Examples of animals that are stubborn include cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, mules, and badgers.
All animals are stubborn, but some more than others. Cats and dogs can be rather obstinate when they want to get their way.
Horses, on the other hand, have a reputation for being so defiant that it’s sometimes hard to control them at all.
There are many more interesting examples of these stubborn creatures below.
Examples of Animals that are Stubborn
1. Badger
| Scientific Name | Taxidea taxus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | North America |
| Size | 9.1 – 11 in. |
Badgers are pretty stubborn creatures. This means that they won’t change their minds easily and won’t give up on something they’ve decided on – even if circumstances change.
They are very quiet in nature and have a preference for being alone. They are very territorial animals and like to mark their territory. Badgers can be seen digging up shallow holes in the ground and spraying urine and leaving stools in them.
This is their way of marking the area as their own. In spite of their reclusive nature, badgers are active and are very vocal at night.
They are omnivorous animals, so they mostly eat worms, grubs, other insects, and small mammals. They also eat berries and nuts. Since they’re not very big in size, they often battle with other animals for food.
2. Bulls
| Scientific Name | Bos taurus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 1,100 and 2,200 lb |
When a bull charges at you, it can be hard not to panic. Sometimes, they just want to play, but it’s hard to tell if they want to play or attack.
Bulls are stubborn animals, like their bovine cousins the cattle. Cows are largely domesticated and very docile, but bulls are very different.
3. Cats
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 9.1 – 9.8 in. |
Cats are stubborn animals that aren’t always the easiest to understand. They enjoy having a routine, but they also have diverse personalities. They can be energetic and awesome pets, but they also like to be left alone.
4. Cows
| Scientific Name | Bos taurus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | overall height of 62.0″-69.0″ |
Cows are some of the most stubborn animals around. They will often refuse to move from their spot, no matter what you do. This can be a problem when you’re trying to herd them or move them from one place to another.
5. Donkeys
| Scientific Name | Equus asinus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 2.6 – 5.2 ft. |
Donkeys are one of the most stubborn animals in the world. They’re known for being hard-headed and always wanting to do things their way.
If you’ve ever tried to lead a donkey, you know that it’s not an easy task. These animals are very independent and will only listen to what they want to hear.
6. Elephant
| Scientific Name | Loxodonta |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Africa |
| Size | 9 – 10 ft |
Elephants are some of the most stubborn animals out there. They often refuse to do what is asked of them, no matter how many times you ask or try to trick it into doing something else.
This makes training elephants more difficult than other animals and is why they were once called “the animal that never forgets”.
7. Goats
| Scientific Name | Capra aegagrus hircus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 16 – 23 in. |
Goats are some of the most stubborn animals out there. They always want to do what they feel like doing, even if it means going against orders or nature itself.
8. Humans
| Scientific Name | Homo sapiens |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 6 ft |
Are the most stubborn of all animals. We refuse to give up, even when we know that something is not working. We will fight and we will win, even if it kills us.
9. Mules
| Scientific Name | Equus asinus × Equus caballus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 12 to 17.5 hands |
Ever heard the expression stubborn as a mule? It’s not just an expression. Mules really are one of the most stubborn animals around.
They’re known for being independent and difficult to train. If you want a mule to do something, you better be prepared to put in some effort.
10. Pigs
| Scientific Name | Sus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 2.5 – 3 ft |
Did you know that pigs are super intelligent? It is true! Pigs can learn tricks faster than dogs and anything else for that matter
However, when faced with a choice they will always choose what benefits them the most, even if it means going against what has been asked of them.
11. Rhino
| Scientific Name | Rhinocerotidae |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Africa |
| Size | 6.3 ft |
They are known for their hard heads and unwillingness to change their minds. If they want something, they will do whatever it takes to get it, even if that means standing their ground and refusing to move.
12. Tigers
| Scientific Name | Panthera tigris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Southwest Asia to the Indonesian |
| Size | 2.3 – 4 ft. |
They are known for being very independent and not wanting to listen to anyone else. This often gets them into trouble, as they will sometimes refuse to leave their territory even if it means danger.
13. Wolverines
| Scientific Name | Gulo gulo |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Canada and Alaska |
| Size | 26–36 inches |
Wolverines are known to be very stubborn animals. They will do whatever it takes to survive and protect their territory. Even if that means they have to fight tooth and nail for it.
Examples of Dogs that are Stubborn
14. Basset Hound
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 11 – 15 inches |
The Basset Hound is a breed of dog that is known for its stubbornness. This breed is notorious for being hard to train and will often times ignore commands from its owner.
Despite this, the Basset Hound is an incredibly loyal dog and makes a great pet for people who have plenty of patience.
15. Beagle
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 12-17 inches |
Beagle is a dog breed that is very stubborn, they are known for their strong-willed personalities. Beagles have been used as hunting dogs because of their tenacity and fearlessness in pursuing prey, even if it means running away from the hunt handler.
16. Dachshund
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 21.5”-25” |
Dachshunds are one of the most stubborn dog breeds. They were bred to hunt badgers and other animals underground, so they have a very independent spirit. If you try to tell them what to do, they’ll just ignore you!
17. Dalmatian
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 22 – 24 inches |
Dalmatians are one of the most well-known stubborn animals. They are known for their independent attitude and strong will. If they don’t want to do something, they’ll make sure you know it.
This can sometimes make them difficult to train, but it also makes them very determined dogs. Once they learn a behavior, they’ll stick to it.
18. English Bulldog
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 12- 16 inches |
Bulldogs are another breed that never gives up. Bulldogs are also referred to as the English Bulldog because they hail from Great Britain, but you can find these pups all over the world now.
They’re known for their bulky bodies and gentle dispositions, which is why it’s popular to use them in pet therapy programs with children who might be nervous around other animals.
19. Jack Russell Terrier
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 10 to 15 inches |
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, white-and-tan terrier that was originally bred in England to hunt foxes.
These dogs are known for their high energy level and stubbornness. They require a lot of exercises and can be difficult to train.
20. Rottweiler
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 22 – 27 inches |
The Rottweiler is a breed of dog that is considered to be stubborn. They are often used as police dogs or guard dogs because of their strength and relentlessness.
Despite being known for their stubbornness, they are also very loyal and protective of their families.
21. Scottish Terrier
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 10 inches tall |
Scottish Terrier is known for its stubbornness. They love to bark and chase things that move, but they can be protective of the people that care about them. They are also independent dogs that can be difficult to train.
22. Siberian Husky
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 20 24 inches |
The Siberian Husky is a very stubborn animal. They are known for being independent and not wanting to listen to their owners.
This can make them difficult to train, but it also makes them great at doing things on their own. They are an excellent choice for people who want an animal that can be independent and will always be willing to work.
23. Weimaraner
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
| Size | 23 – 26 inches |
Weimaraner dogs are one-of-a-kind animals that make great pets for those who want to own an animal that is both friendly and hardworking at the same time.
The Weimaraner dog breed has a unique coloration of having blue eyes with a silver coat. As for personality, these dogs are known to be quite stubborn at times but they make up for it with their great sense of humor and friendly nature.
So if you’re looking for an animal that is both lovable and determined, the Weimaraner dog breed would be a perfect fit for you and your family.
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Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.