Choosing a family dog often stirs excitement, but the decision goes far beyond looks or popularity. Every breed has unique traits, and while many are known for loyalty and affection, others may be a little more demanding.
For households with children or busy schedules, certain breeds can pose challenges that outweigh their adorable appearances. From high-energy pups that never seem to tire, to stubborn personalities that resist training, some dogs require far more patience and structure than the average family can provide.
These breeds may still make wonderful companions in the right environment, but they can be difficult to manage without experience, consistent training, and extra time for exercise and mental stimulation.
In this guide, we’ll explore the worst-behaved dog breeds for families. Not to discourage ownership, but to help you make an informed decision before bringing one into your home. After all, knowing what challenges to expect is the first step toward ensuring harmony between your pet and family life.
Worst Behaved Dog Breeds For Families
1. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog (sometimes confused with the American Bully but distinct in purpose and build) is a muscular utility breed developed in the United States.
Traditionally bred for farm work, they come in two main types: the Standard, known for agility and endurance, and the Classic, which is heavier and more imposing. Standing between 20–27 inches and weighing 60–120 pounds, this breed falls under the Working group.
While deeply loyal and capable of forming strong bonds, their sheer strength and guarding instincts can make them challenging in family environments, especially with small children. AKC says American Bulldogs are well-balanced, athletic dogs that show impressive strength and endurance.
A playful pounce or protective reaction can unintentionally turn dangerous. Their stubborn streak means they need consistent training and socialization, which many busy families struggle to provide.
Temperament risks for families
Can be overly protective, mistaking children’s noise or visitors’ playfulness as threats.
High energy combined with physical power often overwhelms kids.
May become destructive or aggressive if under-exercised.
Did you know? Despite their rough reputation, American Bulldogs ranked second-lowest in begging for food and sixth-lowest in whining among popular breeds surveyed.
2. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute, often called the “Mal,” is one of the oldest sled dog breeds, originally developed by the Malemiut people of Alaska. PetMD says Alaskan Malamutes have a long history of assisting humans with some of the toughest jobs in the world.
Large and strong, this breed was built for endurance, hauling heavy freight across the Arctic. Standing 23–25 inches tall and weighing 75–85 pounds, with a dense double coat in shades of gray, black, sable, or red, they are unmistakably powerful members of the Working group.
As a family pet, their size, stubbornness, and energy can be problematic. They require constant training and a significant amount of exercise. Without it, their play style can turn rough, and they may accidentally topple children.
Another concern is their leash manners—or lack thereof. Malamutes are notorious pullers, which makes it unsafe for kids to walk them and difficult even for adults to manage.
Challenges for families
Strong-willed, resistant to training.
Immense strength makes them unsafe around toddlers.
High exercise needs—without it, they become destructive.
Did you know? Alaskan Malamutes are considered one of the most ancient dog breeds, with ancestors that crossed the Bering Strait thousands of years ago, and filmmaker George Lucas even modeled Chewbacca on his own Malamute named Indiana.
3. Japanese Tosa
The Japanese Tosa, also called Tosa Inu, is a massive and imposing breed originally developed in the Tosa Province (now Kochi Prefecture) of Japan. Standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing well over 100 pounds, these dogs were bred as fighters, often compared to the Sumo wrestlers of the canine world.
Their lineage traces back to the Shikoku fighting dog, later crossed with foreign breeds like Mastiffs, Great Danes, and Bulldogs to enhance size and power. Purina describes the Tosa Inu as a calm and gentle breed, devoted to its family and protective of their well-being.
Today, they remain in the AKC Foundation Stock service group, recognized for rarity but not granted full AKC membership.
Despite their ceremonial honor in Japan, Tosas are considered extremely high-risk in family settings. Their dominant, strong-willed temperament demands strict discipline, daily exercise, and experienced handling. Without that, they may become uncontrollable, even aggressive.
Many countries—including the UK, Australia, and the UAE—have outlawed or restricted ownership due to their potential for dangerous outbursts.
Why they’re a problem for families
Require several hours of training and exercise daily.
Natural dominance can lead to a household “takeover.”
History as fighting dogs makes them unpredictable in play.
Did you know? In Japan, Tosas are still used in dog fighting, where they are dressed and honored ceremonially before matches.
4. Pitbull Terrier
The Pitbull Terrier, sometimes referred to as the American Pit Bull Terrier, traces its roots to 19th-century England, where bulldogs and terriers were crossbred for blood sports.
Unlike the broader “Pit Bull” label that can include American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, the Pitbull Terrier itself has become one of the most controversial and heavily restricted breeds worldwide, banned outright in the UK and several other regions.
This is not a dog designed for family living. Bred historically for combat, many lines suffer from reckless overbreeding and interbreeding, which contributes to both physical deformities and unstable temperaments.
While their original breeders discouraged aggression toward humans, modern illegal dogfighting and abusive practices have sometimes reinforced violent traits. Combined with their muscular frame and unrelenting drive, these qualities can create a serious risk in homes with children.
Why families struggle with them
Extremely powerful bite strength, making any incident severe.
History of selective breeding for aggression toward other dogs.
Risk of mental instability and unpredictable behavior due to poor breeding practices.
Did you know? In many U.S. shelters, Pitbull Terriers are often deemed unadoptable and euthanized upon intake because of their reputation and restrictions.
5. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound—also known historically as the Barukhzy (Barakzai) Hound or the Greyhound of Bamian—is a striking sight hound with roots in Afghanistan but recognized in Europe, particularly Britain, as a cultural breed.
Originally bred for hunting leopards and gazelles in harsh terrains, its long legs and wide hip structure allowed it to excel in speed and endurance. Standing about 25–27 inches tall and weighing 50–60 pounds, it carries an elegant, aristocratic look enhanced by its famously silky, flowing coat.
While undeniably beautiful, this breed poses challenges for families. Afghan Hounds are known for their aloofness, independence, and need for calm surroundings. They dislike chaos, making them poor companions for households with noisy children.
Their fearless yet distant demeanor can be misinterpreted as stubbornness, and training requires patience, empathy, and consistent authority. Without secure fencing, their chasing instincts may lead them to dart off unpredictably.
Potential issues in family homes
Highly sensitive to noise and disorder.
Requires extensive grooming to maintain its coat.
Strong prey drive makes it unreliable off-leash.
Did you know? In its homeland, the Afghan Hound was once used to chase down leopards, a testament to its speed and fearlessness.
6. Akita
The Akita, also known as the Japanese Akita Inu, American Akita, or Great Japanese Dog, is a striking working breed that originated in the rugged mountains of northern Japan. With a broad head, erect pointed ears, and a thick curved tail, these dogs carry an imposing presence.
Males typically reach 26–28 inches in height and weigh up to 130 pounds, while females stand around 24–26 inches and weigh 70–100 pounds. Their plush double coat, often in brindle, pinto, or solid white, adds to their wolf-like allure.
While undeniably loyal, their history as hunting and guard dogs makes them challenging in family households. Akitas are naturally protective and can misinterpret children’s roughhousing or squeals as threats. This makes playdates or visiting kids particularly risky.
Their temperament combines intelligence with stubbornness, meaning they demand structured training, consistent leadership, and plenty of exercise. Without these, they may become defiant, antisocial, or even aggressive.
Why families struggle with Akitas
Strong guarding instincts often clash with noisy or playful environments.
Their sheer size and strength make them overwhelming for kids.
Require experienced handling; they quickly lose respect for inconsistent owners.
Did you know? The most famous Akita, Hachikō, waited at Shibuya Station every day for 9 years after his owner’s death, becoming a worldwide symbol of loyalty.
7. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is an imposing working breed that originated in Brazil. Bred for both hunting and guarding, this dog is admired for its unmatched loyalty and keen tracking instincts.
Standing tall with a muscular frame, it has long served as a protector on plantations and cattle farms, where strength and courage were vital.
What sets this breed apart is its unyielding protective drive. While devotion to its owner is absolute, its suspicion toward strangers can quickly become a liability in a family environment.
Families with children or frequent visitors may find the Fila too reactive, as its instincts lean more toward defending than tolerating playfulness or noise.
Why it can be troublesome for families
Fiercely territorial and wary of outsiders.
Needs firm, consistent training that many families cannot sustain.
History as a hunter and guardian makes it less adaptable to casual home life.
Did you know? The breed’s early history includes use on plantations to track jaguars, cattle, and even fugitive slaves, reflecting the seriousness of its original purpose.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a family companion, it’s important to recognize that even the worst dog breeds for households with young kids often act out due to instincts, lack of proper training, or insufficient mental engagement.
Breeds with histories as coach dogs or hunters may interpret screaming, sudden movements, or rough play as threats, leading to misbehavior. Without enough exercise and structure, even a naturally behaved breed can struggle with its own behavior.
That said, most dogs thrive when their pet parents set boundaries and adapt to their needs. While some may display selective hearing, be wary around small kids, or require older children who can handle them responsibly.
Ultimately, no single dog is perfect for every home—what matters is matching temperament, energy levels, and family dynamics with the right companion.
