The Most Difficult Dog to Take Care of, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the dog you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:24

Imagine you're thinking about getting a dog, but you're not sure which breed might be right for your lifestyle. Some dogs may need more grooming, exercise, or specialized care than others, which can be overwhelming for first-time owners or those with busy schedules. A ranked list of the most challenging dogs to take care of can be a crucial tool, helping potential pet owners make informed decisions. By participating in voting on this list, users contribute to a resource that benefits the wider community, ensuring that others can learn from collective experiences and insights. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or considering your first pet, your votes help paint a clearer picture of what to expect with various breeds, guiding others toward choices that best fit their abilities to provide care.

What Is the Most Difficult Dog to Take Care of?

1

59
votes
Akita

Akitas are independent, stubborn, and aggressive dogs that require experienced and consistent training. They are also prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and thyroid problems.
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed known for its loyalty and protective nature. Originating from Japan, it was developed by Matagi hunters to track and hunt large game, such as boar and bear. Akitas have a distinctive double coat, erect ears, and a curly tail that rests over their back. They are known for their dignified presence and strong-willed personality.

Size: Large

Weight: 70-130 pounds (31-59 kg)

Height: Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)

Coat: Double coat (thick, harsh outer coat and soft undercoat)

Colors: Various, including white, brindle, and pinto
2

36
votes
Prayitno/more than 2.5 millions views: thank you! · CC BY 2.0

Chow Chow

China

Chow Chows are known for their aloof and independent personalities. They require a lot of socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior. They also have a thick and heavy coat that requires regular grooming.
The Chow Chow is a powerful and unique breed of dog known for its lion-like appearance and independent nature. They have a distinctive blue-black tongue and a dense coat that gives them a fluffy and teddy bear-like appearance. Chow Chows are known for their aloof and reserved demeanor, often displaying a strong sense of loyalty towards their family. This breed requires an experienced owner who can provide strong leadership and consistent training.

Size: Medium to Large

Weight: 55-70 pounds (females), 60-80 pounds (males)

Height: 17-20 inches (females), 18-22 inches (males)

Coat: Thick, dense, and double-coated

Color: Red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream
3

28
votes
Dalmatian

Dalmatians are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and attention. They can also be prone to health issues such as deafness and urinary stones. They also have a unique coat that requires regular grooming.
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
4

22
votes
Original uploader was Markovade.pero at sr.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 rs

Great Dane

Great Danes are large dogs that require a lot of space and exercise. They are also prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.
The Great Dane is a majestic and powerful breed of dog that is known for its elegance and grace. It has a commanding presence due to its large size and muscular build. Great Danes are often referred to as the 'Gentle Giants' as they possess a gentle and friendly temperament.

Size: Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds, standing at least 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 100-200 pounds.

Appearance: They have a sleek and muscular body with a short coat that comes in various colors, including fawn, brindle, blue, black, and harlequin.

Temperament: Great Danes are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are generally good-natured and gentle with both their family and strangers.

Intelligence: They are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained with proper guidance and positive reinforcement.

Exercise Needs: Despite their size, Great Danes have moderate exercise requirements. They enjoy regular walks and playtime, but they also appreciate plenty of rest.
Great Dane in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful breed of dog
5

13
votes
Husky

Huskies are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and attention. They are also prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. They also have a thick coat that requires regular grooming.
The Husky is a medium-sized working dog known for its striking appearance and strong, independent personality. With its thick, double coat and wolf-like features, the Husky has become a popular breed globally.

Size: Medium

Coat: Thick, double coat

Appearance: Wolf-like features, almond-shaped eyes

Temperament: Intelligent, independent, alert

Energy Level: High
6

13
votes
Dux · CC BY-SA 3.0

Irish Wolfhound

Ireland

Irish Wolfhounds are large dogs that require a lot of space and exercise. They are also prone to health issues such as heart problems and hip dysplasia.
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant dog breed known for its impressive size, strength, and gentle nature. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is actually a friendly and affectionate companion. With its ancient lineage and noble demeanor, the Irish Wolfhound is often referred to as the gentle giant of the dog world.

Size: One of the tallest dog breeds, standing approximately 32 to 34 inches (81 to 86 cm) at the shoulder.

Weight: Males typically weigh between 140 to 180 pounds (64 to 82 kg), while females weigh slightly less.

Appearance: It has a rough, shaggy coat that comes in various colors, including brindle, gray, red, black, and white.

Temperament: They are gentle, friendly, and generally good-natured dogs. They are known to be patient, kind, and loyal.

Exercise: Despite their large size, they have a moderate need for exercise. Regular walks and playtime are important for their overall well-being.
7

16
votes
Komondor

Komondors have a unique coat that requires a lot of maintenance and grooming. They are also independent dogs that require a lot of socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior.
The Komondor is a large and muscular breed of Hungarian livestock guardian dog known for its unique corded coat, which resembles long and twisted dreadlocks. This breed is highly protective and independent, making it one of the most challenging dogs to train and handle.

Size: Large

Weight: Male: 110-135 lbs (50-61 kg), Female: 80-105 lbs (36-48 kg)

Height: Male: 27-31.5 inches (69-80 cm), Female: 25.5-29.5 inches (65-75 cm)

Coat: Unique corded coat

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
8

8
votes
Mastino_Napoletano_Rüde.JPG: 3268zauber derivative work: Anka Friedrich (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs are large dogs that require a lot of space and exercise. They are also prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. They also have a lot of loose skin that requires regular cleaning and care.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large and powerful dog breed known for its massive size and heavy wrinkles. It has a strong and imposing build with a highly wrinkled face, loose skin, and a droopy appearance. This breed originates from Italy and is considered one of the ancient guardian dog breeds.

Size: Large

Weight: 120-200 pounds

Height: 24-31 inches

Coat: Short and dense

Color: Solid black, gray, mahogany, tawny, or blue
9

4
votes
UpdOWN. Original uploader was UpdOWN at ru.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Shar Pei

Shar Peis are independent dogs that require a lot of socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior. They are also prone to health issues such as skin problems and eye problems. They also have a lot of wrinkles that require regular cleaning and care.
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 8 of 10 in Most difficult dog to house-train
10

6
votes
Yeti · CC BY-SA 3.0

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs that require a lot of space and exercise. They are also independent dogs that require a lot of socialization and training to prevent aggressive behavior. They are also prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in Tibet. It is known for its imposing size, majestic appearance, and strong protective instincts. The breed was traditionally used to guard livestock and property in the Himalayan region.

Size: The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant breed, with males typically reaching heights of 26-29 inches and weighing between 90-150 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, averaging 24-27 inches in height and 70-120 pounds in weight.

Appearance: The Tibetan Mastiff has a heavy and muscular build, with a large head and thick, dense coat that provides protection from harsh weather conditions. The breed comes in various colors, including solid black, brown, and blue, as well as parti-color and gold.

Temperament: Tibetan Mastiffs are known for being independent, intelligent, and fiercely devoted to their family. They have a strong protective instinct and tend to be reserved around strangers. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure their well-rounded temperament.

Exercise needs: While they have a calm demeanor indoors, Tibetan Mastiffs require regular exercise to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. Daily walks and playtime in a securely fenced area are recommended to meet their moderate exercise needs.

Grooming: The Tibetan Mastiff has a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep it clean. During shedding seasons, which occur twice a year, more frequent brushing is necessary.

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Ranking factors for difficult dog

Breed

Different breeds have varying levels of difficulty in terms of care requirements, health issues, and general temperament. Some breeds are more challenging to handle, especially for first-time dog owners.
Size

Larger dogs usually require more space and may have more specific exercise needs compared to smaller dogs. They may also be harder to handle physically if they are not well-trained.
Temperament

Some dogs have more challenging behaviors or tendencies, such as aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking. This can make them difficult to manage and train, especially for inexperienced owners.
Exercise needs

Active and high-energy breeds require more exercise to keep them happy and healthy. This can be demanding for the owner, particularly if they have a busy schedule or limited space for the dog to exercise.
Training requirements

Some dogs are more intelligent and easier to train, while others can be more stubborn or independent. This can impact how difficult they are to manage and care for in the long term.
Health issues

Certain breeds are prone to specific health issues or genetic conditions that can require extra care, attention, and financial investment throughout the dog's life.
Lifespan

Some dog breeds have longer lifespans than others, which means a more extended commitment to care for the dog both financially and emotionally.
Cost

Some breeds are more expensive to purchase, and the ongoing costs for food, grooming, and healthcare can also be higher. This should be factored into whether a dog is difficult to care for from a financial perspective.
Adaptability

Some dogs adapt better to different environments and situations, making them easier to care for. This includes factors such as their ability to cope with different climates, different living situations (e.g., apartment versus house), and how well they get along with other pets and children.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult dog to take care of. 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

1513 views
205 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 take care of

Taking care of a dog is no easy task, and some breeds can present particular challenges. In this article, we explore the question of what is the most difficult dog to take care of. There are numerous factors to consider, including a breed's temperament, energy level, grooming needs, and health issues. Some breeds require daily exercise and mental stimulation, while others may have specific dietary requirements or be prone to certain illnesses. Understanding the unique characteristics of different breeds can help prospective dog owners choose the right pet for their lifestyle and ensure that their furry friend receives the best possible care. So, let's dive into the world of dog ownership and explore which breeds require the most effort and dedication to keep happy and healthy.