15 Worst Dog Breeds for Busy People

If you’re someone who’s always on the go, some breeds might be too high-maintenance for your busy lifestyle. These dogs need a lot of attention, exercise, or care, which can make them difficult to handle if you’re a busy bee. Here are 15 dog breeds that might not be the best fit for busy individuals.

Border Collie

Border Collies are smart dogs, but their intelligence requires constant mental and physical stimulation. If they don’t get enough activity, they can quickly become restless and destructive, chewing up furniture or barking. They need plenty of exercise, and a busy owner might struggle to meet those needs. 

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies don’t like to be left alone for long periods. They also need lots of exercise, and if they’re cooped up too often, they can become bored and destructive. Huskies are also escape artists and require constant supervision. Remember, they’re social dogs and need interaction.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are highly active working dogs that need to be given tasks. Their energy levels and intelligence mean they need physical and mental challenges to prevent boredom. A busy person might not have the time to provide them with the necessary exercise and play, leading to anxiety or destructive habits. They’re also known for being very attached to their owners.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with big personalities and even bigger energy levels. Despite their size, they need a lot of stimulation and exercise. They can become hyperactive without enough attention or activity and even start digging and chewing. Their strong prey drive can also make them difficult to control, especially for an owner with a busy schedule.

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are one of the most popular breeds, but they also need a lot of exercise and social interaction to stay happy. If you leave them alone for long periods, they can become bored and start chewing on furniture and digging. This breed is not suitable for people who can’t dedicate time to regular walks, playtime, and attention.

Beagle

Beagles are curious dogs with a strong sense of smell that often leads them into trouble. They need plenty of outdoor exercise and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied. Without enough attention, they can become mischievous, digging, howling, or trying to escape in search of new scents to follow. 

Boxer

Boxers need exercise and mental engagement to burn off their high energy. Without enough activity, these pups can become overly energetic and even destructive. They also hate being left alone at home for long periods, making them a bad fit for someone with a busy lifestyle.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and can become anxious or destructive. These dogs need routine and attention from their human family. If their busy owner cannot provide this, it can lead to behavioral issues like separation anxiety and destructive habits.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians are energetic dogs who need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. If left alone for too long, they can become restless, anxious, and destructive. These dogs are also prone to hyperactivity and need both physical and mental challenges, which can be difficult for a busy person to provide.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and active dogs that need a lot of attention, whether it’s training, exercise, or playtime. If you leave them alone for the day, they can become anxious or destructive. Without the proper attention and activity, German Shepherds can develop behavioral problems that are hard to fix.

Great Dane

Due to their size, Great Danes require attention and care. They can become anxious and depressed if left alone too much, and their large size requires space to move around. Managing a Great Dane’s physical and emotional needs can be overwhelming for busy people, especially if they’re not home much.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels love to be with their owners. They can suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone for long periods and need regular grooming, exercise, and playtime. Busy people may find it difficult to provide the attention and care this breed needs, leading to anxiety and behavioral issues.

Shih Tzu

Though small and often seen as lap dogs, Shih Tzus need regular grooming and attention. They are also attached to their owners and don’t like being left alone for long stretches. They can become anxious, leading to excessive barking or destructive behaviors, which makes them a poor choice for someone with a packed schedule.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are extremely intelligent and high-energy dogs. Leaving them without sufficient activity or engagement can result in anxiety and destructive behavior. This breed is not suited for someone who is away from home frequently or doesn’t have time to dedicate to training and exercise.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terriers are independent and energetic pups that need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can become destructive if left alone for too long. Airedales are not the kind of breed that will quietly entertain themselves, and their stubborn personality can be hard for a busy person to manage.