Thinking of welcoming a canine companion? Certain breeds require more than just basic care. This list explores the 10 most challenging dog breeds to own, highlighting the unique commitment required to ensure their well-being. From demanding exercise needs and specialized grooming to strong-willed personalities and potential behavioral issues, understanding these challenges is crucial before bringing one of these magnificent, yet demanding, breeds into your home. Are you ready to meet the top contenders?
You got a new dog, and it’s turning out to be a lot more challenging than you expected.
You knew getting a dog would be hard work, but wow, you were not prepared for this!
Sound familiar?
As a dog lover, you probably believe there’s no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners. While that isn’t entirely wrong, it’s a bit too simplistic. Dogs, like people, have their own unique personalities, traits, and quirks. Each one is special, with both good and not-so-good qualities.
We don’t think any dog or breed is bad, but we know that some can be much more challenging for their owners. Some breeds are notoriously difficult to train and can be too much for new pet parents to handle. If you’re thinking about adopting a new furry family member, it’s crucial to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and experience level.
In this post, we’ll share a few dog breeds that tend to challenge new pet owners. We hope this doesn’t offend anyone who already has these breeds, but instead, it gives new dog owners something to think about. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Most Difficult Dog Breeds to Own
1. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are gentle and affectionate with their families, making them good pets for families with well-behaved children. However, HillsPet points out that their calm nature can change around strangers, so supervision is essential.
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Usually mild-mannered and docile, Bullmastiffs can become aggressive with other male dogs and strangers when aroused. They may get along with the family cat, but they won’t accept strange animals on their property. Their strength and stubbornness mean they will test family members and do things their own way.
It’s crucial to train and socialize Bullmastiffs early. They are energetic and grow into strong, giant dogs that need proper training to prevent them from knocking people over. Bullmastiffs can be independent thinkers, making training challenging.
Bullmastiffs are not the easiest dogs, especially for first-time owners. They are intelligent and powerful, requiring proper stimulation and socialization to prevent them from becoming a handful.
2. Beagle
Beagles have a nose for everything, literally. Their exceptional sense of smell often distracts them, making training a challenge. If you own a Beagle, keep your home spotless because they love to rummage through anything they can find.
Beagles can be loud and bark more than some other breeds, which is something to consider if you live in a city or have close neighbors. ASPCA notes that they have a reputation for being rowdy, destructive, and disobedient.
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Beagles are high-energy dogs, making them hard to train. They are naturally stubborn, independent, and curious, traits that make them great hunters but challenging pets. Their independence means they tend to run off and don’t particularly care about pleasing you.
Food can motivate Beagles, but too many treats can lead to obesity. You don’t want a dog that only obeys when you have a biscuit. Beagles take longer to learn commands, but with consistent training and patience, you can train a Beagle successfully.
3. Pekingese
The Pekingese breed, known for its luxuriant mane and compact stature, has a noble history as a companion for Chinese royalty. Despite being a toy breed, Pekingese are self-assured and independent, sometimes mistaken for aggression.
According to Pekingese Central, Pekingese can occasionally exhibit aggressive behavior, often due to health issues like arthritis, which can make them irritable and prone to snapping. Additionally, their short face and domed head, a result of deliberate breeding, lead to numerous health problems, including breathing difficulties, eye diseases, joint issues, and itchy skin conditions.
Their assertiveness can affect interactions with other dogs and people. Proper socialization and consistent training are crucial for addressing these traits, helping Pekingese live harmoniously with their human companions. With the right care, these regal dogs can be loving and loyal pets.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russells are active dogs that make perfect family pets, especially for kids over the age of three or four. Jack Russells get bored easily, so they need a family that can spend quality time with them. A solitary or sedentary lifestyle doesn’t suit this breed. Without enough exercise, companionship, and mental stimulation, Jack Russells can become bored and entertain themselves by digging or causing a mess.
Greencross Vets notes that having a backyard for them to run, play, and let off steam is essential. Jack Russells are fairly affectionate and usually friendly with strangers. However, their strong hunting instincts mean they might harm unfamiliar dogs or small pets, so they should never be left alone with such animals.
Training a Jack Russell can be challenging due to their intelligence and tendency to get bored. They need firm, consistent discipline and will continue to test their limits throughout their life. If left unattended and without tasks to occupy them, Jack Russells can be very destructive. Most behavioral problems in Jack Russell stems from a lack of companionship, discipline, activity, and exercise.
5. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are beautiful and fun-loving dogs, but they’re not the easiest to handle. Intelligent and energetic, they are known for being “talkative” and throwing tantrums when they don’t get their way. These behaviors can be cute at first but quickly become frustrating for inexperienced owners.
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Huskies love the outdoors and need a spacious yard, but their desire to run and escape means a secure fence is essential. If you have other pets, be aware that Huskies have a strong prey drive and might harm smaller animals. Huskies are extremely vocal, often “talking” to you or another Husky, which can get annoying after a while.
They don’t cope well alone and need someone around most of the time, as they are prone to separation anxiety. PDSA states that they need a lot of attention, and without it, they can become destructive by chewing, digging, and howling.
These dogs require a lot of work and commitment to keep them happy and balanced. As working dogs, they have very high energy and need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. Many people find it challenging to meet these needs, making Huskies a tough breed to own.
6. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an impressive dog with a long, flowing coat that attracts attention wherever it goes. Despite their beauty and intelligence, Afghan Hounds are one of the most difficult dogs to train. They are highly independent and prefer to do things on their own terms, often ignoring commands.
These dogs are known for their aloofness and can be difficult to control. WebMD warns that walking an Afghan Hound off-leash is not recommended, as they can be challenging to manage. They can also jump considerable heights, so a high-fenced area is essential for their recreation.
Training an Afghan Hound requires building a strong bond based on trust and mutual respect. Embrace their independent spirit, channel their intelligence, and use a healthy dose of humor. With patience and the right approach, you’ll discover a loyal and loving companion beneath their regal exterior. Although they may choose to listen on their own terms, they will do so out of love and respect with the right training.
7. Chinese Shar-Pei
Don’t let those irresistible wrinkles fool you! While Chinese Shar-Peis are great cuddlers, their unique personalities might not fit every family. These independent dogs can be aloof with strangers and territorial over their loved ones. For families who respect their boundaries, Shar-Peis are incredibly loyal and devoted.
Shar-Peis are very intelligent but can be stubborn. PetMD states that without early training and socialization, they can become fearful of strangers and anxious away from home. They might be dominant or aggressive toward other dogs, especially of the same sex, and have strong instincts to chase cats and other animals. Because of their guard dog origins, they can be distrustful or aggressive with strangers without proper socialization.
Shar-Peis need a confident, experienced owner who can establish themselves as the pack leader. Consistent, gentle, but firm training is key. Patience and positive reinforcement go a long way with these smart dogs!
8. Rottweiler
Rottweilers often make an intimidating first impression due to their appearance and reputation, but this is largely due to misconceptions and unethical owners. Forbes highlights that when properly trained and socialized, Rottweilers are loyal and loving dogs.
The key to owning a Rottweiler is early socialization and consistent, firm training. They can be stubborn and overly protective if not trained correctly. Owners need to establish clear leadership and boundaries. Rottweilers are built like tanks and bred to pull carts and guard livestock, so they require a firm hand and a big heart.
If untrained, Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs with a strong bite that can cause serious injury. They can also be aggressive and territorial, posing a threat to both people and other animals. However, with proper training and care, a Rottweiler can be a wonderful companion.
9. English Bulldog
The gentle English Bulldog is a lovable family pet, but their needs might not fit every lifestyle. Due to their short muzzle, they often have breathing difficulties, causing them to snort, wheeze, and snore.
English Bulldogs are people pleasers but can be a bit strong-willed. They can be stubborn, making them harder to train than some other breeds. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn basic commands and tricks. Their stubbornness can be challenging for new pet owners.
If you want an adventure buddy for running or hiking, a Bulldog isn’t a good fit. They are people-oriented and love attention, making them great companions. Despite their friendly nature, they have retained the courage from their bull-baiting past, making them good watchdogs. While they usually get along with other family pets, they can be aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs.
10. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow may look like a fluffy teddy bear, but they’re not as cuddly as they seem. Bred in China for guarding, hunting, and herding, these dogs are very loyal and protective of their owners. However, they can be aloof with strangers and may act aggressively toward unknown people and animals if not socialized properly from a young age.
Chow Chows are intelligent but very stubborn. They need a lot of training and patience, making them better suited for experienced owners. Their long double coats require regular grooming to prevent mats, so if you can’t commit to frequent brushing, this breed might not be for you.
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According to PetPlan, Chow Chows are physically strong and strong-willed, so they’re not ideal for novice owners. They can make good family pets but aren’t very playful or patient, so they’re better for families without young children. They’re also not easily trainable, and if not well-bred, they can become aggressive, hyperactive, and bark excessively.
Conclusion
Certain breeds like Australian Cattle Dog and German Shepherd dog breed are known for their intelligence and high energy, making them challenging breeds to own. The working breeds, like Australian cattle dogs, require an experienced pet parent or dog trainer to provide the necessary mental and physical stimulation.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, properly training and socializing these dogs is crucial. With the right approach, even the most difficult dog breeds can become loyal and well-behaved companions.
Ultimately, the concept of a “difficult” dog breed is subjective and depends heavily on the owner’s experience and commitment. While certain breeds may present greater challenges in training, grooming, or exercise needs, a dedicated owner with the right resources can overcome these hurdles. Rather than focusing on “difficulty,” prospective owners should honestly assess their lifestyle and experience level to choose a breed whose needs align with their capabilities. With proper research, training, and socialization, any dog can become a well-adjusted and beloved companion.