Dogs may be humanity’s best friends, but not all pups get the same love from today’s young adults. Gen Z pet owners have strong opinions about which four-legged companions make their ‘avoid’ list.
From high-maintenance grooming needs to stubborn personalities, these breeds have fallen out of favor with the younger crowd for various reasons.
1. Chihuahua
Ever met a dog that thinks it’s actually a lion? Chihuahuas pack massive attitudes into tiny bodies, often becoming one-person companions who view others with suspicion.
Their notorious difficulty to housebreak frustrates even patient owners. Plus, that high-pitched barking can drive roommates crazy in small apartments where many Gen Z’ers live.
2. Shih Tzu
Behind that adorable teddy bear face lies a grooming nightmare that makes Shih Tzus challenging companions. Their silky coat requires daily brushing and regular professional trimming that quickly adds up in cost.
Many young owners underestimate the stubborn streak hiding beneath all that fluff. Bathroom breaks? They’ll decide when that happens, thank you very much.
3. Pug
Those adorable wrinkled faces hide a world of health concerns. Pugs struggle to breathe properly due to their flat faces, making even moderate exercise a challenge.
The constant snorting, snoring, and wheezing becomes less charming at 3 AM. Add their tendency to shed excessively and need for air conditioning, and Gen Z renters find these cuties surprisingly high-maintenance.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs waddle their way into hearts with those squishy faces, but their charm comes with a steep price tag. Health issues plague these flat-faced friends, from breathing problems to skin infections hiding in those adorable wrinkles.
Young adults quickly discover the breed’s legendary stubbornness during training attempts. Their couch potato tendencies clash with active lifestyles many Gen Z’ers prefer.
5. Maltese
Those button eyes and cloud-like coat hide a clingy personality that can become overwhelming. Maltese dogs often develop severe separation anxiety, making independent Gen Z lifestyles nearly impossible.
Their incessant barking when left alone has triggered many neighbor complaints in apartment buildings. Despite their tiny size, these dogs demand giant amounts of attention and emotional reassurance.
6. Dachshund
Low to the ground but high on attitude, Dachshunds bring determination to new levels. Their hunting instincts make them surprisingly fierce, often challenging larger dogs or digging escape tunnels under fences.
Back problems plague these elongated pups, leading to expensive surgeries. The breed’s notorious resistance to housetraining tests even the most patient Gen Z owners, sometimes taking years to fully master.
7. Bichon Frisé
Resembling living stuffed animals, Bichon Frisés demand royal treatment from their humans. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks quickly drains young adults’ limited budgets, with each session costing upwards of $75.
Their tendency toward separation anxiety means they can’t be left alone for long. Many Gen Z owners discover too late that these cotton balls with legs require more maintenance than their Instagram-worthy appearance suggests.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Fashion accessories that bite? Yorkshire Terriers may fit in a purse, but their personalities fill the room. These pint-sized pups often develop ‘small dog syndrome,’ becoming bossy and territorial despite their tiny stature.
Their silky coats tangle easily, requiring daily brushing. The breed’s legendary stubbornness during housetraining frustrates young owners expecting quicker results from such a small dog.
9. Cocker Spaniel
Beautiful but clingy, Cocker Spaniels take attachment to extreme levels. Those soulful eyes hide a tendency toward severe separation anxiety that makes independent living challenging.
Their gorgeous coats require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Ear infections plague the breed due to those adorable floppy ears, leading to unexpected vet bills that strain young adults’ budgets.
10. Pomeranian
Looking like living pompoms, Pomeranians pack surprising amounts of attitude into tiny packages. Their piercing bark can reach shocking volumes, making them apartment management’s least favorite tenants.
Despite their small size, they demand to be in charge. Many Gen Z owners find themselves unexpectedly serving these fluffy dictators rather than the other way around.
11. Basset Hound
Those long ears and sad eyes hide a surprisingly stubborn personality. Basset Hounds follow their noses rather than commands, making off-leash walks nearly impossible. Their distinctive howl carries for miles, causing noise complaints in close living situations.
The breed’s famous laziness frustrates active young owners hoping for hiking companions, as many Bassets simply plop down mid-walk when they’ve decided they’re done.
12. Saint Bernard
Slobber becomes a lifestyle when sharing space with a Saint Bernard. These massive dogs leave drool trails across furniture, walls, and unfortunately, on visitors’ clothing. Their enormous food requirements strain tight budgets, with some adults eating more than $150 in kibble monthly.
Finding pet-friendly housing becomes nearly impossible with a 180-pound roommate, forcing many Gen Z owners to make difficult choices between their dog and their living situation.
13. Shiba Inu
Fox-faced and trending online, Shiba Inus often disappoint owners expecting the cuddly personality their appearance suggests. Their cat-like independence means they frequently reject affection when it doesn’t suit their mood.
Notorious for their ‘Shiba scream’ when displeased, these dogs make basic grooming and vet visits public spectacles. Their strong prey drive makes them unreliable around smaller pets, limiting housing options for multi-pet households.
14. Jack Russell Terrier
Bouncing off walls isn’t just an expression with Jack Russell Terriers—it’s their daily routine. Their intelligence needs constant challenging, or they’ll redirect it toward creative destruction of your belongings.
Requiring hours of intense exercise daily, they quickly exhaust young owners balancing work and school. Their prey drive makes them unreliable around smaller pets, while their digging habits transform backyards into moonscapes.
15. Great Dane
Horse-sized but with puppy hearts, Great Danes often crush both furniture and housing dreams. Their massive size makes finding rental housing nearly impossible in competitive markets where Gen Z typically lives.
Despite gentle temperaments, their tail alone becomes a household hazard, clearing coffee tables with a single wag. Most heartbreaking is their tragically short 6-8 year lifespan, leaving young owners devastated after forming deep bonds.