8 Dogs That Are Surprisingly Difficult to Bond With

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

dog
Darcy Lawrey/Pexels

Building a strong connection with a dog requires time, patience, and understanding. While many breeds thrive on companionship, some present unique challenges due to their independence, protective instincts, or stubborn personalities. Here are eight dog breeds that are surprisingly tough to bond with, even for experienced pet owners.

1. Afghan Hound

Black and grey afghan hound
Ralph/Pixabay

Known for their elegant appearance and flowing coats, Afghan Hounds are as aloof as they are beautiful. These dogs often prefer solitude and can appear disinterested in human interaction. Their deeply rooted hunting instincts and independent nature make training a challenge, as they resist commands beyond basic obedience. To bond with an Afghan Hound, owners must invest significant time in building trust through consistent, patient interactions that respect the breed’s proud temperament.

2. Chow Chow

Flat-Faced Dog
Marius-Kristensen/Pixabay

At first glance, the Chow Chow’s fluffy exterior may seem inviting, but their temperament tells a different story. Often compared to cats for their independence and meticulous grooming habits, Chow Chows are highly territorial and serious in nature. They form strong bonds with their families but can be aloof or even standoffish toward strangers. Training this breed requires persistence and consistency, as they are known for being headstrong. To foster a bond, trust and respect must be earned through structured routines and patient reinforcement.

3. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
Trong Luong/Pixabay

Siberian Huskies are famous for their boundless energy and playful demeanor, but bonding with them can be a challenge due to their independent spirit. Bred for endurance and teamwork in sledding, these dogs are naturally driven to explore and run, often showing selective hearing when off-leash. Their intelligence and stubbornness can make training difficult, especially for novice owners. Establishing a bond with a Husky requires a combination of rigorous exercise, engaging mental stimulation, and firm yet positive training methods to channel their high energy.

4. American Foxhound

American Foxhound
u_w3vt5jf6ol/Pixabay

Friendly and energetic, American Foxhounds are skilled hunters with a nose for adventure. While affectionate with their families, these dogs often struggle to form deep bonds due to their strong prey drive and independent streak. Left alone for extended periods, they can become destructive or develop separation anxiety. To strengthen the relationship, owners need to engage their Foxhounds in scent-based activities and provide plenty of physical and mental exercise. Early leash training is crucial to manage their instinct to follow their nose wherever it leads.

5. Bullmastiff

Flat-Faced Dog
Marcell Végh/Pixabay

Despite their reputation as gentle giants, Bullmastiffs can be surprisingly difficult to bond with. Their protective nature, combined with a strong-willed personality, can make them resistant to authority if not properly trained. These dogs are loyal to their families but may show indifference or even suspicion toward strangers. Establishing a connection requires firm, consistent leadership and early socialization to temper their natural guarding instincts. Owners who fail to set boundaries may struggle to gain their trust and cooperation.

6. Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei
Thierry Rossier/Pexels

The Chinese Shar-Pei’s wrinkled appearance and unique coat make them instantly recognizable, but their temperament can be tricky to navigate. These dogs are known for their loyalty to family but can be wary of strangers and other animals. Shar-Peis are intelligent and protective, often testing boundaries with their cleverness. Training them requires consistent positive reinforcement and a firm approach to establish leadership. Building a bond with a Shar-Pei takes patience and trust, as they are independent and thrive under a clear and structured routine.

7. Pekingese

Pekingese
Georg Adler/ Pixabay

Small in size but big in personality, Pekingese dogs are known for their confidence and independence. Often described as “serenely opinionated,” they see themselves as equals to their owners, which can make training a test of patience. These dogs tend to form strong bonds with a single person and may be aloof or dismissive toward others. To develop a close connection, the chosen “favorite” must use gentle, consistent training techniques and dedicate time to building trust with this self-assured breed.

8. Basset Hound

Basset Hound
Jawestad/Pixabay

Basset Hounds may seem mellow and approachable, but their clever and determined nature can make bonding a challenge. Originally bred for hunting, they often follow their noses rather than their owners’ commands. Their relentless pursuit of goals—especially when food is involved—can make training a battle of wills. To forge a bond with a Basset Hound, owners must blend patience with creativity, ensuring training sessions are fun and rewarding. Consistency and understanding are key to winning the loyalty of this charming yet headstrong breed.

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