Bringing a dog into your life means a whole lot of love, tail wags, and unforgettable moments—but it can also come with a healthy dose of chaos. While their loyalty and charm are undeniable, many people don't realize just how much mischief some pups can stir up.
Whether it’s a tiny Chihuahua with a shoe obsession or a giant Mastiff who thinks your backyard is a construction site, some breeds are simply built to cause a bit more mayhem than others. Let’s take a look at the dogs most likely to leave a trail of delightful destruction in their wake!
Bulldogs: A Slobbery Breed People Can't Help But Love
Bulldogs are beloved for their affectionate, loyal nature—and luckily, they tend to chew on toys instead of your favorite shoes. But while they may not be big on destruction through biting, they more than make up for it with their drool.
Though not destructive in the usual sense, Bulldog slobber can become a real issue if it's allowed to soak into carpets, couches, or bedding. Without prompt clean-up, that drool can leave behind stains—and sometimes even a lingering odor!
Male Basset Hounds Can Be Difficult To House Break
Basset Hounds may win hearts with their droopy ears and soulful eyes, but don't let their charm fool you—they can be a handful around the house. Male Basset Hounds, in particular, are notoriously difficult to house-train, which means clean carpets could soon be a thing of the past.
And if that weren’t enough, their strong digging instincts can leave your yard looking like a construction site, taking a toll on both your lawn and your landscaping budget.
Greyhounds Will Chase Any Other Animal
Greyhounds are built for speed, with powerful chasing instincts that come from their racing heritage. Their bursts of energy make them ideal for households where they're the only pet.
When sharing space with other animals, things can quickly get out of hand—Greyhounds are known to sprint through the house in pursuit, often leaving chaos (and a few broken items) behind them.
Border Collies Will Be Destructive If They Don't Have A Job
Border Collies are exceptionally smart and happiest when they have plenty of tasks to keep their minds and bodies active.
If they don't get enough stimulation, boredom sets in fast—and that’s when the trouble begins. To entertain themselves or grab their owner's attention, they might resort to chewing furniture, shoes, or anything else within reach.
Doberman Pinschers Bore Easily And Entertain Themselves
Doberman Pinschers are highly intelligent dogs—sometimes to the point of getting themselves into trouble. Their quick minds need constant stimulation, and without it, boredom can set in fast.
When left without enough mental or physical activity, Dobermans often come up with their own entertainment—which can include destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or tearing things apart. Keeping them engaged is key to preventing chaos.
Rottweiler Are Natural Chewers
Rottweilers have a natural urge to chew, as noted by RottweilerGuide. Their curious and intelligent nature often leads them to explore the world with their mouths—a habit that can turn destructive if they're bored or under-stimulated.
They’re not usually acting out on purpose, but their strong jaws can unintentionally wreak havoc. To keep your home safe and your Rottie happy, regular exercise and mental enrichment are key. Sturdy chew toys and engaging activities go a long way in satisfying their need to stay busy.
Dalmatians Will Be Destructive If They Don't Exercise
Dalmatians are a high-energy breed, so anyone considering one should be prepared for a lifestyle filled with daily physical activity. These dogs were historically bred to run long distances, and that stamina hasn't faded.
Dog Time notes that without sufficient exercise, Dalmatians can become restless and turn to destructive behaviors—like chewing on anything they can find.
Dachshunds Are Born Diggers And Chewers
Bursting with affection and boundless energy, it's surprising just how much trouble a tiny Dachshund can stir up—but they certainly manage it!
The American Dog Blog explains that Dachshunds are natural diggers, whether it’s the garden outside or the carpet in your living room. And when they’re not tunneling away, they’re often sinking their teeth into whatever they can get ahold of.
Great Dane's Will Start Chewing If They're Left Alone
Though often called gentle giants, Great Danes can show a stubborn side when left alone. They thrive on being close to their family but are known to chew on anything they believe deserves it.
Their large size is also worth keeping in mind, as this massive breed can easily damage furniture or accidentally knock items off tables.
Labradors Need Constant Action
Affectionate and playful, Labradors make wonderful family pets—especially for active people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
They require plenty of attention and engagement; without it, they're likely to chew on whatever’s nearby—and unfortunately, that might not always be a designated toy.
Beagles Are "Chowhounds" And Diggers
Beagles are affectionate and intelligent, making them wonderful additions to families. However, their strong sense of curiosity often leads them straight to trash cans and unattended food—they're definitely one of the more food-driven breeds.
As natural hunters, they also have a serious love for the outdoors. Without supervision, they might end up digging up the yard, leaving their owners with quite a few craters to patch.
Chihuahua's Are Feisty And Like Everyone To Know It
When it comes to Chihuahuas, any seasoned owner knows that leaving a toy within easy reach is practically a survival strategy — especially when heading out the door.
These tiny pups are known for their big personalities and even bigger separation anxiety. Left to their own devices, they'll turn their nervous energy into destruction, targeting everything from rugs and shoes to phone chargers and couch legs. Don’t let their size fool you — these little dogs can do some serious damage when they’re feeling stressed or lonely!
Whippets Will Climb All OverThe Furniture
Whippets are a lively, high-energy breed with a deep love for running and playtime. To keep your home looking presentable, it's crucial to give them plenty of daily exercise — a tired Whippet is far less likely to cause chaos indoors.
That said, anyone considering bringing one home should know: Whippets adore lounging on furniture. Whether it's the couch, your bed, or a cozy chair, they’ll claim their spot without hesitation — and good luck convincing them otherwise!
English Setters Will Chew Through Everything If Not Trained
English Setters are a very smart, energetic, and loving breed that needs a lot of attention. The biggest thing is to make sure they get a healthy dose of daily exercise and have ample time around their family on top of good training.
Otherwise, this breed gets a bit rambunctious and will start chewing through everything, which is not only extremely annoying but pricey. Also, keep a vacuum nearby because this breed sheds a lot!
Boxers Are Stubborn And Will Let A Person Know They're Mad
Boxers are a breed that is smart, loving, and too stubborn for their own good. With this high energy level, owners need to make sure this pooch is worn out by the time they leave the house.
Otherwise, they're in for a whirlwind of destruction when they get home, solely because their Boxer was bored and mad because they left them alone.
Golden Retrievers Love Having Things In Their Mouth
It's all in this breed's name. Golden Retrievers are literally bred to retrieve. They love having something in their mouth at all times.
And, if their toys are nowhere to be seen and they're full of energy from lack of exercise, they're going to head straight for something in the house that will cause some destruction. The trick is lots of outdoor time and exercise!
Jack Russells Will Pick Up Anything They Can Find
While it's not a large breed, Jack Russells are just as destructive as any other dog that enjoys chewing on things they're not supposed to.
A small ball of energy, Jack Russells needs to be exercised, or else their family is going to be in a world of debt with the chewing and destruction this pooch can cause when bored and curious.
Mastiffs Love To Dig And Dig And Dig And Dig Some More
The original nanny dog, Mastiffs are a loving breed that wants nothing more than to please their family. Unfortunately, the only thing they love more than their family is a nice yard to dig in!
So, unless an owner doesn't mind paying to get their lawn taken care of every few weeks, maybe think about getting a less dog-friendly pooch.
Weimaraners Have A Temper
Weimaraners are a large dog breed that, while a great pooch, have a bit of temperament to them.
If they don't get the right amount of exercise and outdoor time, not to mention a lot of training, they're bound to get into something in the house that they're not supposed to.
Labradoodles Are Playful And Love To Chew
The crossbred Labradoodle is a great family pooch that loves to play and be around their family. A loving breed, Labradoodles tend to need a lot of interaction, or else they will get bored.
This breed will most likely start wreaking havoc on the household to get over their boredom, chewing on the nearest thing to their mouths.