7 Most Challenging Dog Breeds To Own And Train

While quiet indoors, Afghan Hounds need personal attention and regular exercise. If left alone for too long, they can become bored and destructive. They are also very sensitive to stress and can develop digestive problems and neurotic behaviors if their home environment is not peaceful.

Their long coats require frequent brushing to prevent matting. If you can’t commit to regular brushing, you will need to trim or clip their coat to keep it manageable. A shorter coat is much easier to care for.

2. Chinese Shar-Pei

Originating in China, Shar-Pei were farm dogs and guardians. This ancient breed is loyal to family but wary of strangers and other dogs. They are calm but will defend against perceived threats with determination.

This breed can be aggressive toward strangers if not properly trained. Shar-Pei are not naturally friendly or welcoming to unfamiliar people. They tend to react defensively to unwanted handling, whereas other breeds might be more tolerant by nature.

Early training and socialization are essential; as an untrained adult, Shar-Pei can become problematic. AKC notes that they are smart and willing to learn but can also be stubborn. Consistent, loving training is key to making them a joy to be around.

Shar-Pei are unique and may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or those seeking a low-maintenance pet. Due to their wrinkly skin and brachycephalic snout, which can lead to health issues, they require extra time and may have higher veterinary expenses.

On the bright side, their short coats require minimal grooming, making coat care easy.

3. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are working dogs with origins dating back to the Roman Empire. Bred for guarding and protection, they have a temperament suited to those tasks. They need experienced owners due to their size, strength, and intensity, as well as proper socialization to be good family pets.

Rottweilers require lots of space to run and exercise, so they are not suitable for apartment living. If confined in small spaces, they can become destructive. They need more attention than many other breeds, with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Rottweilers have strong-willed personalities but are also intelligent. US Service Animals points out that training them can be easier than with other breeds because they are loyal and obedient. With effective training, they quickly learn and respond well.

Rottweilers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, thick coats do shed, but brushing them once a week is usually enough to keep them looking their best.

4. English Bulldog

Originally bred as cattle drivers and fighting dogs, English Bulldogs are now known for their calm and gentle nature. They make excellent and lovable family pets, but their needs might not fit every lifestyle. English Bulldogs aim to please but can be strong-willed and stubborn, making them harder to train compared to some other breeds.

Known to be a willful breed, English Bulldog owners often say their dogs pause before responding to commands, weighing up what’s in it for them! Training an English Bulldog can be trickier than with some other breeds, and your pet will likely only master the very basics.

If you’re looking for an adventure buddy for running or hiking, a bulldog won’t be a good fit. According to Forbes, English Bulldogs often have health issues due to their short muzzles, protruding jaws, and stocky bodies, leading to breathing problems, skin and ear diseases, and eye disorders. Their adorable wrinkles can trap dirt and moisture, causing odors and infections if not cleaned regularly.

English Bulldogs are not ideal for novice dog owners. They need someone familiar with their needs and who understands their willful and stubborn nature.

5. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a big dog in a little body, known for its killer instinct. This breed can be aggressive and has been involved in dog fights. They are best kept away from other pets and children unless raised with them from a young age.

Bold, alert, quick, and with a strong drive to chase small animals, Jack Russells can be challenging to train and control. Their assertive nature requires proper handling.

Jack Russells can become very possessive of their owners or favorite family members, sometimes showing aggressive protective behavior. According to Russell Rescue Organization, they need firm and consistent discipline as they are extremely intelligent and constantly test their limits. If left alone or without enough activity, they can be very destructive, digging, barking, and chewing.

Despite their rowdiness, if you can keep up with their energy, they will reward you with a loving and loyal companionship. According to the Independent, Jack Russells are often abandoned due to their aggressive nature, making them a challenging breed even for experienced dog owners.

6. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow may look like a fluffy ball of fur, but they are not as cuddly as they seem. Bred in China for guarding, hunting, and herding, they are loyal and fiercely protective of their owners. However, they are often aloof with strangers and can be aggressive towards unknown people and animals if not properly socialized from a young age.

Chow Chows are intelligent but stubborn, requiring a lot of training and patience, making them best suited for experienced owners. Their long double coats need regular grooming to prevent mats, so if you can’t commit to frequent brushing, this breed might not be for you.

According to WebMD, if not well-bred, Chow Chows may develop an unstable temperament, becoming aggressive, hyperactive, and prone to excessive barking. Proper breeding and socialization are essential to prevent these issues.

While they can be good family pets, they aren’t very playful or patient, so they’re better for families without young children. Although Chow Chows are known to be calm and docile, they are often listed as an aggressive breed prone to biting, especially small children.

7. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is formidable in both size and personality. Developed by English gamekeepers to keep poachers at bay, they are a cross between Mastiffs and Bulldogs. Bullmastiffs are strong-willed, requiring owners who aren’t easily intimidated and can commit to ongoing training.

According to Orvis, Bullmastiffs are courageous protectors and gentle companions. They are generally cooperative and willing to please but can be stubborn. This stubbornness should never be indulged, as it can be difficult to reverse. They can be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex and may not accept strange animals on their property, although they might be fine with the family cat.

Bullmastiffs are tremendously strong and inclined to do things their own way, often testing family members. They drool a lot, so protecting your furniture is important. They are also prone to heat-related illnesses.

Bullmastiffs can make excellent family dogs, but they are best suited for families with older children. They have moderate energy levels and need plenty of mental stimulation, so they are not lazy despite their size.

Conclusion

Certain breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky, are known for being challenging to own and train. These independent dogs require an experienced pet parent who can provide the necessary mental and physical stimulation.

Herding breed dogs like Australian Cattle Dogs and working breeds like German Shepherds need ample exercise and engagement to thrive. Large dogs with strong wills, such as these challenging breeds, are not ideal as a first dog.

With the right environment and dedication, however, they can be incredibly loyal and rewarding companions.