What are the most challenging breeds of dogs to own?

Answer 1

After taking into consideration several factors, including, demeanor, and potential health-related problems, the following breeds of dogs present the greatest challenge for a novice dog handler to own:

Akitas, Chow Chows, Sharpeis, Rottweilers and Dalmations

The difficulty with Akitas, Chow Chows, Rottweilers and Sharpeis comes from the inability of the owner to read its temperament. The breeding history of these dogs has been for them to guard their territory, and if necessary to act with aggression. These three breeds are masters at hiding their subtle warnings of aggression. They can tend to be aggressive to people as well as other dogs. In addition to the behavioral challenges presented by these breeds, there is also a long list of genetic and/or congenital problems.

When people acquire a Dalmation, they are expecting to get a dog that will be similar to a calm gentle Golden Retriever. Yet in actuality most Dalmations are energetic, fun-loving and sometimes excitable dogs. Dalmations also have a long list of health related problems.

While these five breeds can be challenging and difficult to manage, several factors such as how you train the dog, how it is socialized and what type of environment it will be subjected to, can and do play a large part in how the dog behaves.


I hope that didn't deter you from any one of those dogs. The best dogs I have ever had were Chow-X.

Answer 2

This question depends on the breed matched with the owner. For me the most challenging dog breed to own would be a lab. I work at a vet clinic, and i see them come in a lot. They are very nice dogs, but they are VERY HIGH ENERGY, and they are very smart. So people bring these dogs in and they are just bonkers all over. I would not be able to handle it. But some people work well with them. The only thing that matters is if the dog is a good fit with the owners. I myself am going to get a pit bull. A lot of people also consider them to be challenging dogs to own (mostly for false reasons), one reason is because they do have a tendency to be dog aggressive if not socialized properly. While for some people this would be challenging, for me, i would be able to socialize my puppy very well by bringing it into work to meet different dogs, who are also well socialized. Just research different breeds and you will find the one that fits best with you.

Answer 3

I have found my Border Collie to be quite the challenge, and I love it! People think because they are smart, that makes them an easy breed to own, which is so wrong!

They are determined and sometimes obsessive with things. When they want to do something, taking no for an answer isn't an option. They need daily excercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy. A walk just is not enuf for this breed as they are a working dog. For owners who do not stimulate their dogs, they experience a bored dog, which then finds things of entertainment, which often includes the destruction of something in their home.

It's a wonderful breed, but not for everyone!

Answer 4

Any dog is 'challenging' in the wrong situation, thats why it is so important to research throughly & make sure the breed fits your lifestyle BEFORE buying.

Far too many Parson Jack Russels went into apartment homes with sedentary people & now breed rescues are overwhelmed, for example. IF they had checked, they would have known this breed is busy, active & needs room (like a farm). Of course, if they had dealt with a reputable breeder instead of the backyard type only interested in 'making that sale', they would have been talked out of it.

It takes 2 people to make the mistake, but the poor dog suffers in the end.

Answer 5

The only challenge is, is the time your going to put into the dog. If you provide a dog with love & discipline, and you enjoy the time you are sharing there is no challenge. I have 4 Male Pitbulls, we endurer training on a daily basis, somewhat like "puppy boot camp". They live in in a very structured enviroment, I enjoy every minute I spend with them, I do'nt consider it a challenge, but an appreciation for such an awesome breed.
But pound for pound I think the Chuiua(forgive the misspelling) is the most dangerous dog. They are very high strung and naturally mouthy, nippers. If Chuiua's were as big as a pitbull we truly would have a problem in this world.
If your going to get a dog, research the breed, its energy leveling, and think about how much time you will spend with the dog.
Thanks to everyone who didn't scream out pitbull, I 'm glad to see there are educated people in our mist.

Answer 6

I don't think there are breeds that are that much more challenging. The problem invariably is the owners - they buy a dog not understanding what it was bred to do, it's energy levels, temperament, what training methods will and won't work, the dog's need for mental stimulation, then the dog gets labeled "untrainable", "dumb" or "unruly".

I guess there are challenging breeds - because some of them definitely need an owner smarter than they are.

Answer 7

Any dog is a challenge for the wrong owner. Some people don't want an active dog, some find the couch potatoes boring. Large dominant dogs I find fun. Some of my friends like the placid super happy to see everyone kinds of dogs. The most frustrating for me was when I babysat a sharpei mix. That thing rammed it's body into everything and was a menace. Have no clue if that's common for sharpei's or not. It's owner thought it was perfect.

Depends on what you think is ideal.

Answer 8

Every breed of dogs can become challenging if there not well trained. As a matter of fact i'm the proud owner of a Pit-Bull and he's as gentle as a lamb since he was well trained. The owner of the dog can also be in case when a dog is behaving badly.

Answer 9

It's not all about the "good" dog owner, of course there are differences in different breeds. I have heard that English bulldogs are very hard to train as they do not listen to you plus they are slobbery, and very flatulant. My best dogs were mixes, one a Springer Spaniel Mix and the other an American Bulldog mic, currently I have a German Shepard mix, very intelligent girl. This weekend I am aquiring a pure bred Basset Hound and I have heard they are a little tough, mostly because of the Hound in them and that they like to follow their noses and nothing or no one will tell them otherwise.

Answer 10

Any cattle/sheep dog (keplie, blue/red heelers, collies). They have too much energy for a pet situation unless you have the time and inclination to exercise them properly. As for dobermans turning on their owners, i have 2 of the softest, sweetest things that have ever lived. They would never hurt anyone unless they were badly hurt first or i was hurt by someone. Mind you i am definately the alpha female in the house so it was easy to train my baby girls. They are also the most intelligent breed i have ever owned.