Are you also fearful of canines and prefer cats over dogs? Well, if that’s so, then you are not alone; even Taylor Swift is a cat person. And it’s true that our canine buddies can get aggressive and destructive because of their inherent traits or a bad environment.
But many dog owners vouch for these poor, innocent doggies, who are misunderstood or underestimated by their owners. As there is no such thing as bad dogs, most badly behaved dogs show aggressive behaviour due to inappropriate training, little to no socialization, and inadequate mental stimulation.
Now, let’s have a look at some stubborn pups that can become a massive challenge to tame and own for some dog owners.
Worst Behaved Dog Breeds According to Ranking & Reputation
1. Chihuahua
This tiny dog breed might look like a cute toy, but in reality is a feisty firecracker packaged in a tiny body. Chihuahuas got their name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of this dog breed were found. This perky dude with a stubborn attitude is linked back to an indigenous dog breed named Techichi that was present a thousand years ago when the Toltecs ruled Mexico.
Chihuahuas are one of the dog breeds that tend to be naughty and territorial. They are also clannish and prefer to be around other Chihuahuas. They are not ideal for roughhousing or families with kids, because they can get aggressive if not trained properly.
These purse dogs must not be taken lightly, as they can cause harm and bite people if they are socialized or trained. They get skittish to downright mean, can cause distress by incessant barking, and become a pain for dog owners who don’t have an ample amount of time to pamper and train these little Napoleons.
Health Concerns:
The Chi are also prone to several health issues, like:
Heart problems
Eye disease
Patellar luxation
Idiopathic epilepsy
Their tiny apple-shaped heads are fragile. Hence, they should be kept away from heavy falling objects. They need moderate exercise and can be a good fit for apartment owners. But, they must be kept away and protected from larger dogs and birds of prey. They must also be kept away from the cold, as they do better in warmer climates.
Quick Fun Fact:
Do you remember the cute ‘Bruiser Woods’ from the movie Legally Blonde? This adorable character was played by a chihuahua.
2. Akita
The extremely loyal and noble Akita was originally bred as a guarding and hunting dog in the mountains of Japan, as per PetMD. But as time passed by, modern civilizations started owning Akitas for sheer joy and as symbols of devotion. Akita is an energetic breed that requires constant mental stimulation, training, and exercise to keep it happy.
Akitas are a bad choice for companionship in families because of it’s natural defensive trait. Akitas don’t do well with kids because of their headstrong nature. These large and powerful pups, although unique and beautiful, can become aggressive when they feel the need to protect.
They don’t like being played with or fussed over, also hate sharing toys and food with kids. They are good as guard dogs but don’t prove to be good family dogs.
Health Concerns:
The Akitas face several health issues that dog owners need to keep a check on; these pups are prone to:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Osteoarthritis
Sebaceous Adenitis
Congenital Deafness
These fluffy teddy bears with a muscular build and thick double coat can be good family pets if they are trained and introduced to socialization from an early age.
3. Siberian Husky
Originally Part of the Spitz Family, the Siberian husky was bred in northern Siberia to work as sled dogs. AKC says that this pup has an immense amount of strength and energy. They are built to pull heavy-weight sleds in the snow for 4-5 hours. Huskies are energetic dogs that need at least 2 hours of exercise daily.
The Siberian Husky, although quite pretty with its fluffy double coat, long hair, striking eyes, and a strong build, is an extremely stubborn puppy. They are good escape artists and can pull a Houdini on you when you least expect it. They are great diggers and garden destroyers, and can also be destructive to your favourite shoes and furniture.
Big talkers, or you can say howlers, are high-maintenance drama queens that need constant attention and are hard to train. Because of their innate independent thinking nature with an additional flair of selective hearing, they often deliberate and decide whether to follow your command, and if it is worth their time.
Moreover, Siberian Huskies are like a full-time job, and if not trained properly, can behave like your toddler. Hence, before you even think to adopt this high-energy pup, make sure to weigh the pros and cons first.
Health Concerns:
The Siberian Husky can face several health issues that dog owners need to be careful about, like:
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems (Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Corneal Dystrophy)
Hypothyroidism
Skin Issues & Allergies
Quick Fun Fact:
Have you ever seen the animated movie named “Balto”? This personal favourite featured a story about a Siberian husky named Balto, who helped deliver life-saving medicine to the citizens of the city of Nome in the United States territory of Alaska in February 1925 during a diphtheria outbreak.
4. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is another dog breed that is not ranked highly in terms of reputation. Originally bred for hunting and working sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute is a fluffy puff with bear-like paws called snowshoes.
This dog breed is even larger than its cousin, the husky, and is known to brave extremely cold climate conditions. They easily survive rough terrains and are high-energy dogs that need constant working and attention.
They have an intelligent yet stubborn streak in them, which can make them a pain for non-assertive dog owners, if not handled properly or trained from a very young age. This independent and willful pup will walk all over you.
They are not built for hot climates because they were bred to withstand the arctic temperatures in Alaska. They shed a lot and need constant brushing for their waterproof double coat, as matting is a concern, and the coat can start harboring fungus if not properly cared for.
Britannica notes that the Alaskan Malamute is another avid digger and escape artist. They need to be reeled in by a sturdy fence that is at least 6 feet tall and made out of strong material to keep these maestros inside. Also, having a fenced yard is not a choice but a necessity when you have an Alaskan Malamute, they need a larger space to run and play.
Moreover, people who are constantly on the go, prefer travelling or hiking, are ideal pet parents for this dog breed. Otherwise, if you aren’t a hands-on owner and don’t have plenty of time, this dog feels separation anxiety, due to which it can howl or become aggressive. Hence, apartment owners and people who stay out of their house for most of the day should not adopt this furry Alaskan pup.
Health Concerns:
This Alaskan pup is prone to several health issues, according to the PDSA, like:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia (Dwarfism)
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Eye & Skin Problems
5. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a spitz-type dog breed that originated from Northern China. Chow Chows are known as the ‘Songshi Quan’, meaning a puffy lion-dog. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in China, with a history that dates back 2000 years, at the time of the Han Dynasty.
These dense double-coated fur babies had been used for hunting, guarding, and shepherding. They were also used during the Tang dynasty as war dogs to invade China. These dogs have an aloof and detached nature compared to other dog breeds.
The Chow Chows aren’t the right fit for you. If you are looking for a highly affectionate dog, these sturdy and strong bear-like pups don’t like fervent interactions. The Chows are independent champions that can be trained with a lot of persistence and patience. They need to be mentally and physically stimulated, with activities and daily walks to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Health Concerns:
Chow Chows face several health issues that owners need to be aware of:
Entropion
Heart Disease
Cataracts
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Gastric dilatation volvulus
Obesity
6. Dachshund
This unique doggie with a long body, short legs, and webbed feet originated in the early 15th century in Germany. Originally bred for hunting badgers and burrow-dwelling animals. The Dachshund was developed from mixing several hunting dog breeds, including German, French, and English hounds, along with terriers. The name Dachshund translates into ‘badger dog’ in German.
Training a Dachshund can be tough—they’re strong-willed and don’t easily budge when asked to do something they’re not interested in. Along with patience in training, it’s important to handle them with care. Their long backs are prone to injury, so always support both their chest and rear when lifting them, and keep their weight in check to avoid putting extra strain on their spine.
According to Greencross Vets, Dachshunds are famously stubborn; however, with steady dedication, consistent routines, and plenty of patience, training a Dachshund is absolutely achievable—and rewarding.
And since Dachshunds have a natural instinct to tunnel, don’t be surprised if you discover mysterious holes popping up in your garden! But there’s so much more to this spirited breed than their quirks. Their playful personality, loyalty, and charm have earned them a special place in the hearts of many dog lovers—it’s easy to see why these little “hotdogs” are adored around the world.
Health Concerns:
The dachshund is a hardy dog, but it does have its share of health risks, like other dog breeds. Common problems are:
Cancer
Obesity
Diabetes
Glaucoma
Liver Disease
Cushings disease
7. Doberman Pinscher
First bred in Germany, the Doberman Pinscher is a fierce and loyal guard dog. But like most dogs, this dog breed also comes with its own behaviour and fair share of challenges.
The Doberman Pinscher has gained a bad reputation because it can get aggressive, to downright mean. They are not easy to train if not managed from puppyhood, and they also tend to jump on people because of their high energy.
These sleek and highly intelligent breeds don’t do well in relaxed routines. Dobermans need constant exercise and interaction to keep them happy.
Health Concerns:
The Doberman is prone to several health issues that need to be monitored by owners, like:
Gastroentiritis
Hip Dysplasia
Skin Infections
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Quick Fun Fact:
If you are from Gen Z and also a Swiftie, you must have seen these Doberman pinschers in Taylor Swift’s music video ‘Blank Space’. Swift, who is prominently a cat lover, also has two mini doberman pinschers as pets named Bug and Baby.
Conclusion
When choosing a pet dog for your household, you must learn and research about the temperament and nature of the dog breeds, along with your needs, to make the right decision. Dog owners who spend less time and make no efforts to train their pets or are simply lazy people end up facing behavioral issues from their canine companions. And honestly, this doesn’t count as the dog’s fault.
If we divide dogs into two categories according to best behavior and challenging traits, these dogs will lose their lead to the German Shepherd and Labrador Retrievers because training these two best-behaved dog breeds, compared to others on the list, is far easier.
Especially Dog breeds that were originally bred for guarding, herding, or fighting also seem to have inbuilt traits that don’t make them ideal for families with children. Hence, before you take a leap into pet parenting and become a dog owner, you must be aware of the responsibility that comes along with owning this prized species.
