As pet parents, it’s our job to keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and feeling loved. But let’s be real, some dogs are super smart, and when left alone or bored, they can get into a bit of mischief. Separation anxiety and pent-up energy can lead to everything from chewed-up shoes to dug-up plants.
While not every pup turns into a little homewrecking ball, certain breeds are naturally more prone to causing chaos if they don’t get enough mental and physical exercise.
So, if you’ve ever wondered which dogs have the biggest knack for destruction, stick around—we’re about to dive into the most “destructive” dog breeds and what makes them tick!
Destructive dog breeds
1. Border Collie
Border collies are one of the fun-looking dogs with their smiley faces and pricked up ears. They are known for their high intelligence. Bred to herd sheep, these are energetic dogs that have OCD about herding anything they can and enjoy having a list of tasks to do.
Now imagine this bundle of brains and energy stuck at home alone with nothing to do! The Border Collie will quickly become bored without anything to occupy them. This will then result in destructive behavior like chewing and digging.
If they have access to other dogs or children, they might even start to herd them! Think about your time and lifestyle before you pick a Border Collie because they need at least 2 to 3 hours of your time daily for walking, exercise, and playing games to help them burn off their energy and be happy.
2. Belgian Malinois
These dogs may look like German Shepherds, and are also working dogs. However, these are even higher energy than the German Shepherd and have a higher need for physical stimulation. Originally bred as working dogs, the Malinois can get easily bored.
When bored, they resort to excessive barking, digging, and chewing. This can get so overwhelming that experts at PetMD advise against getting the breed as a family pet. They need an active lifestyle, with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation for their active and sharp minds.
A frustrated Malinois can cause major damage to a home and other surroundings, and should be kept in an environment where it has a lot of tasks to perform for it to flourish
3. Australian Shepherd
Another herding dog, the Australian Shepherd, is a high-energy dog that may not have a very strong bite, but it is prone to chewing when bored. They require some strenuous activity to burn off their high energy levels, and if not kept occupied, they will resort to chewing, barking, and even pacing through the home.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are intensely loyal to their owners and will respond well to training, just to make them happy.
These lovely dogs are extremely loving pets and will also develop separation anxiety if left alone for long. As a breed prone to chewing, they can gnaw through furniture and other household items.
They are also likely to chase after squirrels, cats, and other animals and should not be left alone outdoors. They will figure out how to break free from a yard if they want to chase after something.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. They are great with other animals, children, and even strangers. Known for their friendly nature and high energy levels, Labradors may be a surprising entry on this list.
Labradors have high energy levels but affectionate temperaments, which makes them prone to be a destructive pet breed in the wrong household. They need exercise, attention, and company, and lots of it.
As puppies, the breed is prone to eating things that shouldn’t be eaten, like phones, shoes, and table legs. They can also get into the trash and plant pots. They need extensive training on what they can eat and will require a steady supply of chew toys for their entire lives.
5. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retrievers are companion dogs and lack of their owners attention and presence can make them act out. They are friendly, loving pets and adore following their owners everywhere.
Their primary trigger is usually separation anxiety, and destructive behavior is usually a reaction to boredom and a lack of mental stimulation
As natural retrievers, Golden Retrievers love to explore the world with their mouths — and that means anything that catches their eye might end up a chew toy (yes, even your phone!). But don’t worry, with some patience and training, your Golden will learn to channel that energy into better habits as they grow up.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is known for having a big personality in a small body, and this is a recipe for destructive behavior when they are bored, unhappy, or just missing their owners, like most other destructive dogs. The breed is known for its intelligence, cute looks and high energy.
Without enough exercise and playtime, a Jack Russell can get frustrated and let loose their energy in less-than-pleasant ways. They might chew up anything in sight or turn your flower beds into their personal digging zone—yapping all the while!
If you’re up for the challenge, be ready to commit to daily walks, plenty of play, and brain-teasing games to keep this lively little pup happy and out of trouble.
Regular obedience training sets clear boundaries and teaches your dog what’s acceptable, while plenty of exercise helps burn off excess energy that could otherwise lead to mischief. Adding enrichment toys and interactive games keeps their sharp minds busy and satisfied, cutting down on boredom-driven destruction.
7. Siberian Husky
The Husky was originally bred to pull sleds across vast distances. As muscular working dogs, they have high energy and intelligence. As sled dogs, they have a vocal personality. A happy husky is a busy husky.
When bored, the husky is a destructive chew monster that will chew through your things, while yowling, howling, and barking! This is common husky behavior.
As an intelligent and energetic dog, the husky needs to be busy and active. They will not do well being cooped up indoors. According to PetMD, to keep a destructive Siberian Husky in check, the key is plenty of exercise, mental challenges, and consistent training to channel their energy in positive ways.
Set up a safe, engaging space with interactive toys and a cozy “time-out” spot for when they need a break. Steer clear of punishment—it only fuels anxiety and can harm the bond you share with your furry friend.
Conclusion
Its pretty clear that the breeds on this list are here because of their destructive tendencies when their frustration gets too much for them. As pups, they are separated from their litters, and the person they are bonding with is not around to calm them down.
If you are a single pet owner, you need to decide carefully if you have the time and capability to commit to any of these needy breeds, especially if you are away all day long. All breeds have their unique traits, and you need to know how to handle them before you commit to bringing one into your life.
