If you’ve ever seen a Chihuahua bark at a Great Dane like it owns the place, you know exactly what we’re talking about. The fans of this vibe aren’t just looking for cute, compact pets, they want personality, playfulness, and just the right amount of mischief.
In this guide, we’re diving into the most popular spunky breeds—from the sassy Shih Tzu to the ever-dramatic Husky. You’ll get quick facts, honest insights, and everything you need to know before choosing your next four-legged troublemaker.
Mischievous Dog Breeds
1. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is the poster pup for mischief. This side of theirs mostly comes from a mix of high intelligence, hunting instincts, and endless energy. They’re wired to chase, chew, dig, and outsmart anything in their path.
These tiny dynamos are bold, curious, and constantly on the hunt for something to do—whether that’s chasing a ball or unearthing your backyard. And in case they don’t get to do any of this, they will find their own entertainment… usually in ways you won’t love (like shredded cushions or surprise holes in the yard).
They need a lot of exercise, and just daily walks aren’t enough. They thrive on playtime, agility training, and off-leash sprints in safe, enclosed spaces. They are playful and affectionate with humans. But with other dogs, it’s a bit more hit or miss. They can be friendly, but their confident, sometimes bossy nature can clash with more laid-back or timid dogs.
2. Beagle
Beagles are expert troublemakers with really the sweetest, most innocent looks: floppy ears and puppy eyes. You look at them and go like, “Awww,” unless you’ve lived with them, because then you know what’s underneath those cutesy expressions.
Originally bred to hunt rabbits, they’ve got sharp noses that never quit sniffing out snacks from backpacks, countertops, and even zipped-up bags. They’re affectionate and eager to please, but their focus vanishes the second a smell hits. So, training them takes patience. It’s always advised to leash them outdoors or have a secure yard.
Also, they bark, bay, and howl with zero hesitation, so definitely not a good choice for apartment dwellers because then the neighbors are going to be even more bothered than you.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs look like chill, squishy-faced companions with a mischievous side that keeps their owners on their toes. They’re naturally curious and love exploring every nook and cranny of their environment. This curiosity often leads them to get into trouble, like sneaking food off the kitchen counter or chewing on things they shouldn’t.
Their playful and stubborn nature means they often test boundaries. Honestly, they’re smart enough to know when they’re pushing limits, and sometimes they use their charm to get away with it. They love attention, so if they feel bored or ignored, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves (even if that means causing a little chaos).
To handle their mischief, French Bulldogs need lots of mental stimulation and consistent training. Puzzle toys, games, and regular interaction help keep their clever minds busy. Without enough activity, their mischievous behavior can ramp up, turning these lovable goofballs into little troublemakers!
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds pack a lot of personality into their small, long-bodied frames. Built to chase badgers underground, as per Britannica, they have a natural urge to dig and explore. Despite their size, they carry themselves like much bigger dogs—confident, bold, and full of energy.
You’ll often find them sneaking off with socks or hiding toys in the oddest places, then looking totally innocent when caught.
They’re smart but have a stubborn streak, so training takes patience and fun, reward-based methods. Because they’re prone to back problems and gaining weight, regular walks and mentally stimulating games are a must. Puzzle toys and agility challenges work great to keep them busy and out of trouble.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are these small dogs with huge energy and way too much personality. They’re not tiny like toy dogs, but small enough to live comfortably in an apartment or come along on trips. They’re pretty easygoing, so whether you’ve got kids, other pets, or just a busy life, they fit right in.
They’re about as tall as a ruler—13 inches—and weigh somewhere between 10 to 15 pounds. But they’re built solid and strong & were originally bred to hunt rats, so they’ve got muscle and guts. Their faces are pretty cool too, with those pointy folded ears and thick whiskers that make them look just fantastic.
Also, they are an inquisitive and competitive breed with a lot of athleticism. They excel in various dog sports, including Agility, Obedience, Barn Hunt, and Earthdog, as stated by the AKC.
6. Shih Tzu
These little fluffballs have been around for over 1,000 years! They originally came from Tibet, where they were prized as royal pets. Their name literally means “Little Lion,” which fits since their face looks like a tiny lion’s mane; people also call them “Chrysanthemum-Faced Dogs” because of their unique fur pattern around their snout.
Shih Tzus can be stubborn, dislike commands, and may get into mischief if not properly trained.
At one point, Shih Tzus almost disappeared entirely, but thanks to a handful of dedicated dogs and breeders, the breed was saved and now thrives worldwide. So when you cuddle a Shih Tzu, you’re holding a piece of history wrapped in fur!
7. Pug
Pugs have been around for centuries, originally bred to chill with Chinese emperors. Yep, these little dogs were straight-up royalty. They’re known for their smooshed faces, curly tails, and hilarious personalities. Small in size but full of charm, they’ve got a way of making people laugh without even trying.
Their name? It might come from the Latin word “pugnus,” which means fist—because their face kind of looks like one (in the cutest way possible). Pugs are all about love and attention. They follow their humans everywhere and are totally cool with being your shadow 24/7.
Bonus fact: they were once so adored in Europe that they became the official dog of the House of Orange in the Netherlands!
Their desire for attention can lead to clownish antics or clinginess. Can sneak into tight spaces or chew if bored. Pugs are tiny, goofy, loving companions with royal roots and a personality that’s way bigger than
8. Siberian Husky
Bred to pull sleds in freezing temperatures, these dogs are strong, fast, and made for endurance. With their thick double coat, piercing blue (or sometimes mismatched) eyes, and wolf-like look, they turn heads wherever they go.
But don’t let that majestic vibe fool you—they’re total goofballs. Huskies are playful, dramatic, and known for being very vocal. They’ll “talk” back when you give them commands and throw a full-on tantrum if they’re bored. These dogs are escape artists, too, so if you leave the gate open… they’re gone.
They need loads of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Long walks, hikes, and brain games? Absolutely. Couch potato life? Not a chance. Huskies are built for action and thrive with owners who can keep up with their wild energy and free spirit.
9. Chug
Chugs are a mix between a Chihuahua and a Pug—and yep, they’ve got big personality packed into a tiny body. This designer breed blends the sass and alertness of a Chihuahua with the charm and goofiness of a Pug.
The result? A small dog that’s playful, loyal, and often full of attitude. Chugs can inherit the Chihuahua’s bossiness and the Pug’s sneakiness. Left alone too long, they may chew or bark excessively.
Size-wise, Chugs usually weigh between 10 to 20 pounds and stand about 10 to 14 inches tall. Their appearance can vary depending on which parent they take after more—some have a Pug’s wrinkly face, others get the longer snout of a Chihuahua. But most have expressive eyes, a compact body, and a tail that curls over their back.
Chugs are great for apartment living and love being close to their people. They’re friendly but can be a bit protective, especially if they lean more Chihuahua. Training and socialization early on help a lot. They don’t need a ton of exercise, but daily play and short walks keep them happy and out of trouble. If you’re looking for a small dog with a big heart (and sometimes a big bark), a Chug might be your perfect little sidekick.
Conclusion
Sure, these breeds can be a handful with all their naughty antics, but that’s just part of their charm. Their owners need patience and consistent training, not just once but ongoing, because these clever pups keep learning and testing limits as they grow.
Giving them plenty of time and fun activities to stay busy is key; otherwise, they’ll find their own ways to stir up trouble. And through all the chaos, it’s important to stay kind and understanding because they’re not trying to be bad, they’re just being themselves.
