When compiling a list of the naughtiest dog breeds, I instinctively thought back to some of the rebellious dogs I have dealt with over my years in practice, says veterinary surgeon Graham Lewis. These cases tend to leap to mind quickly, as disobedient dogs are very memorable to vets.
These unruly dogs often come with warnings from anxious owners who don't want anyone to get injured. Sometimes, however, they have an owner who only tells you that ‘Fluffy’ can be a bit bitey after you have done a full examination of the dog's mouth.
Although I immediately thought of the feisty and bitey breeds, I’ve also included some dogs that are just downright cheeky, or misbehave in other ways. Obviously not all dogs from these breeds fit the stereotypes, but the stereotypes do exist for a reason...
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Naughtiest dog breeds in the world
Chihuahua
Really, chihuahuas should probably be numbers 1-9 on this list. The list is in no particular order, but chihuahuas are, without doubt, number 1.
They may be small in stature, but they are big in personality and usually fairly feisty. I’ve seen chihuahuas pick fights with rottweilers and they can give a nasty little nip should you dare look at them in a funny way.
Many are lovely, but those that do not want to be messed with certainly show it. Trying to examine a 2kg ball of fluffy rage as a vet is not an easy task.
Jack Russell terrier
This headstrong breed makes the list because they are very independent and do not want to be manhandled by vets – and boy, do they let us know about it. Also, in terms of noise levels, nothing beats the constant yap of a gang of Jack Russells. And they will not be told to be quiet. It is not uncommon to have discussions with owners of these dogs at shouting volume, just to be heard.
On the plus side, the Jack Russell is one of the world's healthiest dog breeds!
Scottish terrier
As a fellow Scot, I sympathise with Scotties for being independent and just wanting to do their own thing. However, Scotties do this very well – too well? – and are as stubborn as dogs come.
If you want to look in a Scottie's mouth and it doesn’t want you to open its jaws, then good luck. If you want to get a blood sample and you need the Scottie to stay still, then again, good luck. Scotties do what Scotties want to do – and that’s that.
West Highland white terrier
You may recognise a theme developing here. Yes, headstrong, independent terriers do not like being messed with much. Westies are often frequent fliers at the vets due to skin allergies. They make the list as they can be wriggly, snappy and can make a vet examination very difficult when they want to.
We also labelled West Highland terriers as one of the unhealthiest dog breeds
Boxer
Boxers are on the list not because of any aggressive nature but because they tend to come in two flavours – sedate and placid, or as mad as a box of frogs. Unfortunately, boxers commonly get ulcers on their eyes, which they need to close for careful examination and treatment. Trying to get a very excitable boxer to sit still while that happens is a nearly impossible job that usually ends with vets and owners covered in slobber.
German shepherd
German shepherds are loyal and obedient, why are they on the list, you ask? Well, they are usually loyal and obedient to one owner – and that’s it. They won’t listen to anyone else and can be very fearful in the vets. Unfortunately, they can express this fear by being very vocal and quite fearsome themselves!
Shih tzu
Nothing is as stubborn as a naughty Shih Tzu. Trying to give these tiny dogs a tablet when they have very little nose and a very small mouth is a challenge beyond many an owner – and many a vet as well.
Labrador
Surely not the beloved Labrador?! Our most frequent visitors, due to dietary indiscretion, are Labradors. Something inedible like a sock or some stones? You’ve left that chicken on the side and turned your back for a second? Is that some chocolates wrapped up underneath the Christmas tree? Yes please! They will scoff the lot.
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Cocker spaniel
This is a very personal addition to the list: my own cocker spaniel Clova is worse than any Labrador when it comes to eating stuff she shouldn’t! She has all the manners of a feral badger and does not listen to commands.
There is a saying that Labradors are born half trained and cocker spaniels die half trained. I can well believe it. It probably says a lot more about her owner than her, but she isn’t the only cocker we see like this.
Cats
I’ve cheated for number 10! I’ve put this on here beccause, although I am a cat fan in general, I would take everything on the list thus far over a stressed out, feisty cat - any day of the week. Cats have more than just a nasty bite: they have four limbs with excellent claws and a flexibility that means that no matter how you hold them, they can still get to you!
I hope you have enjoyed my list, it was fun putting it together! But in all seriousness, if you can identify in your pet any of the behaviours above and they get very stressed coming to the vets, then there are things we can do to make it a better experience for both you and your pet, so please speak to your vet about anti-anxiety measures that might help.
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Yours,
A scratched and scarred Vet
