If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
One of the traits that varies massively between breeds is stubborness – some dogs are happy to do what they are told, while others will only listen to their owner when it suits them.
So, here are the 13 most stubborn breeds of dog.
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5. Basenji
Clever, curious, and intensely independent - as well as being the only breed of dog incapable of barking - Basenjis frequently question commands rather than automatically obeying. "Yes, but WHY do you want me to sit?". Their strong hunting instincts and self-reliant nature can make consistent training particularly challenging. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Bulldog
Some Bulldogs can actually be fairly well behaved and respond to commands well. If you don't get their training right early in life though they can be incredibly stubborn and show their owner little in the way of respect. They certainly look pretty stubborn. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Chihuahua
The smallest dog in the world is also one of the most stubborn. The Chihuahua needs plenty of patience - or just an acceptance that stubborness is part of this breed's charm. | Getty Images
8. Pekingese
Pekingese were historically treasured companion dogs, bred to act as glorified lap warmers for filthy rich owners. They can learn quickly but tend to prefer doing things on their own terms rather than obeying repeatedly - these are dogs that have serious main character energy. | Canva/Getty Images