Just as potential pet parents come in all shapes and sizes, dogs can be vastly different physically and in personality. There are many factors that should go into deciding on the pawr-fect dog for you. If you are looking at getting a dog for the first time, you should research your choice carefully to be sure they’ll fit your lifestyle.
Consider the dogs’ needs, like which breeds will be happiest sharing your home or joining you in activities. In this guide, youll get insight into what breeds you should avoid if you’ve never been responsible for a dog before. Remember that you may find the ideal dog among these breeds, but its good to know what you may be in for.
The Akita is a powerful dog with both Japanese and American roots. Bred for guarding, they are extremely loyal dogs that resist training for their territorialism, and they may create problems with strangers or service people coming to your home. A first-time pet parent needs to establish themselves as the “boss” of an Akita.
Immediately recognizable as the dog riding the fire engine, this intrepid pooch requires activity and lots of exercise. If you can’t provide both, this dog may not be for you. The Dalmatian is extremely loyal and can be an ideal first-time pet who likes to snuggle if they are exercised enough.
The German Shepherd is a bright, stately and confident doggo that needs intense training to control their guarding instincts. If their bark isn’t enough to dissuade someone from coming into your home, their menacing stance and facial expressions will. Though they’re cream puffs when their favorite human is rubbing their tummy, their aggression may be daunting for a first-time pet parent. Looking for a dog walker? Connect with highly rated dog walkers in your neighborhood
Many have said the Pit Bull is too dangerous to have around, and while many are really cuddlebugs, the “Pitty” has been known to show aggression and even attack their humans. In general, they can be loyal and loving if the first-time pet parent has the time and insight to really bond with the pupster and provide socialization with other people and animals when they’re puppies.
Despite their reputation as helpers of people in danger, the Saint Bernard, by nature of their size, can be difficult to control. A favorite activity is chewing things like your socks, and intense training needs to attempt to control this habit. They also drool copious amounts on your floors. Unless you love mopping up after them, pass on the Saint Bernard.
Have you ever fallen in love with those puppy dog eyes only to realize six months later that you’ve made a huge mistake? I get it. As someone who’s worked with dogs for years, I’ve seen plenty of heartbroken owners surrendering pets they simply weren’t prepared to handle.
Look, I’m not here to dog-shame. Every breed has its charm! But let’s be real—some dogs require special handling, extreme patience, or lifestyle adjustments that many of us just can’t provide And that’s okay! The important thing is knowing what you’re getting into before you bring that adorable ball of fur home.
So let’s dive into the 15 worst dogs to own (for most average folks), and why they might be challenging for the typical pet parent Remember, this isn’t about “bad dogs”—it’s about bad matches.
Why Some Dogs Are Harder to Own Than Others
Before we name names, let’s understand what makes certain breeds challenging:
- High energy levels requiring hours of daily exercise
- Stubborn temperaments that resist traditional training
- Protective instincts that can become problematic around strangers
- Size and strength that may be difficult to control
- Special grooming needs demanding significant time and money
- Health issues common to certain breeds
The 15 Most Challenging Dog Breeds for Average Owners
1. Siberian Husky: The Beautiful Escape Artist
Those ice-blue eyes might be mesmerizing, but Huskies can be a nightmare for unprepared owners. These dogs were bred to run. And run. And run some more.
Why they’re challenging:
- Notorious escape artists who can jump fences and dig under barriers
- Extremely high energy requiring 2+ hours of exercise DAILY
- Independent thinkers resistant to training
- Excessive shedding (seriously, it’s like a fur explosion twice a year)
- Prone to destructive behaviors when bored
My neighbor’s Husky, Luna, once tunneled under their fence, ran three miles to the local dog park, and then refused to come when called. It took four people and two hours to catch her. This wasn’t unusual behavior—it was Tuesday.
2. Chihuahua: The Tiny Terror
Don’t let their size fool you. These pocket-sized pups often have massive attitudes and can be surprisingly difficult to live with.
Why they’re challenging:
- Often aggressive toward strangers and other dogs
- Difficult to housetrain
- Can be extremely vocal (barking… so much barking)
- Fragile physique requiring careful handling
- Often bond to one person and reject others
3. Akita: The One-Person Army
These dignified, powerful dogs were bred as guardians and hunters in Japan. While deeply loyal, they’re not for novice owners.
Why they’re challenging:
- Naturally suspicious of strangers
- Strong prey drive that can make them dangerous around small animals
- Stubborn and independent
- Need consistent, confident handling
- Protective instincts that can lead to aggression if not properly trained
4. Chow Chow: The Fluffy Dictator
With their lion-like appearance and blue-black tongues, Chow Chows are definitely unique. But their personalities can be just as distinctive—and difficult.
Why they’re challenging:
- Aloof and independent
- Can be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs
- Require consistent grooming
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Often unwilling to tolerate handling
5. Australian Cattle Dog: The Workaholic Nipper
These intelligent working dogs need a job—and if you don’t give them one, they’ll find their own (usually destructive) projects.
Why they’re challenging:
- Extremely high energy levels
- May nip at heels due to herding instincts
- Requires constant mental stimulation
- Can become destructive without proper exercise
- Strong-willed and independent
6. Rottweiler: The Misunderstood Guardian
These powerful dogs can be gentle giants with proper training, but their strength and protective instincts make them challenging for inexperienced owners.
Why they’re challenging:
- Extremely powerful (can pull adults off their feet)
- Protective instincts require careful socialization
- Need consistent, firm training from puppyhood
- Can be aggressive if not properly socialized
- Size can be intimidating and difficult to manage
7. Weimaraner: The Velcro Dog with Separation Anxiety
These striking silver dogs are intelligent and athletic, but their neediness can be overwhelming.
Why they’re challenging:
- Severe separation anxiety
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be destructive when bored or anxious
- Need consistent training and boundaries
- Hunting instincts may make them unsafe around small pets
8. Dalmatian: Not Just a Disney Dog
Thanks to “101 Dalmatians,” many people bring these spotted dogs home without realizing they’re high-energy working dogs.
Why they’re challenging:
- Extremely energetic
- Can be stubborn and difficult to train
- May be aggressive if not properly socialized
- Prone to health issues, including deafness
- Need lots of exercise and mental stimulation
9. Bullmastiff: The Gentle Giant with Attitude
These massive dogs were bred to catch poachers, and they haven’t forgotten their guarding instincts.
Why they’re challenging:
- Enormous size (up to 130 pounds) makes them difficult to control
- Protective instincts can lead to aggression toward strangers
- Stubborn and independent-minded
- Strong prey drive
- Size can be dangerous around small children (even accidentally)
10. Cane Corso: The Imposing Italian Mastiff
These powerful guardians require experienced handling and extensive socialization.
Why they’re challenging:
- Extremely powerful and strong-willed
- Protective instincts that require careful management
- Need experienced, confident handling
- Can be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs
- Require early and extensive socialization
11. Belgian Malinois: The Military Dog
Often used by police and military, these dogs are intelligent and intense working animals—not casual pets.
Why they’re challenging:
- Extremely high energy and drive
- Need constant mental and physical challenges
- Can become destructive without proper outlets
- Prone to anxiety and behavioral issues without proper training
- May nip or bite due to herding instincts
12. Shar-Pei: The Wrinkled Troublemaker
Those adorable wrinkles hide a stubborn, independent personality that can be challenging even for experienced dog owners.
Why they’re challenging:
- Often aggressive toward other dogs
- Independent and stubborn
- Health issues related to skin folds
- Can be territorial and protective
- Difficult to train
13. Afghan Hound: The High-Maintenance Diva
These elegant dogs require significant grooming and have independent personalities.
Why they’re challenging:
- Require hours of grooming weekly
- Independent and aloof
- Difficult to train due to stubborn nature
- High prey drive
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
14. Pekingese: The Regal but Feisty Companion
These small dogs with big personalities were bred for Chinese royalty—and they haven’t forgotten their noble origins.
Why they’re challenging:
- Stubborn and difficult to train
- Prone to numerous health issues
- Require regular grooming
- Can be aggressive toward strangers and children
- Often possessive of their owners
15. Great Pyrenees: The Independent Mountain Guardian
These majestic white dogs were bred to guard livestock independently in remote mountain areas—which means they think for themselves.
Why they’re challenging:
- Extremely independent
- Prone to wandering and roaming
- Bark excessively (they’re nocturnal guardians)
- Shed profusely
- Stubborn and resistant to training
Special Considerations for Families with Children
If you’ve got kids, you’ll need to be extra careful about which dog breed you choose. Some breeds that are particularly challenging with children include:
- Chihuahuas: Often too fragile for rough play
- Akitas: Can be protective and view children’s friends as threats
- Weimaraners: May play too roughly for small children
- Chow Chows: Often intolerant of children’s behavior
- Rottweilers: Size and strength can be dangerous without proper training
Is There Really Such Thing as a “Bad” Dog?
Honestly? No. There are just dogs with specific needs that don’t match certain lifestyles. Even the “worst” dogs on this list can be amazing companions for the right owners.
Before you bring home any dog, ask yourself:
- How much time can I realistically devote to exercise?
- Am I experienced enough to handle training challenges?
- Does my living situation provide enough space?
- Can I afford potential health issues or special care needs?
- Do I have small children or other pets to consider?
Finding Your Perfect Match
The best dog for you isn’t necessarily the easiest dog—it’s the one whose needs match what you can provide. Some people thrive with high-energy, challenging breeds because they enjoy the training process and have active lifestyles.
I’ve seen plenty of “difficult” breeds become perfect companions with the right owners. My friend Jake has two Belgian Malinois that are absolute dreams because he runs 5 miles with them every morning and spends hours on training.
But for most average pet owners looking for a family companion, these challenging breeds might not be the best fit. And that’s okay! There are hundreds of dog breeds out there, plus wonderful mixed breeds at shelters just waiting for the right home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a dog is a 10-15 year commitment. Taking the time to honestly assess your lifestyle and capabilities before bringing home a new furry family member can save both you and the dog from heartache.
Remember: the “worst” dog for one person might be the perfect companion for another. It’s all about finding the right match!
Have you ever owned one of these challenging breeds? How did it work out? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article is meant as general guidance. Individual dogs within any breed can vary widely in temperament and behavior. Always meet a dog before adopting, and consider consulting with a professional trainer or behaviorist if you’re unsure about a particular breed’s suitability for your home.
# Treeing Walker Coonhound
Unless you live on a farm, you might have trouble providing the Treeing Walker Coonhound enough exercise for their active nature. Bred as a “sight” hunting dog, this pupster will travel far to help hunters bag their prey. When it comes to restraint, this dog is a failure. Once they see a small animal, they will run after it despite commands to stop.
The Siberian Husky was bred in a very cold environment, and as a result grew an extremely thick double coat of hair. Keeping them comfortable can be a challenge, not to mention the amount of grooming needed to keep ahead of the massive amounts of shedding. They also have a very high energy level that requires exercise, or they will get themselves into trouble.
The Chow Chow is a cute, soft, cuddly looking pupster, but the reality is they’re not very fur-iendly and they don’t like to be cuddled. Lots of training may enable them to develop a bond with you, but it will take lots of patience that some first-time dog parents don’t have.
Bullmastiffs are large dogs that can easily exert their will if they believe they’re the alpha dog. They’re stubborn and destructive if left alone for very long. Unfortunately, they also require a lot of mopping up because they’re one of the “droolers.” Unless the first-time pet parent has the time to see that this pup has plenty of exercise and socialization, problems will ensue.
As cute as this breed can be, this is a handful of a dog for first-time Pet Parents. Besides the grooming that’s needed to keep them looking neat and spiffy, Skye Terriers don’t like people or other animals unless they know them well. They want to be the boss at all times, and may be difficult to easily bond with.
Worst Dog Breeds For Families
FAQ
What’s the most difficult dog to own?
- Basenji
- Akita
- Chow Chow
- Belgian Malinois
- Bullmastiff
- In Conclusion
- More Dog Breeds
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What is the most unsafe dog breed?
While statistical data points to the American Pit Bull Terrier as the breed most involved in fatal attacks, particularly in the U.S., it’s crucial to understand that any strong, powerful breed can be dangerous if improperly trained, socialized, or bred for aggression. Responsible ownership, including training and socialization, is key to preventing incidents with breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos.
What breed of dog do vets not recommend?
Five dog breeds a vet claims you should not have as a pet are dachshund, French bulldog, Belgian malinois, border collie and labrador retriever.
What is the unhealthiest breed of dog?