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Is your pup an absolute independent, don’t-need-no-owner kind of dog that acts like they own everything?
If so, they might be one of the breeds we’re about to mention on this list.
Some dogs are just independent, it’s just how it is.
Usually, this can directly correlate to their breed, though there’s always those anomalies in other breeds as well. Sometimes it depends on personality.
If you’re looking for a new dog and you’re not sure what breed you should be after, this might clear things up for you.
Contents
1. Beagle
Beagles are one of the most independent breeds around the world, and you can find this information just about anywhere.
If you’ve ever been around a beagle, then you know they can sometimes be a bit off-putting, but it’s because they’re independent and don’t want to have to wait for the things that they want.
However, this also makes them pretty difficult to train in the long term.
Even if you take them to a professional dog trainer, it’s going to take longer than usual, and this is something you can hear directly from tons of trainers—they’re just stubborn dogs.
This makes them excellent for self-care and motivation, though; they’ll go out the dog door into the back yard with or without you, they’ll knock over dog food bags if they know where they’re located, and things of that sort.
If you live a demanding life but you really want a dog, beagles can take care of themselves for the most part.
2. Scottish Terrier
Terriers are, by nature, fairly independent dogs.
Many people often compare Scottish terriers to a big, wild dog being trapped in the body of a much smaller dog, and if you’ve ever been around one, you can feel it.
There’s this high energy that they have which isn’t aggravating or anything to worry about, they’re just always on the move.
However, terriers are usually not the first pick for a lot of families.
Scottish terriers aren’t exactly biters, but that’s because if you’re reading this, you’re not the type of person to annoy a dog to the point of snapping.
Because they are independent, they are also fairly intolerant of behavior that they don’t like.
This makes them fairly hard to train, but even when trained, kids could still be a problem and inhibit bad behavior from your Scottish terrier.
This isn’t because they’re a bad dog, but kids can be rough, and some pups are just better at handling that than others.
3. Greyhound
You’ve already heard me mention that independent dogs can be hard to train and stubborn, but Greyhounds come in with an entirely different set of personality traits, which is quite nice.
These tall, large dogs are actually very friendly despite being independent. In their heritage, they were used to hunt, so they may still hold onto some of these traits.
It’s not uncommon for a greyhound to chase a cat or perhaps get into it with other dogs, but around people, they’re calm as can be, and know who the master is in their relationship with an owner.
On top of that, they’re actually pretty good with kids and can handle quite a bit of frustration without snapping at the little ones.
We often put independent and high-energy into the same category, but that’s not always the case.
Here, greyhounds are very relaxed and chill, so you won’t get them all hyped up unless they want to be (that’s the whole point of them being independent).
Whatever your demeanor is, a greyhound could be a great companion.
4. Akita
We all have that friend that is quiet and stand-offish with people, but around the people they know, they open up and are a little more lighthearted.
Imagine all of that in an akita. The more you are around your akita, the more silly and playful they are going to be, they’re just choosy about who they open up to.
This is usually a personality trait that goes along with being aggressive, but in akitas, it’s quite the opposite.
These are considered some of the best, but least-known family dogs that you could possibly get.
They actually get very testy when they’re left alone without their family, whether that’s you or your children.
Akitas might seem like they have a cold shoulder after you come home from a long day of work, but it’s just because they’re family-obsessive dogs.
They’re not difficult to train, but not exactly easy to train like a lab, so you’ll need some time with them to ensure they perform as you want.
5. Chow Chow
Chow chows are similar to akitas in a lot of ways, they just obviously look a lot different.
A chow chow is independent while also being high-energy, so if this is something that you can’t handle, a chow chow is not for you.
They like to be played with, and get upset when they are left alone for too long.
Chow chows make an excellent family dog, because while they are independent, instead of swiping or biting a child, they’ll just walk away and distance themselves from the child.
They’re well-mannered after a little bit of training, which doesn’t take too long as they enjoy being part of a family and having an owner who teaches them.
Overall, an underrated, independent, and great dog.
6. Shar-Pei
Independent is the number one word you would use to describe a shar-pei, for sure.
They’re very proud, regal dogs that enjoy being part of a family, and will not let you down when you need them.
They’re often revered as being one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there as well.
But what about their temperament? Well, I did say independent, didn’t I?
They’re very wary of other dogs, even ones that they have seen before, so it’s not just a stranger thing.
That being said, they’re also very wary of human strangers that are not their owner, doubling down on the loyalty that they’re known for.
Training a shar-pei isn’t an easy task.
While they are basically programmed to be active and loyal dogs, they’re stubborn when it comes to training, so a professional trainer might be the route that works best even from the time that they are a puppy.
7. Cairn Terrier
Terriers in general are not seen as the best family pet (even though some of us had them growing up with no problems), but there are a lot of accounts out there where people said terriers get snappy more than other dogs, which might be true.
However, if independent if your number one quality you want in a dog, a cairn terrier fits the bill just right.
They’re small, adorable dogs with a lot to say, and are often the choice of people living in apartments or in the heart of the city since they don’t take up much room.
Cairns are obedient once they understand the hierarchy of the house, and are definitely high-energy.
They’ll also be the first ones to snuggle up on your lap and watch a movie, so they definitely do have a sweet side to them.
8. Alaskan Malamute
This list isn’t in any particular order, because once you see how independent and fierce an Alasakn malamute can be, you’ll realize that this is the dog of kings.
They have a wild, wolf-like side to them, which is where they get their independence from.
This can be trained out of them from a young age. They’re very social dogs, and can even be timid enough to get along with indoor cats if you train them properly.
They’re big, they’re powerful, they’re independent, but they can also be cuddly fuzzballs under a good owner.
9. Afghan Hound
Last but not least, an Afghan hound is a long-haired dog that really gets you thinking, “How can this dog have more self-confidence than I do?—they’re extremely confident and proud dogs.
They require a strong owner. If you have the confidence in yourself and your pet to be the best dog that they can be, they’ll perform accordingly.
Afghan hounds require consistent grooming, and do not like being dirty.
Out of all the independent dogs on this list, they’re the most likely to take a bath and just let you scrub their hair while sitting in total silence.
They’re great family pets once trained properly.
What Breed is Your Dog?
Did you spot your pup on this list?
Are you getting a pup that made the list?
Whatever your reason is, these are some of the fiercest, most independent dogs that you can choose from.
Do these breeds have their difficulties?
Of course they do, but then again what breed isn’t going to come with their own perks and picadillos?
These are all great dogs to choose from.
