Choosing the right dog breed can be both thrilling and overwhelming. With hundreds of options, each with its own temperament, activity level, grooming needs, and potential health issues, finding the perfect fit requires careful consideration. While some dogs thrive in homes with children or adapt easily to a calm lifestyle, others require constant exercise, mental stimulation, or may have costly medical concerns.
The reality of dog ownership is often more complex than the adorable posts we see online. That’s why consulting experienced professionals and doing thorough research is essential.
Dog behaviourist Casey Ray, who has nearly 30 years of experience, recently shared his insights on breeds that can be particularly challenging for the average owner.
In a YouTube video, he emphasised that it’s not about the dogs being inherently aggressive but about how difficult some breeds can be to train, especially for owners without professional experience.
Ray explained: « These breeds can still be trained—it just makes things a little harder, and for a professional trainer, behaviour expert that type of thing these breeds shouldn’t be an issue but when you need to train them and you need to train mum and dad and everyone needs to be on the same page, these breeds can wreak havoc. »
Here are the five breeds he highlighted and one of them is a surprising family favourite:
5. Dachshunds
Ray shared that he had a Dachshund-Chihuahua mix named Lucy for 22 years, describing her as « fantastic » but they can be a « pain. » He noted that Dachshunds can be stubborn, difficult to train, prone to excessive barking, and have a strong prey drive, which can lead them to chase smaller pets. While you may think their small legs are « cute », they’re also susceptible to back problems, and without proper socialisation, they may also show aggression.
4. Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers are highly intelligent and energetic, but can be hyperactive and reactive. Ray described them as constantly on the lookout for something to chase, bark at, or dominate, which can make managing them a challenge.
3. Bull Terriers
Combining the stubbornness of terriers with the strength of bully breeds can create a high-energy dog that may become destructive if bored. They require consistent training and plenty of exercise, and some are prone to certain health issues.
2. Miniature Pinschers
Tiny but full of energy, Miniature Pinschers have a reputation for being vocal and stubborn. Ray described them as having « a tiny body with a huge ego, » making them less suitable for homes with small children or inexperienced owners. He added: « I’d stay away but that’s just my personal preference and experience. »
1. Chow Chows
Chow Chows topped the list as the most challenging breed. Ray noted that their behaviour can be difficult to read, and some can be aggressive. Understanding their body language and keeping them mentally and physically fulfilled is crucial to avoid behavioural problems.
Ray emphasised that while these breeds are not untrainable, they require extra effort, consistency, and understanding. To him, these are the five hardest « by far » to train. He added that they can be more « shifty and more « challenging » to deal with. Ray said: « I’m not saying stay away from them but I wouldn’t own them personally and you just need to be prepared and be aware. »
