All puppies have a few accident - but some breeds often continue to ruin carpets well into adulthood.placeholder image
All puppies have a few accident - but some breeds often continue to ruin carpets well into adulthood. | Canva/Getty Images

Hard to Toilet Train Dogs 2026: These are the 13 breeds of adorable dog that are a real challenge to housebreak - including the loving Dachshund 🐶

By David Hepburn

Writer-at-large

Published 12th Oct 2026, 10:13 BST

Be prepared to invest in carpet shampoo if you welcome one of these pups into your home.

If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.

Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).

So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.

Read more:

Dogs Training: These are the 10 easiest to train breeds of adorable dog - including the loving Labrador

Not Aggressive Dogs: These 10 adorable dog breeds are unlikely to show aggression - including the loving Labrador Retriever

There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.

Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.

One of the trickiest prospects for new owners is ensuring their new pet is quickly toilet trained – knowing to go outside to relieve themselves. Some breeds practically train themselves, while others may continue to do their business inside well into adulthood.

Here are the 13 breeds of dog that are notoriously difficult to house train.

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Notoriously stubborn, even if a Dachshund knows it's meant to go outside it might simply not bother.

1. Dachshund

Notoriously stubborn, even if a Dachshund knows it's meant to go outside it might simply not bother. | AFP via Getty Images

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Small dogs are often the most difficult to toilet train, particularly since their tiny bladders mean they have to go more often. This is the case with the Pekingese, who are also so full of self-importance that they see most commands as being an affront to their independence.

2. Pekingese

Small dogs are often the most difficult to toilet train, particularly since their tiny bladders mean they have to go more often. This is the case with the Pekingese, who are also so full of self-importance that they see most commands as being an affront to their independence. | Canva/Getty Images

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The Pug is another dog that may ignore its housebreaking training when it suits them. These diminutive characters hate the cold and wet weather, so may unilaterally decide to avoid it entirely.

3. Pug

The Pug is another dog that may ignore its housebreaking training when it suits them. These diminutive characters hate the cold and wet weather, so may unilaterally decide to avoid it entirely. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken

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The Beagle is so energetic that it can be difficult to get them to sit still for long enough for toilet training. Treats and praise are the best method for this hyper dog.

4. Beagle

The Beagle is so energetic that it can be difficult to get them to sit still for long enough for toilet training. Treats and praise are the best method for this hyper dog. | Canva/Getty Images

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