Dogs are beloved companions, known for loyalty, wagging tails, and endless affection. Yet, not all breeds are famous for their manners. Some are notorious for ignoring cues, crunching shoes, or barking at the slightest sound.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), even the most stubborn dogs can thrive with consistent training, but certain breeds still challenge their owners more than others.
Why does this matter?
Understanding a breed’s quirks helps potential dog owners make better decisions before bringing one home.
Interestingly, research shows that many of the so-called “worst-behaved dogs” are also among the most popular. This highlights how temperament isn’t just about genetics—it’s shaped by environment, training, and human interaction.
So, what makes these breeds so difficult?
It could be their high energy, protective instincts, or a stubborn streak passed down through generations. In this article, we’ll explore nine breeds often labeled as the worst-behaved breeds known for terrible manners.
Worst Behaved Dog Breeds Known For Terrible Manners
Here is the list of the 9 breeds of dogs that have the worst behavior. By the end, you’ll understand why some breeds earn a reputation for terrible manners—and why, with patience and professional training, they can still turn as wonderful companions.
1. Beagle
Small nose, big trouble!
Quick Overview:
Curious, playful, and independent.
One of the best scent detectors among all dogs.
Easily distracted and stubborn with training.
Tiny but very energetic, needing lots of exercise.
Perfect for active people, but not ideal for those wanting a calm companion.
Beagles are famous for their incredible scent-tracking skills, which often cause them difficult to manage at home. Beagles are famous world-wide for their scent detection abilities, especially in airports. Once they pick up an interesting trail, they’ll ignore almost everything else, even their owners calling them back. This stubborn streak is one of the reasons they land on lists of the worst-behaved breeds known for terrible manners.
Their cheerful personality can be misleading. While Beagles look gentle and friendly, they can become noisy barkers when left alone too long. They also tend to whine, dig, and chew if they don’t get enough stimulation. For dog owners, keeping them busy is not optional—it’s a must.
What makes the Beagle unique is its boundless energy in a tiny frame. They’re compact, but they require a lot of time outdoors. Families often struggle to train their dogs because their love of following scents overrides their ability to follow commands consistently.
Fun Fact
According to Britannica, Beagles’ sense of smell is so strong that they are used in airports worldwide to sniff out contraband food items. They’re part of the “Beagle Brigade,” a team that helps keep borders safe.
2. Dachshund
Long body, bold attitude!
Quick Overview:
Brave, protective, and stubborn.
Long body and short legs designed for hunting underground.
Digging and excessive barking.
Tiny, but packed with energy and attitude.
Best for individuals who enjoy playful traits and don’t mind some noise.
Dachshunds may look tiny and playful, but don’t be fooled—they carry the heart of a hunter. Originally bred to chase badgers, this breed shows incredible determination and stubbornness. Once they decide on something, convincing them otherwise is nearly impossible, that’s why they are one of the worst behaved canine breeds known for terrible manners.
For many dog owners, the biggest challenge is their love for digging. Whether it’s the backyard or the couch cushions, Dachshunds will dig whenever they’re bored. Their strong prey drive also means they chase smaller animals, often ignoring their owners’ calls to come back. Training them to follow commands requires patience and consistency.
Despite their quirks, Dachshunds are deeply loyal and affectionate. They’re protective of their families, but this loyalty can turn into excessive barking at strangers or even at shadows. Their size may be compact, but their personality is anything but.
Fun Fact
Dachshunds were nicknamed “sausage dogs” because of their unique shape. In fact, they were the first Olympic Games mascot—Waldi, the Dachshund, was the official mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
Tiny body, endless energy!
Quick Overview
Energetic, clever, and mischievous.
Incredible jumping and hunting instincts.
Destructive and chasing habits.
Tiny, but needs the exercise of a large dog.
Great for active family who love outdoor action.
Jack Russell Terriers are famous for their unstoppable drive and determination. Originally bred for fox hunting, they are one of the most energetic dog breeds you can find. Their boundless energy often overwhelms new dog owners who underestimate how much exercise these little dogs need.
What makes them particularly difficult is their intelligence mixed with stubbornness. They know exactly how to outsmart their owners, often ignoring attempts to train them. Teaching them to follow commands requires lots of patience and professional training techniques. These tiny dogs need the exercise of a dog twice their size, yet they only weigh half as much
They also have strong chasing instincts. Jack Russells will dart after squirrels, birds, or even moving toys without a second thought. Without proper exercise and stimulation, they can develop destructive habits.
Fun Fact
Jack Russells can jump up to five times their height, and are one of the most agile small dog breeds.
4. English Bulldog
Stubborn face, stubborn mind!
Quick Overview
Calm, loyal, and very stubborn.
Wrinkled face with a muscular build.
Resistance to training and extreme laziness.
Medium, with a stocky body.
Suited for patient individuals who enjoy a slower-paced companion.
English Bulldogs are adored for their wrinkled faces and soft looks, but beneath that charm lies a very stubborn personality. They are among the worst behaved dog breeds known for terrible manners because of their refusal to follow commands without a lot of persuasion.
This breed is also known for being lazy. While some dog owners discover that appealing, it can make training sessions a real struggle. Getting them to move or learn something new requires patience and persistence. Their determination to do nothing is unmatched!
Yet, Bulldogs are deeply loyal and surprisingly protective. They may not bark often, but when they feel their family’s security is at risk, they won’t hesitate to step in. This mix of laziness and sudden bursts of courage makes them unpredictable in their own unique way.
Fun Fact
The Bulldog is a national symbol of England, often associated with Winston Churchill’s determined spirit.
5. Chihuahua
Small dog, big boss!
Quick Overview
Bold, protective, and sassy.
Strong loyalty to one person.
Excessive barking and aggression.
Very tiny, but full of attitude.
Best for experienced handlers who can manage their fiery spirit.
Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have personalities larger than life. Known as one of the sassiest dog breeds, they often act like they run the household. Many dog owners report that their Chihuahuas bark nonstop, even at harmless things like leaves blowing across the yard.
One of their quirks is their fierce loyalty to one person. While this makes them loving companions, it can also lead to aggressive behavior toward strangers or other pets. Their protective instincts are strong, despite their compact size. Their connection with their human is strong, but it often comes with possessiveness.
Chihuahuas also dislike following strict routines. Training them to follow commands consistently can be frustrating. Their independent streak makes them less cooperative compared to other breeds.
Fun Fact
According to Betterpet, Chihuahuas are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas, tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Aztecs.
6. Siberian Husky
Beauty with a wild side!
Quick Overview
Friendly, independent, and vocal.
Natural escape artist.
Ignoring commands and destructive energy.
Medium to large, athletic build.
Best for active people with secure houses and plenty of time.
Siberian Huskies are among the most stunning dog breeds, but their behavior can be extremely challenging. Originally bred to pull sleds, they have incredible stamina and a strong will. Many dog owners struggle because Huskies are natural escape artists, always looking for ways to run free. If left unleashed, they’ll run for miles before circling back.
Their biggest challenge is their independence. Huskies rarely like to follow orders, preferring to make decisions on their own. This makes them difficult for first-time owners, especially if they expect obedience.
On the bright side, Huskies are very social and friendly, but this friendliness can lead to excessive screaming and howling. Without enough exercise, they’ll often resort to digging, chewing, or trying to escape the yard.
Fun Fact
Huskies are known for their “singing.” Instead of regular barking, they communicate with unique howls that sound almost musical.
7. Weimaraner
The Velcro Dog with a Stubborn Twist!
Quick Overview
Highly intelligent but independent-minded
Needs constant mental and physical activity
Extremely loyal but prone to separation anxiety
Can be destructive if under-stimulated
The Weimaraner may look sleek and elegant, but behind those piercing eyes is a strong-willed personality that makes training a true challenge. Known as “Velcro dogs” because they can’t stand being away from their humans, Weimaraners can develop destructive habits if left alone for too long. Their clinginess, paired with a streak of independence, often results in behavior that tests even seasoned owners. Their strong connection to their owners tend them prone to separation anxiety.
Originally bred as hunting companions, Weimaraners possess boundless energy and high intelligence. However, that same intelligence can quickly turn into mischief when they aren’t mentally or physically stimulated. They’re notorious for outsmarting their owners and discovering creative ways to get into trouble.
To manage a Weimaraner, patience, consistency, and constant engagement are essential. Without these, their stubborn streak shines, and chaos is never far behind.
Fun Fact
A Weimaraner once famously opened a refrigerator, pulled out leftovers, and even managed to shut the fridge door behind him—earning the breed a reputation as crafty escape artists.
8. Akita
The Silent Rebel!
Quick Overview
Independent and strong-willed temperament
Naturally protective and territorial
Loyal to family, aloof with strangers
Requires firm, confident training
The Akita is a striking breed, admired for its dignity and loyalty, yet notorious for its independent and stubborn behavior. Akitas are known for their quiet nature, often expressing themselves with body language rather than barking. This silence, however, doesn’t mean obedience—they often prefer doing things their own way.
Bred in Japan as guard dogs, Akitas are fiercely protective of their families. While this trait makes them excellent guardians, it also makes training tricky. They’re naturally dominant and don’t respond well to harsh methods or inconsistent leadership. For many owners, this results in challenging behavior that seems impossible to tame.
Despite their rebellious side, Akitas are deeply affectionate with their loved ones. But their aloofness toward strangers and strong-willed personality means they require firm, confident handling. They are also prized for their natural sense of security.
Fun Fact
Purina says that in Japan, Akitas are considered a symbol of good health and happiness, often given as statues to wish someone luck or recovery.
9. Chinese Shar-Pei
Wrinkles with Attitude!
Quick Overview
Independent
Naturally protective of family
Aloof with strangers, loyal to loved ones
Needs early socialization and patient training
Don’t let the adorable wrinkles fool you—the Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the most headstrong dog breeds. It was originally created in China for guarding and fighting. Originally bred as guard dogs and fighters, Shar-Peis carry an air of self-importance that often translates into stubborn, aloof behavior. Their independence makes them difficult to train, especially for new owners.
Shar-Peis are known for forming strong bonds with their families but tend to be wary of outsiders. This natural suspicion, combined with their strong will, can make socialization challenging if not started early. Owners often find themselves negotiating with these wrinkle-faced charmers rather than giving direct commands.
While their stoic personalities can be frustrating, Shar-Peis also have a calm dignity that makes them unique among other stubborn breeds. They march to the beat of their own drum, and that’s part of their enduring appeal.
Fun Fact
Shar-Pei holds the Guinness World Record for having the most wrinkles as a puppy—sometimes so many that they need special care to prevent skin issues.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, these so-called “worst behaved” breeds aren’t really bad dogs—they’re just full of personality. Sure, they can be stubborn, loud, or a little too independent for their own good, but that’s what makes life with them so entertaining.
Whether it’s a Husky howling like it’s telling you a story or a Chihuahua acting like it owns the house, each one brings its own kind of chaos and charm. Of course, not every breed is difficult—some, like the Labrador Retriever, are famously easygoing compared to Cane Corsos or Huskies.
If you’re thinking about bringing one of these pups home, just remember: patience, training, and a good sense of humor go a long way.
And honestly, isn’t it those quirky, naughty moments that make us love them even more?
After all, a perfectly behaved dog might be easier, but a mischievous one is unforgettable.
