15 Toughest Dog Breeds To Own

Having a dog in your life often brings unparalleled happiness, but not all breeds are suited to every owner’s lifestyle. While every dog brings joy and companionship, some breeds come with an extra dose of challenge for even the most dedicated owners. Some breeds require more dedication and understanding than others, whether it’s their energy levels, temperament, or specific care needs. Here’s a look at some of the most challenging dog breeds to own.
Chow Chow

Chow Chows possess notable independence and a tendency to be stubborn, which often presents challenges during training. However, early training and socialization can mitigate these challenges. If not well-bred, they may develop an unstable temperament, becoming aggressive, hyperactive, and prone to excessive barking. Their territorial behavior often makes them suspicious of strangers and other dogs. Chow Chows don’t fare well in hot and humid environments. Supervising them with younger children is essential due to their potential unpredictability.
Siberian Husky

Due to their strong predatory instincts, Siberian Huskies are risky around small animals like cats and hamsters. Their high stamina and bounciness necessitate daily exercise, even if they don’t need much space. Known for stubborn behaviors, they may ignore commands, and their strong pack drive means they don’t do well when left alone for long periods. Huskies shed heavily twice a year, requiring frequent grooming, and their howling when bored or lonely can disturb neighbors. It’s also important to note that they have a tendency to dig, which requires consideration for secure fencing.
Akita

If you want to own the Akita, be ready for their thick double coat that sheds year-round, with heavy shedding twice a year. They require ongoing mental engagement to ward off boredom, which can result in behavioral issues. Alongside potential health issues such as hip dysplasia, they might display aggression, especially towards dogs of the same sex. Akitas are unsuitable for first-time owners, require ample living space, and can be difficult to transport. These breeds are wary of strangers and have a high prey drive.
Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an independent and stubborn breed famous for its aloofness, making it one of the most challenging dogs to train. While playful and moderately affectionate, they are wary of strangers and other pets, notably smaller animals. Although they generally do well with children, they can become irritable with toddlers. As a long-haired breed, they require extensive grooming. Early obedience training is essential to prevent the formation of bad habits.
Jack Russell Terrier

Energetic and active, Jack Russell Terriers require at least an hour of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent rowdiness and excessive barking. They are prone to shedding, making them less suitable for people with allergies, and they may not be as tolerant around younger children, fitting better with families with older kids. Secure gardens are necessary as they love to chase and can wander off. These dogs are also more prone to separation anxiety and thrive in households where someone is home most of the day. Early socialization is essential to manage their tendency to bark, especially at other dogs.
Dalmatian

The Disney movie made Dalmatians famous. However, these dogs can be standoffish and often require careful training and exercise due to their high-energy and athletic nature. They have a genetic abnormality that increases the risk of urate urinary crystals/stones, and deafness remains an issue in the breed, although good breeding practices are improving this. Most Dalmatians love to eat, so monitoring their intake is crucial to prevent obesity.
Beagle

If you want to own a beagle, know that they can be a handful and are infamous for their loud barking and persistent shedding. Their stubborn nature and strong scent-oriented behavior make training challenging, while their high exercise demands go beyond a simple walk. They are prone to destructive chewing when bored and have a tendency to overeat, which can lead to obesity and related health issues.
Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs are challenging to raise and train due to their independent and dominant nature. They have strong protective instincts but may be intolerant of other dogs and tend to chase smaller animals. Their short face causes them to snort, grunt, and snore loudly, slobber, and drool significantly. Bullmastiffs also have a short lifespan, often suffering from bone and joint diseases or cancer by middle age.
Alaskan Malamute

Similar to Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes are bred for endurance and strength. Their confidence and large size can make them challenging to handle. They exhibit strong independence and occasional stubbornness, which requires consistent training and a firm hand. Malamutes have a strong pack mentality and may challenge authority if not correctly managed. Their dense double coat sheds heavily seasonally, necessitating frequent brushing to control shedding and hinder tangling. They are expensive to insure and feed, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Rottweiler

Renowned for their strength and loyalty, Rottweilers can pose challenges for owners due to their natural tendency toward aggressive behavior. Like many breeds, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia. They are heavy shedders, particularly noticeable in warmer weather months. Rottweilers can be aloof with strangers and need owners who can provide leadership and structure. They are susceptible to particular health concerns, including hip dysplasia and obesity, and require a balanced diet and constant exercise.
Bulldog

The Bulldog’s charm is matched by its tenacious stubbornness when it decides against certain activities. It exhibits serious food possessiveness, cautioning against feeding near small children or other pets. Known for shedding, snorting, snuffling, wheezing, grunting, and loud snoring, Bulldogs also slobber, drool, and experience notable gassiness. Despite their endearing qualities, they are prone to various health issues, leading to a shorter lifespan and significant veterinary expenses.
Basenji

This breed thrives on vigorous activity and needs regular exercise and mental engagement to avoid engaging in destructive behaviors caused by boredom. Basenjis are notorious for their suspicion of strangers and aggression towards other animals. They also possess strong escape instincts and a tendency to chase or explore independently. Handling these traits demands a confident owner capable of providing firm leadership and meeting the breed’s physical and mental engagement needs.
Bloodhound

Meet the Bloodhounds, a sizable breed that demands ample living and traveling space. When not properly stimulated, they often exhibit exuberant behavior and a penchant for mischief. Without sufficient socialization, they may display shyness towards strangers and potential aggression towards other animals, underscoring the need for a confident owner. Their strong-willed nature and tendency to bay loudly can be challenging, matched by drooling and a distinctive scent. They also have floppy ears that need regular cleaning to prevent infections
Border Collie

Border Collies tend to herd robustly, extending to children, other pets, and even vehicles. They are known for being vocal, especially when left alone or confronted with loud sounds. Their independent streak and physical strength necessitate ongoing training. Given their high energy levels, Border Collies flourish in environments with ample activity and may find apartment living less than ideal. They are susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy, requiring mental engagement to ward off boredom and avoid potential destructive tendencies.
Australian Cattle Dog

This breed demands vigorous exercise to channel its energy positively; otherwise, it will become destructive and suspicious of strangers. It can show aggression towards other animals and may exhibit a strong-willed nature, necessitating a confident owner. Famed for chasing and nipping at moving objects, from children to joggers, it has a tendency for excessive, high-pitched barking and heavy shedding.