They look harmless until they turn your life upside down with fur, drool, and chaos.
A wagging tail and sweet eyes can trick anyone into thinking dog ownership will be simple. But some breeds that look like perfect “starter dogs” are actually way more work than new owners expect. These 13 breeds aren’t bad—they’re just not the easy, low-maintenance companions people imagine.
1. Labrador Retrievers are not the chill family dogs people think.
Labs have a reputation as perfect beginner dogs, but they’re energy machines disguised as friendly companions. As reported by the American Kennel Club, they need high-intensity exercise and mental stimulation or they channel their energy into chewing furniture, counter-surfing, and body-slamming unsuspecting guests. First-time owners expecting a calm TV buddy often find themselves running daily marathons or watching their house slowly get remodeled by a happy, wagging wrecking ball.
2. Dachshunds dig more than most owners can handle.
They look cute and compact, perfect for apartments, but Dachshunds were bred to hunt underground prey. That instinct translates into digging, barking, and an attitude that outweighs their size. According to the Dachshund Club of America, many first-time owners underestimate how stubborn and independent they are, often ending up with yard craters and loud complaints from neighbors about barking. Small does not equal simple with this breed.
3. Great Danes create giant-sized problems.
These gentle giants look laid-back, but their size creates logistical chaos. First-time owners don’t anticipate how much space a 150-pound dog takes up or how much food and medical care cost. A wagging tail can clear a coffee table in seconds, and transporting one for a vet emergency feels like moving a sofa that breathes. Their calm demeanor doesn’t offset how unprepared most people are for the reality of owning a dog the size of a small horse.
4. Bulldogs struggle with health issues beginners aren’t ready for.
That cute wrinkly face comes with chronic health concerns. Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems, skin infections, and joint issues, which often require expensive veterinary care. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, their unique structure also makes exercise and hot weather tricky. First-time owners looking for a low-energy pet often don’t realize how much hands-on care and expense it takes just to keep them comfortable and healthy.
5. Pugs snore, snort, and shed like champions.
They’re adorable and popular, but Pugs have a way of surprising new owners with their breathing issues, stubborn streaks, and incredible ability to shed despite their short coats. Their friendly nature doesn’t mean easy training either—housebreaking can take longer than expected. People imagine a little couch potato, only to discover they’ve brought home a snoring, wheezing comedian who treats rules like optional suggestions.
6. German Shorthaired Pointers never stop moving.
These sleek, athletic dogs look manageable compared to massive breeds, but they’re built for all-day hunting work. First-time owners often underestimate their boundless energy and need for training. Without intense daily exercise, they can turn destructive fast. As the American Kennel Club notes, their high prey drive means cats, squirrels, and even falling leaves become chase targets. For someone expecting a low-key walking companion, it’s like adopting a caffeinated marathoner.
7. Corgis rule the house like tiny monarchs.
People see those short legs and happy faces and think “easy apartment dog.” The truth is Corgis have strong herding instincts, high energy, and loud voices. They nip when frustrated, bark at every sound, and need more exercise than their stubby legs suggest. Beginners expecting a couch companion often get a bossy little dictator who thinks controlling humans is part of the job description.
8. Golden Retrievers are needier than you’d expect.
Golden Retrievers are sweet and trainable, but they’re also sensitive, prone to separation anxiety, and high-shedding machines. First-time owners are often shocked by how much grooming and emotional attention these dogs need. Leave a Golden alone too long and you can come home to shredded pillows or a howling neighbor complaint. They’re wonderful dogs, but “easy” is not the right word when they crave human companionship like oxygen.
9. Basset Hounds test your patience daily.
Those droopy ears and sad eyes hide an intensely stubborn streak. Bassets are scent hounds, which means they follow their noses with no interest in what you want. According to the Basset Hound Club of America, house training and recall are notoriously difficult. New owners expecting a calm, slow-moving dog often get dragged along on endless sniffing tours, plus puddles and surprises inside long after they thought potty training was done.
10. Boxers turn your living room into a bounce house.
Boxers have endless energy and a goofy, playful personality that first-time owners underestimate. They need constant training to avoid bad habits like jumping on people, chewing everything in reach, and turning walks into pull sessions. Their enthusiasm is lovable but overwhelming if you don’t have the time to match their intensity. What looks like a chill family companion often behaves like a muscle-packed toddler who just found sugar.
11. Shih Tzus need more grooming than most expect.
People assume their small size means low effort, but Shih Tzus need daily brushing and frequent professional grooming to keep their coats healthy. Neglect it, and you end up with painful matting that costs big money to fix. They also tend to be picky eaters and stubborn about housebreaking. First-time owners who want a low-maintenance dog often find themselves drowning in grooming bills and patience tests instead.
12. Rottweilers overwhelm beginners with sheer strength.
Rottweilers are loyal and intelligent, but their size and protective instincts can be overwhelming for someone new to dogs. Training and early socialization aren’t optional—they’re mandatory. Skip it, and you have a 100-pound powerhouse calling its own shots. Many new owners think their friendly puppy will “grow out of” rough behavior, only to realize that behavior grows with them—and so does the strength behind it.
13. Irish Setters look pretty but act like caffeinated rockets.
With their silky coats and sweet faces, Irish Setters look like ideal companions, but they’re built for endurance hunting and love to run, jump, and chase nonstop. Their excitement can quickly turn into chaos in homes that aren’t prepared for high-energy antics. First-time owners expecting a chill, elegant pet are often left sprinting after a dog that acts like it’s permanently late for a party.