19 Dog Breeds Experts Say Are the Toughest to Train

Written By Jill Taylor

Training a dog can be rewarding, but some breeds are tougher than others. Experts say certain breeds need extra patience and effort and this may mean you need to seriously think before purchasing one of these dogs. Here are 19 dog breeds that professionals find the hardest to train.

Afghan Hound

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According to Ty the Dog Guy, Afghan hounds are difficult to train because they’re free thinkers. Their elegant looks can be deceiving as they need consistent and patient training, plus early socialization, to behave well. Training them takes time, so don’t be fooled by their cute appearance.

Bulldog

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Even though they’re super lovable, bulldogs can be tough to train. Their stubbornness makes obedience a challenge. The best way to train them is with consistent, positive reinforcement and short sessions to keep their attention. This helps them learn better and makes training more effective.

Basenji

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Basenjis are known for their unique sounds and cat-like behavior. These smart dogs can be stubborn and don’t respond well to typical training. Keeping them engaged with activities that challenge their mind and body is key to training them successfully.

Chow Chow

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It may look impressive but one tricky breed to train is the Chow Chow. They’re known for being a bit standoffish and even independent. They need firm, consistent training with lots of rewards. This can take up a lot of your time, but it’ll be worth it. Socializing them early is crucial to avoiding behavior problems and helping them become great pets.

Dalmatian

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While they’re lively and smart, Dalmatians can also be pretty stubborn. Training them needs patience and some clever tricks to keep their interest. They need regular exercise and mental challenges to keep from getting bored and to make training work well.

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russell Terriers are super energetic and smart, making them fun but tough to train. They need lots of play and mental challenges, even after training. Consistent training and clear rules are key to handling their lively personality and avoiding bad habits.

Rottweiler

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Rottweilers can be difficult to train. They’re loved for being smart and strong dogs, but sometimes training needs to be a little more intense. They need an experienced owner who can be a firm leader and consistent training and early socialization are key to managing their protective nature and ensuring they behave well.

Siberian Husky

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If there’s one thing a husky is known for, it’s being loud. They’re independent and full of energy, so training them can be tough. They love to chase things and it can become annoying during training. You should be firm and consistent, focusing on positive reinforcement to help them use their energy in a good way.

Bloodhound

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One thing a bloodhound needs is a lot of training. Bloodhounds have an amazing sense of smell and love to track scents, which can make training challenging. They think independently and need a lot of patience. Using scent-based activities can keep them engaged and make training more successful.

Bullmastiff

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This particular breed of dog is protective and strong-willed. Training them needs a calm and confident attitude. Using consistent, positive rewards and starting socialization early are key to handling their size and strength. This helps ensure they grow up to be well-behaved companions.

Afghan Shepherd

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One main trait of an Afghan shepherd is that they’re highly intelligent. They’re also independent and strong-willed. They require firm, consistent training and an experienced handler. Early socialization and regular mental and physical stimulation are key to managing their behavior and ensuring successful training outcomes.

Beagle

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Known for being friendly and curious, beagles can usually find themselves in trouble if they aren’t properly trained. Their strong sense of smell can lead to distractions during training. They require patience and persistence, with training sessions that keep them engaged. Using scent-based activities can help capture their interest and improve obedience training.

Chinese Shar-Pei

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It’s important to ensure your Chinese Shar-Pei has been correctly trained as they they’re known for their independent and sometimes aloof nature. Training them requires consistency and firmness, with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Early socialization is essential to prevent territorial behavior and to ensure they become well-adjusted pets.

Akita

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If an Akita is trained properly, then it can cause issues. This breed is powerful and intelligent, but their strong-willed nature can make training a challenge. They need an experienced handler who can establish clear boundaries. It’s important to provide them with consistent training and early socialization in order to manage their protective instincts and ensuring they are well-behaved.

Borzoi

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You can face many challenges when trying to train a Borzio. These dogs are elegant and independent, and it can make ownership difficult if they aren’t trained. They require patience and consistent training methods that keep them engaged. Positive reinforcement and early socialization are essential to manage their aloof nature and ensure good behavior.

Fox Terrier

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As energetic and intelligent dogs, Fox Terriers require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Consistent training and firm boundaries are necessary to manage their spirited nature and ensure they become well-behaved pets.

Shiba Inu

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Make sure to take your time training a Shiba Inu. They’re known for their independent and sometimes stubborn nature. Training them requires patience and a consistent approach. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are key to managing their behavior and ensuring they become well-adjusted companions.

Dogo Argentino

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If a Dogo Argentino isn’t trained correctly, then it could cause you some serious challenges. Dogo Argentinos are powerful and intelligent, but their strong-willed nature can pose training challenges. They need an experienced handler who can establish clear leadership. Consistent training and early socialization are vital to managing their protective instincts and ensuring good behavior.

Irish Wolfhound

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Once fully trained, an Irish wolfhound could be your dream pet. An Irish wolfhound is known as a gentle giant, yet their independent nature can make training a challenge. They require a calm and patient approach, with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Early socialization and regular mental and physical stimulation are key.

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