Some dogs seem to be born with perfect manners, while others… not so much. For every obedient, eager-to-please pup, there’s a stubborn, mischievous counterpart who prefers doing things their own way.
These strong-willed breeds often charm with their intelligence and striking looks, yet can test even the most patient owners with their defiant streak. Owning one requires not just love, but a serious commitment and a lot of patience with training and structure.
Many of these breeds were originally developed for independent tasks, like hunting or guarding, which required them to think for themselves rather than follow human direction. That self-reliance, while admirable, can translate into selective listening and a tendency to push boundaries in a home setting.
Without consistent training and firm leadership, their headstrong nature can quickly spiral into unruly behavior. This article uncovers the world’s most notoriously difficult dog breeds — the ones that challenge authority, resist commands, and demand extra time, effort, and patience.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, these are the breeds you might want to avoid unless you’re truly ready for the task.
Worst Behaved Dog Breeds To Avoid At All Costs
1. Dachshund
The Dachshund, often nicknamed the “wiener dog” or “Doxie,” is a small but determined breed originally developed in Germany for hunting badgers. Recognizable by their elongated body and short legs, they come in Smooth, Wirehaired, and Longhaired coat types, and in Standard or Miniature sizes.
AKC says they can be courageous to the point of recklessness and may also be somewhat stubborn. While their charm is undeniable, Dachshunds can be notoriously stubborn, making training a challenge for many owners.
Their independent mindset means they often prefer to do things their own way, and they may ignore commands if they’re not in the mood. This strong will can test the patience of even experienced trainers.
Their hunting instincts can also lead to disruptive behaviors indoors. Dachshunds love to dig, chase smaller pets, and chew, especially if left under-stimulated. Containing this mischievous streak requires consistent boundaries and plenty of mental engagement.
Though intelligent, Dachshunds easily get distracted, especially when they catch a scent trail, making recall training frustrating. Positive reinforcement works best, but persistence is key.
Interestingly, despite their small size, these little hounds were once bred to confront fierce burrowing prey, which explains their bold and headstrong nature
2. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier, sometimes called the Parson Russell Terrier, is a small yet spirited breed originally developed in Britain for fox hunting.
Known for its compact frame and boundless energy, this dog is quick on its feet and endlessly curious about its surroundings. Its lively nature can be charming, but it often challenges inexperienced owners who may struggle to keep up with its intensity.
Purina says they might never be safe around cats, especially unfamiliar ones (though many can adapt to living with their own), and they are definitely not safe with small furry animals.
While their intelligence makes them fast learners, Jack Russells have an independent streak that can turn into defiance if not managed with firm and consistent training.
Their confidence can border on dominance, which sometimes leads to territorial behavior or resistance to rules. This makes them prone to testing boundaries and ignoring commands when they choose.
Aggression can also be an issue, especially same-sex aggression or hostility toward other breeds. Their strong prey drive often makes them lunge at small animals or chase moving objects, which can spark conflicts if left unchecked. Early socialization is vital to curb these tendencies.
Another concern is possessiveness; they may guard food, toys, or even people, displaying protective aggression if not corrected early.
Without ample exercise, discipline, and mental stimulation, Jack Russells can become destructive, highlighting how crucial structured activity is for preventing unwanted behaviors.
3. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, often affectionately called the “Chi,” is the smallest recognized dog breed and a proud national symbol of Mexico.
Known for their compact size, rounded “apple” head, and luminous eyes, these dogs typically weigh no more than 6 pounds yet carry themselves with striking confidence. They come in both smooth and long-haired varieties, with coats in many colors and patterns.
PetMD says the Chihuahua’s tiny size makes them easy to take anywhere, which can be both a benefit and a drawback. Because they are often carried around and go to many places, they can easily develop separation anxiety.
Despite their petite frame, Chihuahuas often develop strong-willed, bossy personalities that can make training challenging.
Their protective instincts can quickly turn into stubborn defiance, especially when they think they are in charge of the household. This assertive streak can lead to frequent barking and snapping if not managed early.
Additionally, Chihuahuas tend to become overly attached to one person, making them wary of others and prone to separation anxiety. Interestingly, while their ancient ancestors were believed to be mute, modern Chihuahuas are famously vocal—a testament to their bold and expressive nature.
4. Beagle
The Beagle, often nicknamed the “merry hound,” is a small yet sturdy scent hound originally bred to hunt rabbits and hares.
With their floppy ears, soulful eyes, and cheerful disposition, they have become one of the most recognizable and popular family pets worldwide. Their compact size and boundless energy often make them seem like the perfect companion at first glance.
However, their independent streak and relentless prey drive can make them notoriously difficult to manage. Beagles are single-minded when they catch a scent, which can lead them to ignore commands entirely during training sessions.
They tend to become bored quickly. They also have a signature baying howl, which can become a constant disturbance if not controlled early on.
Despite these challenges, Beagles hold the title of having one of the strongest noses among dog breeds, which is why they’re frequently used in airports and customs as scent detection dogs.
5. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky, often called the Sibe, is a striking medium-sized working dog with a dense double coat, erect ears, and piercing blue or brown eyes. Bred originally to pull sleds across vast frozen expanses, they are compact, athletic, and built for endurance rather than sheer size or weight.
Despite their beauty and charm, Huskies are infamous for their stubborn streak, which often makes them hard to train. Their clever minds can quickly grow bored, leading them to ignore commands or turn training sessions into games of their own. Without firm structure, they can become defiant and mischievous.
This breed’s boundless energy also contributes to their reputation for troublesome behavior. When under-stimulated, Huskies often resort to destructive habits like digging craters in the yard or attempting elaborate escapes from fenced areas in search of excitement.
Adding to the challenge, their strong prey drive means they may chase smaller animals relentlessly, ignoring recalls or boundaries. Their graceful, powerful gait lets them cover long distances effortlessly, a trait rooted in their sled-pulling heritage
6. Akita
The Akita, also known as the Japanese Akita or Akita Inu, is a powerful and dignified spitz-type breed renowned for its imposing presence.
Originally bred in Japan for guarding nobility and hunting large game, they are muscular, heavy-boned dogs with a dense double coat and a naturally aloof temperament.
While their loyalty is unmatched, Akitas are often labeled among the worst-behaved breeds because of their stubborn and independent nature.
Their size and strength, combined with a strong guarding instinct, can make them prone to aggressive outbursts if not handled with firm, consistent training from an early age. Left untrained, they may develop territorial behaviors that are difficult to manage.
Akitas are also known for being intolerant of other dogs, particularly of the same sex. Their protective instincts can turn into possessiveness, leading to potential fights or destructive tendencies when they feel challenged. This makes them unsuitable for multi-dog households or inexperienced owners.
Additionally, their wary attitude toward strangers and dominant streak can pose safety concerns around small children, who might unknowingly provoke them. Interestingly, despite their intimidating demeanor, Akitas are famously quiet dogs that rarely bark unless they perceive a real threat.
7. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog, often called the British Bulldog, descends from the Old English Bulldog once used in bull-baiting. Today’s version has a stocky, muscular body, a distinctive wrinkled face, and a signature pushed-in nose. They are known for their loyal yet stubborn temperament.
Despite their intelligence, English Bulldogs are notoriously resistant to training because they prefer lounging over learning. This laziness often frustrates owners who expect quick obedience.
Their strong will means they might ignore commands, especially during housebreaking, making them one of the worst-behaved dog breeds for those wanting easy training.
Their stubborn nature can also lead to destructive behaviors if they feel neglected. An untrained Bulldog might chew furniture or refuse basic manners, requiring persistent patience and structured routines to manage their behavior effectively.
To complicate matters, their brachycephalic build makes exercise difficult, which can worsen behavioral issues if they lack outlets for energy.
Conclusion
Understanding the worst-behaved dog breeds to avoid at all costs helps potential pet parents make better decisions before welcoming a furry friend into their homes.
While most dogs can become well-mannered with proper training, these stubborn breeds demand extra patience, consistency, and time. Some, like the Australian Cattle Dog or Australian Shepherd, need mental and physical stimulation daily and can become destructive if under-engaged.
Others, including small dogs that resist housebreaking, require structure from a young age to prevent behavioral issues.
For inexperienced dog owners, breeds with challenging temperaments can be overwhelming, especially if they need at least two hours of activity or struggle when left off leash.
Even highly intelligent breeds like the German Shepherd, Border Collie, or Golden Retriever need firm obedience training tailored to the breed’s temperament to maintain good physical and mental health.
While most breeds can thrive with the right approach, knowing which ones may be difficult to properly train ensures you choose a dog that matches your lifestyle and training abilities.
