Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

Former pet industry worker’s viral list of worst dog breeds: Do you agree?

By

We all think our fur baby is the best, of course, but the internet is littered with lists of the best and worst dog breeds. Some dog breeds get a bad rap, while others are insanely popular (and, therefore, insanely expensive if you’re looking for a purebred dog). A lot of the times, the list differentiates based on personality traits or the pet parent’s lifestyle: the best dog breeds for seniors, the smartest dog breeds, the best dog breeds for apartment living — we’ve certainly got our thoughts here at PawTracks.

One woman who used to work in the pet industry went viral on TikTok for her list of the worst dog breeds you can adopt — and after the outcry, she posted a few more. Check out these lists: Do you think she got it right?

Recommended Videos
@chilicheesechelsea

DISCLAIMER: I love these breeds but I don’t want to own one of my own. Don’t come for me doodle moms ?? IT’S JUST MY OPINION!!!! (And a joke, I have a chihuahua lol)

♬ Che La Luna – Louis Prima

The original list of worst dog breeds

Here’s the video that caused such a stir (with 7.6 million views). According to @chilicheesechelsea, these are the five worst dog breeds.

A Siberian Husky lying outdoors in the grass.
Sbolotova / Shutterstock

Huskies

Huskies are beloved for their gentle, affectionate nature, and plenty of people love that many of these dogs have those striking, Instagram-ready blue eyes. But this TikToker wrote that they were “completely unhinged and always screaming.” While that’s certainly not true of the entire breed, the husky howl is definitely something we’ve all heard before — and they have been known to bark at inopportune times.

A German Shepherd lies in the grass with a chewy treat.
Annette1209 / Pixabay

German Shepherds

German shepherds are protective dogs who make great pets for families with children. They do have to be exercised quite a bit — making them suitable for more active pet parents — but they’re both gentle and take to training well. According to the TikTok, they’re “always the most anxious.”

Any dog can become anxious — whether because of thunderstorms, separation anxiety, or a recent life change, but there’s plenty pet parents can do to keep them calm.

George Trumpeter / Shutterstock

Samoyeds

Innately gentle, Samoyeds can be wonderful companions for both young children and seniors alike. The TikTok referenced their “non-stop barking,” which is definitely a factor, but there are always ways to train your dog to be less vocal. (And, if not… nobody’s perfect.)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Doodle mixes

Goldendoodles, labradoodles, cockapoos, havapoos, poochons — the list goes on. So named for a cross between a poodle and another dog, these dogs are bred with the hope of combining the positive traits of each breed. (And since poodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs, they’re in high demand to be cross bred.)

@chilicheesechelsea noted that her problem wasn’t with the dogs themselves, but that a lot of people don’t know how to handle their energy or the breed mixes so they end up being out of control. Regardless of your dog’s breed, it’s important to train your dog well from the outset, and be keenly aware of their physical, nutritional, and mental needs.

a white shih tzu sits on a porch and looks at the camera
rachhoxmeier / Pixabay

Crusty little ankle biters

This one is, of course, in reference to the memes about small white dogs — notable Maltese and Shih Tzus. And while Shih Tzus have been known to wrap their pet parents around their paws, we like them anyway.

@chilicheesechelsea did note that she loves all these breeds — she just doesn’t want one for herself. (That’s OK… we’ll happily take them for ourselves.)

A Cardigan and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi stand next to one another
Welshea / Shutterstock

5 more worst dog breeds

In response to the reaction, to her video, @chilicheesechelsea posted another TikTok with five more breeds she wouldn’t adopt.

@chilicheesechelsea

THESE ARE MY OPNION AND WOULD NOT BE FIT FOR MY HOME OR LIFESTYLE. Do ur research to see what dog breed is best for you! (Also not all dogs are the same, so I’m sure your breed is an angel to you lol)

♬ Che La Luna – Louis Prima

  1. Yorkshire terriers
  2. Australian shepherds
  3. Corgis
  4. French bulldogs
  5. Great Danes

The disclaimer for this TikTok again noted that these breeds wouldn’t be a fit for her home or lifestyle, and that prospective pet parents should do their own “research to see what dog breed is best for you!” She also added that “not all dogs are the same.”

That’s advice we can definitely get behind. While we can come up with all of the lists of best and worst dog breeds, at the end of the day, it’s all about the individual pup and their personality. Make sure your dog’s needs fit your lifestyle, get to know their personality before adopting if you can, and whatever breed you choose, you’ll have a new best friend.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Nicole Carlino
Nicole Carlino
Editor
Why does your dog like stare at you?
There are a few reasons why your dog might not take their eyes off you
A dog lies on the floor making sad eyes up at the camera

Have you ever had an indescribable feeling of tiny, beady eyes on you? You look up from work or chores and see your dogs staring at you intently, only to wonder what they're thinking. It's impossible to know for sure the minds of our pooches, but we do have some ideas. So if you're wondering, "Why does my dog stare at me?" - never fret — it's both normal and explainable. The exact cause depends a bit on the circumstances, so read on to figure out exactly what's going on.
Why does my dog always stare at me?

It's hard to guess precisely what goes on in your beastie's noggin, especially when they look up at you, seemingly asking a question. We can't promise that we're dog psychics, but we do have some idea what they might be getting at.
Your dog wants something
If Fido looks you dead in the eyes around dinner time every day, we think you already know the answer here. Of course, your little buddy will stare right through you when looking for a meal or a snack. Alternatively, sometimes pups learn to gaze at you when they need to potty — a great way of saying that it's outside time.
It's true love
You may occasionally look down at your fur baby with pure love in your eyes, and they do the same right back. Watching you can be a part of showing affection and devotion. Make sure that this habit hasn't turned into anything too clingy, since sometimes an intense stare means your animal suffers from separation anxiety.
They're feeling aggressive
In most households, you'll never encounter this reason, but sometimes dogs glare at people because they feel threatened. This could happen when a new person comes over or a stranger walks too close to them on the sidewalk. It also can be a symptom of resource guarding, which is when your pup pup decides that they don't want anyone coming near their treat.
Your dog wants to know what you're doing
Ever do something ridiculous and realize your furry friend was watching you the whole time? Because our canine companions are so in tune with us, they seem to know when we have done something out of step. This particular stare may also accompany a head tilt and upright ears, indicating that they want to suss out your actions.
They need to tell you something
Maybe not literally, but the idea is there. We already covered that a fuzz ball might look intently when they need a bathroom break, but they could ask for other things, too. When your pet looks up at you and then picks up a toy, you should instantly get the message: They need playtime.
How do you know why your dog is staring?

Read more
Why do dogs scratch the carpet? This mystery solved
Find out the answer to this behavior, plus, how to save your floors
A pit bull under a table with carpet on floor

You likely expected your dog to scratch themselves, a natural behavior that can sometimes be a flag for allergies (or fleas — ugh). However, your dog may have caught you off guard when they started scratching the carpet, especially if you thought you and your floor were in the clear when Fido officially aced potty training.

Why does my dog scratch the carpet like they're trying to dig a hole? A pup may tear up a rug for various reasons. The behavior could even be as natural as scratching an itch for a dog. Understanding why your pet is scratching the carpet is the first step to nixing the undesirable behavior and saving your flooring.
Why does my dog scratch the carpet?

Read more
No fuss, all love: Meet the top breeds of low-maintenance dogs that will steal your heart
Here are the canine breeds that won't overwhelm you with work
A brown and white basset hound sleeping in a blue chair.

Owning a dog can be a fulfilling experience, but it also requires time, effort, and commitment. If you're leading a busy life, struggle with mobility issues, or prefer a more laid-back approach to being a dog parent, you can't adopt just any dog. However, low-maintenance dogs can be the perfect companions for those with different schedules or abilities.

These dogs offer all the love and affection without the fuss and extensive care requirements--for the most part! Adopting any dog requires consistent care and lots of patience, but let's talk about what makes a furry friend low-maintenance. Then, we'll introduce you to the top breeds of low-maintenance pups that will steal your heart.
What are low-maintenance dogs?

Read more