Potty training isn’t one-size-fits-all, and these breeds just decided to freestyle it anyway.
Some dogs treat housebreaking like a group project they never asked to be part of. They stall, they sabotage, and they make eye contact while doing it on your rug. Sure, every breed has outliers, but these twelve have consistently tested the patience of owners, trainers, and mop manufacturers across the country. The data doesn’t lie, and if you’ve had one of these in your home, your carpets probably don’t either.
1. Afghan Hounds act like house rules don’t apply to them.
This breed looks like a shampoo commercial and acts like it’s above manual labor, including potty training. Afghan Hounds are notoriously independent and aloof, which sounds fancy until you’re cleaning a hallway surprise. As described by the American Kennel Club, their stubborn nature combined with low food motivation makes traditional training a whole experience. They often understand the command just fine. They just don’t care. The result is a dog that will master recall before they’ll ever admit they need a designated bathroom spot. If you don’t outsmart them early with strict routines, they’ll turn your house into their personal runway slash restroom.
2. Bichon Frises pretend they didn’t hear you say “outside.”
These little cloud-shaped dogs are sweet but secretly chaotic. According to research compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Bichons are one of the top breeds that struggle with housetraining. Their small size makes accidents less noticeable at first, which only makes the habit harder to break. They’re also known to get easily distracted or anxious, which leads to the dreaded sneak-and-pee behavior. It’s not that they’re trying to be difficult. They just need extremely consistent routines, immediate praise, and a hyper-clean potty area or they’ll boycott the whole process.
3. Pekingese dogs would rather you do it for them.
Training a Pekingese can feel like negotiating with royalty. As discovered by researchers at Psychology Today, Pekingese tend to show lower trainability scores compared to other toy breeds. They don’t respond well to pressure and will completely disengage if they sense frustration. Combine that with their preference for lounging over learning, and it’s a recipe for delayed potty success. They’re not trying to disrespect your floors. They just don’t see why their morning has to involve your timeline. The trick is gentle persistence, no drama, and keeping it all feeling like their idea.
4. Dachshunds will pick a bathroom spot and refuse to budge.
It’s not always about being sneaky. Sometimes, it’s just full-on protest. Dachshunds are clever and extremely aware of their environment, and they often decide early on where they think the bathroom should be. Once they commit, convincing them to change it is like un-teaching a toddler how to talk. The problem is, their idea of a toilet area is often suspiciously close to wherever you keep your shoes. Because of their strong will, crate training and schedule rigidity are a must. Any deviation and they’ll regress on purpose.
5. Yorkies don’t believe in bad timing, only bad flooring.
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with big personalities, and those personalities often refuse to admit fault. Their high energy and strong attachment to their humans mean they can get anxious if left alone too long, leading to nervous accidents. They’re also known for their tiny bladders and big drama, which means even a short wait can lead to a surprise puddle. Yorkies often need more frequent trips outside than larger dogs and benefit from bell training or doggy door access to give them more control.
6. Italian Greyhounds treat bad weather like a legal excuse.
Rain, wind, cold, even overcast skies—they’re all valid reasons for Italian Greyhounds to skip outdoor bathroom breaks entirely. These delicate, stylish dogs are notoriously sensitive to discomfort. The minute the ground feels damp or the breeze feels judgmental, they will do everything in their power to avoid leaving the house. They often need jackets, booties, and major encouragement just to step outside in winter. Owners of these dogs often have to fake enthusiasm like they’re starring in a toddler singalong just to get them out the door and into potty mode.
7. Chihuahuas act like the floor is optional if the mood isn’t right.
These tiny dogs can pack a whole lot of defiance into a two-pound frame. Chihuahuas are clever and often form strong opinions about when and where they should go—completely ignoring the part where humans make the rules. Their size makes them hard to catch in the act, and their quick little legs make sneak attacks alarmingly effective. They also tend to have small bladders, which means the line between “I’m fine” and “too late” can be about three seconds long. You blink, and it’s over. Indoor pee pads sometimes make things worse because they reinforce indoor elimination as an option, not a backup.
8. Cocker Spaniels want to be good but get distracted halfway through.
This is the breed that truly tries. They want you to be happy, they want the gold star, they just also want to chase that leaf, roll in the grass, sniff the mailbox, and oops, it already happened. Cocker Spaniels are people-pleasers at heart, but their puppy-stage attention span combined with a slightly anxious temperament can sabotage progress. They often do best with short, frequent breaks and lots of patient reinforcement. Scolding sets them back. Praise moves them forward. But consistency is everything or they’ll forget what the original plan even was by the time they hit the yard.
9. Pomeranians sometimes pretend the outdoors doesn’t exist.
A lot of toy breeds have housebreaking issues, but Pomeranians take it up a notch with full-on denial. They love their cozy interiors and often just can’t be bothered to step out into the world unless it’s completely necessary. Many Pom owners report that their dog seems to view outside like an optional vacation spot, not a place where business happens. If they get cold or startled once, good luck convincing them it’s safe again. Potty training becomes a slow negotiation that hinges entirely on their mood, trust in the weather, and whether you remembered to bring a treat that’s actually worth their time.
10. Basenjis think rules are for other dogs.
This ancient breed is already famous for being barkless, but they should also be known for being rule-averse. Basenjis are sharp, observant, and stubbornly self-reliant. They often pick up on training concepts fast but see no reason to obey unless it benefits them directly. Housebreaking is no exception. They’ll act like they’re on board, only to change the plan midway through because the vibe shifted or the grass was weird. Owners often have to outmaneuver them with creative schedules, limited options, and rewards that make the process worth their very specific standards.
11. Shih Tzus will absolutely test your patience just because they can.
This breed has the energy of a dog who knows it’s cute and plans to use that as leverage. Shih Tzus aren’t trying to be rebellious, they just don’t take urgency seriously. They’re slow to pick up cues and even slower to show signs they need to go, which means you often end up guessing wrong. Add in their preference for indoor lounging, and housebreaking starts to feel like a long con. They also don’t love bad weather and can be easily distracted by sounds, scents, and shiny objects. Consistency helps, but the real secret is learning their subtle signs before it’s too late.
12. Lhasa Apsos are convinced they run the place and don’t need instructions.
Originally bred to guard palaces, these dogs still carry themselves like they own the estate, even if that estate is your one-bedroom apartment. Lhasa Apsos are deeply intelligent but fiercely independent. They don’t respond well to being told what to do, and that includes being told where to relieve themselves. Without a crystal-clear routine and unwavering patience, they’ll decide their own potty spots and defend those decisions with passive-aggressive eye contact. Housebreaking success with this breed often hinges on showing them it’s a partnership—not a command structure they can just ignore.