The Australian cattle dog also goes by the name “blue heeler” or “Australian heeler.” But whatever the breeder or the shelter calls him, he’s not the ideal fit for a brand-new dog owner.
They have a reputation for being stubborn and having energy to spare — not to mention a truly adventurous spirit and belief in their own invincibility that will leave you wondering how they’ll injure themselves next. Additionally, Australian cattle dog owners must establish themselves as pack leader to promote a harmonious household.
Afghan Hound
The aristocratic demeanor of this elegant-looking creature goes through to its personality. The Afghan Hound commands attention rather than seeking it out. Beneath the glamorous, long and shiny coat, you may be surprised to find a stalwart hunter. The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed dating back to the Egyptians and was also found in the Middle Eastern mountains where it was trained to leap after gazelle and smaller prey, like hare.
With a strong instinct and ability to run nimbly through mountain terrain, it requires plenty of outdoor exercises. Adopting an Afghan Hound comes with a commitment to daily exercise and coat care. With this level of attention, this dog is a calm and quiet four-legged friend who loves to jump in bed with you. While the Afghan can be trained to be good with children, it is not a playmate type of dog. This dog will be unhappy without attention and left to the backyard.
Pekingese
This breed is legendarily stubborn. Pekingese were bred to be lapdog companions by the ancient Imperial family of China. Some Pekingese were official royal dogs. These dogs retain their royal breeding with a haughty attitude and a strong disposition that commands respect. It’s very difficult to train a Pekingese since it believes it should be in charge and goes about this business with an entrenched obstinacy. This dog may even bite if it is disciplined harshly.
Well-socialized Pekingese are very loving with their owner and family, but strangers are treated as intruders. This makes the breed a great watchdog. They are extremely brave, considering their size. They will fight off strangers to death if determined to be a threat.
Airedale Terrier
Notoriously clever and stubborn, Airedales are tricky simply because they’ve got a typical terrier temperament in a large dog body. Terriers are known for being independent thinkers and voracious predators.
While this can be cute in a Jack Russell, it can be tricky to manage with a larger breed like an Airedale. They are also quite vigilant and may be unfriendly to newcomers, which can be an additional challenge for owners who like to have guests.
Borzoi
The Borzoi or Russian Hunting Sighthound is a Russian breed of hunting dog of the sighthound type. These beautiful dogs were once used for wolf hunting, and until 1936 were known as the Russian Wolfhound.
Borzoi dogs are intelligent and very affectionate with their owners but are also independent and sometimes stubborn, so training may prove to be a challenge. Patience and consistency are key. Overall they are usually gentle, well-mannered companions.