Dogs are lovely, furry animals, no doubt. But some come with behaviors that can be annoying and quite challenging to deal with. Here are 21 dog breeds that have a reputation for being frustrating and even scary sometimes.
Jack Russell Terrier
We start with Jack Russell Terriers, dogs that often channel their high energy and intelligence into the wrong things. They are dominant and aggressive towards other dogs, and you’re advised not to keep two of them together. Jack Russell Terriers, when bored, are also known for their destructive digging habits, which can be bad if you have a garden.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are beautiful, big dogs that can be incredibly stubborn when not trained properly. They are naturally independent dogs, which can make training them with commands a little difficult. And Wag! shares with us that, most times, their destructive behavior is a result of pent-up energy that can be avoided by providing them with a lot of exercise time.
Beagle
Beagles are curious and affectionate dogs, and these two traits are ingredients for disaster when they’re left alone. Hill’s Pet says that Beagles will howl and become destructive when they don’t have company with them and that they can also be difficult to train with commands, especially if you don’t have the time for them.
Dachshund
Dachshunds, with their long bodies and short legs, are particularly notorious for their barking. They have a strong prey drive and will chase after small animals, often digging up gardens in pursuit. Their stubbornness can make training a challenge, requiring consistent and patient effort from you.
Border Collie
Incredibly smart and energetic, Border Collies demand a lot of mental and physical stimulation to manage. Without enough activity, they can become destructive and develop problematic behaviors, and their herding instinct can also lead to nipping at heels, which can be problematic in households with children.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small, but their personalities are some of the biggest in the canine world. Known for their feisty and sometimes aggressive nature, they often display excessive barking and can be difficult to housetrain. Their delicate size also means they are prone to injuries, requiring extra care and attention.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are known for their boundless energy and need for mental stimulation. These intelligent dogs can become bored easily, leading to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging. Their herding instincts can also cause them to try and herd people, which can be frustrating for owners.
Dalmatian
As active and intelligent dogs, Dalmatians require a lot of exercise as well. Without enough physical activity, they can become hyperactive and destructive. Their strong-willed nature can make training difficult, and they are known for their tendency to develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Poodle
Poodles, especially the standard size, are highly intelligent. And without adequate mental stimulation, they can develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking and chewing. Their high energy levels mean they also need regular exercise to remain content, calm, and well-behaved.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are independent and often aloof, making them difficult to train. Their stubborn nature means they can be resistant to commands and have a tendency to run off if not securely contained. Shiba Inus also have a high prey drive, leading them to chase after small animals.
Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are known for their strong personalities and stubbornness. Their playful nature can sometimes lead to destructive behavior if they become bored. And you need to provide consistent training and plenty of exercise to keep them engaged and prevent them from developing these problematic habits.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers, while friendly and affectionate, can be quite stubborn when it comes to training. They are known for their energetic bursts and can become hyperactive indoors if not given enough exercise. They also have a tendency to snore and develop respiratory issues, which can also be challenging for some owners.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Without enough physical activity, or, according to Dogster, without early, consistent training, they can become destructive. Their strong prey drive means they may chase after small animals, and their need for constant companionship can lead to separation anxiety.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are known for their sensitive and sometimes anxious natures. They require gentle training and can become fearful if handled too harshly. And they also have a tendency to bark at strangers and other dogs, posing a challenge for owners who love some peace and quiet.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds, with their strong sense of smell, can be stubborn and difficult to train. Their slow-moving nature can make them seem lazy, but they need regular exercise to prevent weight gain. Their drooling and tendency to develop ear infections can also be a concern for some owners.
Boxer
Boxers are playful and energetic—traits that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. And without enough activity, they can become hyperactive and develop destructive behaviors. Their strong-willed nature can make training a challenge, and their tendency to jump on people can also be a problem you find yourself dealing with.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle, but their size can make them difficult to manage. They require plenty of space and can become destructive if bored, and Britannica shares that they can be especially aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs. Saint Bernards are also known for their overwhelming drooling and shedding, and their tendency to develop joint issues makes owning one even more worrisome.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are strong-willed and independent, and these traits can make training one a challenge sometimes. Their high energy levels require plenty of exercise, and they are known for their howling, which can be disruptive. The thick coats of Alaskan Malamutes also require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them comfortable.
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are intelligent and energetic, needing plenty of mental and physical stimulation to manage. They have the potential to become destructive and difficult to manage, and their independent nature can make training a challenge. The Airedale Terrier also has a strong prey drive that causes it to annoyingly chase after small animals.
Akita
Known for their strong personalities and independent nature, Akitas can be difficult to train and require consistent, firm handling. And although their tendency to be aloof with strangers can make them excellent guard dogs, the stubbornness and need for socialization associated with it can be challenging for owners.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and energetic, and this makes them a breed that requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation too. They can become anxious and develop destructive behaviors, and their strong work drive, which makes them excellent working dogs, can be too intense for regular dog owners to deal with.
Up Next: 20 Personal Things You Should Never Share With Others
Building meaningful connections with others requires a certain level of transparency and trust, but that doesn’t mean you have to tell your friends and family members everything! Some aspects of our lives are too personal, incriminating, or risky to share. This article explores 20 aspects of your personal life that you should always keep confidential.
20 Personal Things You Should Never Share With Others
18 Things Everyone Forgets to Include in Their Will—But Shouldn’t
Wills and estate plans are essential ways to ensure what will happen to your belongings and property when you die or are incapacitated. However, people often forget to include important information in their wills before it’s too late, complicating matters for their descendants. Here are the 18 common things people forget to include in their will.
18 Things Everyone Forgets to Include in Their Will—But Shouldn’t
18 Items at Walmart that Aren’t Worth Your Hard-Earned Money
For many of us, Walmart is the go-to superstore. Whether we need groceries, clothing, or technology, Walmart is a one-stop shop for everything you would need. However, there are some Walmart products you should avoid at all costs, such as the following 18 examples.
18 ITEMS AT WALMART THAT AREN’T WORTH YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY