Which Dog Breed Is The Naughtiest?

Barking, separation anxiety, aggressive guarding of toys or food—these are just a few of the dog owner’s least favourite dog behaviours and some of the most challenging to address.

(In case you're wondering, I have three dogs.)

But which breed is the brattiest of them all?

According to UK dog trainer, a.k.a The Dogfather, Graeme Hall, the cockapoo is leading the pack in the naughty dog parade.

Hall, who hosts the popular series, Dogs Behaving Badly, told Country Living that the midsize cocker spaniel-poodle mix is the breed he’s most often called in to help train.  

The reason behind the cockapoo’s naughty rep, however, may be the result of a complex mix of factors. Hall says that while the breed is often pitched as a great entry-level dog for new pet owners, the reality can be a different story. While cockapoos are undeniably cute, the mix of cocker spaniel and poodle can sometimes result in an intensely active dog with behaviours that might flummox the newbie owner, he says.

A recent study by the Royal Veterinary College in the UK supports the idea that this breed may be better suited to owners who have more experience. The study found that mixed breed “designer” dogs tend to have trickier behaviours, with cockapoos standing out. Making matters worse: these kinds of dogs appear to be most desirable to first-time dog owners who don’t tend to pursue training for their dogs but rely on social media or anecdotal advice, the study found.  

While the labrador retriever remains Canada’s top purebred dog according to the Canadian Kennel Club, the curly-haired cockapoo has risen in popularity. According to Rover, the global pet-sitting booking company, the lovable breed is climbing the ranks in the trendiest category.

Trendy or not, for Hall the best response to challenging behaviours is to seek the support of a qualified, humane trainer. And as any experienced dog owner will tell you, a good dog training course is as much an education for the human on the other end of the leash as the pup.

Ask me how I know.