Returned Within Weeks: The 27 Dog Breeds New Owners Give Up On

Chuvic - May 22, 2025

Every year, animal shelters report the same devastating trend: specific dog breeds are surrendered at rates up to 300% higher than others, almost always by first-time owners who couldn’t handle them. Veterinarians and professional trainers have identified 27 breeds that consistently overwhelm beginners with their extreme exercise needs, stubborn temperaments, or crushing medical bills. While no dog is truly “easy,” these breeds demand expertise, patience, and resources that most new owners simply don’t possess.

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Siberian Husky

That beautiful wolf-like appearance masks an escape artist mentality. Huskies can jump 6-foot fences and dig tunnels worthy of prison breaks. Without their required 2+ hours of daily intense exercise, they’ll redesign your home through destruction. Shelters report that Huskies are among the most frequently surrendered breeds. Their piercing howls disturb entire neighborhoods, while their independent streak makes them laugh at your training attempts.

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Border Collie

Ranked as the world’s smartest dog breed, Border Collies turn their intelligence against unprepared owners. They invent their own jobs when understimulated, often deciding to herd children, vacuum cleaners, or shadows obsessively. These workaholics need 4-5 hours of combined physical and mental stimulation daily. One study found that 89% of Border Collies surrendered to shelters came from homes unable to meet their extreme activity needs.

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Beagle

Behind those soulful eyes lurks a nose-driven machine that ignores every command once a scent catches their attention. Beagles produce a unique vocalization called baying that can reach 90 decibels, louder than a lawn mower. Their food obsession leads to creative theft strategies, from opening cabinets to climbing counters. Originally bred for hunting in packs, they display remarkable stubbornness that frustrates 73% of first-time Beagle owners, according to breed surveys.

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Australian Cattle Dog

Bred to boss around thousand-pound cattle, these dogs naturally try controlling your household too. They communicate through nipping heels, a behavior that terrifies visiting children and unsuspecting guests. Mental stimulation needs exceed physical requirements; without puzzle toys and training challenges, they develop neurotic behaviors. Veterinary behaviorists report that Australian Cattle Dogs display anxiety-related issues at twice the rate of average breeds when their working instincts aren’t properly channeled.

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Jack Russell Terrier

short-coated white and brown dog standing near green grass — Source: Unsplash, Rob Fuller

Weighing just 13-17 pounds, Jack Russells pack more energy per pound than almost any breed. Originally developed to hunt foxes underground, they retain fierce determination and fearlessness that leads them to challenge dogs ten times their size. These terriers can jump five times their height and dig impressive crater systems in yards. Their prey drive makes them incompatible with 85% of small pet households.

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Rottweiler

Insurance companies raise premiums by an average of $300 annually for Rottweiler owners due to liability concerns. These powerful dogs, weighing up to 135 pounds, don’t know their own strength during enthusiastic greetings. Early Roman armies used their ancestors as war dogs, and that protective instinct remains strong. Without confident leadership and extensive socialization, Rottweilers can misinterpret normal situations as threats, leading to dangerous overreactions.

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Weimaraner

gray short coated dog lying on floor — Source: Unsplash, Tatiana Rodriguez

Nicknamed “Velcro dogs,” Weimaraners suffer from separation anxiety at rates 40% higher than average breeds. They shadow owners obsessively, following them into bathrooms and panicking when left alone. Originally bred for hunting large game like boar and bear, they require marathon-level exercise. These “gray ghosts” are notorious escape artists, with one study documenting Weimaraners opening door handles, sliding bolts, and manipulating latches.

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Dalmatian

The “101 Dalmatians” movie effect led to massive breed popularity, followed by record shelter surrenders. Approximately 12% of Dalmatians are born completely deaf, while another 22% have partial hearing loss, requiring specialized training techniques. Originally bred as carriage dogs, they need to run 10-15 miles daily. Their unique urinary system makes them prone to bladder stones, with veterinary treatment costs averaging $1,500-3,000 per episode.

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German Shepherd

Ranked third in bite statistics by the American Veterinary Medical Association, German Shepherds require expert handling to prevent protective aggression. They shed approximately 2 pounds of fur annually, with year-round “coat blowing” seasons that overwhelm unprepared owners. Hip dysplasia affects 19% of the breed, with surgical corrections costing $4,000-6,000 per hip. Their intelligence demands constant mental challenges; bored German Shepherds become destructive problems.

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Chow Chow

brown and white long coated dog — Source: Unsplash, Freysteinn G. Jonsson

Ancient Chinese emperors used Chow Chows as palace guards, and that aloof, suspicious nature persists today. Their blue-black tongues charm people, but their cat-like independence frustrates owners expecting typical dog affection. Grooming their dense double coat requires 2-3 hours weekly to prevent painful matting. Insurance claims data shows Chow Chows have higher bite incident rates than Pit Bulls, shocking many potential owners who judge by appearance alone.

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Akita

Japanese culture reveres Akitas for their loyalty, exemplified by Hachiko, who waited 9 years for his deceased owner. However, this same loyalty manifests as extreme protectiveness and same-sex dog aggression. They shed profusely during bi-annual “coat blowing” seasons, producing garbage bags full of fur. Experienced trainers describe Akitas as “negotiators” rather than obedient dogs, requiring respect-based training approaches that confuse traditional obedience-focused owners.

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Belgian Malinois

brown short coated dog running on green grass field during daytime — Source: Unsplash, Anthony Duran

Military and police forces worldwide prefer Belgian Malinois for their incredible drive, which proves overwhelming for civilian life. They require 3-4 hours of structured activity daily, not just exercise but job-like tasks. Rescue organizations report 90% of surrendered Malinois come from homes that underestimated their intensity. These dogs literally bounce off walls when understimulated, displaying hyperactivity that makes Border Collies seem calm by comparison.

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English Bulldog

white and brown bulldog on green grass during daytime — Source: Unsplash, Josue Michel

Veterinary insurance companies classify English Bulldogs as their highest-risk breed, with average yearly medical costs exceeding $1,500. Their adorable wrinkled faces create breathing difficulties requiring $3,000-5,000 corrective surgeries. Natural breeding is nearly impossible; 86% require artificial insemination and C-sections costing $2,000-3,000. Their average lifespan of 8.4 years ranks among the shortest, creating heartbreak for families who fall in love with their clownish personalities.

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Bloodhound

A Bloodhound’s nose contains 300 million scent receptors compared to humans’ 5 million, making them slaves to their tracking instincts. They produce up to 1 cup of drool daily, requiring constant cleanup of furniture and walls. Their deep baying carries for miles, leading to neighborhood complaints. Police departments use them for tracking, but their complete scent fixation makes them unsuitable as household pets without extensive training.

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Doberman Pinscher

dog eating wood log — Source: Unsplash, Jordan Whitt

Created in the 1890s by a tax collector needing protection, Dobermans retain their guardian instincts. They develop dilated cardiomyopathy at rates reaching 44% in some bloodlines, often causing sudden death. Wobbler syndrome affects their spine, requiring surgeries costing $5,000-7,000. Many landlords and insurance companies ban Dobermans entirely, limiting housing options. Their elegant appearance attracts admirers who don’t realize these dogs need firm, experienced handling.

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Great Dane

Standing 32 inches tall and weighing up to 175 pounds, Great Danes generate astronomical costs. They consume 8-10 cups of premium food daily, costing $1,500+ annually. Bloat kills 37% of Great Danes, often within hours of onset. Their hearts commonly develop dilated cardiomyopathy, shortening their already brief 7-10 year lifespan. Everything from beds to vehicles must accommodate their size, creating unexpected expenses for unprepared owners.

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French Bulldog

Costing $3,000-10,000 to purchase, French Bulldogs continue draining wallets through ongoing health issues. Their flat faces cause Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, requiring $3,000-6,000 surgical corrections. They cannot swim, regulate temperature effectively, or breed naturally. Airlines ban them from cargo holds due to breathing-related deaths. Despite ranking 4th in AKC popularity, veterinary specialists warn against breeding and buying these genetically compromised dogs.

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Cane Corso

a dog running through a field of tall grass — Source: Unsplash, Sophie Hollies

Descendants of Roman war dogs, Cane Corsos were bred to hunt wild boar and guard property. Males reach 120 pounds with bite force measuring 700 PSI, exceeding lion bite strength. Italian law previously required Cane Corso owners to carry liability insurance. They mature slowly, maintaining puppy behavior in powerful adult bodies until age 3. Without experienced handling, their protective instincts escalate to dangerous territorial aggression.

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Shiba Inu

brown and white short coated dog lying on white floor — Source: Unsplash, Maxim Izbash

The “Shiba scream” is a unique vocalization that sounds like a human shriek, guaranteed to terrify neighbors and violate noise ordinances. Originally Japanese hunting dogs, they maintain fierce independence that earned them the nickname “cat-like dogs.” They’re notorious escape artists, slipping out of standard collars with their wedge-shaped heads. Social media’s “doge” meme popularity masks their challenging temperament, leading to disappointment for owners expecting cuddly companions.

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Alaskan Malamute

Bred to haul heavy freight across Arctic terrain, Malamutes possess strength that overwhelms average owners. They shed enough fur to knit sweaters, with undercoat “blowing” seasons that coat entire homes. Their prey drive makes them dangerous around cats and small dogs. Unlike Huskies who howl, Malamutes “woo-woo” talk constantly, carrying on loud conversations that disturb neighbors. They dig massive holes, viewing yards as archaeological projects.

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Saint Bernard

Movies portray Saint Bernards as gentle giants carrying brandy barrels, but reality includes rivers of drool requiring constant towel supplies. They gain 3-5 pounds weekly as puppies, reaching 180 pounds before their second birthday. Heat sensitivity limits them to air-conditioned environments in warm climates. Bloat, cancer, and heart disease contribute to their 8-10 year lifespan. Their food bills alone exceed $2,000 annually, before calculating medical expenses.

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Pug

shallow focus photography of fawn pug — Source: Unsplash, Mink Mingle

Pugs’ popularity ranks 28th in AKC registration despite severe health issues plaguing the breed. Their bulging eyes suffer injuries easily, with corneal ulcers affecting 5% annually. Brachycephalic anatomy causes breathing difficulties that worsen in heat, stress, or excitement. Surgery to open airways costs $1,500-4,000. Many require lifelong medication for skin fold infections, allergies, and joint problems. Their adorable appearance masks a lifetime of medical complications.

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Basset Hound

a dog sitting on top of a black table — Source: Unsplash, Kyle Smith

Those long ears aren’t just cute; they trap moisture and debris, causing chronic infections requiring weekly cleaning and frequent veterinary treatment. Basset Hounds’ elongated spines make them vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease, with 10-12% requiring surgery costing $3,000-8,000. Their deceptive laziness hides remarkable stubbornness when following scent trails. Despite appearing low-energy, they were bred to track game for hours, requiring patient owners who understand hound mentality.

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Samoyed

a white dog standing in a field of yellow flowers — Source: Unsplash, Barcs Tamás

The “Sammy smile” that melts hearts comes with a coat requiring 3-4 hours of weekly grooming. Professional grooming costs average $100-150 monthly, with full coat blow-outs needed seasonally. Their Arctic heritage makes them dig cooling pits in yards and escape artists seeking adventure. Sammies bark enthusiastically at everything, using various vocalizations to communicate constantly. Their beautiful white fur shows every speck of dirt, demanding frequent bathing despite their coat’s natural oils.

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Airedale Terrier

brown and black short coated dog on snow covered ground — Source: Unsplash, Frames For Your Heart

Known as “King of Terriers,” Airedales combine the stubbornness of terriers with the size to cause real damage. Their wiry coats require hand-stripping every 3-4 months, costing $150-200 per session. Originally bred to hunt otters and rats, they retain strong prey drives that endanger neighborhood cats. These dogs need puzzle feeders, agility training, and constant mental challenges. Their intelligence leads to creative mischief when bored, outsmarting average owners regularly.

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Bernese Mountain Dog

Tragically, cancer affects 50% of Bernese Mountain Dogs, contributing to their 6-8 year average lifespan. The Swiss breed’s popularity increased 140% in the last decade despite these health issues. They shed constantly, with seasonal “coat blowing” producing grocery bags full of fur. Hip dysplasia affects 25% of the breed, requiring expensive surgeries. Their gentle temperament makes the shortened lifespan particularly heartbreaking for families who fall in love.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

brown and white long coat small dog on grey concrete road during daytime — Source: Unsplash, Courtney Mihaka

By age five, 50% of Cavaliers develop mitral valve disease, requiring medications costing $200-400 monthly. Syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition, affects up to 70% of the breed, causing severe neck pain and scratching behaviors. Despite their sweet nature, the breed’s extensive health problems create ongoing heartache and financial strain. MRI scans to diagnose syringomyelia cost $2,000-3,000, with treatment adding thousands more annually to maintain quality of life.

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Conclusion

black white and brown short coated dog running on white sand during daytime — Source: Unsplash, Ayelt van Veen

First-time dog owners often choose breeds based on appearance or media portrayals without researching their needs. These 27 breeds require experienced handlers, extensive training, or significant medical care that overwhelms beginners. Consider adopting mixed breeds or researching breeds known for adaptability and health. Remember, the cutest puppy might become your biggest challenge without proper preparation and realistic expectations about breed characteristics and requirements.

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