Some breeds are notoriously slow to potty train — and it's not the owner's fault. Small bladders, brachycephalic anatomy, weather aversion, and stubborn temperaments combine to extend training to 6-12 months for some breeds. Knowing which breed you have sets realistic expectations.
Three factors compound: small bladder (most toy breeds), weather aversion (Frenchies, Bulldogs hate cold/wet), and stubborn independence (Doxies, Bulldogs). When all three apply, you're looking at 6-12 months of patient work.
Bulldogs are deliberate (not stupid) and notoriously slow to grasp routines. Add weather aversion and you have one of the hardest breeds to housebreak. See full Bulldog training guide →
Frenchies are smart but stubborn, with small bladders and severe weather aversion. Most owners report reliability between 6 and 8 months. See full French Bulldog training guide →
Tiny bladder + stubborn temperament + small dog syndrome (owners coddle instead of training) = slow potty training. With strict scheduling, most Yorkies are reliable by 8-10 months. See full Yorkie training guide →
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See the Training ProgramSmall bladder, weather aversion, and stubborn streak. Strict scheduling and crate training are non-negotiable. See full Maltese training guide →
Notoriously slow potty trainers. Small bladder + stubbornness + the owner pattern of treating them like babies = extended training. See full Shih Tzu training guide →
Doxies are stubborn hunters with small bladders. They also hate cold and wet weather, leading to winter regression. See full Dachshund training guide →
Stubborn and easily distracted. Heat sensitivity limits outdoor training time in summer. See full Pug training guide →
Eager to please but small-bladdered and slow to mature. See full Bichon Frisé training guide →
Tiny bladder + stubborn streak + the universal owner mistake of coddling instead of training. See full Chihuahua training guide →
Slow to grasp routines and physically resistant when they don't want to go outside. Strict scheduling required.
Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs) struggle with breathing in cold and wet conditions. Many genuinely don't want to be outside in those conditions. Plan for a covered potty area and quick outdoor trips.
Only if you're committed to permanent indoor elimination — apartment living, mobility issues, or no outdoor access. Otherwise, pee pads slow outside-only training. Stick with the strict schedule.
If a previously trained dog regresses for more than 1-2 weeks, get a vet check. UTIs are common and present as 'training regression.' Same for an 8-month-old puppy who's still having frequent accidents despite consistent training.
For the breeds on this list, yes — frequent accidents at 6 months are common. By 8-10 months most are reliable. By 12 months almost all are. If your puppy is still having daily accidents at 12+ months, see a vet.
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