Picture this: You’ve just brought home your adorable new puppy, visions of leisurely morning walks and peaceful evenings dancing in your head. Then reality hits. Your beautiful hardwood floors become a minefield. Your favorite rug bears battle scars from mysterious accidents. That pristine home you once knew feels like it’s under siege by a furry four-legged tornado who seems utterly confused about where bathrooms belong.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Every dog parent has walked this bumpy road, some more successfully than others. The truth is, while every pup can learn proper potty etiquette with patience and consistency, some breeds make you work considerably harder for those sweet moments of success. Today we’re diving deep into the world of housetraining challenges, exploring which breeds might test your resolve and which ones will have you feeling like a training genius from day one. So grab your favorite cleaning supplies and let’s get started.
The Beagle: When That Nose Takes Over
Those droopy ears and soulful eyes might melt your heart, but Beagles can be difficult to housetrain because they tend to be excitable dogs with a short attention span that get easily distracted and have selective memory when it comes to training
They can sniff out contraband and win any game of hide and seek, but potty training? That’s a challenge for Beagles with their one-track hound minds. Their incredible scenting ability works against you here. They’ll catch the faintest whiff of something interesting outside and completely forget why they went out in the first place.
Think of it like trying to have a serious conversation with someone while fireworks explode around you. That’s your Beagle’s brain on scent overload. They can sniff out contraband in airports. They can find you in any game of hide and seek. But they can’t seem to nail down potty training. Beagles are hounds after all, so they exhibit a focused, one-track mind instinct that can be challenging to temper.
Chihuahuas: Small Dog, Big Attitude
Don’t let their tiny size fool you. MedNet Direct says that Chihuahuas are: “known for urinating whenever and wherever they feel like it because they know that they’ll get away with it. These pocket-sized divas have mastered the art of selective hearing when it comes to potty rules.
Chihuahuas can also be challenging to potty train because “they hate going outside when it’s too cold or wet out.” Chihuahuas could benefit from having a safe place inside to go to the potty. Weather becomes your enemy with these delicate flowers. A single raindrop or chilly breeze sends them scurrying back inside.
Their tiny bladders work against them too. These tiny dogs have tiny bladders, so they need more frequent potty breaks than bigger breeds. Just when you think you’ve got the timing down, they surprise you with another urgent need.
Shih Tzus: Charming Their Way Out of Rules
“Training a Shih Tzu can be both an amusing and a frustrating experience,” according to the AKC, who says, “The breed tends to charm his owner into letting him have his own way, which can result in a chubby, less-than-completely-housebroken pet who is difficult to groom.” These fluffy manipulators know exactly how to work their puppy dog eyes.
Their independent streak runs deep. They’ll stare at you with that sweet expression while secretly plotting their next indoor accident. One minute they’re following commands perfectly, the next they’re doing their business behind the couch like they’ve never heard the word “outside.”
Yet despite these challenges, many Shih Tzu parents report success with patience and consistency. Although Shih Tzus can be stubborn at times, it’s due to their strong sense of independence. With plenty of positive praise and attention, they’ll pick up potty training relatively quickly.
Jack Russell Terriers: Energy and Stubbornness Combined
Jack Russells are lively, intelligent little dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. Unfortunately, the JRT’s stubborn streak makes them one of the most difficult dogs to potty train.
These energetic bundles of chaos approach potty training like they approach everything else: with intense focus on what they want to do, not necessarily what you want them to do. Jack Russell terriers are known to be a challenging breed, to say the least. From chewing up your shoes to running around the house at full speed, these pups are little balls of energy that can be difficult to potty train. Want them to pee outside? They might just pee on the entry rug instead because that’s close enough, right?
Their intelligence works both for and against you. They understand what you want, but they’ve got their own agenda. Picture a toddler with the energy of a marathon runner and the determination of a lawyer. That’s your Jack Russell during housetraining.
Afghan Hounds: Beautiful but Independent
The Afghan Hound rounds out our list because training one takes patience and plenty of treats. These sensitive and independent dogs don’t respond well to intimidation and may shy away from firm commands. Instead, they thrive on positive reinforcement and rewards to build consistent habits, says Nom Nom Now.
Afghan Hounds can be challenging to housebreak and these independent dogs need extra time, patience, and consistent training Think of them as the aristocrats of the dog world, moving at their own dignified pace.
Their flowing coat and elegant demeanor hide a mind that operates on its own timeline. Afghan hounds have the independent personality of a cat and tend to do what they want, when they want, possibly ignoring your prompts and commands.
Bichon Frises: Weather-Dependent Pottying
Bichon Frises are often reported as being challenging to housebreak, while MedNet Direct says that the breed is “fiercely independent” and “tends to be picky about going outside when it’s rainy or cold out.” These fluffy white clouds have surprisingly strong opinions about outdoor conditions.
Their pickiness extends beyond weather. They want everything just right before they’ll consider doing their business outside. The grass must be the right length, the temperature perfect, and heaven forbid there’s any moisture in the air.
Yet some sources paint a different picture. While Bichon’s are tough to housebreak, Best Life Online says they’re easy to train in other ways. This contradiction highlights how individual dogs within breeds can vary dramatically in their training challenges.
Basset Hounds: Easily Distracted Scent Followers
Basset Hounds are reputedly tricky to potty train. Like many scent hounds, Bassets can find it difficult to maintain focus, which can lead to accidents. Their low-slung bodies carry noses that rival any bloodhound, and this incredible scenting ability becomes their biggest distraction.
Picture trying to focus on an important task while someone constantly whispers fascinating secrets in your ear. That’s your Basset’s experience every time they step outside. Every blade of grass tells a story, every tree holds mysteries, and suddenly the reason they came outside completely vanishes from their mind.
Is patience a virtue to you? Good, because basset hounds will appreciate it. Hounds are notoriously difficult to train due to their tracking instinct, but you can train your low-riding hound with positive methods to nip bad behavior in the bud. Their gentle nature makes harsh training methods completely counterproductive.
Yorkshire Terriers: Small Size, Big Challenges
Yorkshire terriers can be tough to potty train, according to MedNet Direct, who says: “These guys can also be stubborn. They are especially difficult to convince to go outside to do their business when it’s wet or cold out.”
Their tiny size creates unique challenges. Yorkshire Terriers are pretty wilful and independent. They’ll think you’re bossing them around with your strict training and would likely ignore you. Yorkshire Terriers can be easily stressed or anxious, and stress-related accidents can occur.
These pocket-sized personalities pack more attitude per pound than breeds ten times their size. They’ll look at you with an expression that clearly says, “You want me to go out in that drizzle? I think not.” Yet their intelligence means they can learn quickly when properly motivated.
Dachshunds: Low Riders with High Standards
Though they are small, cute, and have a waddle that won’t quit, dachshunds are as stubborn as hounds come. We recommend crate training since they can be difficult to to potty train. Dachshunds aren’t usually fans of cold weather, either, so any inkling of a chill and they will avoid going outside to do their business!
Their elongated bodies and short legs create a unique relationship with outdoor elements. Rain feels different when you’re closer to the ground. Cold air hits differently when your belly almost touches the earth. These physical realities make weather a significant factor in their potty training success.
Their hunting heritage brings an independent streak that rivals any terrier. They were bred to think for themselves underground, and that self-reliance doesn’t disappear just because you want them to follow a potty schedule.
American Foxhounds: Independent Souls
American Foxhounds are not the easiest breed to potty train. Training and housebreaking these independent dogs can be challenging, especially for novice owners These hunting dogs were bred for stamina and independence, not for following household rules.
The American Foxhound is notoriously independent, often displaying a stubborn streak making it one of the most challenging breeds to potty train. According to Newsweek, even the American Kennel Club admits that American Foxhounds aren’t the easiest to potty train. The AKC describes them as “independent souls” who can turn housebreaking into a steep challenge, especially for first-time dog owners.
Their pack hunting background means they’re used to making decisions as a group, not following individual human commands. This creates a unique challenge where they might understand what you want but question whether it’s really necessary.
Now for the Good News: Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds for families. With their gentle and friendly nature, Labs make great emotional therapy dogs. They have a hardworking attitude and are also a good fit for some police work. These qualities make Labs easier to potty train because they’re able to pick up new information quickly and enjoy learning!
These golden angels of the dog world approach potty training with the same enthusiasm they bring to everything else. Their people-pleasing nature makes them genuinely want to get it right. The Labrador retriever is one of the most recognizable breeds and it excels in almost everything. It does rescue work, drug sniffing and seeing eye dog tasks. This popular breed is one of the most affectionate and playful dogs around and because of their quick learning style, quite easy to train. They take commands easily so potty training them is usually a breeze.
Their intelligence combined with their desire to please creates the perfect storm for housetraining success. They genuinely care about your approval and will work hard to earn those celebratory treats and praise.
German Shepherds: The Eager Students
German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, and with consistency and positive reinforcement, your puppy will be well on their way to being potty trained. We wish you much success and many happy years with your new German Shepherd!
These strong police dogs can learn so many advanced tricks, so potty training won’t take much time at all. They’re hardworking and willing to do whatever they can to make their humans proud. They need a human who is assertive but still encouraging. Once your German Shepherd masters potty training, the future training opportunities are endless.
Their working dog heritage means they approach training like a job they want to excel at. Unlike some breeds that question your authority, German Shepherds respect leadership and thrive under clear direction.
Shiba Inus: Born Housebroken
If you want a dog that’s born housebroken, Shibas are the closest you’ll get. As long as they have easy access to the outside, they’ll likely start learning fast. Shiba puppies like to make sure they do their business as far away from where they sleep as possible.
Shiba Inus are known for being extremely clean dogs that are naturally inclined toward cleanliness from a very young age This Japanese breed brings an almost cat-like cleanliness to the dog world.
Initially bred for hunting, the Shiba Inu breed is a popular family dog because of their fierce loyalty and loving personality. Shiba Inus pick potty training unbelievably fast because they naturally go potty as far away from their sleeping area as possible. These dogs may display this behavior even at four weeks old! Typically, they can hold their bladder by five weeks old throughout the night.
Border Collies: The Perfectionist Students
Border collies are known to be intelligent and trainable dogs, which can make the potty training process relatively easier compared to some other breeds. However, it’s essential to remember that each dog is an individual, and there can be variations in how quickly they pick up on potty training.
Intelligence: Border collies are highly intelligent and can learn quickly. This intelligence can work in your favor during potty training, as they can understand commands and routines faster.
These canine Einsteins approach potty training like they approach everything else: with intense focus and determination to master the task. The sooner you begin potty training your Border Collie, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Their eagerness to work and please makes them exceptional students in the housetraining classroom.
Poodles: The Intelligent Companions
Poodles might be known for their good looks, but they should be appreciated for their brains too. Standard Poodles are highly intelligent and respond well to new commands. Like all dogs, they need patience and consistency, but it won’t take them long to learn where the bathroom is. Poodles are a little more stubborn than Labs, but they can be just as obedient with the right trainer.
These dogs are known for their fancy, groomed looks, but Poodles are highly intelligent and quickly pick up on new commands. Behind those perfectly coiffed curls lies a sharp mind eager to learn and please.
Their intelligence means they understand context quickly. They’ll learn not just where to go, but when to go, reading your schedule and adapting accordingly. This makes them remarkably easy to live with once the initial training period passes.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Match
Remember that every dog is an individual. While breed tendencies provide helpful guidelines, your specific pup might surprise you completely. That stubborn Beagle might be the exception who learns in record time. Your elegant Afghan might decide they actually love routine and structure.
The key lies not in choosing the “easiest” breed, but in understanding what you’re signing up for and preparing accordingly. Those challenging breeds often reward your patience with incredible loyalty and unique personalities that make every frustrating moment worthwhile.
Success comes down to consistency, patience, and understanding your dog’s specific needs and motivations. Whether you’re cleaning up after a Yorkshire Terrier for the tenth time today or celebrating your German Shepherd’s first accident-free week, remember that this too shall pass. Every house-trained dog was once a confused puppy who had no idea why humans cared so much about where they went potty. What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments.
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
