13 Difficult Dog Breeds for First Time Dog Owners

Bringing a dog into your home can be a rewarding and joyful experience. However, it’s important to understand that not all dog breeds are suitable for first-time dog owners. Some breeds have specific needs, high energy levels, or require extensive training and socialization. In this blog, we will discuss 13 dog breeds that may not be the best choice for novice dog owners. It’s crucial to research and select a breed that matches your lifestyle, experience, and ability to meet their needs. With proper knowledge and preparation, you can lay the foundation for a successful relationship with your first dog.

The Importance of Temperament

Temperament refers to a dog’s innate personality traits and behavioral tendencies, which can greatly influence how they interact with their owners, other animals, and the world around them. It encompasses a wide range of characteristics such as energy level, sociability, trainability, and aggression. Understanding a dog’s temperament is crucial for potential owners as it helps them find a breed or individual dog that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences. For first-time owners, it is particularly important to choose a dog with a temperament that matches their experience level and ability to provide appropriate training and socialization. While there is no guarantee of a dog’s temperament, selecting a breed that generally displays certain traits is important to enhance a new owners chances of success with their new pet.

The Importance of Breed History and Purpose

When considering getting a new dog as a first-time owner, it is important to take into account the breed’s history and purpose. Some breeds have been bred for specific tasks or roles, such as herding, guarding, or hunting. These breeds may have certain traits and characteristics that make them more suitable for experienced owners who are familiar with their needs and behaviors. For example, high-energy working breeds like the Belgian Malinois require plenty of mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. A breed such as the Cane Corso, which has a history as a guard dog and protector, requires extensive socialization and strong leadership. On the other hand, there are breeds that are known for being more adaptable and easygoing, making them better suited for novice owners. Understanding a breed’s history and purpose can help first-time owners choose a dog that aligns with their lifestyle, resources, and level of experience to ensure a successful and fulfilling companionship.

13 Dogs First Time Owners Should Avoid

The following list of 13 breeds would be tough for any first time or novice dog owner to handle. They are all intelligent dogs that make excellent companions, but require a lot of work and are better suited to more experienced owners.

1. Cane Corso

Cane Corsi are large and powerful dogs, often weighing over 100 pounds. Their size alone can make them difficult to handle for someone inexperienced in handling larger breeds. Additionally, Cane Corsi require firm and consistent training from an early age to ensure they become well-behaved and obedient pets. Their strong-willed nature can pose a challenge for novice owners who may struggle with establishing themselves as the pack leader. Furthermore, Cane Corsi have a natural protective instinct and can be wary of strangers, requiring proper socialization to prevent aggression or fear-based behaviors. Lastly, this breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Overall, while Cane Corsi can make loyal and loving companions, their size, training needs, and protective instincts make them better suited for experienced dog owners who can provide the necessary guidance and structure.

2. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois dogs can be a difficult choice for first-time dog owners due to several factors. Firstly, they are highly energetic and require a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. This breed thrives in an active environment and needs ample opportunities to burn off their energy. Additionally, Belgian Malinois are known for their strong working drive and need consistent training and socialization from an experienced handler. They have a natural instinct to protect and can display protective behaviors towards their family, which require careful management and training. Lastly, Belgian Malinois dogs are intelligent and independent thinkers, which means they can be stubborn at times and may require firm, consistent leadership. Overall, while Belgian Malinois dogs are loyal and devoted companions, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners who are not prepared to meet their specific needs.

3. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are known for their independent nature and stubbornness, which can make training a challenge for inexperienced owners. Chow Chows require consistent socialization from an early age to prevent them from becoming aggressive or aloof towards strangers and other animals. These dogs may not tolerate small children or other pets in the household. Chow Chows can also be protective and territorial of their owners, and proper socialization is crucial to prevent behavioral issues. Their size and exercise needs make them less ideal for apartment living.

4. Shar Pei

Shar Peis, with their unique skin folds, are distinctive in appearance. However, their stubbornness and independent nature can make them a handful for first-time dog owners. Without proper socialization from a young age, Shar Peis can display aggression towards other dogs. Additionally, Shar Peis are prone to certain health problems, such as skin allergies and eye issues, which can be expensive and time-consuming to manage. Their deep wrinkles also require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent infections. Lastly, Shar Peis tend to be aloof with strangers and may exhibit protective behaviors towards their families, making proper socialization crucial from an early age. While these unique characteristics can make owning a Shar Pei a rewarding experience for experienced dog owners, they may pose challenges for those new to dog ownership.

5. Alaskan Malamute

While Alaskan Malamutes are beautiful and charismatic dogs, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. Several factors contribute to this. First, Alaskan Malamutes are known for their independent and strong-willed nature. They have a tendency to be stubborn and require consistent training and firm leadership. This can be challenging for inexperienced owners who may struggle to establish themselves as the pack leader. Additionally, Alaskan Malamutes are highly energetic and require substantial exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Failure to provide adequate exercise can result in destructive behavior. Lastly, these dogs have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming and shedding can be quite heavy, which may not be ideal for individuals with allergies or those who prefer low-maintenance pets. Therefore, it is important for potential dog owners to carefully consider these factors before choosing an Alaskan Malamute as their first pet.

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

There are several factors that would make a Rhodesian Ridgeback a difficult choice for a first-time dog owner. First and foremost, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large and powerful dogs that require consistent training and socialization from an early age. They have a strong prey drive and may not get along well with small animals or other dogs, which can make them difficult to handle in public settings. Additionally, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known to be independent and stubborn, which can make training challenging for someone who is not experienced with handling strong-willed dogs. These dogs also require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Overall, while Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be loyal and loving companions, they require an experienced owner who can provide them with the structure, training, and exercise they need to thrive.

7. Boerboel

While Boerboels are known for their loyalty and protective nature, there are several factors that could make them a challenging choice for a first-time dog owner. First and foremost, Boerboels are large and powerful dogs, typically weighing between 150-200 pounds. Their size alone can present challenges in terms of exercise needs, space requirements, and general handling. Additionally, Boerboels have a strong instinct to guard and protect their family, which means they require consistent training and socialization from an early age to ensure they develop into well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs. Without proper training and socialization, Boerboels may exhibit aggressive or dominant behaviors towards strangers or other animals. Lastly, due to their protective nature, Boerboels may not be suitable for households with young children or other pets unless carefully supervised. It is important for potential owners to thoroughly research the breed’s characteristics and consider their own experience level and lifestyle before making the decision to bring a Boerboel into their home.

8. Bullmastiff

While bullmastiffs are a beloved breed known for their loyalty and protective nature, there are several factors that could make them a difficult choice for a first-time dog owner. Firstly, bullmastiffs are large and powerful dogs, often weighing over 100 pounds. Their size alone can be intimidating for inexperienced owners who may struggle to handle them effectively. Additionally, bullmastiffs have a strong prey drive and can be prone to aggression towards other animals if not properly socialized and trained from an early age. This can pose challenges for first-time owners who may not have the knowledge or experience to manage such behavior. Lastly, bullmastiffs require consistent training and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Their energy levels and exercise needs can be demanding, which may overwhelm novice owners who are not prepared for the commitment required. Therefore, while bullmastiffs can be wonderful companions with the right owner, they may not be the best choice for those new to dog ownership.

9. Bouvier des Flanders

While Bouvier des Flanders can make wonderful companions, there are certain factors that may make them a difficult choice for first-time dog owners. One of the main considerations is their size and strength. Bouviers are large, powerful dogs that require proper training and handling to ensure they can be controlled effectively. Their strong-willed nature and independent streak can also pose challenges for inexperienced owners who may struggle to establish themselves as the pack leader. Additionally, Bouviers have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming and maintenance to keep it healthy and free from matting. This can be time-consuming and may require professional help if the owner is not familiar with the specific grooming needs of this breed. Lastly, Bouviers have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Failure to provide adequate exercise can result in behavioral issues such as excessive barking or destructive behavior. Overall, while Bouviers are loyal and loving dogs, their size, strength, grooming requirements, and exercise needs make them a challenging choice for first-time dog owners.

10. Russian Black Terrier

While Russian Black Terriers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, there are several factors that could make them a challenging choice for a first-time dog owner. First and foremost, these dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Without proper outlets for their energy, they can become bored and develop destructive behaviors. Additionally, Russian Black Terriers have a strong guarding instinct and may be wary of strangers, which can require careful socialization and training to ensure they are well-behaved in various situations. Their thick double coat also requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it in good condition. Lastly, these dogs are large and powerful, so they need an owner who is confident in handling strong-willed breeds. While Russian Black Terriers can make wonderful companions for experienced owners, they may not be the best choice for someone new to dog ownership.

11. Akita

While Akitas are beautiful and loyal dogs, they can be a difficult choice for a first-time dog owner, especially if they haven’t owned a large breed of dog before. One of the main factors is their strong-willed nature. Akitas are known for being independent and having a strong sense of dominance. This can make them challenging to train and require an experienced handler who understands how to establish boundaries and maintain consistent discipline. Additionally, Akitas have a protective instinct towards their families, which can sometimes lead to aggression towards strangers or other animals if not properly socialized from an early age. Their large breed size and strength also require an owner who is physically capable of handling them. Despite these challenges, with the right training, socialization, and guidance, Akitas can make wonderful companions. However, it is important for potential owners to carefully consider their level of experience and commitment before choosing an Akita as their first dog.

12. Rottweiler

While Rottweilers can be loyal and loving companions, there are several factors that could make them a difficult choice for a first-time dog owner. First and foremost, Rottweilers are a large and powerful breed, which means they require strong leadership and consistent training from an experienced owner. Their size alone can make them challenging to handle for someone who is not familiar with handling large dogs. Additionally, Rottweilers have a natural protective instinct, which can sometimes translate into aggression if not properly trained and socialized. This breed also requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Lastly, Rottweilers have specific health needs that may require extra attention and care. Overall, while Rottweilers can be incredible companions for the right owner, they may not be the ideal choice for someone who is new to dog ownership.

13. Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd is a breed that requires experienced and knowledgeable dog owners. There are several factors that make it a difficult choice for first-time dog owners. Firstly, the Caucasian Shepherd is a large and powerful breed, known for its protective nature. This means that they require strong and consistent leadership, as well as proper socialization and training from an early age. Additionally, the breed has a high prey drive and can be aggressive towards other animals if not properly trained and socialized. Their independent nature also means that they can be stubborn and challenging to train. Finally, the Caucasian Shepherd has high exercise needs and requires a lot of space to roam and play. These factors combined make the Caucasian Shepherd a challenging choice for first-time dog owners who may not have the experience or knowledge necessary to handle such a strong-willed and powerful breed.

FAQ – 13 Dogs First Time Owners Should Avoid

Are these breeds suitable for apartment living?

While some breeds might adapt, it’s generally challenging. These breeds thrive in spacious environments with ample exercise opportunities.

How do I train a strong-willed breed?

The key to successfully training a strong-willed breed lies in consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. These breeds are often intelligent and independent, so it’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader early on. Consider professional training if necessary.

Can these breeds be family dogs?

With proper training and socialization, some can, but it’s crucial to consider the specific needs and temperaments of each breed.

Do these breeds get along with other pets?

Early socialization is vital. Some breeds may have a higher prey drive or territorial instincts, so introductions should be gradual and controlled.

How much exercise do these breeds need?

Most of these breeds are energetic and require daily exercise. A sedentary lifestyle may lead to behavioral problems.

13 Dogs First Time Owners Should Avoid – Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while these breeds may be stunning and have their own unique qualities, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their strong personalities, high energy levels, or complex training needs. It’s important to choose a breed that aligns with your lifestyle, experience, and commitment level. Remember, being a responsible dog owner means providing the right environment, training, and socialization for your dog. If you’re unsure about which breed is best for you, consult with a reputable breeder or consider adopting a mixed breed from a shelter. With the right match, you can ensure a happy and harmonious life with your canine companion.