Ever noticed how certain dog breeds rarely show up on Gen Z’s social media feeds? Today’s young adults have distinct preferences when choosing furry companions.
From high-maintenance grooming requirements to energy levels that don’t match apartment living, several factors influence which breeds Gen Z tends to skip over when adopting.
1. Bulldogs: Breathing Battles Not Worth The Cute Face
Those adorable wrinkles hide a lifetime of health problems. Bulldogs struggle with breathing issues that can lead to expensive vet bills and heartbreaking quality of life concerns.
Many Gen Z pet owners prefer breeds without these built-in medical challenges, especially with rising veterinary costs. The wheezing and snorting might seem cute at first, but the reality is far less charming.
2. Chow Chows: Too Much Fluff, Too Little Friendliness
Behind that magnificent lion-like mane lies a notoriously aloof personality. Chow Chows typically bond with just one person and can be standoffish or even aggressive toward strangers and other pets.
For social Gen Z’ers who value dog park visits and coffee shop hangs, this independent nature feels too limiting. Add in their massive grooming needs, and most young adults swipe left.
3. Basset Hounds: Stubborn Souls With Signature Smell
Those long ears and soulful eyes mask a stubborn streak a mile wide. Training a Basset Hound requires next-level patience that many young dog owners simply don’t have.
Let’s talk about the smell too – these hounds have a distinct doggy odor that clings to everything. In small apartments where many Gen Z live, that powerful scent becomes a roommate nobody signed up for.
4. Saint Bernards: Gentle Giants That Eat Your Budget
Imagine your entire paycheck disappearing into a food bowl! These massive mountain rescuers consume astonishing amounts of food, making them budget-busters for financially conscious young adults.
Their size creates other challenges too. Try finding an apartment that allows a 180-pound roommate who drools constantly. The slobber situation alone has Gen Z running for the hills.
5. Chinese Crested: Hairless Wonder That Demands Designer Wardrobe
Fashion-forward but high-maintenance, these nearly-naked pups need sunscreen in summer and sweaters in winter. The specialized skincare routine rivals a 12-step Korean beauty regimen.
While their unique look might seem Instagram-worthy, the reality of caring for sensitive, exposed skin is less appealing. Many Gen Z find the constant vigilance and special needs too demanding for their busy lifestyles.
6. Afghan Hounds: High-Maintenance Hair That Requires Professional Help
Stunning supermodels of the dog world come with salon bills to match their glamorous looks. That flowing coat requires hours of brushing weekly and professional grooming that can cost more than human haircuts.
Beyond the beauty maintenance, their aloof, independent nature clashes with Gen Z’s desire for emotionally available companions. These elegant aristocrats simply don’t provide the affectionate connection most young adults seek.
7. Bloodhounds: Tracking Experts With Destruction Tendencies
Following their nose leads these determined detectives straight into trouble. Bloodhounds were bred to track scents relentlessly, making them escape artists who ignore fences, traffic, and your desperate calls to come back.
Their powerful jaws and boredom-prone personalities can turn apartments into disaster zones within minutes. For Gen Z renters hoping to get their security deposits back, this demolition tendency is a deal-breaker.
8. Pekingese: Royal Attitudes In Tiny, Hard-To-Train Packages
Once pampered by Chinese emperors, these tiny tyrants never forgot their royal heritage. Their stubborn nature makes training feel like negotiating with a tiny, furry dictator who believes they rule your home.
The massive grooming requirements only add to the challenge. Daily brushing becomes necessary to prevent painful mats in their luxurious double coat. Most Gen Z prefer dogs that fit their lifestyle, not the other way around.
9. Shar-Peis: Wrinkled Wonders With Attitude Problems
Those adorable wrinkles require regular cleaning to prevent painful skin infections. The special care routine becomes a daily chore that many young adults simply don’t have time for.
Personality-wise, they’re typically suspicious of strangers and can be downright territorial. In an age where socialization and dog-friendly brunches are the norm, their standoffish nature makes them poor companions for the social butterfly lifestyle.
10. Borzoi: Elegant Speedsters That Need Country Estates
Imagine trying to contain a 35mph missile in your studio apartment! These Russian wolfhounds were bred to chase prey across vast Russian estates, not navigate cramped city living.
Their exercise needs are astronomical, requiring more than quick potty breaks. Without proper space to run, they develop destructive behaviors that make landlords cringe. For urban-dwelling Gen Z, this space requirement alone makes them impractical.
11. Akitas: Powerful Protectors With Strong Opinions
Originally bred as samurai companions, these powerful dogs maintain fierce loyalty to their chosen person while remaining suspicious of everyone else. Their protective nature can quickly become problematic in social settings.
Insurance companies often blacklist them, making renting nearly impossible. For Gen Z, who value flexibility and social connections, the challenges of owning this independent-minded breed simply outweigh their majestic appearance.
12. Skye Terriers: Rare Beauties With Extinction-Level Stubbornness
So rare they’re on the endangered breed list, finding one is nearly impossible. When you do, you’ll discover their legendary stubbornness makes training feel like negotiating with a small, furry lawyer who never loses an argument.
Their long, flowing coat requires professional grooming that few can afford on entry-level salaries. For practical Gen Z pet owners, this combination of scarcity and difficulty makes them a non-starter.
13. Neapolitan Mastiffs: Drool Machines With Mansion-Sized Requirements
The slobber situation with these gentle giants deserves its own warning label. Their jowls create puddles that would make a mop company wealthy, while their massive size demands space few young adults can provide.
Health issues plague the breed, resulting in heartbreaking decisions and astronomical vet bills. For Gen Z, who often prioritize financial security and clean living spaces, these magnificent beasts remain admired from afar.
14. Komondor: Mop-Like Guardians That Require Professional Help
Looking like animated floor mops might seem Instagram-worthy, but those distinctive cords require specialized grooming few can master. Without proper care, their coat becomes painfully matted and can cause serious skin issues.
Bred as livestock guardians, they maintain strong protective instincts that make them suspicious of visitors. For social Gen Z who value community connections, this natural wariness creates more problems than their unique appearance solves.