Thinking about bringing a furry friend into your home? While dogs are known as man’s best friend, not all breeds suit every lifestyle. Some dogs need loads of exercise, others require special grooming, and a few have temperaments that make them tricky for first-time owners.
Understanding which breeds might present challenges can help you make a better choice for your family and living situation.
This list is based on our team’s research from online sources and owners’ experiences. Remember that every dog is an individual with its own personality, regardless of breed!
1. Siberian Husky
Gorgeous with their wolf-like appearance, Siberian Huskies are escape artists with boundless energy. They’ll dig under fences and bolt if given half a chance!
These dogs need hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without proper outlets, they become destructive: chewing furniture, howling loudly, and turning your garden into a crater field.
2. Akita
Fiercely loyal to their families, Akitas can be standoffish and suspicious with strangers. Their guarding instincts run deep, making socialisation absolutely crucial from puppyhood.
Standing nearly 28 inches tall and weighing up to 59 kg, these powerful dogs require an experienced owner. Their stubborn streak and independent nature mean training demands consistency and patience.
3. Border Collie
Brilliant minds trapped in furry bodies: that’s Border Collies for you! These canine Einsteins were bred to work all day herding sheep across the hills of Scotland and Wales.
Without a proper job, they’ll invent their own entertainment, usually something you won’t appreciate. Their intelligence becomes problematic when paired with boredom, leading to anxiety and destructive behaviours.
4. Chow Chow
Behind that adorable teddy bear face lurks a stubborn, independent character. Chow Chows aren’t your typical affectionate lapdogs – they’re more like aloof roommates who expect respect.
Their thick double coat requires extensive grooming several times weekly. Health-wise, they’re prone to eye problems, hip dysplasia, and skin conditions, making vet bills potentially steep for these blue-tongued beauties.
5. Cane Corso
Majestic Italian mastiffs with muscles that would make bodybuilders jealous! Cane Corsos were bred as guardians and hunters, not family pets.
Their protective instincts make them naturally wary of strangers. Without proper socialisation and training from day one, these powerful dogs can become overprotective and potentially aggressive. Their sheer size – up to 50kg – makes them challenging to control.
6. Afghan Hound
Runway models of the dog world, Afghan Hounds require beauty maintenance that would make a celebrity stylist sweat. Their silky, flowing coats need daily brushing and regular professional grooming.
Beyond their high-maintenance looks, these ancient sighthounds have independent, sometimes aloof personalities. Training challenges arise from their stubborn streak and tendency to ignore commands they find boring or beneath them.
7. Dalmatian
Thanks to Disney, these spotted dogs enjoy celebrity status. The reality? Dalmatians need tremendous exercise. They were bred to run alongside horse-drawn carriages for miles!
Without proper outlets for their energy, they become hyperactive and destructive. Many Dalmatians suffer from hereditary deafness, making training extra challenging. They’re also known for their stubborn streak and tendency toward nervousness.
8. Shar-Pei
Those adorable wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections: imagine wiping between every fold several times weekly! Shar-Peis often suffer from numerous health issues, including eye problems and a painful swelling condition called Shar-Pei Fever.
Temperament-wise, they’re typically reserved with strangers and can be stubborn. Early socialisation is crucial, as they have natural guarding tendencies that can develop into aggression if not properly managed.
9. Basenji
“Barkless” doesn’t mean quiet! Basenjis make unique yodeling sounds that can startle unsuspecting neighbours. These ancient African hunting dogs are notorious escape artists with a mischievous streak a mile wide.
Independent to their core, Basenjis often act more like cats than dogs. Training challenges arise from their stubborn nature and tendency to get bored quickly. They’re also enthusiastic chewers who view your possessions as fair game.
10. Caucasian Shepherd
Mountain giants weighing up to 100kg, Caucasian Shepherds were bred to fight off wolves and bears, not play fetch in the garden! Their massive size makes them unsuitable for average homes.
Fiercely protective, they view strangers with deep suspicion. Their thick double coat sheds tremendously, covering everything you own in fur. Training requires expert handling, as their independent nature and protective instincts make them challenging for novice owners.
