These 20 Dog Breeds Are the Hardest to Train – Think Twice Before Choosing One

Not all dog breeds are easy to train. If you're a first-time dog owner, you should think carefully before getting one of these 20 breeds.

We've ranked them based on how difficult they are to train, ending with the absolute hardest.

Basset Hound

Known for its calm but stubborn nature. They are scent-driven and can easily get distracted by interesting smells, making training more time-consuming.

Pekingese

Has an independent mind and can be stubborn. They often prefer making their own decisions rather than following commands.

Beagle

Energetic but highly scent-driven; they can easily lose focus. Requires consistent and patient training.

Shih Tzu

Can be somewhat headstrong. Originally bred as a companion dog, they may lack motivation for obedience training unless properly incentivized.

Chow Chow

Reserved and independent, making them less likely to follow commands. Early socialization and training are crucial.

Lhasa Apso

A watchful yet stubborn companion dog. Quick to alert their owners to unfamiliar sounds but slower to obey commands.

Bulldog

Known for their laid-back and calm temperament, but they can also be stubborn. They respond best to short, positive training sessions.

Dalmatian

Highly energetic and love to run and explore. Without proper mental and physical stimulation, they can become inattentive and less responsive.

Basset-type Breeds

Though already mentioned, other Basset-related breeds also tend to be stubborn and have strong scent instincts. (If a breed has "Basset" in its name, expect similar training challenges.)

Shar Pei

Naturally independent and sometimes wary of strangers. Requires patient and gentle training.

Chihuahua

Despite their small size, they have big personalities and can be quite headstrong. They need consistent but gentle training.

Bullmastiff

Large dogs with a calm nature but can be stubborn. They require firm leadership and early socialization.

Alaskan Malamute

Similar to the Siberian Husky, they are highly energetic and originally bred for pulling sleds. Intelligent but easily bored, requiring creative training methods.

Dachshund

Originally bred for underground hunting, making them fearless and stubborn. They can be challenging to train without persistence.

Scottish Terrier

A classic terrier: independent and strong-willed. Needs a consistent and patient owner who understands the terrier mindset.

Bloodhound

Their sense of smell dominates everything. Once they catch a scent, they’re difficult to recall. However, they have a gentle disposition.

Basenji

Sometimes called the "barkless dog," but they are very independent. They need mental stimulation and a training approach that keeps them engaged.

Siberian Husky

Intelligent but highly driven to run and explore. Often more interested in following their instincts than obeying commands.

Afghan Hound

Famous for their beauty but also their independence. They are fast and love to run freely, which can make training difficult if they’re not motivated.

Tibetan Mastiff

Often considered one of the most difficult breeds to train due to their extreme independence and territorial nature. Early socialization, calm authority, and consistent training are essential. A challenging breed best suited for experienced dog owners.