We all do it. Scroll through rescue pages. Visit the shelter “just to look”. See that cute face and think: “We will make it work”. But we are going to tell you something most people learn the hard way.
Some dog breeds are jaw-droppingly beautiful, wicked smart, or unbelievably athletic… and also absolutely tough to live with as a family pet.
We are not bashing dogs but rather being honest with the dog owners before a mismatch turns into stress, rehoming, or yet another, “why is my dog destroying the couch”? post.
Different breeds were made for different jobs. Hunting dogs. Guardians. Herding specialists…. and no amount of love changes their baseline traits and daily needs. Love helps… but training, structure, and serious exercise help more.
So, if you are a first-timer, a busy person with long workdays, and an average owner who just wants a chilled buddy for Netflix and the dog park, there are some dog breeds you don’t want as pets.
Dog Breeds You Don’t Want as Pets
1. Afghan Hound
If elegance has four legs and a fan blowing 24/7, it would be the Afghan Hound. An “aloof but dignified aristocrat of sublime beauty”, as per the American Kennel Club (AKC).
That long, silky coat, that aloof gaze. That “I am royalty, peasant”. People see these dogs in awe. Then life happens…. mud, burns, tangles.. And you realize you just adopted a living, breathing couture gown.
Afghans are independent sighthounds born to spot prey and chase fast across rough land. They are sweet in their own way, but they are also famously aloof, selectively affectionate, and not here to fetch your slippers on command.
Things you should know about this dog:
Off leash? Good luck resisting that sprint when a squirrel zigzags.
Their grooming is not a “quick brush”. It is a lifestyle.
Recall can be “slippery”. A solid leash habit is essential.
Sensitive souls who prefer a calm, not chaotic, house; no noise, and rough play with kids.
High risk of “see rabbit, leave planet” vibes. Keep their security in check.
This dog is a stunner. But unless you spend serious time on coat maintenance and impulse control training, an Afghan can turn daily life into a haircare commercial. More high-maintenance than even most popular dog breeds.
2. Belgian Malinois
Let’s say it plainly. The Belgian Malinois is a super-dog. They have been in search-and-rescue, detection work, and work as police dogs. If there’s a job like that, this dog would already be jumping to do it. In a regular household, this dog may get bored and… well, destructive.
These are purpose-built working dogs with brains, speed, and a “what’s next” motto. When that energy has nowhere to go, it tends to explode.
Non-stop barking, pacing, furniture chewing, and behavior that looks highly aggressive when they are ACTUALLY just going through over-arousal and frustration.
Things you should know about this dog:
Needs daily, high-output work. Orvis mentions several hours of vigorous exercise.
Without a proper structure, they might become destructive and reactive around strangers and other animals.
Not a “walk around the block” breed. This is miles + drills + brain games.
Management matters with a Belgian Malinois.
This dog can be life-changing with the right handler. With the wrong one, it can feel overwhelming. Your schedule, your yard, and your neighbor’s patience, everything will be at stake.
3. Chihuahua
Now, for the plot twist: small dogs are NOT always easy!! The Chihuahua’s small size camouflages them. And yes, they are adorable, pocket-portable, and look like puppies forever, but a Chihuahua with opinions is a little lion that will run around your house.
Chihuahuas often “pick their person”. They can be snappy with strangers and will absolutely tell you (loudly) how they feel. Under-socialized Chihuahuas are legendary for overreacting at the dog park.
Things you should know about this dog:
Barking is part of the package; apartment walls won’t hide it.
Training still matters; don’t excuse pushy behavior because they are cute and small dogs.
May be a mismatch for cats or delicate animals if chasey or guardy habits set in.
A well-raised and properly socialized Chihuahua is delightful and deeply affectionate. But a poorly managed Chihuahua becomes a 6-pound CEO.
4. Akita
Dignified. Unshakable. The Akita looks like a giant teddy bear and loves its family fiercely. But this is a serious breed with a strong guard dog instinct.
Akitas were developed to protect and stand their ground. They are calm indoors but naturally suspicious of strangers. Dog-to-dog conflicts can flare fast. And that stoic vibe people love, it can also mean “I heard you, and I am choosing not to…”
Things you should know about this dog:
Early and expert training and management are not optional for Akita.
They prefer calm routines and consistent rules; chaos creates problems.
Thick coat equals heavy shedding: learn to maintain it or book the groomer.
If your vision of a family pet is playdates with every dog on the block, the Akita will burst that bubble. In the right house, though, they are loyal dogs. Through and through.
5. Chow Chow
Britannica mentions that Chow Chows are one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to the Han dynasty in China. They look like mythical creatures. Fluffy, lion-maned and mesmerizing.
But first-time pet parents see “giant teddy bear, oh-so-cute personality” and forget the independent and cat-like temperament. They are strong-willed and sometimes stubborn dog breeds.
They bond to family, but they are not everyone’s buddy. Behaviorally, a pushy and under-socialized Chow Chow will look aggressive when cornered or manhandled.
Things you should know about this dog:
Heavy grooming needs to prevent matting
Tolerates nonsense poorly; children must be supervised, always.
Early and positive training and careful socializing are non-negotiable.
Yard security and good leash skills matter. A defensive reaction can escalate to fighting.
Are there cuddly and sweet Chow Chows? Absolutely. But for most people, that lion’s look hides a strong will. Respect it, or you will be writing your vet about behavioral referrals.
6. Border Collie
America loves a smart dog. The Border Collie is genius-level smart. And that’s exactly why the average owner struggles. Intelligence without a job equals redecorating… and by redecorating, we mean “digging, herding kids, and reorganizing your living room stuff”.
A working herding dog needs purpose. When a Border Collie is under-worked, “fun” behavior pops up. heel-nipping, motion-obsession, furniture chewing, and 10,000-step days that still don’t take the edge off.
Things you should know about this dog:
Daily sport outlets.
Training never really ends: you are always teaching something
Motion triggers the chase program.
With enough exercise and enrichment, you may get a calm couch buddy, sure!! But a bored Collie will out-think your gates and your schedule. They are brilliant and use that power for good.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
If espresso were a breed, it would be the Jack. These Terriers are tiny demolition experts. Springy, fearless, and born to go, go, go. People pick them because they are small dogs and adorable. Then… they get to know about the kinetic reality.
Jack Russells were born to be fox-hunters. So, their hunting instincts are sharp. If you don’t provide outlets, they will pick one themselves: yard excavation, couch dentistry, hole-punching in your living room floors, and primal barking.
Things you should know about this dog:
High prey drive can make life with cats or pocket animals complicated.
Needs real jobs to do to get rid of all that energy
Escape artistry is common; they are prone to running away.
Without structure, they are gloriously destructive.
A well-worked Jack Russel is hysterical in the best way. A bored one… well, you will spend more time with your vet and contractor than your friends.
Conclusion
Every dog on this list is EXTRAORDINARY!! But.. with the right match. In the wrong setting, they can turn lovely intentions into daily worry, noise complaints, and home repairs. That’s not fair to the dog or to your family.
So, be honest with yourself. What can you truly give? Time, patience, coaching, exercise? If the answer is |not that much right now”, it is smarter and kinder to steer clear of these seven and pick up a pet that thrives on the schedule you already live. There is zero shame in that. Matter of fact, it’s the most loving choice you can make for these animals.
And if you are still all-in on an Afghan, Chihuahua, or Akita, awesome! Go in eyes wide open, gear up for real training, keep that leash handy, and build the routine.
The right commitment turns “difficult dog breeds” into a once-in-a-lifetime partner.
