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10 Difficult Dog Breeds That Are More Work Than You Think (& Require Serious Commitment)
Feb 21, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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St. Patrick’s Day is coming soon, and I’m already so pumped for it, thanks to a slew of fun fast food treats. From Wendy’s new Thin Mints Frosty and Dairy Queen’s Mint Oreo Blizzard to the return of McDonald’s famed Shamrock Shake, I’m geared up for all things green.
If you’re also celebrating St. Paddy’s with a sweet treat, you’re gonna want to try out this Starbucks secret menu drink that has the perfect green tint. It’s filled with white chocolate and matcha – but not in the way you’d think. Plus, it's a tasty departure from your expected mint flavors around this time of year!
Scroll on to discover the Starbucks secret menu order that’s perfect for sipping on St. Patrick’s Day!
Essentially an iced white chocolate mocha made with blonde espresso topped with matcha cold foam and brown butter sprinkles, one Starbucks barista revealeda tasty (and festive!) new way to enjoy the chain’s offerings in lieu of St Paddy’s: the Pot Of Gold!
Starbucks
The spirited drink starts with 4 pumps of white mocha sauce, which is then combined with 2 blonde espresso shots. Starbucks’ blonde espresso has a smoother effect than their traditional shots, so expect this sip to bring on the sweetness!
Starbucks
From there, you can order the drink with your choice of milk – and it’s a total bonus that Starbucks is no longer charging extra for alternative milks like oat, almond, coconut, and soy milk!
Starbucks
The next step is to order the drink with the chain’s vanilla cold foam, adding 2 scoops of matcha powder in the process.
Note: this secret menu item was shared before Starbucks reformulated their matcha powderto be unsweetened, but the cold foam should still have some sweetness, thanks to the vanilla.
Starbucks
Finally, the Pot Of Gold matcha drink is complete, boasting a satisfying layer of green on top of a golden latte. The barista who came up with the drink topped their bev with Starbucks’ brown butter sprinkles, which is in cafes for a limited time alongside their pistachio-flavored coffees.
If your local Starbucks is out of the brown butter sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon or chocolate curls could also be so tasty!
Starbucks
With this secret menu hack, you’ll be sipping your way through a delightful sweetness and plenty of caffeine from both the matcha powder and espresso shots. If you prefer to have less jitters in your drink, you could easily order it ‘half-caff’ or with decaf espresso shots.
For quick reference, here’s how to order the Pot Of Gold drink. Ask for:
- A grande iced latte
- With 2 blonde espresso shots (or your preference for ‘half-caff’ or decaf)
- With your choice of milk
- Topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam with 2 scoops of matcha powder
- Add brown butter topping
And voila! This drink is such a fun way to ring in St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re craving an iced blended beverage, I also tracked down some pretty delicious-looking secret menu drinks for a Lucky Leprechaun Frappuccino and a Pot Of Gold Frappuccino.
Check ‘em out – and happy St. Paddy’s!
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Dogs are among the most popular pets in the world, most commonly beloved for their loyalty and companionship. But beyond signature friendliness, certain breeds stand out for their intelligence and ability to learn new tricks with ease.
Whether you're searching for a quick learner to take on adventures or simply adjust to your household more easily, here are 10 of the smartest dog breeds that thrive on mental stimulation.
Here are the 10 smartest dog breeds you can bring home today!
1. Border Collie
This breed is considered one of the most intelligent and trainable, excelling in agility and obedience competitions thanks to their sharp problem-solving skills and eagerness to work.
Border Collies are part of the herding group, so they enjoy being given tasks. That's why these pups are ideal companions for ranchers and farmers.
However, if they're not herding livestock, they'll need plenty of mental and physical activity to satiate their endless energy and remain engaged.
2. German Shepherd
German Shepherds have sharp minds and strong work ethics, which, like the Border Collie, stem from generations of herding instincts.
This breed is adaptable and quick-thinking, allowing them to thrive in high-pressure roles that even some humans find challenging, such as police work and search and rescue operations.
Coupled with their trainability, their loyalty makes them both stellar working dogs and adorable companions.
3. Shetland Sheepdog
Sometimes referred to as "Shelties," Shetland Sheepdogs are fast learners and skilled problem solvers. They shine in various realms, from agility and herding to obedience and even therapy work.
These pups are loyal and affectionate, too. Nonetheless, given their high energy, they do best in active households.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Originally bred in Germany for farm work, Miniature Schnauzers are smart dogs with lively personalities.
They have a strong drive to stay active and engaged, so they excel when given a purpose, whether through structured agility and obedience training or interactive games.
These canines may wow you with their eagerness to learn, making them really rewarding companions.
5. Poodle
Poodles were first bred as hunting dogs and worked closely with humans, making them highly trainable and eager to please today.
Their fuzzy coats and cute faces have made this breed a favorite family dog. But even though Poodles do enjoy lounging at home, they truly shine in agility and obedience competitions because of their intelligence and athleticism.
Regardless of whether you hope to compete with your pup or teach them some simple commands, this breed is one of the smartest and most versatile.
6. Papillon
With their tiny stature and floppy ears, Papillons can be deceiving, but don't be fooled. These little dogs are incredibly sharp and make training both easy and fun.
Papillons are energetic and, despite their small size, full of confidence and enthusiasm. Plus, their playful and affectionate temperament makes them wonderful additions to families with young kids.
7. Bloodhound
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club
Next up are Bloodhounds, a breed with an unmatched sense of smell. These canines have been tracking both humans and animals for hundreds of years, which is why they're invaluable in search and rescue efforts. Moreover, they're known for having a loving and loyal nature.
Even so, their powerful noses can cause strong independent streaks. Once they catch a scent, they can be relentless in following it. So, Bloodhounds need plenty of space to explore, along with activities to keep them engaged.
8. English Springer Spaniel
Revered for their friendliness and trainability, English Springer Spaniels are very intelligent sporting dogs. They were initially bred for hunting and retrieving, so they thrive in the field and are devoted to their family members.
If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking or hunting, this breed may be a perfect match.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
Those searching for a hunting companion should consider adopting a German Shorthaired Pointer. This breed is always up for an adventure and loves to please, meaning training is typically a smooth process.
Just keep in mind that these pups are full of energy and will need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.
10. Labrador Retriever
Paul Groom Photography Bristol
Last but certainly not least is the Labrador Retriever, one of the most popular breads in the United States. Yet, they're not just known for their friendliness; Labrador Retrievers are also highly intelligent.
These dogs were historically bred to assist with hunting and retrieving, so they've developed sharp instincts, quick learning abilities, and an adoration for humans.
With the right training, this breed can excel in retrieving, obedience, and service work while simultaneously being affectionate and gentle family companions.
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It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.
In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors
Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)
Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).
Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)
Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.
Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.
She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.
Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)
Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.
Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)
Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guy — Penn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.
Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.
Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!
Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Diesel
Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)
Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.
With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.
Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN
Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)
Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.
Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)
Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.
In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!
Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.
Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).
Jemal Countess/Getty Images
Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)
Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!
She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.
Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)
Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.
She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.
"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."
When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)
Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.
Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)
Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.
In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).
Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?
Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Whether or not you understand Web3, there’s one thing you should know: it’s a massive opportunity for almost anyone — if you’re willing to have some growing pains. In this episode, you’ll learn why Web3 just doesn’t have big investors, it’s also a game-changing chance for women and non-binary individuals to get in early where they are typically left out.
Kevin Rose shares his lessons for growing Moonbirds to $500 million in just four months, and Mila Kunis explains how she has used Web3 to launch passion projects and create value for fans like never before.
In this episode, we cover:
(06:30) Meet Kevin Rose and Mila Kunis
(07:36) What is Web3, and how will it shift power to the people
(09:06) How blockchain keeps people honest
(12:20) Analogies to further explain blockchain
(18:03) Kevin's Doge experiment in 2014
(22:10) Mila's introduction to crypto
(25:00) Mila's passion project using NFTs in animation
(31:01) Why Hollywood didn’t get it right
(32:04) Mila's next project with the NFT community
(37:56) The PROOF Collective
(40:47) Explanation of the Moonbirds NFTs
(45:46) How women and non-binary folks have been excluded from financial and tech opportunities
(50:00) How to encourage marginalized folks to get involved in Web3 and the advantages of a diverse team
(55:00) Gatekeeping in the web3 community
(1:00:15) Big picture on web3 and ideas for keeping lower-income folks engaged
(1:04:00) Why NFTs and crypto should be seen more as a hobby
Where to find Mila Kunis:
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/milakunisv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MILAKUNISV/
Where to find Kevin Rose:
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevinrose
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kevinrose/
• Website: https://www.kevinrose.com/
• Podcast: https://www.proof.xyz/
Where to find First In Line and Brit Morin:
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/brit
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brit/ & https://www.instagram.com/firstinline/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstinline_pod
• Website: https://firstinlinepod.com/