Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as a “bad” dog—just dogs with big personalities, endless energy, or very specific needs that not every household is ready to handle. Some breeds just require more time, patience, training, or sanity than others. They’re loveable, loyal, and often totally brilliant—but they can also be noisy, destructive, stubborn, or high-maintenance as hell.

If you’re considering bringing one of these challenging dog breeds into your life, be sure you’re ready for the ride. Here are 15 of the most difficult dog breeds to live with, and why they might just turn your life upside down—in the best and worst ways.

Contents

1. Border Collie

sad-border-collie dog — Photo by Connor Danylenko From Pexels

Brains for days. Energy for years.
Border Collies are clever—too clever. Originally bred to herd sheep, these dogs need a job or they’ll create one (like herding your kids or demolishing your furniture out of boredom). Without constant stimulation and activity, they’ll go stir-crazy—and take you with them.

2. Siberian Husky

Looks like a wolf. Acts like a toddler on Red Bull.
Huskies are dramatic, loud, and escape artists of the highest order. They shed like it’s their full-time job and howl like they’re in a metal band. Gorgeous? Absolutely. Chill? Not even close.

3. Jack Russell Terrier

jack russell 3855427 1280 — Image by Hans Aldenhoven from Pixabay

Small dog, huge attitude.
Jack Russells are smart, stubborn, and powered by an internal espresso machine. They don’t back down from a challenge, and without serious training, they’ll rule your house like a tiny dictator in a fur coat.

4. Belgian Malinois

belgian malinois dog — Photo by Gerrie van der Walt on Unsplash

The Navy SEAL of dogs. Not your average pet.
These dogs are brilliant, driven, and built for police or military work. In an average home? They’re frustrated, under-stimulated, and prone to destructive behaviour if not properly handled. Definitely not for first-time dog owners.

5. Chow Chow

fluffy-chow-chow-dog — Image by irisphoto2 on Canva

Looks like a teddy bear. Trusts no one.
Chows are beautiful but notoriously aloof, territorial, and difficult to train. They’re more cat than dog in temperament and don’t tolerate fools—or inconsistency. They demand respect, not cuddles.

6. Akita

akita dog — Image by uadrienn from Pixabay

Majestic. Independent. Occasionally terrifying.
Akitas are dignified and loyal—but they don’t mess around. Strong-willed and sometimes aggressive toward other animals, they require serious training and a confident owner. Think samurai, not lap dog.

7. Weimaraner

Velcro dog with separation anxiety issues.
These elegant, silver-coated dogs want to be glued to your side 24/7. Leave them alone for five minutes and they might howl, panic, or redecorate your house with their teeth. High energy and high need.

8. Beagle

That nose? Amazing. That stubborn streak? Legendary.
Beagles follow their nose—and ignore everything else, including you. Training them can feel like negotiating with a politician who doesn’t speak your language. And yes, they do bark. A lot.

9. Dalmatian

Rear view of Dalmatian dogs wagging their tails on a walk — Source: Canva by SolStock from Getty Images Signature

Spotted chaos. Beautiful chaos.
Dalmatians are energetic, strong-willed, and often too smart for their own good. They can be snappy with kids if not socialised and trained early. Bonus: they shed more than you’d ever imagine.

10. Great Dane

Great-Dane-Dog-Taylor-Swift-Pets — Image by Karen Arnold on Wiki Commons

Big dog, big problems—mainly logistical.
While generally sweet, the sheer size of a Great Dane makes everything harder: feeding, walking, cleaning up after them, and fitting them in your car. And if they get bored or anxious? Your sofa is toast.

11. Cane Corso

cane-corso-big-dog — Image by Tommy on Pixabay

Imposing. Loyal. Not for the inexperienced.
Cane Corsos are natural protectors and incredibly powerful. If not trained properly, they can become aggressive or overly dominant. Socialisation is crucial, and so is a firm, consistent hand.

Read Next: Best Behaved Dog Breeds

12. Afghan Hound

High-maintenance hair, low-maintenance attitude.
Afghans are regal and aloof, with a flowing coat that requires more grooming than most humans. Training is tricky—they’re not big on obedience. Think high fashion supermodel vibes: gorgeous but moody.

13. Shiba Inu

shiba inu dog — Image by Thorsten Schulze from Pixabay

The drama. The stubbornness. The sass.
Shibas are independent, headstrong, and not interested in your opinion. Training them is like trying to convince a teenager to clean their room—they hear you, but they don’t care.

14. Basenji

The “barkless” dog… with other noises.
True, they don’t bark—but they yodel. And they’re full of mischief, stubbornness, and lightning-fast moves. Basenjis are clever but not people-pleasers. You’re not the boss, you’re the roommate.

15. Bulldog (English)

cute-english-bulldog-with-bow — Image by Sven Lachmann on Pixabay

Adorable. Hilarious. Health issues galore.
They’re lazy, drooly, and love to nap—but Bulldogs come with a laundry list of potential health problems, from breathing issues to skin infections. You’ll be on a first-name basis with your vet in no time.

Final Woof

dog dalmatian begging — Image by Roy Buri from Pixabay

Owning one of these breeds isn’t impossible—but it’s not a walk in the park either (unless you’re doing five walks a day to burn off their energy). These dogs need structure, training, exercise, and patience. In return, they offer loyalty, laughs, and a whole lot of love—but only if you’re willing to meet them on their level.

So if you’re up for the challenge, go in with your eyes wide open—and maybe some extra chew toys, a decent hoover, and a strong sense of humour.

You’ll need all three.

Read Next: Smells Dogs Really Hate

15 Most Difficult Dog Breeds to Live With