Top 15 Most Overrated Dog Breeds

“American Cocker Spaniel buff portrait” by Mike Baird is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Every dog is special, but some breeds get a ton of hype—and not always for the right reasons. Many people choose a dog breed based on looks or trends, only to realize later that they weren’t ready for the reality of owning one. Before you bring home your dream dog, here’s what you need to know about 15 of the most overrated breeds.

French Bulldog – Cute But Expensive and High-Maintenance

black and white boston terrier puppy
Photo by Anima Visual on Unsplash

Frenchies have taken over social media, but behind the cute face is a breed prone to serious health issues. Their flat noses make breathing difficult, especially in hot weather. Many require expensive surgeries just to live comfortably. They’re also stubborn when it comes to training and can have skin and digestive problems. Love them? Be ready for high vet bills and special care. 

Husky – Not a Pet, But a Full-Time Job

black and white siberian husky
Photo by Megan Byers on Unsplash

Huskies look like majestic wolves, but they’re escape artists who talk back and shed a lot. They have endless energy and need intense exercise every single day. If you don’t give them a job (like running, pulling, or agility training), they’ll create their own—usually involving destruction. They’re not for first-time owners or people who just want a good-looking pet.

Chow Chow – Independent, Aloof, and Not for Everyone

brown long coated dog on green grass during daytime
Photo by Daniel Sinoca on Unsplash

Their teddy bear-like fluff is misleading—Chow Chows are one of the most independent and stubborn breeds out there. They’re naturally wary of strangers and require serious socialization. Training them isn’t easy, and they’re not the affectionate lap dogs many assume they are. If you want a cuddly, friendly dog, look elsewhere.

Dalmatian – Beautiful but High-Strung and Prone to Deafness

black and white dalmatian dog walking on brown grass field during daytime
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Dalmatians are famous for movies and fire stations, but in reality, they’re highly energetic, stubborn, and not always great with kids. Many are born deaf, which makes training even harder. They need tons of exercise, and without it, they become anxious and destructive. We know they look cute in all those spots, but learn about them completely before bringing one home.

Golden Retriever – Great Dogs, But Not as Easy as They Seem

golden retriever running on green grass field during daytime
Photo by Michelle Huber on Unsplash

Goldens are often called the “perfect family dog,” but people forget they’re working dogs at heart. These pups need lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and training. They also shed heavily and are prone to health issues like cancer and hip dysplasia. Without enough activity, they can become anxious and chew on everything in sight.

Bulldog – More Vet Visits Than You’d Expect

white and brown english bulldog
Photo by Fakhriddin Mamadaliyev on Unsplash

Bulldogs are goofy and lovable, but their health problems are no joke. Their short noses make breathing a challenge, they overheat easily, and they often suffer from skin infections, joint issues, and digestive troubles. Many can’t even reproduce naturally, meaning they’re often born via C-section. Expect high medical bills if you bring one home.

German Shepherd – Smart but Not a Casual Pet

brown and black german shepherd on snow covered ground during daytime
Photo by Amber Mayo on Unsplash

Yes, they’re loyal, intelligent, and highly trainable—but they’re also a lot of work. Without any proper training and socialization, these pups can develop fear-based aggression. They also suffer from hip dysplasia and some other genetic conditions. If you don’t have time to train them properly, they’ll quickly become anxious and destructive.

Pug – Adorable, But at What Cost?

fawn pug on green grass field during daytime
Photo by van pellegrini on Unsplash

Pugs have big personalities in small bodies, but their flat faces cause major breathing problems. They snore loudly you can hear it from another room), overheat easily, and often require surgeries just to breathe normally. They’re also prone to obesity and eye issues. If you want a low-maintenance small dog, this isn’t the breed for you.

Shiba Inu – Cute, But Not Interested in You

brown and white short coated dog
Photo by Alison Pang on Unsplash

Shiba Inus look like real-life foxes, but they behave more like cats than dogs. They’re independent, stubborn, and often don’t care about pleasing their owners. Training them can be frustrating, and their recall is terrible—many Shibas run off and never come back. If you want a dog that listens, this isn’t the breed for you. 

Great Dane – Giant Dog, Giant Problems 

a dog with its tongue out
Photo by Oliver Bichard on Unsplash

They’re gentle giants, but their size comes with a downside. Great Danes require a lot of space, eat huge amounts of food, and have short lifespans (often only 6-8 years). They’re also prone to bloat, a deadly condition that can strike suddenly. If you want a long-term companion, a Dane may not be the best choice.

Border Collie – Too Smart for Most People

black and white border collie running on green grass field during daytime
Photo by Jiasong Huang on Unsplash

They are one of the smartest breeds, but intelligence comes with responsibility. Border Collies are one of those dogs who need constant mental and physical stimulation. If you don’t give them a job, they’ll create one—like herding your children or chewing up your house. They thrive in active homes, not apartments or with owners who just want a cuddle buddy.

Maltese – Cute but Clingy

white long coat small dog on green grass field during daytime
Photo by dole777 on Unsplash

Maltese dogs are tiny and fluffy, but they’re also one of the most anxious breeds. They hate being left alone and can also develop separation anxiety over time, leading to constant barking and destructive behavior. They require regular grooming, and despite their small size, they can be surprisingly high-maintenance.

Jack Russell Terrier – Small but Intense

white and brown puppy petching wood
Photo by Rob Fuller on Unsplash

They may be little, but Jack Russells have big personalities—and even higher energy levels. They were bred for hunting, so they chase anything that moves and don’t always get along with other pets. They also love to dig, bark, and escape. If you’re not ready for their energy, they’ll drive you crazy.

Cocker Spaniel – Prone to Health and Behavior Issues

tri-color cocker spaniel on green grass
Photo by Austin Kirk on Unsplash

Cocker Spaniels are sweet but can be unpredictable. They’re prone to ear infections, eye problems, and skin issues. Some also develop “Cocker Rage Syndrome,” a rare but real condition that causes sudden aggression. If you want a Spaniel, go for a well-bred, well-socialized one. How would you find one? Do some research about the breeder and check all training certificates.

Dachshund – Cute, But Prone to Back Problems

brown dachshund on green grass during daytime
Photo by Bonnie Hawkins on Unsplash

Their long bodies and short legs make Dachshunds adorable, but they also come with a big risk—spinal issues. Many develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can lead to paralysis. Jumping off furniture or climbing stairs can be dangerous for them. They also have a stubborn streak, making training tricky.

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