The 10 'Naughtiest' Dog Breeds, According to Owners

There's no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner, the saying goes. But are some dog breeds naughtier than others?

Pet insurance comparison site Protect My Paws has been trying to find out, using Instagram analysis to rank "naughtiest dog breeds in the world."

In a light-hearted study, it analyzed more than 87,000 posts in June 2021, counting those mentioning a breed along with a popular behavior hashtag, such as #gooddog, #baddog, #naughtypuppy, #cheekydog and #muddydog.

Hashtags denoting misdemeanors were then weighed against the others.

Graeme John Cole, writer at Protect My Paws, told Newsweek there is, of course, "no definitive answer" about which is the naughtiest breed; however: "It turns out the Korean Jindo is the most obedient pooch out there—and their pawrents love to boast on social media."

South Africa is also identified to be the home to the naughtiest dogs, with 87.85 percent of dog behavior in Instagram posts considered for a negative nature.

Here are the "naughtiest dog breeds in the world," according to Protect My Paws' study.

10. English Springer Spaniel (72.83% "naughty" #s )

 English springer spaniels
An English Springer Spaniel. Getty Images

The athletic and affectionate English Springer Spaniel breed is a popular canine companion for families. This friendly dog breed is considered intense and intelligent.

9. Keeshond (73.08%)

Dog show NYC 2014 keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a gorgeous, two-layer coat of silver and black fur, complete with a distinctive ruff and a curled tail Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Keeshonds are medium-sized dog with a gorgeous, two-layer coat of silver and black fur, complete with a distinctive ruff and a curled tail.

These adaptable purebreds make excellent apartment pets, though potential owners should be aware of their tendency to bark.

8. Welsh Terrier (74.29%)

04 Westminster Kennel Club dog show
A Welsh Terrier dog. Timothy A. Clary/AFP

The Welsh Terrier dog breed is commonly associated with having a contagious joie de vivre.

These canines boast a commendable attitude and intelligence and require plenty of exercise and mentally stimulating games.

7. Poochon (75.81%)

Poochon
A Poochon. Radovan_Zierik/Getty Images

The Poochon is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Toy Poodle and Bichon Frise dog breeds.

These pint-sized adorable pups have a medium-length coat considered to be hypoallergenic, though these usually need plenty of brushing and maintenance.

6. Chug (76%)

Chug
Chugs may need plenty of training to prevent them from getting too territorial LTee/Getty Images

The Chug is another mixed-breed dog; a cross between the Chihuahua and the Pug.

These dogs pack a lot of personality into a small package, and are known to be particularly playful and loyal. They may need plenty of training to prevent them from getting too territorial.

5. Wirehaired Vizla (76.19%)

Wirehaired Vizla
Wirehaired Vizlas have a high social skill set. volofin/Getty Images

The Wirehaired Vizsla is an exuberant hunter on land or lake, boasting a dense, wiry coat distinguishing the dog breed from its close relative, the Vizsla.

These adorable animals with their typically rusty-red coloring have a high social skill set, as well as vast reserves of energy to burn.

4. Cockapoo (76.55%)

Cockapoo
Cockapoos are known for their clownish personalities. Nick Hopper/Getty Images

Cockapoos, also known as spoodles or cockerdoodles, are crossbreeds from a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, most commonly the Miniature Poodle.

They are known for their clownish personalities, blending a Poodle's intelligence and industry with the sturdiness and field spirit of a Cocker.

3. Mudi (77.27%)

MUDI
Mudis have potential for mouthiness. vauvau/Getty Images

The Mudi is a wonderfully intelligent, alert and agile farm dog, closely related to the Puli and Pum.

These highly trainable and handsome herding dogs were bred to hunt and have a potential for mouthiness These dogs require a lot of exercise.

2. Shichon (78.38%)

Shichon
Shichons are a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. KevinKlimaPhoto/Getty Images

The Shichon is an adorable cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise dog breeds.

These intelligent dogs have a huge personality, making them a great fit for households with young children and more elderly owners alike.

1. Japanese Spitz (86.67%)

Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz's protective nature and tendency to bark and howl may result in what could be deemed as naughty behavior Icealien/Getty Images

The Japanese Spitz, a small to medium breed of dog, is highly prized for its intelligence, ease in training and for being low-maintenance.

"The Japanese Spitz might look like butter wouldn't melt," Protect My Paws writer Cole said, "but this deviant little pooch is the naughtiest breed there is, being branded #baddog, #naughtypuppy and #cheekydog more than any other mutt."

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