All dogs have the potential to be beasts of destruction. However, some require much more physical activity than others to leave your home furniture and household items alone.
Destructive behavior is directly related to boredom and separation anxiety, but some types of dogs are built to channel it better.
We’ll be looking at the top most destructive dog breeds, and you will see some unlikely candidates populating the list.
1. Belgian Malinois
Although they are one of the most used working dog breeds in the world, they’re definitely not a pet you would want to own. Even with high-intensity workouts throughout the day, Mali will find ways to make your life more miserable.
As an owner of one, I can tell you that they are a menace indoors. If you don’t give it a purpose, every item within its reach is in danger of getting chewed, ripped, broken, dragged, shattered, etc.
If there is one dog that is more energetic than Labs, that’s the Malinois. The breed is also very barky.
Thousands of dollars in damages is the norm, and this disgruntled father on Reddit has quite a few distressing things to say about owning a Malinois without enough structure and a daily job. Listen and watch what dog-training-industry expert, Garret Wing has to say on this.
Crate training a Malinois can make things easier, but the Reddit thread this father started saw him and many others state crate destruction is a standard for the Malinois. Some users on the Belgian Malinois Subreddit suggest scent work as a decent solution to destructive behavior.
Being an owner of one, I shared most of their troubles. No matter how much physical activity he got, I always returned home to moderate disasters. Thankfully, I picked up some great tips and tricks in this Belgian Malinois training article.
When in doubt or desperate, get a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help you manage the destruction. To understand better, watch this good Samaritan’s YouTube video.
2. Labrador Retriever
Most Lab owners will not be surprised by their second-place position. One of the biggest factors that make them destruction experts is their energy level. Anything they can wrap their chewers around is going to get damaged.
Even the most well-behaved Labrador retriever will do some damage. Whether due to boredom, or pure clumsiness, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
I will not label any of the breeds like they specialize in a particular type of destructive behavior, but Labs do have an affinity towards chewing and ripping. If you don’t believe me, simply check this thread on Reddit.
There are more “horror” stories of people who simply cannot handle a Labrador. Reddit user MrSkavenger said their chocolate Lab managed to destroy about $600 worth of random stuff around the house in no less than seven weeks.
If you feel adventurous enough, you can go through the /Labrador Subreddit and see for yourself why people usually cry for help.
3. Siberian Husky
The Belgian Malinois is a big barker breed, but the Siberian Husky vocalization is a thing of beauty. For new Husky owners, this might come as a shock.
You never know how annoying something is until you experience it over and over again, but you probably don’t want to experience this.
If you think this was staged, you can see for yourself a proud Husky lying in the middle of the mess it made. It’s scary.
However, their chatty nature is not the worst part. They are full of energy and love disassembling things. A Husky gets bored easily, and fares badly when left alone for prolonged periods of time.
All this combined makes for a dog that can wreak havoc inside or outside your house. Leave it in the yard, it will dig or jump its way out. Indoors it will break fragile stuff, climb on things that aren’t designed for that, eat houseplants, spread soil across the house, and more!
4. Dachshund
Small but packing a big dog personality, the Dachshund is one you probably wouldn’t suspect of destructive behavior. However, their razor-sharp teeth and infinite pool of willpower make easy work of any object.
Discussions on the Dachshund Subreddit can be summarized as asking for advice on chew toys that cannot be destroyed in a matter of minutes. Those who do not replace the “dead” toys in time become victims of Dachshund’s destruction.
Chewed-up shoes, mobile phones, decorations, plants, and plenty of other indoor objects are the next target for bored Dachs. The small size means nothing when the dog is smart and stubborn.
To add insult to injury, other problems Dachshund owners face include defiance of the third degree. No matter how much effort is put into obedience training, the Dachshund owners seem to agree on one thing – don’t expect much compliance from this breed.
5. Whippets
People look at Whippets like small Greyhounds, which is a fair point, seeing how their needs and traits are very similar. However, the Whippet is often the fabric of nightmares.
During puppyhood, they will whip up mischief out of nowhere. Scrolling through the Whippets Subreddit, I noticed people were surprised the breed was capable of “violence”.
Indeed, the breed is high-intensity and, like most energetic dogs, requires a lot of physical activity. If you don’t hit this level of exercise, Whippets will resort to dark magic. When you’re not looking, a side of the leather sofa might disappear.
Despite acting like gremlins at times, they are a very sensitive breed. They react really badly to punishment and negative approaches. Their sensitivity is often the cause of separation anxiety, which then leads to destructive behavior.
All of you who have watched the Harry Potter movies know that their looks and behavior are best explained by comparing them to Dobby, the house elf.
On a more serious note, destroying the house due to separation anxiety usually happens very shortly after owners leave, and it becomes less intense as time passes. By the time you’re home to witness the chaos, the dog has forgotten what the fuss is all about.
6. Pit Bull Terrier: The Powerful Chewer
Pit Bull Terriers are known for their strong jaws and high energy levels, which can make them prone to destructive behavior if not properly managed.
When bored or left alone for extended periods, they may channel their energy into chewing furniture, shoes, or anything within reach. Their natural determination means they can make short work of even the toughest toys, turning them into shreds in no time.
This behavior isn’t malicious—it’s their way of releasing pent-up energy or coping with anxiety. Providing them with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and durable chew toys can help redirect their mischievous tendencies and keep your home intact.
Proper training and consistent attention are key to keeping a Pit Bull Terrier happy and well-behaved.
7. Jack Russell Terrier: The Tireless Troublemaker
Jack Russell Terriers are bundles of energy wrapped in a small package, and their relentless drive for activity can sometimes lead to mischief. These dogs were bred for hunting, which gives them an intense prey drive and a love for digging.
Left unsupervised or without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, they may turn their instincts toward tearing up carpets, digging up your garden, or dismantling household items.
Their intelligence and curiosity often lead them to “test boundaries,” finding creative ways to entertain themselves when bored. To curb their destructive tendencies, Jack Russells need plenty of exercise, interactive play, and training.
Channeling their energy into agility courses or puzzle toys can work wonders in keeping these lively little troublemakers out of mischief.
Honorable Mention
Although it didn’t quite make it on my top five, the French Bulldog is definitely one to look out for. Being the most popular breed in the US for a few years in a row now, according to the AKC, future owners should know what they’re getting themselves into.
Cute, small, and cuddly, these undercover demolishers can do quite some damage. If boredom hits hard, they will rip into the sofa, your shoes, or any clothes left out in the open. The fluff from plushies is a favorite among all dogs, Frenchie included.
This, however, should not be unexpected. After all, they’re Bulldogs, which means stubbornness is a trait you cannot avoid. Studies show that small dogs are more aggressive than large dogs and problematic behavior is not unknown to Frenchies.
Cesar Millan featured a Frenchie with serious unwanted behavior and aggression in one of his Cesar 911 episodes. If not taken care of the proper way, a French Bulldog will not disappoint the Gods of Destruction.