Experts Pick 5 Most Dramatic Dog Breeds

By Kristen Seymour


Some dog breeds are known for being happy-go-lucky, seeming to adapt to all kinds of situations with a mere wag of the tail. Others not so much.

We were curious as to which breeds veterinary professionals found to be the biggest drama queens during visits to their offices. Which breeds shrink at the first sign of a nail trimmer? Which ones are likely to howl or whine the moment they catch sight of the clinic door?

Two hundred eighty-one animal experts, including veterinarians, technicians and office staff, weighed in with their opinions on the topic. We've listed their top five picks in the slideshow below, but we want to hear from you, too. Which breeds would you add to the list?

SEE ALSO: 5 Most Laid-back Dog Breeds


No. 1: Basset Hound

(photo credit: David Jensen, Animal Photography/vetstreet.com)

Her soulful eyes are enough to get most people to bend to her will, but if the Basset Hound's hangdog expression doesn't convince you, her mournful howl will almost definitely get you to see things her way.

His special combination of stubbornness (manifested by selective deafness and an apparent ability to remain deeply asleep with a human being calling his name from four inches away) and sense of humor leaves his owners unsure of whether to be angry or just give up and laugh. Tip: laugh.


No. 2: Chihuahua

Perhaps when you're very small, everything seems like a big deal, which could explain the drama queen personalities of many Chihuahuas. But that only makes this breed more lovable to his many fans. They also tend to be high-strung and prone to nipping, snapping and even biting when frightened or threatened, or when defending his people or territory.

No. 3: Beagle
Most Beagles love to eat almost as much as they love to sniff, and they've got enormous voices they're happy to use. Beagles like to have their own way, and they can be naughty, determined and stubborn in their efforts to get what they want, which is usually food.

No. 4: Pug
Another relatively little dog, the Pug also packs a lot of life into a small package. He tends to be a lively little lovebug who's not shy about letting you know just what he wants - like all of your attention. Pugs have a reputation for being difficult to housetrain. But if you learn to read their body language, they will tell you when they need to go out.

No. 5: Dachshund

(photo credit: David Jensen, Animal Photography/vetstreet.com)

This hound is small, but he's got a huge personality. The Dachshund is typically brave, bold, sometimes reckless and often barks with little (or no) provocation, but that doesn't keep Doxie lovers from singing his praises. Dachshunds are active, fun-loving dogs, but they can also be hard to housetrain, willful and feisty, which might make them a poor choice for many families, particularly those with children.

More on Vetstreet.com:

* 15 Worst Dog Breeds for New Pet Owners
* Why Does My Dog Kick Grass After Pooping?
* 14 Common Dog Behavior Myths Decoded
* Want a Dog That Stays Puppylike Through Life? A Breed to Consider