Some dogs live to please. These dogs? Not so much.
Meet the canine rebels, the four-legged free spirits who scoff at obedience and roll their eyes at commands. These breeds aren’t just independent—they’re stubborn with a capital S. You can wave treats in their face, call their name sweetly, or try the firm-and-authoritative approach. They’ll still do what they want, when they want.
But let’s be honest—that’s part of their charm. Sure, they might ignore your “sit” command in favor of napping in the sun, and forget about fetching your slippers. But what they lack in obedience, they make up for in personality. These dogs are smart, confident, and endlessly entertaining.
So, if you’re looking for a dog that follows every rule, this list isn’t for you. But if you appreciate a little mischief, a touch of attitude, and a whole lot of personality—keep reading. You might just meet your perfect match.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is renowned for its elegance and grace, but this breed also possesses a fierce independence. These dogs are known for their aloof nature, often doing things at their own pace. Training an Afghan Hound requires patience, as they can be quite stubborn. They prefer activities that allow them to showcase their natural grace, rather than obedience tasks.
Despite their stubbornness, Afghan Hounds are incredibly loyal. Their independent spirit is part of their charm, attracting those who appreciate beauty and individuality. This breed flourishes in environments where they can freely explore and express their unique personalities.
Basenji
Often referred to as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is as independent as it is quiet. Hailing from Africa, this breed is known for its keen hunting instincts and self-sufficient nature. They have a unique way of communicating, using yodel-like sounds instead of barking. Basenjis are intelligent but prefer activities that engage their natural curiosity.
Training sessions are often met with disinterest unless they are stimulating enough. Their free-spirited nature can be a challenge for those seeking a compliant pet. However, Basenjis are perfect for owners who appreciate a dog that is both independent and affectionate.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are iconic for their stocky build and distinctive appearance. Despite their calm demeanor, they have a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge. These dogs often prefer lounging to learning new tricks. Their laid-back attitude means they are not easily motivated by commands.
However, Bulldogs are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners. While they may not excel in obedience, their easygoing nature makes them wonderful companions. They thrive in environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their family. Patience and consistency are key to training this lovable, stubborn breed.
Chow Chow
Known for their lion-like mane and aloof nature, Chow Chows are one of the most independent dog breeds. They are dignified and often wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs. Training a Chow Chow can be challenging due to their stubbornness and desire for independence. They often choose when to obey commands, emphasizing their strong will.
Despite this, Chow Chows are incredibly loyal to their families. They require a calm and assertive owner who respects their individuality. With proper socialization and understanding, Chow Chows can be both protective and affectionate companions.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are small but mighty, known for their spirited personalities and stubbornness. Originally bred for hunting, they have a strong prey drive and independent streak. Training a Dachshund requires patience and creativity, as they can be both clever and willful. These dogs thrive on activities that engage their hunting instincts, rather than repetitive obedience tasks.
Despite their stubborn nature, Dachshunds are incredibly loyal and form close bonds with their families. Their playful and curious demeanor makes them charming companions. With the right approach, Dachshunds can be trained successfully, but their independent spirit remains ever-present.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are known for their striking appearance and boundless energy. However, they also possess a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge. These dogs are intelligent and independent, often preferring to make their own decisions. Training a Dalmatian requires patience and consistency. They excel in activities that allow them to run and explore.
Despite their headstrong nature, Dalmatians are deeply loyal and protective of their families. They require an owner who can match their energy and provide mental and physical stimulation. With the right training, Dalmatians can be both obedient and spirited companions.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with big personalities, known for their intelligence and tenacity. These little dynamos have a mind of their own, which can make training challenging. They are highly energetic and require activities that channel their zest for life. Jack Russells excel in agility and sports but may resist traditional obedience training.
Their independent nature can be overwhelming for some, but those who appreciate a spirited and lively companion will find joy in a Jack Russell. Consistent training and ample exercise are essential to managing their spirited behavior and ensuring a happy, well-adjusted pet.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a toy breed with a lion-like appearance and a proud, independent spirit. These dogs are known for their stubbornness and can be aloof with strangers. Training a Pekingese requires understanding and patience, as they prefer to do things their own way. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and are not easily swayed by commands.
Pekingese are perfect for owners who appreciate a dog with a dignified and independent demeanor. With proper socialization, they can be both loving and protective companions, thriving in environments where their individuality is respected.
Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are known for their distinctive appearance and independent nature. These dogs have a strong will and determination, often preferring to follow their own path rather than commands. Training a Scottish Terrier requires patience and creativity, as they can be quite stubborn. They thrive on activities that engage their natural instincts, such as digging and exploring.
Despite their headstrong nature, Scottish Terriers are loyal and loving companions. They require an owner who appreciates their individuality and can provide consistent guidance. With the right approach, Scottish Terriers can be both obedient and delightful pets.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed known for its independence and spirited nature. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Shibas are known for their aloofness and can be wary of strangers. They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality.
Despite their stubbornness, Shibas are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can explore and express their individuality. With proper training and socialization, Shiba Inus can be both obedient and affectionate companions.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and energetic nature. These dogs have a strong independent streak and are often resistant to training. Huskies are intelligent and require activities that engage their minds and bodies. They thrive in environments where they can run and explore.
Training a Husky requires patience and consistency, as they are known for their stubbornness. Despite this, Huskies are deeply loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They require an owner who can match their energy and provide mental and physical stimulation. With the right approach, Huskies can be both obedient and adventurous companions.
Borzoi
Borzois are known for their elegance and independent spirit. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Borzois prefer activities that allow them to run and explore, rather than repetitive tasks. They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality.
Despite their aloofness, Borzois are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can express their individuality. With proper training and socialization, Borzois can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their graceful demeanor and independent nature make them unique pets.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their laid-back nature and distinctive appearance. These dogs have a strong sense of smell and an independent streak that can make training challenging. Bassets are intelligent but often prefer activities that engage their natural instincts, such as tracking scents.
Training a Basset Hound requires patience and consistency, as they can be quite stubborn. Despite this, Bassets are loyal and loving companions. They thrive in environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their families. With the right approach, Basset Hounds can be both obedient and delightful pets.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are known for their speed and grace, but also for their independent nature. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Greyhounds prefer activities that allow them to run and explore, rather than repetitive tasks.
They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality. Despite their aloofness, Greyhounds are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can express their individuality.
With proper training and socialization, Greyhounds can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their sleek appearance and independent spirit make them unique pets.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are known for their size and gentle nature, but also for their independent spirit. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Wolfhounds prefer activities that allow them to explore and express their individuality, rather than repetitive tasks. They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality.
Despite their aloofness, Wolfhounds are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones. With proper training and socialization, Irish Wolfhounds can be both obedient and affectionate companions.
Akita
The Akita is a Japanese breed known for its independence and strong will. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Akitas are known for their aloofness and can be wary of strangers. They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality.
Despite their stubbornness, Akitas are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can explore and express their individuality. With proper training and socialization, Akitas can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their regal appearance and independent nature make them unique pets.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are known for their independent nature and distinctive appearance. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Lhasas prefer activities that allow them to express their individuality, rather than repetitive tasks. They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality.
Despite their aloofness, Lhasa Apsos are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones. With proper training and socialization, Lhasa Apsos can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their regal appearance and independent spirit make them unique pets.
Shar Pei
Shar Peis are known for their distinctive appearance and independent spirit. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Shar Peis prefer activities that allow them to express their individuality, rather than repetitive tasks.
They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality. Despite their aloofness, Shar Peis are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
With proper training and socialization, Shar Peis can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their unique appearance and independent nature make them special pets.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are known for their keen sense of smell and independent nature. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Bloodhounds prefer activities that engage their natural instincts, such as tracking scents.
They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality. Despite their aloofness, Bloodhounds are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can express their individuality.
With proper training and socialization, Bloodhounds can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their exceptional sense of smell and independent spirit make them unique pets.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities, known for their independence and feistiness. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge. Chihuahuas prefer activities that allow them to express their individuality, rather than repetitive tasks.
They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality. Despite their aloofness, Chihuahuas are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
With proper training and socialization, Chihuahuas can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their confident demeanor and independent spirit make them special pets.
Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers are known for their spirited nature and independent spirit. These dogs are intelligent and often have a mind of their own, making training a challenge.
Fox Terriers prefer activities that allow them to express their individuality, rather than repetitive tasks. They require a patient and experienced owner who understands their unique personality. Despite their aloofness, Fox Terriers are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they can relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones.
With proper training and socialization, Fox Terriers can be both obedient and affectionate companions. Their lively demeanor and independent nature make them unique pets.
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a miniature version of the Alaskan Husky, possessing similar striking features but with a distinct personality. These pint-sized powerhouses are often mistaken for being easily trainable due to their intelligent gaze, but appearances can be deceiving.
Burdened with a strong prey drive and an independent mind, they prefer chasing squirrels to learning new tricks. Owners often find themselves amused and frustrated by their antics.
Despite their stubbornness, they’re loyal companions. With patience and creativity, some training is possible. However, this breed is best suited for experienced dog enthusiasts who appreciate a challenge.