These 5 Dog Breeds Are Surprisingly Hard to Train (Even for Experts)

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Some dog breeds make training look like a breeze, happily obeying commands and mastering tricks in record time. Others, though, can test the patience of even the most seasoned dog trainers. Surprisingly, the big, powerful dogs or the obvious troublemakers do not always cause the most headaches.

In fact, a few of the most challenging breeds are also among the most adorable, affectionate, and popular.

Afghan Hound

With their long, flowing coats and regal demeanor, Afghan Hounds look like they belong in a fashion magazine rather than a training school. These elegant dogs were originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, where independence and self-reliance were crucial traits. That natural independence still runs strong in the breed today, making them notoriously aloof when it comes to following commands.

While not unintelligent, Afghan Hounds simply prefer to do things on their own terms, often ignoring instructions unless there’s something in it for them. Their beauty might catch the eye, but consistent training requires tremendous patience and creativity.

Basenji

Often called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is as clever as it is stubborn. This ancient breed from Central Africa was designed for solo hunting, and it carries that same strong-willed independence into modern homes. Basenjis are known for their high intelligence, which can be a double-edged sword during training sessions—they learn quickly, but they also grow bored just as fast. Commands can become optional in their eyes if they’re not constantly mentally stimulated. Trainers often switch tactics repeatedly to keep this breed engaged for more than a few minutes.

Chow Chow

Despite their teddy bear looks and fluffy manes, Chow Chows are not the warm, eager-to-please type of dog many people expect. This breed is famously reserved and has a mind of its own, which makes training them a real challenge. They tend to be very loyal to one person but suspicious of strangers, including trainers, which can slow the learning process considerably. Unlike other breeds that thrive on praise and playtime, Chow Chows are often unimpressed with such rewards. Getting them to follow directions requires building trust first; even then, their obedience often comes with a side of attitude.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are tiny powerhouses packed with energy, intelligence, and confidence. Their boundless enthusiasm makes them fun companions and incredibly hard to manage without rigorous, consistent training.

These dogs were bred to hunt and think for themselves, so they often have difficulty focusing on commands when something more interesting happens nearby. They respond best to short, engaging training sessions, but miss a beat, and they’ll take advantage of the lack of structure. Even expert trainers sometimes struggle to rein in their intense prey drive and seemingly endless curiosity.

Siberian Husky

Few dogs look as striking as the Siberian Husky, with their piercing eyes and wolf-like features. But beneath that beautiful exterior lies a fiercely independent spirit that can make training feel like an uphill battle.

Huskies were bred to run long distances without constant direction, and that natural tendency to self-govern often shows up in obedience training. They’re not particularly motivated by food or praise, and they’ll often weigh the pros and cons of a command before deciding whether to follow it. For trainers, the key is patience, consistency, and understanding that a Husky might obey—but only if it decides the command is worth its time.

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The Perfect Pup For You

Training a dog isn’t always as simple as teaching a few commands and handing out treats. Breed temperament, history, and instinct play huge roles in how easily a dog takes to training.

Even among professionals, certain breeds stand out as uniquely challenging because of their independence, intelligence, or stubborn streaks. That doesn’t mean these dogs aren’t lovable or worth the effort—it just means their training path looks a little different from the average. With the right blend of patience, persistence, and understanding, even the most difficult breeds can learn to thrive in a well-structured environment.

Have you had experience with a hard-to-train breed, or do you disagree with any on this list? Share your thoughts or stories in the comments below!

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Brandon Marcus

Brandon Marcus is a writer who has been sharing the written word since a very young age. His interests include sports, history, pop culture, and so much more. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time jogging, drinking coffee, or attempting to read a long book he may never complete.