The 21 Worst Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
The first dog to make our list is the Airedale Terrier. It’s the largest of all terriers and is known for having a strong will and being stubborn. They are a friendly and fun dog, but they suffer from separation anxiety quickly and can start to get into mischief when they do. They can also dig holes in the yard and garden, and their high energy level makes them prone to knocking over small children and chasing other pets.
The Akita is a large and powerful Japanese dog that has strong guarding instincts. They are known as the silent hunter because they don’t bark much, only when they need to make a point or warn you of an intruder. However, they like to be the boss and need an owner that knows how to show that they are the alpha to keep the dog in line. Akitas are also moody dogs with rapid and dramatic mood swings that could lead to them becoming aggressive for a short time.
The Alaskan Malamute is a strong dog that has amazing endurance. It’s one of the oldest sled dogs, but it is not fast. Instead, its breeding helps it carry large loads over a long distance. It’s friendly and loves to be around other family members, especially children. The primary reason we find the Alaskan Malamute on this list is that it requires an enormous amount of exercise that many owners are not able to complete. It’s also a heavy shedder and requires frequent brushing and grooming to keep the hair under control.
According to PawCulture, “the Akita likes to be the leader of the pack and requires a strong hand in training. The breed’s temperament can range from calm to bouncy and aggressive, so it should always be supervised around small children and other animals.”
The Australian cattle dog also goes by the name “blue heeler” or “Australian heeler.” But whatever the breeder or the shelter calls him, he’s not the ideal fit for a brand-new dog owner. VetStreet puts it best when the publication explains, “he has a reputation for being stubborn and having energy to spare — not to mention a truly adventurous spirit and belief in his own invincibility that will leave you wondering how he’ll injure himself next.” Additionally, PawCulture reports that Australian cattle dog owners “must establish themselves as the pack leader to promote a harmonious household.”
Many people love the distinctive looks of the Dalmatian (especially after the breed starred in a blockbuster movie). However, veterinarians recommend that first-time dog owners choose a different breed. According to VetStreet, the traits that make the Dalmatian a great working dog “can make him a challenge in the home. He has an endless capacity for exercise and can be destructive when bored.” Another minor issue? Dalmatians are notoriously heavy shedders who will keep you busy with the vacuum cleaner.
Most people know that the chow chow doesn’t exactly act like a teddy bear, despite his adorable face. Veterinary professionals tell VetStreet, “He’s intelligent but stubborn, and may require a lot of training before you get the results you’re looking for. This breed is wary of strangers and may be aggressive toward dogs he doesn’t know.” SheKnows reports that chow chows, like cats, “often have problems with authority. Unlike cats, the large size of a chow chow makes them potentially dangerous and frustrating in inexperienced hands.”
The countdown begins with the Airedale terrier, which made VetStreet’s list of the worst dog breeds for novices. The publication asked more than 200 veterinary professionals to name the breeds that first-time dog owners should think twice about. The Airedale terrier has an independent and intelligent nature that can challenge even an experienced owner. VetStreet characterizes the breed as a “notorious digger and counter-surfer.” Plus, these dogs need lots of exercise, both physical and mental, to control their energy and destructive tendencies.
Tibetan Mastiff
This breed of dog originated from the Himalayan Mountains and was used to protect families.
They were kept inside during the day but used to be let out at night to protect the families flock and act as a watchdog.
For this reason, Tibetan Mastiffs are an independent breed of dog, and they are also brilliant.
They can be very aggressive to strangers because they were bred to be watchdogs. This breed will need obedience training, and they will need to be well socialized when they are puppies.
This breed is definitely one to avoid if you’re a first-time owner.
Difficult Dog Breeds – 8 Worst Dogs For First Time Owners
Dogs make wonderful pets, but not every dog is suitable for every owner. Unfortunately, if you dont find a pet that fits your lifestyle, youll end up in an unhappy relationship, especially if you never cared for a dog before.
How suitable a dog breed is for a new owner depends on several factors. Different dog breeds have different temperaments, characters, and behavioral traits (1, 2, 3, 4).
But mostly, what it all comes down to is a breeds trainability and aggressiveness, and both of these factors are related to each other.
Two other variables that are slightly less important but still must be considered are breeds stubbornness and energy levels.