These 12 Dog Breeds Have Left Owners With Some Serious Doubts.
We all picture the perfect dog—loyal, loving, maybe even a little goofy. But sometimes, that dream turns into chewed-up furniture, nonstop shedding, and a dog with more energy than a toddler on a sugar rush. Some breeds come with quirks that new owners just aren’t ready for, and regret sets in fast.
From stubborn attitudes to unexpected destruction, these dogs have left plenty of owners second-guessing their decision. If you’re thinking about bringing one of these breeds home, take a minute to see what you’re really signing up for. It might just save you from a future headache.
1. Husky owners quickly realize their homes will never be fur-free again.
That adorable Husky puppy with the piercing blue eyes? It grows into an energy machine that never runs out of steam. This breed was built for endurance, pulling sleds through harsh conditions, not lounging on the couch. Without constant exercise, they’ll turn your home into their personal obstacle course, tearing through furniture and walls without a second thought. Even with plenty of activity, Huskies are infamous escape artists who will dig, jump, or chew their way out of any enclosure.
According to Bright Side, many owners regret adopting a Husky due to the sheer amount of work involved. On top of their never-ending need for exercise, they shed an ungodly amount of fur. Their thick double coats leave hair on everything—your floors, your clothes, even in your food. If you don’t have the time, patience, and energy to keep up with a Husky, you may find yourself overwhelmed in no time.
2. Dachshunds may be small, but their hunting instincts can destroy your home.
People see a tiny dog with stubby legs and assume it’s the perfect lap dog, but Dachshunds were bred for hunting, and that drive doesn’t just disappear. If they aren’t mentally and physically stimulated, their energy builds up, and destruction follows. They dig into carpets, tear through furniture, and chew whatever they can get their paws on. Left alone too long, they’ll unleash their frustration by barking relentlessly or dismantling anything in sight.
As stated by Bright Side, many owners regret getting a Dachshund when they realize this breed is anything but low-maintenance. Their stubborn nature makes training a battle, and their attachment to their humans means separation anxiety is common. If they decide they don’t like something—or someone—you’ll hear about it. They might be small, but they come with a huge personality and even bigger demands. Anyone looking for an easy-going pet should think twice.
3. German Shepherds require constant training, but many owners just aren’t prepared.
A well-trained German Shepherd is loyal, obedient, and incredibly intelligent. But getting them to that point takes serious effort, and many people don’t realize how much work is involved. Their high energy, protective instincts, and intense loyalty require structured training from day one. Without it, they can become territorial, aggressive, or completely unmanageable. Some owners get a German Shepherd expecting a heroic, police-style dog, only to find themselves overwhelmed by their endless energy and strong-willed personality.
According to Bright Side, many German Shepherds end up in shelters when owners realize they can’t handle them. This breed is not for the inexperienced or lazy. If they aren’t properly exercised, trained, and socialized, they can develop destructive behaviors that make them a nightmare to live with. A bored German Shepherd is a dangerous one, and if you can’t dedicate the time to meeting their needs, this breed will quickly become too much to handle.
4. Labrador Retrievers may seem perfect, but their energy levels catch owners off guard.
Labradors are often portrayed as the perfect family dog—playful, loving, and easygoing. While that’s partially true, they are also a handful for anyone who isn’t prepared. Labs have boundless energy, and if they aren’t exercised daily, they’ll release it in destructive ways. Chewed-up furniture, dug-up yards, and stolen food are just the beginning. Their high-energy personalities can be overwhelming, especially for first-time owners who underestimate their needs.
As stated by Bright Side, many Labrador owners regret their decision when they realize how much effort goes into raising one. Training is essential, but their playful, sometimes stubborn nature makes consistency a challenge. They love people, which means they hate being left alone. Without enough stimulation, they become anxious and resort to destructive behaviors. Many people get a Labrador expecting an easy companion, only to find themselves constantly chasing after a whirlwind of energy.
5. Akita Inu owners often struggle with their stubborn and aloof nature.
At first glance, the Akita Inu looks like a big, fluffy teddy bear. In reality, they have a serious, independent personality that makes them a challenge for the wrong owner. They form deep bonds with their families but tend to be aloof with strangers and downright intolerant of unfamiliar children. Socialization is a must, but even with proper training, their wariness of outsiders never fully goes away.
This breed also has a strong-willed nature that makes training tricky. They don’t respond well to harsh methods, but if they sense weakness, they’ll walk all over their owner. Their dominant personalities make them aggressive toward other animals, and dog parks are usually a no-go. Many people regret getting an Akita when they realize how much work goes into managing their temperament. They’re not the type to fawn over strangers or tolerate rough play, and without experienced handling, they can be difficult to control.
6. Jack Russell Terriers have more energy than most owners can handle.
Don’t let their small size fool you—Jack Russell Terriers have the energy of a caffeinated athlete with no off switch. They were bred for hunting, and that drive is still very much alive. If they aren’t given a job to do, they’ll find their own, which often involves tearing up furniture, barking at everything that moves, and making a mess of your home. Their intelligence is both a blessing and a curse, as they quickly pick up on bad habits just as fast as good ones.
Jack Russells also have a strong prey drive, which means small pets like cats, hamsters, or rabbits aren’t safe around them. Many first-time owners underestimate just how much exercise they need, leading to frustration on both ends. Without proper training and structure, they can develop aggressive tendencies, especially toward other animals. Anyone expecting an easygoing lap dog will be in for a rude awakening when they realize just how relentless these little powerhouses are.
7. Cane Corsos are powerful dogs that require firm, experienced leadership.
Cane Corsos are not for the faint of heart. These massive, muscular dogs were bred for protection and guarding, which means they take their job seriously. Without proper training and a confident owner, they can become overprotective and difficult to manage. They require structure, socialization, and strong leadership, and if they sense any hesitation, they’ll take control of the situation themselves—often in ways that aren’t ideal for their owners.
Many first-time dog owners regret getting a Cane Corso when they realize just how much work goes into raising them. They’re not aggressive by nature, but their sheer size and strength make any behavioral issues a serious problem. They need early and consistent training, firm boundaries, and an owner who understands how to handle dominant breeds. Without that, they can become territorial, stubborn, and even dangerous in the wrong hands.
8. Weimaraners can’t handle being left alone and will destroy everything in sight.
If there’s one thing Weimaraners hate, it’s being alone. These sleek, high-energy dogs thrive on companionship and activity. If they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they’ll take their frustration out on your furniture, shoes, and anything else within reach. They have a natural tendency toward separation anxiety, which makes them a poor choice for anyone with a busy schedule.
Weimaraners are also incredibly smart, but that intelligence comes with a stubborn streak. Training needs to be consistent, or they’ll decide they know best. Many people regret getting a Weimaraner when they realize just how much attention they demand. If they aren’t getting the engagement they need, they become restless, vocal, and destructive. A bored Weimaraner is a nightmare to live with, and if you can’t commit to keeping them occupied, they’ll make sure you regret bringing them home.
9. Belgian Malinois are working dogs, and too many people mistake them for pets.
Belgian Malinois aren’t just high-energy—they’re in a league of their own. These dogs were bred for police and military work, and that level of drive doesn’t disappear in a household setting. They need constant stimulation, structure, and a job to do, or they’ll become a restless, destructive force. Many people get one because they look like German Shepherds, not realizing that they’re even more intense and require nearly nonstop engagement.
Regret sets in when owners realize that a Malinois isn’t a casual companion. Without extensive training, exercise, and mental challenges, they become anxious, hyperactive, and even aggressive. They’re not meant to sit around the house all day, and if they don’t get the structure they crave, they’ll create their own chaos. This breed is only suitable for highly experienced dog owners who are ready to dedicate their lives to constant training and exercise.
10. Chow Chows don’t care about impressing you and don’t like strangers either.
If you’re looking for a dog that lives to please you, a Chow Chow is not the breed for you. These dogs are independent, aloof, and often act like they couldn’t care less about human approval. They bond deeply with their owners but have little interest in anyone outside their circle. If socialization isn’t prioritized early, they can become aggressive or overly wary of strangers, making them difficult to manage in public.
Many owners regret getting a Chow Chow when they realize how challenging they are to train. They’re highly intelligent, but they’re also incredibly stubborn. If they don’t see the point in what you’re asking them to do, they simply won’t do it. Their strong-willed personalities require firm, consistent training, and without it, they can become territorial and unpredictable. First-time dog owners often struggle with their unique temperament and find themselves in over their heads.
11. Great Danes look majestic, but their size alone is a massive challenge.
Everyone loves the idea of a gentle giant, but owning a Great Dane comes with some serious challenges. Their enormous size means they take up a ton of space, eat a ridiculous amount of food, and rack up hefty medical bills. Even though they’re generally sweet-natured, their sheer size makes even minor behavioral issues a big deal. If they decide to jump on you, lean against you, or plop down in your lap, there’s not much you can do about it.
Many people regret getting a Great Dane when they realize how expensive they are to care for. They have short lifespans, are prone to numerous health issues, and require a home big enough to accommodate their needs. Vet bills alone can be staggering, and their rapid growth often leads to joint problems. While they’re affectionate and loving, their size makes them a lot more work than most people expect.
12. Shar Peis have a tough attitude and require an experienced owner.
Shar Peis may look wrinkly and adorable, but their personalities are anything but soft. They have a naturally dominant, stubborn temperament that makes them difficult for inexperienced owners to handle. Without early socialization and consistent training, they can become territorial, aggressive, and difficult to manage around strangers or other animals.
Many owners regret getting a Shar Pei when they realize how strong-willed they are. They aren’t naturally friendly, and their independent streak means they often decide for themselves what’s worth listening to. If they aren’t properly trained, they can be unpredictable, and their territorial instincts make them wary of unfamiliar people. Their unique appearance might draw people in, but their challenging personalities quickly prove that they’re not the easiest breed to own.