The Most Difficult Dog to House-train, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the dog you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:24
Training a new puppy can be a delightful yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to house-training. Some breeds are known to pick up on training cues faster than others, which can significantly ease the process for their owners. Understanding which dogs are tougher to train can help prospective pet owners prepare for the time and patience required.
This dynamic ranking reflects the collective experiences and opinions of dog owners from around the globe. By casting your vote, you help build a resource that can guide potential dog owners in making informed decisions. Your participation ensures that the ranking remains accurate and beneficial for everyone involved.
What Is the Most Difficult Dog to House-train?
-
167votes
Lilly M · CC BY-SA 3.0Afghan Hound
AfghanistanThese dogs are notoriously stubborn and difficult to train, making house-training a challenge.The Afghan Hound is a stunning and graceful breed known for its long, flowing coat and exotic appearance. With a regal and dignified presence, it is often considered one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.- Origin: Afghanistan
- Size: Large
- Coat: Silky and Long
- Color: Various, including cream, black, and sandy
- Temperament: Independent, intelligent, and aloof
Afghan Hound in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular animal in Afghanistan
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful breed of dog
-
236votes
Heike Andres · CC BY-SA 3.0 deThese dogs have a small bladder and can be difficult to house-train due to their high energy levels.The Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog known for its cheerful disposition and fluffy white coat. It has a playful and gentle personality, making it an excellent companion dog. The breed is considered hypoallergenic, as it produces minimal dander and is often more tolerable for people with allergies. Bichon Frises are cheerful, affectionate, and social dogs, who thrive on human companionship.- Size: Small
- Weight: 10-18 pounds (4.5-8 kg)
- Height: 9.5-11.5 inches (24-29 cm)
- Coat: Fluffy, dense, and curly
- Color: White
-
321votesThese dogs can be stubborn and have a small bladder, making house-training a challenge.The Chihuahua is a small dog breed known for its lively and alert nature. It is often referred to as the world's smallest dog breed. Chihuahuas have gained popularity due to their tiny size, expressive eyes, and distinctive personality. They are generally loyal, brave, and energetic companion dogs.
- Origin: Mexico
- Size: Small
- Weight: 2-6 pounds (0.9-2.7 kg)
- Height: 5-8 inches (12-20 cm)
- Coat: Can be either short or long-haired
-
415votesThese dogs can be difficult to house-train due to their high energy levels and tendency to be easily distracted.The Dalmatian is a breed of dog known for its distinctive coat with black spots on a white background. It is a medium-sized breed with a muscular build and a well-balanced body. Dalmatians are known for their high energy levels, agility, and endurance. They have a friendly and outgoing personality and make loyal companions.
- Size: Medium-sized
- Coat: Short and dense with black spots on white background
- Energy Level: High
- Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, and loyal
- Activity Requirements: Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
-
515votes
Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0These dogs have a tendency to be stubborn and can be difficult to house-train, especially if they are not properly socialized.The English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed of dog known for its distinctive appearance and gentle temperament. It has a compact frame, muscular build, and a characteristic wrinkled face with a pushed-in nose and an underbite. The breed is recognized for its broad chest, strong limbs, and a unique rolling gait. Despite its tough appearance, the English Bulldog is known for its friendly and patient nature, making it an excellent companion and family pet.- Size: Medium-sized
- Weight: No more than 55 pounds (25 kg)
- Height: Around 12-16 inches (31-40 cm)
- Coat: Short, smooth, and dense
- Color: Various combinations of brindle, white, fawn, and red
-
69votes
Plank · CC BY 3.0Jack Russell Terrier
Reverend John RussellThese dogs have a lot of energy and can be difficult to house-train due to their high activity levels.The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic, and intelligent dog breed known for its strong hunting instincts and spirited personality. This breed was originally developed in England by Reverend John Russell in the 19th century for fox hunting. Jack Russell Terriers have a distinctive double coat, with a dense undercoat and a smooth, wiry outer coat. They typically have a compact and muscular body, with a square-shaped head and dark, expressive eyes.- Size: Small
- Temperament: Energetic, Intelligent, Spirited
- Hunting Instincts: Strong
- Coat: Double coat with a dense undercoat and a smooth, wiry outer coat
- Body: Compact and muscular
-
712votesThese dogs can be difficult to house-train due to their small size and stubborn nature.The Pekingese is a small toy dog breed known for its dignified and independent nature. It has a distinct appearance characterized by a flat face, large round eyes, and a profuse double coat that comes in various colors. Despite its small size, the Pekingese has a strong and muscular body.
- Size: Small
- Weight: Up to 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms)
- Coat: Long, luxurious double coat
- Grooming: High maintenance due to its long coat
- Temperament: Independent, dignified, and loyal
-
86votesThese dogs can be difficult to house-train due to their independent nature and stubbornness.The Shar Pei is a breed of dog that originated from China. Known for its unique appearance, the Shar Pei is a medium-sized dog with a loose, wrinkled skin and a square-shaped head. It has a broad muzzle and small, sunken eyes, giving it a somewhat serious expression. The breed has a strong and muscular body, and its tail is typically curved over the back. Overall, the Shar Pei exudes a distinct and charming personality.
- Size: Medium
- Weight Range: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
- Height Range: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
- Coat: Short, harsh, and bristly
- Color: Various solid colors
Shar Pei in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most difficult dog to take care of
-
95votesThese dogs can be difficult to house-train due to their small size and stubborn nature.The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed known for its luxurious, long, and flowing double coat which requires regular grooming. It has a charming and friendly disposition, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. Originally bred as a companion dog, the Shih Tzu is affectionate, lively, and eager to please.
- Size: Small
- Coat: Long and flowing
- Temperament: Charming, friendly, and affectionate
- Trainability: Moderate to high
- Exercise needs: Low to moderate
Shih Tzu in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most overrated dog
-
1012votesThese dogs have a lot of energy and can be difficult to house-train due to their high activity levels.The Weimaraner is a stunning breed of dog that is recognized for its sleek and elegant appearance. They have a noble and regal bearing with a short, smooth coat that comes in various shades of gray. Weimaraners are medium to large-sized dogs with a well-muscled body, deep chest, and a long neck. Their eyes are strikingly expressive and usually come in shades of blue or amber.
- Size: Medium to Large
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Color: Shades of gray
- Eye Color: Blue or amber
- Body Type: Well-muscled with a deep chest
Missing your favorite dog?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for difficult dog
-
Breed and sizeSome breeds are naturally more challenging to house-train than others due to their intelligence, stubbornness, or size. Smaller dogs may have smaller bladders and need to go out more often, while larger breeds may be less sensitive to discomfort and take longer to learn.
-
AgeYoung puppies generally take longer to house-train because they have less bladder and bowel control. Older dogs may have already developed habits that need to be changed, making them more difficult to house-train.
-
Temperament and intelligenceSome dogs are more headstrong and independent, making it more challenging to train them. Similarly, highly intelligent dogs can sometimes be more difficult to train because they tend to get bored easily and may need more creative training techniques.
-
Consistency in trainingConsistency of training techniques and reinforcement is important when house-training a dog. If different people in the household are using different methods or not being consistent, it can make the process more challenging.
-
Past living conditionsDogs that have previously lived in shelters or kennels or have been neglected or abused may have specific issues that make house-training more difficult.
-
Medical issuesSome dogs may have medical conditions or health issues that make house-training more difficult, such as bladder infections, diarrhea, or constipation. It's important to consult a veterinarian if you suspect any health-related issues are causing house-training problems.
-
DietThe quality of the dog's diet can play a role in how easy or difficult it is to house-train them. Feeding a dog a consistent, high-quality diet can help with house-training, as it will lead to more predictable bowel movements and less need to go outside at unpredictable times.
-
Time and patienceHouse-training any dog requires time, patience, and dedication. Some dogs may take longer to learn than others, and owners should be prepared for this possibility.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult dog to house-train. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dog is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1378 views
- 199 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dog once every 24 hours. The rank of each dog is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most difficult dog to house-train
House-training a dog can be a challenging task, and some breeds may require more patience and persistence than others. Factors such as the dog's age, breed, and previous living conditions can all play a role in how quickly they learn to potty outside. While every dog is unique and may have their own quirks, there are certain breeds that are widely considered to be among the most difficult to house-train. In this article, we'll explore some of these breeds and offer tips for successfully house-training your furry friend.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
