If you are currently in the process of picking a dog, then you might find it helpful to learn which breeds are the hardest to train.
JustAnswer’s resident dog behavior expert, Sally Grottini, has over 30 years of experience in the dog training field. When she’s not teaching pooches to behave, Sally also works as a Therapy Dog & AKC Evaluator and with service dogs. Here are her top picks for the hardest breeds to train.
Chow- Chow
As literal bundles of fur, Chow Chows are one of the more popular breeds in the United States. Unfortunately, and despite their popularity, they are also known to be stubborn at best and aggressive at worst.
“The Chow is a notorious stubborn and aloof breed of dog. While they are loyal to their owners, they are not likely to cooperate with the owner bringing in a trainer to help as they are not fond of strangers.
If the Chow is not properly socialized, they can also become aggressive toward strangers,” Sally told us.
Basset Hound
“Like other scent dogs and hunting dogs, they are lovable, cute as a button, and have ways of being charming,” Sally said. “But they take their job for which they were bred very seriously and that can make them a bit stubborn. They will become distracted by scent and want to find it, so, therefore, they forego the commands of the owner.”
Thankfully, what the Basset Hound lacks in compliance they certainly make up for in terms of maintenance. With short coats and the demeanor to let you brush for hours, at least you won’t have to worry about grooming.
Bloodhound
Much like the Basset Hound, the Bloodhound is a breed with a long history of working. Unfortunately, this has left them with one hell of an attitude problem.
The expert explained: Again, due to the breed’s description of scent work, they become fully immersed in what they are seeking out. In those instances, they are not going to listen to the owner’s basic command.
“You will often see them when hunting for an item or person, pulling their handler along for the ride. However, because they are hard workers, it does not mean they are not loveable companions. This breed is best handled by experienced dog owners.”
Siberian Husky
You might see a running theme here as the Siberian Husky is another working dog with an attitude. Though not one of the hardest dog breeds to train on this list, the Siberian Husky requires a special breed of perseverance.
“Another dog breed that exudes independence and a strong work ethic along with a high prey drive. Training may go better with reward-based training, and giving them much exercise in between. They do need to see a strong leadership role from their owners,” Sally noted.
Beagle
Last, but certainly not least, is the humble Beagle. With their lovable eyes and eager smiles, Beagles make the perfect family companion, when they’re not sniffing away.
As Sally detailed: The Beagle has so many great qualities, they are cute, loving, happy, and relaxed in temperament, however, they also have a strong mind and can be very independent.
“Due to being bred for hunting, it is easy for them to get distracted and more involved in scents and what is happening around them, that they often will not listen to commands.”
