If you've just decided to share your home with a canine companion, but are at a complete loss as to which breed might suit your lifestyle the best and you are a first-time owner, there are certain breeds which you might be best keeping away from for one reason or another. It could be they have a high prey drive, or maybe they are known to be extremely demanding, but whatever the reason it's well worth finding as much out about the breed before you make your final decision.

All dogs are special and each and every one of them boasts their own unique personality. However, there are certain breeds that are known to be a little harder to handle than others and quite a few of them boast an incredibly stubborn streak in them which can be hard to overcome. They are the sort of characters that when given an inch, they'll grab at a mile with no trouble at all!

The Akita

There is no doubt at all that the Akita is a pretty impressive looking dog and they are known to be super protective of their homes and territories. Although incredibly loyal, these proud dogs also boast being a little too independent for their own good which can make it difficult for them to accept the simplest of commands like “sit”.

It's not that they don't know what's being asked of them, they often think the command is just a waste of their energy and they can be pretty stubborn about things which means an Akita is not the best choice for first-time dog owners because these powerful dogs need to be handled with a firm yet gentle and fair hand.

The Shar-pei

Incredibly loyal, the Shar-pei is not only a gorgeous looking canine, but they are also known to be pretty independent characters by nature. With this come a bit of a stubborn streak and many owners often compared their canine companions to a three year child and a precocious one at that.

Again, the Shar-pei might not be the perfect first-time dog because if they are not handled fairly and well socialised from a very young age, they could turn out to be quite a handful!

The Chow Chow

Another fabulous looking canine, the Chow Chow has it all. Stunning good looks, a lovely personality and a ton of energy. However, they are also known for their stubborn streak and if they don't want to do something, it can be pretty hard to change their minds and get them to do it!

Famous for their dark coloured tongues, the Chow may look like a bit of a teddy bear, but if the truth be known, this ancient breed is far from being a walk over. They are extremely intelligent dogs and if allowed to get away with things, they will because if there is one thing the Chow likes it's doing things their own way.

The Border Collie

The Border Collie is an ultra active dog that needs to be kept busy for them to be truly happy. The thing about these lovely dogs and why they are so good at the jobs they do, is that they are independent characters by nature and will make decisions on their own. If you are used to being around these lively, active dogs you soon learn how clever they are. However, with this comes a little bit of a stubborn streak which includes needing to herd everything in sight, including the pet tortoise!

The Airedale

Airedales are very proud looking canines often referred to as the “King of Terriers”. Although pretty playful by nature, they are extremely intelligent and a little wilful. These lovely dogs are not the best choice for first-time owners because if they are allowed to get away with things or left to their own devices for great lengths of time, they can become a bit of a handful. They will make up their own games to keep themselves entertained which could include digging up your sofa or even the lawn!

The Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a very beautiful looking dog, but they do boast a bit of a stubborn streak in them. They are known for their intelligence and also for being very independent characters by nature. Training can be a problem because if a Husky decides they don't want to do something, it can be pretty hard to convince they should. For first-time dog owners this can be a real problem that can turn into a nightmare, which means the Siberian Husky is not the best choice as they do so much better with people who know how to handle them and their stubborn quirks.

The Jack Russell

Jack Russells are adorable looking little canines and they are very intelligent too. However, with this comes a bit of a stubborn streak and being terriers, when they decide they have to do something, it can be quite hard to convince these little dogs not to. They might be small, but the Jack Russell boasts a ton of energy that needs to be expended which could involve digging holes in your flower beds when they get too bored!

The Dachshund

The Dachshund is a glorious looking dog and they are incredibly smart, but all too often the word “no” just doesn't figure in their vocabulary. These little sausage dogs boast a stubborn streak like no other and if given the chance will help themselves to things including any food that's low enough for them to reach! However, with this comes a very comical and affectionate little canine and one that's super protective of the people they love!

The Beagle

Beagles are renowned for their stubborn streak which goes hand-in-hand with their cute looks and affectionate natures. These dogs are highly intelligent and need to be handled with a fair but firm hand or they will get the better of you which means they are not the best choice for first-time dog owners. However, Beagles are also known to like their food which means they are easy to bribe if you want to get them to do something – but you need to watch their weight!