Bringing a dog into your life is a big decision, and for many people, it’s like adding a new family member. Dogs are loved around the world for their loyalty and companionship—no wonder about 68 million U.S. households own at least one dog, according to the American Pet Products Association. But here’s the truth: not every dog is a perfect fit for every home.
Some dog breeds come with personality traits that can make life difficult for their owners. Whether it’s stubbornness, destructive behavior, or a lack of attachment, these dogs can feel less like a best friend and more like a daily challenge.
That doesn’t mean they don’t deserve love—it just means they may not be the easiest companions, especially for first-time owners or families with kids.
If you’re on the search for a furry friend, it’s important to look beyond appearances and consider temperament, energy levels, and how well a dog will mesh with your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll walk through the least obedient breeds often labeled as disloyal or worst behaved, and why they might not live up to the “man’s best friend” title.
Most Disloyal Worst Behaved Dog Breeds
1. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is an ancient dog breed from China, often called the “puffy lion dog.” With their fluffy coats, purple tongue, and teddy bear looks, they seem sweet and cuddly. In reality, this is one of the least obedient dog breeds that is aloof, serious, and strong-willed. Chows were once sled dogs and guard dogs.
These dogs are intelligent but also very stubborn. They can take up to 80–100 repetitions to learn a command. Chow Chows are not very playful and dislike rough handling. They form close bonds with their owners but stay reserved with strangers. Without proper training, their strong territorial instincts may turn into aggression.
Owning a Chow Chow is demanding. They need daily walks, strict early training, and extensive socialization. Grooming also requires effort, as their thick coats must be brushed several times a week and bathed monthly.
For novice or elderly owners, the mix of grooming, training, and stubborn temperament often becomes too much to handle.
Why They May Not Be Ideal
Often react poorly to loud noises, squealing children, or sudden movements.
Grooming needs are high and require regular, patient upkeep.
Strong territorial instincts make them protective and sometimes aggressive.
2. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the most striking dog breeds, famous for its long, silky coat and elegant build. This breed was originally used for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, where speed and endurance were vital.
Afghans are an intelligent yet highly independent dog breed. They were bred to make quick decisions while chasing prey, which makes them stubborn in training.
While they can show loyalty and even a playful side, they often come across as aloof and distant, especially to new pet owners. Training requires patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement techniques.
Owning an Afghan Hound also means committing to regular grooming. Their thick, flowing coats demand constant care, and their reserved nature makes them challenging for families with children or inexperienced dog owners.
They thrive with someone who can handle their grooming needs and appreciates their independent thinking.
Why They May Not Be Ideal
Very high grooming requirements that demand time and effort.
Independent nature makes obedience training difficult.
Can appear aloof and may not bond quickly with families.
3. Basenji
The Basenji is a rare and unique dog from Africa, often called the “barkless dog.” PetMD mentions that instead of barking, they yodel to show how they feel.
Small and graceful, they stand around 16–17 inches tall with a curled tail, wrinkled forehead, and sharp, alert eyes. They are clean dogs that even groom themselves like cats.
These dogs are independent and reserved. They are affectionate with their family but cautious with strangers. They do not like rough play or constant noise, so they are not the best choice for homes with toddlers. They can do well with older children, especially if games involve running or interactive play.
Basenjis are intelligent and curious, but also stubborn. They need firm, consistent training, regular exercise, and proper socialization. They can be escape artists and often have a strong prey drive, which makes them hard to manage around small pets.
Basenjis can be well-behaved companions with an active family that can meet their mental and physical needs.
Why They May Not Be Ideal
Known to have a stubborn streak and be hard to train for many pet owners.
High prey drive makes them unsafe with small pets.
A strong need for exercise and stimulation can overwhelm busy households.
4. Beagle
The Beagle is a small scent hound originally bred in Great Britain for rabbit hunting, known as “beagling.” They have incredible scent-tracking abilities and a natural instinct for tracking, which is why they are still used at borders to detect goods.
With their soft eyes, floppy ears, and spirited personality, Beagles are one of the most popular hounds in the world.
Beagles are playful, curious, and full of energy. They are often described as puppies that never grow up. Their happy, merry nature makes them affectionate companions for families with children.
However, they are also stubborn, noisy, and prone to howling and whining. This independence can make training a challenge, especially for first-time or elderly owners.
These dogs require plenty of training sessions, early socialization, and strict supervision. They shed a lot and need regular grooming.
Because of their strong hunting drive, Beagles must always be kept in a well-fenced-in area or on a leash outdoors, as they will quickly follow a scent without listening to commands.
Why They May Not Be Ideal
Very vocal dogs that often whine, bark, or howl.
Strong tracking instincts make them hard to control off-leash.
Heavy shedders that need frequent cleaning and grooming.
5. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small hound with a long body, short legs, and floppy ears. Britannica states that its name means “badger dog” in German, showing its history as a skilled hunter bred to dig into tunnels and flush out prey. Though small in size, this dog’s personality is bold, lively, and sometimes stubborn.
Dachshunds are not necessarily disobedient, but they do resist obedience when it comes to training commands. They are one of the most difficult independent breeds to manage. Without training at an early age, they can snap, bark, or growl when children poke or try to pick them up.
Despite their small size, they are not known for a laid-back nature. They have inherent traits of stubbornness, loudness, and protective instincts.
Dachshunds are also prone to spinal issues because of their long backs, especially if they gain too much weight. These challenges make them a poor choice for novice owners, seniors, or homes with toddlers.
Why They May Not Be Ideal
Loud barkers that may disturb neighbors or households easily.
Can become defensive or even bite when handled roughly.
Prone to back problems that require careful management.
6. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small dog breed with royal roots in ancient China. Known for their lion-like mane and rolling gait, they were once companions of emperors. Weighing up to 14 pounds, they may be small, but they carry themselves with confidence and dignity.
These dogs are affectionate with their owners but do not always mix well with young children or other pets. Their small bodies can be injured easily, and they may snap if frightened or handled roughly.
Protective of their caregivers, Pekingese often act possessively over food, toys, or even attention from their owner.
Though charming and independent, this small breed can also be opinionated. They are alert and make decent guard dogs, but they dislike prodding, poking, or being pulled at.
Their proud and strong-willed nature means they do better in quiet households with gentle handling by well-adjusted adults rather than noisy homes full of kids and chaos.
Why They May Not Be Ideal
Strong possessiveness over food, toys, and owners.
Fragile bodies that can get hurt during rough play.
May snap or growl when startled or handled too firmly.
7. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a large, powerful breed famous for its droopy face, long ears, and soulful eyes. This ancient dog has been known for centuries for its unmatched sense of smell.
According to Purina, Bloodhounds are able to track a scent from even a few skin cells, and have been used in hunting, rescue work, and even in court cases as evidence of their skill.
At home, Bloodhounds are calm, loving, and gentle. They enjoy being with family members of all ages and often get along with other pets. Compared to other dog breeds, this dog’s obedience and problem-solving skills are impressive when trained correctly.
However, they require early exposure, structured training, and plenty of mental stimulation to adjust well to an owner’s lifestyle.
Once on a scent, the Bloodhound’s determination takes over. They become stubborn, single-minded, and difficult to control. Their sensitive ears need daily checks, and their large size means extra care with grooming and health.
Why They May Not Be Ideal
Incredibly stubborn when following a scent, hard to redirect.
Prone to frequent ear infections and needs regular cleaning.
Very large dogs with short lifespans can be tough for some families.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog means looking beyond appearance and understanding true dog behavior. A dog’s life becomes much smoother when owners match their lifestyle with the right companion. Certain breeds can be loving but may also be difficult, stubborn, or even dangerous if not handled properly. Knowing which dogs require more patience and care can save families from stress and disappointment.
There are some other breeds as well that are stubborn and may be worse for families. These include the English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, Basset Hound, German Shepherd, Scottish Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Siberian Husky.
While some trainable breeds adjust quickly, others require more time, consistency, and guidance. Breed characteristics play a big role in how a dog responds to family life. Successfully training any dog takes effort, but understanding which dogs are harder to manage helps owners prepare. With research, patience, and realistic expectations, you can avoid challenges and build a safe, lasting bond with your pet.
