In the dog world, as with the human world, some pups are going to be more mischievous than others. Whether they are digging through the trash, stealing socks, being loud to make their feelings known, or turning your clothing into chew toys, certain pups are more prone to playful trouble—especially during the busy holiday season. So if you have a big dog or a small dog who tends to not be the best behaved, you might be curious if your cute companion might be one of the 6 dog breeds most likely on Santa’s naughty list.

To be fair, these challenging dog breeds aren’t bad dogs at all. Mischievous dog breeds that end up on Santa’s naughty list often share a few common traits: they’re highly active, smart, and easily bored, though other personality quirks can play a role too. When these energetic dogs don’t get enough exercise, mental stimulation, or attention, they may be more likely to act out.

But just because your dog is one of the breeds that’s prone to naughtiness doesn’t mean your pup will be naughty. It’s just that you may need to stay on top of their training and tend to their needs a little more than breeds that are known for being more laidback. Keeping that in mind, these are the breeds that some people may consider to be the worst-behaved dog breeds since they are strong-willed, stubborn and rambunctious, according to vets. However, if you have one of them, you know that despite their reputations, they are still lovable pets.

Related: 7 Dog Breeds That Bring the Drama—In the Best Possible Way, According to Experts

6 Dogs Breeds Most Likely on Santa’s Naughty List

While all dogs have their moments, some challeging dog breeds are more prone to mischief and may end up on Santa’s naughty list. Vets point out that certain behavior traits—like stubbornness, high energy, or curiosity—can make these breeds more likely to get into trouble during the holiday season. See if your pup is included in this roundup.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier, often called the “King of Terriers,” is the largest of the terrier dog breeds and one of the most intelligent and high-energy dogs around. While this confident, playful breed has many great qualities, its strong-willed nature can sometimes earn it a spot on Santa’s naughty list, according to Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance.

“Airedales definitely have a mind of their own, which can make them difficult and naughty if you don’t use consistent training,” she says. “They are intelligent and need to have mental stimulation and set boundaries in order to keep them out of mischief.” That terrier background also means that  this breed has a ton of energy. “Be prepared to channel that energy into positive things,” Bonk says.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Friendly, courageous, clever

Beagle

Beagles are total sweethearts, but their powerful sense of smell and natural independence can sometimes land them on Santa’s naughty list. As a classic hound dog breed, Beagles have an intense scent drive, which can easily lead them into trouble if they aren’t properly trained or mentally engaged. “A Beagle’s strong scent drive often leads them on wild goose chases if they aren’t properly trained or have other jobs to do,” Bonk says. “When combined with their need for independence and a leaning towards stubbornness, you may have quite a training job on your hands, especially if you’re new to the dog world.”

Beagles require consistent, positive reinforcement-type training, per Bonk. If not, she warns that, “they will take advantage of owners that don’t give them enough to keep them occupied.”

Breed Stats

• Personality: Curious, friendly, merry

Russell Terrier

There’s no dnying that Russell Terriers are adorable dog breeds. However, since they were originally bred to hunt rats and vermin, they are regularly on the alert. But this is also an incredibly high-energy breed, that’s always up for playtime, according to Julie Hunt, DVM, Embrace Pet Insurance veterinarian contributor. Failure to keep your Russell Terrier occupied could mean your pup will turn to troublemaking.

That’s why it’s so crucial to keep Russell Terriers busy, whether it’s playing fetch in the yard or inventing games at home. For those times when you’re otherwise occupied, having plenty of dog puzzles or enrichment games around will go a long way toward keeping your pet happy.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Alert, inquisitive, lively

Pug

Pugs are fun, energetic and happy pups. They’re also total clowns and love to make you and others laugh, according to Aimee Warner, DVM, resident veterinarian at Waggel. Still, despite being all heart, Pugs can sometimes earn a spot on Santa’s naughty list. In fact, the American Kennel Club lists “mischievous” as a common Pug trait.

Because Pugs are extremely people-oriented dogs, Warner notes that they don’t like being left alone for long periods. When they’re bored or craving attention, they may act out with naughty behaviors like getting into things they shouldn’t. Making sure your Pug gets plenty of TLC, attention, and mental stimulation before you leave and after you return home can help keep this affectionate breed on its best behavior.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Charming, loving, mischievous

Related: 7 Signs Your Dog Considers You Their Hero, Says a Trainer

Border Collie

Border Collies are known for being highly intelligent and active, which can be an easy recipe for mischief if their needs aren’t met. This strong-willed dog was originally bred to herd sheep, and it enjoys having a job to do.

Border Collies are easy to train and excellent at obedience, once they’re well-trained. But they’re also great at problem-solving, which means your pup can be a Houdini when it comes to getting into things they shouldn’t. Border Collies are great with families, too—they just need plenty of activity and stimulation or they won’t be well-behaved.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Energetic, affectionate, smart

Siberian Husky

Like the Pug, the AKC calls out the Siberian Husky for its mischievous nature. However, this stubborn dog breed is fun-loving with energy to spare, which means you’ll need to keep your Husky well-exercised and entertained.

And while they can be naughty dog breeds and some might call them one of the worst behaved dog breeds, with the right training they are great pets. In fact, they are highly affectionate and smart, which means your pooch will enjoy enrichment games and cuddles alike. One way experts say you can help them channel their good boy or good girl sides is to run with them and get them a lot of exercise. By doing so, it will help this strong-willed dog breed stay out of trouble.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Loyal, outgoing, mischievous

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.