No matter what kind of furry friend you choose to welcome into your family, everyone knows that the puppy phase is tough. But aside from the typical teething and potty training problems, some breeds are more demanding than they seem.
From high energy levels to complex training needs, these canines may not be the best fit for first-time dog owners or those seeking a lower-commitment pet. If you fall in either boat, steer clear of these 10 difficult dog breeds that are more work than you might think.
Scroll to find out some of the more difficult dog breeds that require a little extra work (& a lot of commitment!)
1. Border Collie
Lauma Augstkalne
With a history of livestock herding, Border Collies are revered for their remarkable intelligence and high energy levels. They thrive when given a task to focus on, but without a way to express their natural herding instincts, they may act out and try to outsmart their owners.
Plus, they become easily stressed when they're not provided with enough mental stimulation and physical activity.
2. Saint Bernard
Patrick Barrett Jr.
Saint Bernards may look like big teddy bears, but they can also be quite stubborn. Yes, these dogs generally have sweet personalities, yet without early socialization and consistent training, these gentle giants may develop some behavioral issues.
Keeping this breed in check is harder due to their huge size. That's why any unwanted habits, like jumping up on counters or people, can spiral out of control.
Not to mention, Saint Bernards are notorious for being messy due to their excessive drooling.
3. Siberian Husky
Kateryna Babaieva
If you looked up "high-maintenance dog" in the dictionary, you might be greeted with a picture of the Siberian Husky.
This breed is independent, extremely energetic, and requires tons of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy. Siberian Huskies also have strong-willed personalities that may make them prone to ignoring commands and doing things their way, particularly when it comes to escaping.
These escape artists are notorious for running out the door whenever they're given the chance.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Gundula Vogel
Jack Russells have spirited personalities and seemingly boundless energy, earning them the reputation of being "hyper."
These pups have a strong prey drive as well, meaning they're prone to behaviors such as barking and digging. These tendencies can be especially challenging for first-time dog owners to handle.
Plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization are needed to keep this breed in line.
5. Australian Cattle Dog
Yo Ormedi
Much like the Siberian Husky, Australian Cattle Dogs excel when they're physically and mentally engaged. These herding dogs are often clever enough to outsmart their owners and quickly become bored, leading them to resort to mischief.
Anyone who opts to adopt an Australian Cattle Dog must provide their pup with a lot of training and a job to do, whether it's herding, agility, or another activity.
6. Rottweiler
Katia Miasoed
Rottweilers are known for their protective and territorial instincts, and if they aren't properly trained, this breed may become aggressive.
These dogs are strong-willed, large in size, and may try to assert dominance if they sense a lack of authority. Early socialization, routine training, and assertiveness are crucial for raising a Rottweiler that's well-behaved.
7. Akita
Zen Chung
Akitas have a significant prey drive since they were bred to hunt large game, and they can exhibit aggression or behavioral issues if they're not socialized and trained properly.
This breed also tends to be protective and aloof with strangers, so it may not always get along with other canines. These dogs thrive with more experienced owners who can establish clear boundaries and provide firm training.
8. Bloodhound
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club
Bloodhounds are renowned for their remarkable sense of smell, making them stellar hunting dogs and helpers for law enforcement officers trying to track down missing persons and fugitives.
However, this breed can be self-reliant and stubborn, which makes training more challenging. Bloodhounds can become easily distracted by scents, so traditional training techniques tend to be less effective.
9. Dachshund
Masood Aslami
Dachshunds may look tiny and harmless, but these comically long dogs also have an independent spirit (and can sometimes be stubborn).
They have a knack for being mischievous and surprising digging abilities, meaning they'll tunnel under fences or anything else that stands in their way. Consistent training is key to curbing their more curious and disruptive tendencies.
10. Dalmatian
ko tek
Last but certainly not least are Dalmatians. These dogs have loads of energy, a strong-willed nature, and crave companionship, so they need both attention and exercise to remain happy.
Otherwise, this breed can be quite chaotic. Dalmatians are well-suited for more active owners who can keep up with their lively personalities.
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