These dog breeds come with challenges that most owners aren’t ready for.
Choosing a dog is a big decision, but some breeds come with more challenges than the average pet owner can handle. While every dog has the potential to be loving and well-behaved with proper training, certain breeds require extensive experience, patience, and resources that many people simply don’t have.
From high-maintenance working dogs to breeds with difficult temperaments, experts warn against owning these 12 dogs unless you’re fully prepared for the responsibility. Whether it’s behavioral issues, excessive exercise needs, or difficulty in training, these breeds can quickly become overwhelming for the wrong owner. Before bringing one of these dogs home, make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
1. Home insurance providers make Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers a nightmare to own.
Owning a Pit Bull or Staffordshire Terrier can be a challenge before you even bring one home. Many insurance companies either refuse coverage or charge sky-high premiums simply because of their breed. Even responsible owners with well-trained dogs face restrictions, making housing options more complicated.
According to Money, Pit Bulls are one of the most commonly blacklisted breeds in home insurance policies. While they can be loving and loyal pets, the stigma surrounding them means landlords and insurers often won’t take the risk. For those unprepared to navigate these extra hurdles, owning one can quickly become more trouble than expected.
2. Siberian Huskies might look beautiful, but they are not an easy family pet.
Few dogs turn heads quite like a Siberian Husky, but their striking appearance hides a breed that requires extreme dedication. These dogs have energy levels that go through the roof and a stubborn streak that makes training a challenge. Without hours of daily exercise and structured training, they can quickly become destructive, tearing up furniture or howling nonstop.
As noted by The Spruce Pets, Huskies are also escape artists with a strong prey drive, meaning they can’t always be trusted off-leash. Their playful roughhousing can be overwhelming for young kids, making them a poor fit for families expecting a gentle, laid-back companion.
3. Weimaraners are high-energy hunters who don’t belong in low-energy homes.
Anyone thinking of bringing a Weimaraner home should know that they never really “calm down.” These dogs were bred to hunt big game, and that drive to run, chase, and explore never goes away. If left unstimulated, they become anxious and destructive, often turning to obsessive chewing or nonstop barking.
As explained by The Spruce Pets, Weimaraners also have a strong prey drive, meaning they may not be safe around small pets or wildlife. They demand an owner who can provide rigorous training, structure, and daily exercise, making them a tough fit for the average household.
4. Alaskan Malamutes have the strength of a sled dog and the stubbornness to match.
Bringing home an Alaskan Malamute means committing to a dog that was built to pull heavy loads through freezing conditions. These dogs are powerful, independent thinkers, and if they aren’t given a serious job to do, they’ll create their own. Digging up your yard, chewing furniture, and refusing commands are all common in Malamutes without proper training.
According to Bella & Duke, their strong will makes them tough for inexperienced owners. Their leash manners can be a nightmare, and their high prey drive means they may not be trustworthy around smaller pets. Without firm leadership, Malamutes will take charge, and that rarely ends well for their owners.
5. Akitas are not for the faint of heart when it comes to training.
Owning an Akita is like having a fiercely independent guardian who only listens when they feel like it. They are loyal to their families but can be incredibly stubborn, making training a serious commitment. If not socialized early, they can become overly protective, leading to aggressive behaviors around strangers or other animals.
These dogs require an owner who can establish firm leadership without using harsh training methods. They don’t respond well to force but will walk all over someone who isn’t confident in handling them. Without the right balance, an Akita can quickly become a challenge rather than a companion.
6. Pekingese may be small, but they have big attitudes that don’t always mix well with families.
At first glance, a Pekingese seems like the perfect lap dog, but their personality can be more challenging than their size suggests. They are known for being stubborn, territorial, and even a little aggressive when they don’t get their way. Unlike some small breeds that enjoy constant attention, Pekingese often prefer to be left alone.
They don’t tolerate rough handling, making them a poor fit for families with small children. Training them requires patience, as they are not eager to please and tend to do things on their own terms. If you’re looking for an affectionate, easygoing small dog, a Pekingese might not be the best choice.
7. Dobermans are highly intelligent but require strict, experienced handling.
There’s a reason Dobermans are commonly used as police and military dogs—they’re smart, strong, and highly trainable. However, that same intelligence means they need a job to do, or they will create their own. Without proper stimulation, a Doberman can develop anxiety, destructive behaviors, or even aggression.
These dogs also tend to form strong attachments to their owners, making them prone to separation anxiety. For those without the time or experience to provide consistent training and structure, a Doberman can quickly become too much to handle.
8. Chow Chows have a reputation for being one of the most stubborn breeds.
Chow Chows may look like adorable fluffy bears, but their personalities are anything but cuddly. They are fiercely independent and often aloof, preferring to do things on their own terms. Training a Chow requires an owner who understands their stubborn nature and knows how to motivate them.
Socialization from a young age is critical, as they can become highly territorial and wary of strangers. If not properly trained, their aloofness can turn into full-blown aggression, making them difficult to manage. For first-time owners, a Chow Chow’s strong will can be more than they bargained for.
9. Greyhounds are gentle but have a strong prey drive that can make them unpredictable.
It’s easy to assume that Greyhounds, being retired racing dogs, would be great pets for any household. While they are typically gentle and quiet, their prey drive is incredibly high, meaning they can’t always be trusted around small animals. If a Greyhound sees something move, their instinct is to chase—whether it’s a squirrel, a cat, or even a small dog.
These dogs also prefer calm environments and may not do well in loud or chaotic households. While they can be fantastic companions, they require a specific type of owner who understands their unique needs.
10. Dalmatians need more training and socialization than most people expect.
The 101 Dalmatians movies made these spotted dogs seem like the perfect family pet, but the reality is far different. Dalmatians are energetic, strong-willed, and prone to anxiety if not properly socialized from an early age. They require an experienced owner who can provide the structure they need to thrive.
They are also known for being prone to deafness, which can make training more complicated. Without the right guidance, a Dalmatian can become destructive and even develop aggressive tendencies.
11. Cane Corsos need an owner who understands their serious guarding instincts.
This isn’t a breed for someone looking for a casual pet. Cane Corsos are powerful, protective, and require an experienced handler who knows how to establish control. If not properly socialized, they can become overly defensive, making them a risk in unfamiliar situations.
They need strict training from puppyhood to prevent territorial aggression. Without a confident leader, they will take charge themselves—and that can lead to serious behavioral issues.
12. German Shepherds are incredible working dogs but can be overwhelming for the average owner.
Few breeds are as versatile as the German Shepherd, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to own. They need constant mental and physical engagement, or they’ll become restless and destructive. If you’re not prepared to give them structured training and a job to do, they will find their own way to burn off energy—often in ways you won’t appreciate.
These dogs are also prone to separation anxiety, meaning they don’t do well if left alone for long periods. Without the right balance of leadership, training, and activity, a German Shepherd can become more of a challenge than a companion.