Dog Breeds That Shouldn’t Be Kept In a Home

So you always wanted a dog but couldn’t decide on the breed? If you’re unsure what to get for your home and lifestyle, some breeds may not be the best fit. These breeds may seem significant, but they just aren’t suited for home life for one reason or another.

Different dog breeds sit against a pink wall.
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The following breeds were never meant to live in an apartment or small house with a family. If they’re not given enough exercise, they can become destructive and aggressive. If you’re looking for a new dog, then it’s best to avoid these breeds, or you might regret it. Let’s Begin!

The Aggressive Chow Chow

This breed is known for being independent and aloof. They were bred as working dogs in China, so they needed much room to roam. If they’re cooped up in a small space, they can become very territorial and aggressive.

A Chow Chow sits in the grass.
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They also shed a lot, so they’re not ideal for people with allergies. Chow Chows are fiercely territorial, and they will defend their owners and property with vigor. This makes it challenging to keep them at home, especially if you have a lot of visitors. They don’t usually warm up to strangers quickly, and having them around other dogs can be dangerous.

The High-Maintenance Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed originally bred in China as a palace pet. Because of this, they are not meant for households with small children or other pets. They can be timid and easily scared, so a home with a lot of activity and noise may not be the best place.

A Shih Tzu is barking hysterically on the street.
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Additionally, they require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free from pests. Without proper care, the Shih Tzu can become matted and uncomfortable. So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog breed, the Shih Tzu may not be the right choice for you.

Jack Russell Terrier = Master Hunter

The Jack Russell Terrier was initially bred as a hunting dog and is not suited to be a household pet. They are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise and can be quite destructive if they don’t get enough activity. They also have a strong prey drive and may try to hunt small animals such as cats, hamsters, and birds.

A Jack Russell Terrier holds a stick in his mouth.
Photo by Rob Fuller/Unsplash

If you’re considering getting a Jack Russell Terrier, be prepared to provide plenty of exercises and make sure you have a fenced-in yard where they can run around. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a dog that barks and chews incessantly and is generally not well-behaved.

The Noisy and Stubborn Pekingese

The Pekingese was originally bred for the Emperors of China. They were bred to be fierce and loyal guard dogs. They are not the best choice for a family pet because they can be very independent and stubborn. They also tend to bark excessively.

A Pekingese sits looking out on to the yard.
Photo by Elisabeth Fossum/Pexels

If you are looking for a good dog with children and other pets, the Pekingese is not the breed for you. If your home has a lot of steps, particularly steep ones, it’s probably not a good idea to have a Pekingese there. They struggle with them and can easily fall down.

The Independent Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier was bred to hunt and kill foxes on the Isle of Skye. As a result, they are highly independent, resourceful, and have a powerful prey drive. They are not recommended for homes with small animals or young children.

A Skye Terrier is being walked on a leash.
Source: Pleple2000/CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Because they tend to attack smaller pets, you should keep the Skye Terrier away from them. Unless they are trained to be around people, they can be aggressive to visitors. Although this depends on their training, Skye Terriers make excellent family pets if adequately raised.