Several dog breeds are known for their easy trainability, while others are a bit opinionated. Most stubborn dog breeds tend to have a mind of their own. They are always ready to take up new challenges and can thrive in extreme conditions.
Their physical strength and power enable them to endure hardships. Many of them possess thick double coats that not only give them a striking appearance, but also make them resistant to extreme climate conditions.
These canines are usually very intelligent and possess excellent problem-solving skills. However, their independent streak makes them hard to train compared to other dog breeds. Proper training based on positive reinforcement techniques works best for them.
Here are the top stubborn dog breeds that thrive in extreme conditions.
Top Stubborn Dog Breeds That Thrive in Extreme Conditions
1. Alaskan Malamute
Having a wolf-like appearance, Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred to pull heavy sleds in cold climates. Their muscular build enables them to conquer rugged terrain effortlessly, while their thick double coat keeps them warm in freezing temperatures.
WebMD mentions that Malamutes have a long history of hard work and amazing endurance. These athletic dogs have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. If you are into hiking, skateboarding, and biking, Alaskan Malamutes may be the right choice for you.
Alaskan Malamutes are a confident and independent breed. They are intelligent dogs, but can be stubborn at times. Obedience training and early socialization are important to turn Alaskan Malamutes into well-mannered family dogs.
2. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs that were bred by the Chukchi people to pull sleds and herd reindeer. They gained popularity due to their talkative personality and striking appearance. Huskies do best with owners having an active lifestyle.
These smart and outgoing dogs love outdoor adventures and enjoy being a part of family activities. They are extremely intelligent, but are one of the more stubborn dog breeds.
Their independent personality can lead to behavioral problems like excessive barking or chewing, according to PetMD. Thanks to their thick double coat, these Spitz dogs can endure freezing temperatures.
Do You Know? When they sleep, Siberian Huskies wrap their tails around their faces to protect their nose from cold and allow the tail to warm their breath.
Siberian Huskies are active and athletic dogs who require regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
3. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are intelligent and smart yet stubborn dogs. They are extremely loyal to their owners, but are not known to be cuddly and have an aloof temperament. These fluffy dogs do not like strangers and need proper socialization to behave well around them.
Chow Chows can be instantly recognized through their bear-like appearance. They tend to be reserved and independent-minded. Chow Chows love their personal space, but can be calm and confident when introduced early.
These dominant and protective canines make wonderful guard dogs. Chow Chows are active and alert dogs who need moderate daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities to stay fit. Patience and positive reinforcement are the key to training.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
Famous for their massive size and lion-like appearance, Tibetan Mastiffs are reserved, intelligent, and independent dogs. Their intimidating appearance and imposing stature alone can deter potential intruders.
Tibetan Mastiffs are the supreme guardian dogs. They are extremely loyal to their humans but tend to be aloof towards strangers. Their historical background is responsible for their stubborn streak. They are very intelligent, but do not follow commands easily due to their independence, mentions Royal Canin.
Like other breeds on our list, these muscular dogs can also endure extreme conditions. Tibetan Mastiffs possess a double-layered coat: a heavy, wooly undercoat and a coarse topcoat. The coat provides adequate protection from harsh climates and fortunately needs minimal grooming to look good.
5. Weimaraner
Originally bred in Germany, Weimaraners are sleek and swift dogs. They are often referred to as ‘Gray Ghosts’ due to their distinctive silvery-gray coat. Weims are friendly dogs who bond closely to their humans and are often called ‘Velcro dogs.’
Weimaraners were meant to be hunting dogs. These solidly built canines are the epitome of strength, speed, and grace. Born to run, Weims are one of the fastest dog breeds on the planet. These high-energy dogs require regular exercise to stay fit.
They can thrive in extreme conditions. However, Weims lack an undercoat, so they may not do well in extremely cold weather. They are very intelligent, but can become stubborn and resilient without clear pack leadership.
6. Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are powerfully built Mastiff-type dogs having a dense coat and heavy head. The coat is designed to protect the dogs from cold weather. These large dogs were primarily developed as livestock guardians.
They are generally calm, but incredibly protective of their flocks, people, and territory. Thanks to their strong protective instincts and wariness towards strangers, Anatolians make great guard dogs. These canines were meant to make independent decisions with minimal instructions from their human.
That is why they are quite strong-willed, making them highly unsuitable for first-time dog owners. Anatolians need moderate daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Consistent training and early socialization are important to turn them into well-mannered family dogs.
7. Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are robust Spitz-type dogs known for their lush, silver-gray coat and friendly demeanor. They were originally bred to track game for miles in harsh conditions such as ice and deep snow.
These rough and tough canines possess weatherproof coats that protect them from cold, wind, snow, and rain. Elkhounds thrive in cold climates, but are prone to overheating in summer. Standing confident and proud, these dogs are full of energy and stamina.
Norwegian Elkhounds make natural watchdogs. They are known for having an independent nature. However, Purina mentions that they enjoy the company of their family members and other dogs. Training is not a breeze. Elkhounds make better pets for experienced pet parents.
8. Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are medium- to large-sized dogs that were originally bred to track, chase, and tree raccoons. These hunting dogs are capable of navigating rugged terrains in search of game. From dense swamps to steep mountains, Redbone Coonhounds can survive it all.
Muscles rippling underneath their sleek and stunning coats are reflective of their strength and endurance. Their playful personality and high energy levels mean they need lots of physical activity to be healthy and happy.
Redbone Coonhounds are better suited for experienced pet parents who appreciate their hunting skills and understand how to handle a stubborn dog breed. Proper training and early socialization are important to turn them into well-mannered family dogs.
9. Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and Tan Coonhounds are large hunting dogs best known for their distinctive black and tan coat. They are popular among dog lovers due to their keen sense of smell and friendly nature. Black and Tan Coonhounds are an excellent choice for owners with an active lifestyle.
These sociable canines take life seriously and are not well-equipped to tolerate intense training. Black and Tan Coonhounds are considered somewhat ‘stubborn’ and are hard to train. Training these dogs requires time and patience.
Black and Tan Coonhounds do best with handlers who know how to motivate them to get to work with them. While they can thrive in extreme conditions, they require only moderate daily exercise for physical and mental enrichment.
10. American Foxhound
American Foxhounds are loyal and sweet dogs that hunt foxes using their excellent nose. These tough dogs are related to Revolutionary War soldiers and the rolling estates of Virginia. As pets, they are good-natured, easygoing, and low-maintenance dogs.
American Foxhounds are stubborn and independent dogs, so training and socialization should start from an early age. They are moderately vigilant of their surroundings and adapt well to varying environments. While they get along nicely with their family members, they tend to be wary of strangers.
American Foxhounds are highly energetic dogs who were meant to chase prey for several hours. They require at least one to two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. These athletic dogs do well outdoors and make good jogging or walking partners.
Conclusion
While some pooches are very easy to train, others have a stubborn streak. Their historical role required them to make decisions on their own, which has contributed to their independent personality. These canines are usually better suited for experienced owners, as they are a bit hard to train.
However, it does not mean they are not loyal to their humans. In fact, they are incredibly loyal to their humans. Many of them have strong protective instincts and make excellent guard dogs. Like all other breeds, these canines also need proper training and socialization to become well-behaved family pets.
