll find creative ways to remind you they exist.
Training a Maltipoo is less about teaching commands and more about convincing them it’s worth their time. Repetitive lessons bore them quickly, and they won’t hesitate to check out. A mix of patience and persistence is needed to outwit their playful defiance. The trick is to make training feel like a game rather than a chore.
For owners struggling with their antics, professional help can be a game-changer. A professional trainer knows how to keep them engaged while reinforcing good behavior. Positive reinforcement works best, as these pups respond better to rewards than scolding. With the right approach, even the most headstrong Maltipoo can learn to play by the rules.
5. Pomeranian
With their fluffy coats and larger-than-life personalities, Pomeranians have mastered the art of stealing the spotlight. These tiny dynamos pack a lot of charm into a small frame, making them one of the most adored toy breeds. Despite their petite size, they carry themselves with the confidence of a much bigger dog. Life is never boring with a Pom around, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Independence runs deep in these intelligent little pups, which explains their occasional refusal to follow commands. They believe their opinions matter just as much as yours—maybe even more. Their bold nature makes them fearless, and once they set their mind on something, there’s no stopping them, as per Petplan. Stubbornness isn’t a flaw in their eyes; it’s simply a way of life.
Between their high energy levels and natural curiosity, Pomeranians always seem to have something to say. Barking is their go-to response for everything—guests arriving, squirrels passing, or simply the wind blowing the wrong way. Their protective streak also makes them territorial, especially when it comes to their favorite humans. Sharing attention? Not their favorite thing.
Training a Pom requires patience, mostly because they are easily distracted by just about everything. One second, they’re sitting nicely; the next, they’ve spotted a butterfly and training time is officially over. Their desire to explore often takes priority over following rules, which can be frustrating for owners trying to get their attention.
Since they love to impress, using positive reinforcement is the best way to keep them engaged. Treats, praise, and exciting rewards work wonders in convincing them that listening is worth it. Socialization from an early age also helps curb their possessiveness around other pets. With consistency and the right motivation, even the most headstrong Pomeranian can become a well-mannered companion.
6. Pug
Pugs are little comedians wrapped in a wrinkly package, always ready to charm their way into anyone’s heart. These compact dogs have a history of being royal lap warmers, but don’t let that fool you—they have a playful and active side that keeps their owners entertained. With their expressive faces and love for attention, life with a Pug is never dull.
Behind those big, pleading eyes is a stubborn streak that refuses to be ignored. They may act like they’re listening, but if something seems more fun, they’ll happily do their own thing. This breed loves to test boundaries, making it clear that following course rules is entirely optional in their world.
Pugs thrive on companionship, but that doesn’t mean they always listen. Ignoring commands, selective hearing, and using their cuteness to get away with mischief are all part of their routine. They are generally well-mannered, but their determination to be the center of attention can sometimes lead to dramatic sulking when things don’t go their way.
Short attention spans make training a bit of an adventure, especially when distractions are involved. They get excited easily, and once they lose focus, getting them back on track takes some creativity. Keeping training periods short, engaging, and full of rewards is the best course of action.
Pugs respond best to training methods that feel like a game. Positive reinforcement, plenty of praise, and a steady routine make all the difference. Since they adore people, involving kids in their training can be a great way to keep them engaged. A little patience and a lot of treats go a long way with this lovable, headstrong breed.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with a big personality, always bursting with energy and enthusiasm. Bred for hunting, these lively pups have a fearless temperament that makes them stand out. They are incredibly agile, love to stay active and have a natural instinct for adventure, keeping their owners constantly on their toes.
Stubbornness comes naturally to this breed, thanks to their independent spirit and unwavering confidence. These determined little dogs know exactly what they want and won’t back down easily. Their strong-willed traits mean they prefer doing things their own way rather than blindly following orders.
Jack Russells have a habit of digging, barking, and chasing anything that moves, thanks to their hunting background. Their curiosity often gets them into trouble, whether it’s escaping the yard or refusing to give up on a mischievous idea. Living with one means embracing their endless energy and love for chaos.
Training a Jack Russell can feel like a battle of wills, as they don’t always see the point in listening. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but only if they’re in the mood. With such a sharp and smart mind, they get bored easily and will find ways to entertain themselves if training isn’t engaging enough.
The key to training this feisty breed is keeping things fun, varied, and fast-paced. Positive reinforcement works best, along with plenty of challenges to keep their minds occupied. Without proper training, their stubbornness can turn into a daily fight for control, so consistency and patience are essential.
Conclusion
Having a stubborn dog can feel like negotiating with a tiny, furry mastermind, but that’s part of the fun! Whether it’s a vocal Husky or an independent Shiba Inu, each breed has its own quirks. Even sweet-faced Shih Tzu and lovable Golden Retrievers can be a little too smart for their own good.
Training a stubborn dog isn’t about forcing obedience but about earning their respect. Maltese dogs thrive on attention, while scent-driven breeds like Beagles and other Hounds need extra motivation. Finding the right training style can turn chaos into companionship.
Some dogs love structured activities like herding, while others just want to do things their own way. Understanding your pup’s personality, whether they’re a playful Akita or a determined Husky, makes training smoother. The right approach makes a world of difference.
If training feels like a never-ending battle, you’re not alone! Seeking help from an expert trainer can work wonders. With consistency and patience, even the most stubborn pups will start listening (eventually).
At the end of the day, life with a strong-willed dog is never boring. From the mischievous Beagle to the affectionate Shih Tzu, every pup brings joy in their own way. With a bit of effort and a lot of love, you’ll have a well-trained (and still very opinionated) best friend!
