Training a dog requires patience, consistency, and understanding, but some breeds present more challenges than others. In the realm of medium-sized canines, there are seven breeds that are notably hard-to-train due to their distinctive characteristics and behavioral tendencies. These dogs may possess independent natures, intense stubbornness, or a heightened sense of adventure that makes training a demanding task. For dedicated dog owners willing to invest time and effort, understanding these breeds’ unique traits can lead to a rewarding companionship, transforming potential training hurdles into triumphs. Dive into the world of these complex canine companions and discover how to turn their quirks into strengths.
There are some adorable medium-sized dogs that come with a strong will, independent nature, and a mind of their own—making training a real challenge. If you’re looking for an obedient, eager-to-please pup, these breeds might not be the best fit. But if you’re up for the challenge, the reward is a fiercely loyal and intelligent companion.
So, what makes these dogs so tough to train? Some were bred for independence, while others have a mischievous streak that keeps their owners on their toes. They may ignore commands, get easily distracted, or simply prefer doing things their way. Patience, consistency, and the right training approach are key.
Think you’re ready for the challenge? Let’s dive into the medium-sized breeds that will test your training skills but make every effort totally worth it!
Hard To Train Medium Dog Breeds
1. Chinese Shar Pei
The Chinese Shar Pei isn’t just known for its distinctive wrinkles and folded fur—it’s also one of the most independent-minded dogs out there. Originally bred in China for hunting and guarding livestock, this breed developed a strong-willed personality that doesn’t exactly scream “eager to please.”
This breed is highly intelligent but operates on its own terms. Unlike dogs that crave constant validation, the Shar Pei values independence and may not always respond to training cues, especially if they don’t see the point. Owners need to establish firm yet fair leadership right from puppyhood.
Shar Peis are naturally wary of strangers, a trait that made them excellent guard dogs in ancient China. However, without proper exposure to different people and environments, they can become overly suspicious or even aggressive, states WebMD. Early and consistent socialization is important to preventing behavioral issues.
Stubbornness aside, Shar Peis have a strong territorial instinct. They don’t take kindly to other dogs invading their space and can be quite dominant. Training them to coexist peacefully with other pets requires time and effort.
One thing that makes training tricky? Their low tolerance for repetition. If you drill the same command too many times, they’ll get bored and simply walk away. Keep training sessions short, engaging, and reward-based. You’ll need creativity and consistency to keep them interested!
Quick Fact: The Shar Pei’s deep wrinkles served a purpose in ancient times—if an enemy dog bit them, the loose skin allowed them to twist and fight back. Talk about a built-in defense mechanism!
2. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog may look like a big teddy bear, but don’t be fooled—this breed has a mind of its own. They’re packed with strength, smartness, and intelligence. They also have an independent streak that can make training a challenge. If you don’t establish leadership early on, your Bulldog might just decide they run the show!
This breed isn’t untrainable—it’s just that they have a stubborn, headstrong nature. American Bulldogs are confident and bold. They need a firm yet affectionate trainer who can balance discipline with positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections won’t work on them—instead, they’ll dig their heels in even more!
Energy is another factor that makes training tough. As per Pawlicy Advisor, this working breed is very energetic, and if they don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive or hyperactive. Ever seen a bored Bulldog tear through furniture? It’s not a pretty sight. Regular physical activity and mental stimulation are required to keep them focused and manageable.
Training sessions need to be short and engaging. If they sense that training is repetitive or boring, they’ll simply tune out. Commands should be reinforced with enthusiasm, rewards, and variety. A stubborn Bulldog won’t be motivated by dull drills—they need a challenge!
One major hurdle is leash training. These dogs are incredibly strong, and if they decide to pull, you’re going along for the ride! Teaching them proper leash manners from an early age is crucial. Otherwise, walking them can turn into a daily battle of strength.
3. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier is a breed with personality—lots of it! With their egg-shaped heads, muscular and powerful bodies, and playful energy, these dogs bring endless entertainment. But when it comes to training? Let’s just say they have a way of keeping their owners on their toes. They’re not just stubborn; they’re free thinkers who like to do things their way.
Bull Terriers are incredibly smart dogs, but they’re also easily distracted. They’d rather chase a squirrel, investigate a new smell, or turn training into a game instead of following commands. If you don’t make training fun and engaging, they’ll lose interest fast. Boring drills? Not a chance.
One major challenge is their strong-willed and clownish nature. Bull Terriers love making their own rules, and they’re not afraid to test yours. If you’re not firm and consistent, they’ll quickly take control of the situation. They need a trainer who’s just as persistent as they are.
One of the biggest hurdles? Their love for chaos. Bull Terriers have a mischievous streak a mile wide, and they thrive on pushing boundaries. They’re known for chewing, digging, and even playfully stealing items just for attention. Got a favorite pair of shoes? Keep them far, far away!
PetMD says that Bull Terriers also have a strong prey drive, which means smaller pets might not be safe around them unless trained from a young age. They love the thrill of the chase, and without proper boundaries, they might see cats, rabbits, or even small dogs as moving targets.
4. Irish Terrier
Think you can out-stubborn an Irish Terrier? Good luck! These fiery red-coated dogs have huge personalities packed into a medium-sized body. They’re bold, independent, and ridiculously smart. Training them? Let’s just say it’s more of a negotiation than a lesson!
These terriers are high-energy dogs with a need for action. They won’t just sit quietly and watch TV with you; they need a job to do. If they don’t get enough exercise, expect chaos. Training them requires patience, creativity, and a good sense of humor because they’ll test your limits daily.
One of their biggest challenges? They have a stubborn streak, claims Omlet UK. Irish Terriers are natural-born leaders, so they don’t take orders easily. They need a firm but fair trainer who can establish rules without being harsh. Training has to be consistent—give them an inch, and they’ll take over your entire house.
These dogs are naturally wary of strangers and can be territorial. Without proper training, they can develop aggressive tendencies, especially toward other dogs. They have a reputation for being feisty and fearless. So, introducing them to different people, pets, and environments early on is crucial for raising a well-balanced dog.
Leash training? Prepare for a battle of wills. Irish Terriers love to chase anything that moves, and their prey drive is off the charts. If they’re not trained early, walking them can feel like trying to control a rocket. A strong leash, patience, and positive reinforcement training are essential unless you want every walk to turn into a high-speed chase.
5. Bohemian Shepherd
Ever met a dog that’s too smart for its own good? That’s the Bohemian Shepherd in a nutshell! This loyal, devoted, energetic, and highly intelligent breed has all the traits of an incredible working dog—but training one is no walk in the park. They’re fast learners, but they have an independent streak too.
This was developed as a guarding and herding breed, which means they have a strong protective instinct. Without consistent socialization, they can become overly protective or even territorial. Teaching them to distinguish between actual threats and everyday visitors is one of the biggest challenges owners face.
Bohemian Shepherds are packed with energy, and they need both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. AKC states that these dogs need daily exercise or play, so if you’re planning to train them using the same repetitive drills, forget about it! They get bored quickly and may start ignoring commands.
Are they stubborn? Oh, absolutely. Bohemian Shepherds may be highly intelligent, but they also have an independent mind. If they don’t see the point of a command, they’ll simply refuse to follow it. They need a trainer who can be firm but fair, setting clear boundaries while also keeping things interesting.
One of their biggest quirks? They form deep bonds with their families. These dogs are incredibly loyal and love being around their people. While that sounds great, it also means they can be prone to separation anxiety. If left alone for long hours, they may resort to chewing, barking, or other destructive behaviors. Training them to be independent takes time, patience, and the right approach.
6. American Foxhound
These sleek, athletic dogs were born to hunt, and their strong prey drive makes them one of the most hardheaded medium-sized breeds to train. Once they pick up an interesting scent, they’re in their own world—good luck getting their attention back!
These dogs are notorious for selective hearing, especially outdoors. Call them all you want, but if they’re locked onto a scent, they’ll pretend they never heard you. This is why they should never be let off-leash in an open area—they’ll take off running and won’t stop until they’ve satisfied their curiosity (which might be miles away).
Are they food-motivated? Absolutely! But here’s the catch—they’re also incredibly stubborn, as stated by WebMD. Some dogs will work for treats, but a Foxhound? If the treat isn’t interesting enough or they’re in the middle of an exciting sniff session, they’ll pretend they don’t care. Finding the right motivation is key.
It’s a big hurdle to socialize these dogs. American Foxhounds were originally bred to work in packs, meaning they get along well with other dogs—but that doesn’t mean they’re automatically well-behaved. Without proper training, they can become overly vocal, restless, and even destructive when they’re bored. Their high energy levels mean they need constant activity.
Speaking of howling, be ready for noise! Foxhounds have a signature bay—a deep, loud, almost musical howl—that can be heard from miles away. They use it to communicate with hunters, but in a home setting, it can drive neighbors crazy. Teaching them when to be quiet is just as important as teaching them basic commands!
7. Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of Terriers,” this breed isn’t just big in size—it’s big in personality, independence, and a mischievous streak that makes training a real challenge. If you’re looking for a dog that follows orders like a robot, the Airedale is NOT it.
These dogs are brilliant, but they have one major flaw—they know it. Airedales don’t blindly obey commands; instead, they assess whether listening benefits them. If they think what you’re asking is pointless or boring, they’ll either ignore you or invent their own version of the command. Training them takes patience, creativity, and a sense of humor.
Airedales are easily bored, and when they lose interest, they’ll either walk away mid-training or turn it into a game of “catch me if you can.” PetMD mentions that their training sessions should be fun and packed with variety. These dogs want fun, fast-paced learning or they’ll check out completely.
Another tricky trait? Their rebellious nature. Airedales have an “I do what I want” attitude, and if they sense weakness or inconsistency, they’ll push boundaries non-stop. Consistency, firm leadership, and positive reinforcement are key to training an Airedale successfully.
And let’s talk about their playfulness—because wow, do they love to play! These dogs are natural clowns and have a habit of turning everything into a game. Training can quickly spiral into a comedy routine if you don’t stay focused. Need them to drop something? They’ll run circles around you instead. Teaching them to come when called? Get ready for a game of chase first.
Conclusion
Training hard-to-train medium dog breeds isn’t for the faint of heart. These dogs are extremely intelligent but often come with a stubborn streak, making training a challenge. Take the Australian Cattle Dog (or Blue Heeler)—originally bred to herd cattle, this energetic breed is known for its independent streak and need for mental stimulation. Without proper training and enough exercise, they can be difficult to train, especially when learning new tricks or new commands. Many of these dog breeds also have a strong guard dog instinct, making early socialization crucial to prevent aggression toward strange humans, children, or other dogs.
In the dog world, certain breeds tend to be more challenging due to their intelligence and work-driven nature. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Australian Cattle Dogs are all loyal companions, but their loyalty and focus mean they need structured training from a young age. Since many were originally bred for demanding jobs—whether to herd cattle, guard homes, or protect livestock—they require tasks that keep them engaged. Potty training, obedience, and house training can take longer with these energetic breeds, as they prefer learning on their own terms.
A well-trained cattle dog, Pit Bull, or Rottweiler can be an incredible family pet, but training requires patience and dedication. Many pet parents underestimate the effort needed to train these highly intelligent dogs, but the key factors to success include socialization, structure, and engaging tasks. Whether teaching commands, agility, or advanced tricks, the goal is to channel all that energy into something productive.
In conclusion, while the seven medium dog breeds discussed—such as the Basenji, Afghan Hound, and Beagle—pose certain training challenges due to their independent, stubborn, or strong-willed nature, they are by no means untrainable. Success with these breeds often requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of their unique temperaments. Tailoring training techniques to each breed’s motivations and instinctual behaviors, and incorporating positive reinforcement methods, can lead to a harmonious and cooperative relationship. Ultimately, the satisfaction of overcoming these challenges and forging a strong bond with these intelligent and spirited companions can be deeply rewarding for dedicated owners.