Dog trainer Tom Davis has shared seven dog breeds that can “destroy your life” if potential owners don’t do their research, including one that is incredibly popular. Davis, founder of Upstate Canine Academy in upstate New York, has worked with thousands of dogs across the US and has 1.12 million YouTube subscribers.
Breeds that need serious commitment
In a video this weekend, Davis listed breeds that can make life miserable if their needs aren't met. He noted that some chaotic environments aren't due to “bad dogs” but a breed being in an environment that doesn't suit them.
His first pick is the Siberian Husky. Davis says owners are often taken with their appearance but don't consider the breed's origins and natural impulses. They were bred to cover huge distances in bitterly cold conditions, are highly vocal, and stubborn. A Husky living in a two-bedroom flat with two 20-minute walks a day may howl in the early hours, rip up furniture, and flee from back gardens, he warns. They are difficult to train and, in the wrong home, “it's actually a full-time crisis”.
Small breeds with big drive
Number six is the Jack Russell Terrier. Davis warns not to let the small, wiry frame fool you, as the breed was bred to hunt foxes underground and has an intense work ethic. They have intensity, tenacity, and a prey drive disproportionate to their size, chasing anything and everything. If not sufficiently stimulated, they become destructive, obsessive, and bark constantly when bored. Davis says they're “not really great pets to be honest” and without a serious job, they'll seek one out themselves.
In fifth place is the Belgian Malinois. Davis says owners make the same mistake, seeing the breed in action films and wanting one. He gets “the most emergency calls about” this breed, which has a prey drive beyond most people's comprehension. They need “hours of structured activity” daily and can become aggressive, reactive, destructive, and obsessive without hard work. It's not a breed for first-time owners and not well suited to veteran owners either.
Guardian breeds and high intelligence
In fourth is the Chow Chow, a controversial pick as they're misunderstood. They look calm and cute but have a powerful guardian instinct. They bond closely with one or two people but are suspicious of others. They don't make good pets, but can be loyal if socialised and exposed to strong leadership early on.
Third is the Cane Corso, one of the most powerful breeds, weighing more than 120 pounds of “pure intense muscle” with “guardian instincts to match”. They flourish with someone who understands large working dogs' needs, but often people get them because they look cool, leading to territorial instincts that make it impossible to have friends over, with the dog guarding every room and overpowering owners during walks.
Second is the Border Collie, known for their high intelligence. While effective workers on farms, their intelligence can become a “weapon” in the wrong environment. Bred to herd sheep and make decisions independently, they have an insatiable appetite for mental stimulation. Without it, they may herd children, nip, exhibit obsessive behaviours, and develop severe anxiety.
The top pick: German Shepherd
In top spot is the German Shepherd. Davis acknowledges this may be controversial due to the breed's popularity. They are loyal, beautiful, and capable of being “exceptional” dogs, but they are also the breed he works with most, and he sees things go wrong often. They are among the most overbred dogs, with rogue breeders prioritising profit, leading to aggression or medical issues like cancer or hip dysplasia. Combined with high intelligence and strong protective instinct, they can become a nightmare when not appropriately stimulated.
Davis notes they're not on the list because they're the most dangerous, but because of their high numbers and owner misunderstandings. They can be great companions if obtained through a responsible breeder and given structure. His overall message is that none of the dogs are bad, but they were bred for specific purposes, and researching their instincts and temperaments is crucial.
