Having a Dog can be a very exciting thing in your life. They are sure to make your life beautiful and worth living and hence are referred to as ‘Man’s best friend’’. However, finding the right dog can be very tricky especially for first-time dog owners.
If you are a novice then you need to know which breed of dogs are best to avoid so that they do not end up in the streets or in the shelters. This is where the question arises why breed matters for novice owners. When you search for a dog you would have some sort of idea as to what you are looking for: for example, you may have your preference based on size, their energy level, or their temperament.
As a word of caution don’t get a dog because it’s very popular or you have seen that breed in movies or commercials. That is a sure shot recipe for disaster. That is why proper research is necessary to determine what kind of breed would suit your lifestyle. Because every dog breed came into being with its specific needs and goals. Dogs that are bred for guarding, hunting, sled pulling, herding or simply sitting on the laps come with different temperaments and energy levels.
A word of Disclaimer:
None of the dogs mentioned in the list are bad breeds. All dogs are good provided they are trained properly and socialized at the earliest. There are some breeds that are easy to train and genetically make good family dogs while there are breeds that pose some challenge to first time home and so are not recommended for first-time owners.
Let us look at dogs that are not suitable for first-time dog owners:
1. Bull Mastiff
When you look at a Bull Mastiff you will see why it is not meant for novice owners. These dogs are humongous in size and as such, they are not ideal for families with small children. Because of their sheer size, they can unintentionally hurt small children while playing. Though they are agile in their movement, yet they can knock small kids or infants, which can lead to accidents. Another reason why Bull Mastiffs is not recommended for first-time owners is that they are difficult to control even for an adult. So if you are unable to train them at an early age, they can become unruly and aggressive and this will end in a disaster. Hence, it is best advised to avoid such huge breeds if you have no idea how to train and socialize them.
2. Rottweilers:
if you have seen a Rottweiler then you will agree that they look very rugged and dangerous. I know many people who own Rots and they are very well behaved. But if you are a new dog owner then this is not a dog for you. Rottweilers are known to be extremely protective of their families. They are smart dogs who are easy to train but as I said earlier it’s not for everybody.
Rots need serious training as it needs to be taught well as to who to be friends with and whom to not. It is best to tread with caution when meeting a rot for the first time. If trained properly Rotties will do anything for their owners. But training requires a lot of patience and dedication. So if you want to keep a rottweiler then you will need experience and will have to give the same amount of energy as well. An untrained Rottie is equal to a loaded gun for you and your family. They need sensitizing towards small kids and strangers when a puppy. So for first-time dog owners, this breed may not be the right fit.
3. Chihuahua:
Our next dog which is not suitable for first-time dog owners is the Chihuahua. When you look at a Chihuahua you will feel that they are so small that they will not be able to do anything. Here is where most people get it wrong. The Chihuahua is infamously feisty and is known to get aggressive. So if you have small children at home, then the Chihuahua may not be the right dog for you.
You may train and socialize Chihuahua when they are a puppy which will help them coexist with children. However, small children will also be needed to be taught how to play with the dog. Chihuahuas are small dogs and because of their size children usually do not understand how to interact with them. They are easy to injure if handled incorrectly; even petting them with a little force can lead to injuries. Another thing that the Chihuahua does not tolerate is loud noises or boisterous kids. So small kids playing or running around it can make the Chihuahuas get agitated. Therefore, it is best advised to keep small kids supervised with a Chihuahua around.
4. Chinese Sharpei:
The Chinese Sharpei is a very beautiful but unusual-looking dog breed. The Sharpei is a very independent, strong-willed, and intelligent dog. They can be very territorial and as such, they make good guard dogs. The Chinese Sharpei is very loyal and devoted to their family members but displays reserved characteristics towards kids and strangers. They do well with adults but not so much with young children.
If you are a first-time dog owner then you may want to opt-out of this dog as they can be very strong-willed. Training them at the earliest is the key to avoid any signs of aggression. They are highly intelligent, but are stubborn and require a lot of patience to train. If you cannot give the time and energy to train these lovely wrinkled beauties then you should give this breed a toss. If you still want to keep this dog, then it is advised to get an experienced trainer to train them.
5. Tibetan Mastiff:
The Tibetan Mastiff is a big furry bulky dog, originated from the Himalayan mountains where they were used to guard and protect their families and flocks from outside threat. The Tibetan Mastiffs are very territorial and as such will require strong fenced space for living. They are a very intelligent and independent breed but can be stubborn and are not recommended for first-time novice dog owners. They are very loving and protective towards their family members but can be aggressive and distrustful towards strangers. If you own a Tibetan Mastiff then you will need to start its training and socialization as early as possible.
Also, strict obedience training will be required to keep these bulky dogs from getting into any untoward incidences. Though they do well with children, yet it is advisable to keep them supervised. They are massive dogs and as such, they can accidentally knock off kids, a trait which all big breed dogs are capable of.
6. ChowChow:
The ChowChows were originally bred for hunting, guarding temples, and pulling sleds. They are very good looking dogs but they can be reserved and aloof. So if you are looking for a cuddle pet then this is not a dog for you. The Chowchows are a sturdy breed but they have a reputation for being aggressive and rank among the most dangerous dog breeds. If you are a first-time dog owner, then it wise to avoid this beautiful pooch as they are stubborn to train.
They have a strong guarding sense and are loyal towards their family but do not do so well with children. Training and socialization need to be done as easily as possible to avoid Chows being aggressive. It is very important that they meet other dogs and people so that they can bond well. If you want to keep a Chow Chow then you will have to be patient and consistent with it as it is not so easily trainable. It is an intelligent but stubborn dog and is not the best fit for novice owners but will do wonderfully with experienced adult families.
7. Australian Cattle Dog:
As the name itself suggests, the Australian cattle dog was predominately used for herding. This is an active dog that requires a lot of exercises to keep it from becoming restless. The reason why this dog is not meant for first-time dog owners is that they require a dominant hand in training. It is a super smart and intelligent dog and if you do not have good control over it, chances are that the dog will take over and do things as it pleases.
Athletic by nature, the Australian cattle dogs do well in the countryside and in open spaces where their obedience and agility can be put to good use. They are loyal towards their family members, but do show some streak of stubbornness and are wary towards strangers. So if you are someone who has a lot of visitors, then it’s probably best to avoid this breed as they might create trouble. Also, since they require a lot of exercise, novice dog owners should steer clear of this breed.
8. German Shepherd:
The German Shepherd is a very beautiful and fearless dog known for its heroism. They are arguably one the most versatile of all working dogs. They are very athletic and are known to be super intelligent that you can train them to do almost anything.
But ….., German Shepherds may look beautiful but they are known for their guarding instinct. They do well for police or military dogs and as such require a lot of professional training. Being extremely intelligent, you will have to devote immense time and energy to train them so that they do not channel their energy into something destructive. You will need to adopt a firm and active nature if you plan to keep a German Shepard. As such, they may not be a good choice for novice owners who may not be able to meet the rigorous physical and mental requirements of the breed. Early training and socialization is a must if you want to avoid any behavioral problems later on.
9. Weimaraner:
Weimaraners are born to run. They are not a breed that can be brought home and left to sit on the couch. They were bred to hunt huge games like bears, boars, deers, etc. Known as the ‘Grey Ghost’ the Weimaraner is an energetic dog that is super-duper intelligent and smart. These dogs require large open spaces and do not do well in an apartment or city living. They are very sociable breeds and make good family pets but given their high activity level, they are not meant for any or everyone.
Separation anxiety is sometimes an issue with them if you leave them alone for long periods. Since they are smart dogs, training them early is a must or they will find ways to entertain themselves(in a naughty and wicked way) and this can be a problem at times. If you live in the countryside then they will do wonderfully there. Otherwise, this breed is not meant for you.
10. Saint Bernard:
Saint Bernard is a majestic looking dog known for its heroism. Known as the nanny of the dog world, Saint Bernards are lovable and extremely loyal towards their family members and do well with kids around. They are not an aggressive breed and are usually very calm and patient dogs. So why do I mention them in this list you may be wondering???
Well, Saint Bernards is huge and as with all large dog breeds, they may not be a good fit for families with small kids. They are not aggressive by nature, but given their sheer size, they may cause accidents, unintentionally of course, like knocking over your small kids. As with any dog, early training and socialization are a must to avoid any aggressive or unwanted behavioral problems. So first-time dog owners who have no idea about how to train this gentle giant should refrain from getting a dog of this gargantuan stature.
11. Great Dane:
The Great Dane is a giant dog referred to as the Apollo of the Dog world. Danes are very elegant while at the same time being very goofy. These beautiful dogs are powerful and athletic but they can also be couch potatoes given their calm disposition and are known as the world’s largest lapdogs. These gentle giants were used in earlier times to hunt large prey and were even used as war dogs. One must always remember that just because they are calm dogs doesn’t mean that will not get aggressive. The guarding instinct has always been there in their genes even though it has been bred out over centuries of breeding.
Yet, this is a massive dog so care should always be taken when dealing with kids as their large bodies can come as a hindrance while playing with small kids. With proper and early training, Great Danes make excellent pets. Be ready to socialize as early as possible to avoid any traces of aggression.
So if are a first-time dog owner and have no clue about dog training, then it is best advised to avoid bringing home such a big dog. This is a giant dog that can adapt anywhere, however, it needs a large space to stretch its legs. So if you are living in a cramped place then the Great Danes may not be the best fit for you. Also, if you have small children, it is necessary to teach them not to treat the Great Dane as a pony and climb over it. It is certainly not safe with any dog and more so with a dog of this size.
12. Beagle:
Beagle is one of the most beloved hounds. Beagles love their owners and can make new friends with the turn of their heads. The name beagle comes from the French word ‘beguile’ meaning gape throat. Beagles were primarily bred for running around the fields for chasing rabbits. These pooches are very intelligent but are single-minded. Due to their size and good temperament, beagles have become a favorite in the family circle. However, leaving the good qualities aside, Beagles bark horrendously. They are known to be loud barkers as well as howlers. Beagles have a tendency to howl when they are bored, sad, or sometimes while even imitating someone.
They are probably not the best apartment dogs especially if you have neighbors who like peace and quiet. Beagles have a very powerful nose and because of this, they must be kept in a fenced yard. Due to their powerful nose, they have a tendency to follow the scents everywhere. So they do well in the countryside where they can get all the room to run around. Beagles are not guarding dogs but due to their barking and howling tendencies, they can be good watchdogs.
Beagles are pack oriented and are prone to separation anxiety. This makes them destroy things when they are left unattended or alone. Beagles no doubt make an excellent family pet and are also good with children. But for first-time dog owners, it may not be a good choice to get a beagle as they need some consistency and a great deal of patience to train them as they get easily distracted with all the scents around. Also, if you are someone living in an apartment, then steer clear from getting this breed.
13. Dalmatians:
The Dalmatians are very quirky and eye-catching dogs. Bred originally to guard horses and coaches, this protective instinct of the Dals still remains in their blood. If you intend to keep a Dalmation, you should not get carried away by what you may have watched in the movie ‘101 dalmatians’. These energetic dogs are not for everyone. They are highly independent, so they have a mind of their own. Also, they are highly stubborn dogs with a high level of smartness. Because of this, they can at times feel like they are the boss and not you. So early, consistent and patient training is a must to get them to become obedient.
If you are a couch potato then this is not a dog for you. This is a super active dog and it will require a lot of exercises. So if you are ready to invest time, energy, and patience in training these dogs then you should think about getting them. The Dals as I have mentioned earlier are very stubborn, so if you are new to dog training then you may want to start with a less difficult breed. Training the Dalmations takes a lot of effort and patience since they are intelligent, they tend to do things their way. So first-time dog owners may have problems training them
So these were some of the breeds which a novice owner with no idea about training should refrain from. But let’s not confuse the above-mentioned dog breeds as being unsuitable for family living. With the right training, even the most aggressive dog breeds turn out to be good family pets. Hope this article was of some help to you. Do share your stories about your furry buddies in our comments section and how they made a difference in your life.
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