The 10 worst dog breeds for first-time owners to wait to adopt (2023)

Dogs make wonderful pets, but not all dogs are right for all owners. Unfortunately, if you don't find a pet that fits your lifestyle, you're going to end up in an unhappy relationship, especially if you've never cared for a dog before.

So be sure to avoid the worst dog breeds for first time owners.

The suitability of a dog breed for a new owner depends on several factors. Different breeds of dogs have different temperaments, characters, and behavioral traits (1,2,3,4).

But mostly, it all comes down to a race.trainabilitymiaggressiveness, and both factors are related to each other.

Two other variables that are slightly less important but still need to be considered are race.stubbornnessmienergy levels.

Science on breed trainability and aggressiveness

Research shows thatSome racesthey are genetically more aggressive and have a greater hunting drive due to the structure of their brain: the amygdala and hypothalamus (5,6).

Similarly, studies have also found thatcertain racesthey are more difficult to train than others due to their behavioral traits, boldness, reactivity and sociability (7,8).

These two breed factors are important to first-time owners because a dog will be more restless, more impulsive, and less easy to control.

They will require much more skill, experience and patience on the part of the dog owner. And if this is your first time adopting a dog, you may not have the necessary qualities to avoid accidents with yourself, the dog and the people around you.

For example, in astudy 2018that focused on the trainability of specific breeds, the scientists found that Borzoi, Chow Chows, and Saint Bernards, among other breeds, were much more difficult to train and control, while other breeds, such as Collies, Whippets, and German Shepherds, among other. others scored very high on trainability and how good they were at listening to owners and following commands.

Combining these two factors - how easy a breed is to train and how aggressive or reactive it is - along with how stubborn a breed is and its energy needs (it's a veryactive dog, working breed that needs a lot of exercise?) helps us figure out which dogs are less suitable for first-time owners.

Below are ten of the worst dog breeds for first time owners that would be more difficult (but not impossible) to care for if you areinexperienced, terless patience and time, and there is no way for the dog to constantly release energy.

RELATED:The 10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

The 10 Worst Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

1. Sky terrier

Skye Terriers are great little dogs, but they like to get their way and can be very stubborn.

This breed of dog needs regular exercise and lots of walking to stay fit and happy.

They also need regular grooming as their fur can grow very long andend up covering your eyes.

Skye Terriers also need regular baths and brushing, as they are prone to matting. They are fairly high-maintenance dogs, making them one of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners.

2. Cane Corso

This breed of dog was originally a watchdog and was used to hunt wild boar in Italy.

They are huge dogs and quite stubborn too. They can really end up ruling the house as they like to do things their own way.

Cane Corsos will build strong bonds with their owners and they will become truly special friends.

They are very territorial dogs and also extremely protective of their owners. That being said, if you are a new dog owner, this breed is probably best avoided.

3. Treeing Walker Coonhound

This breed of dog is really not the best choice for a first time dog owner. They are very athletic and need a lot of exercise to stay fit and satisfied.

They are also very competitive and are known for their stamina. Walkers were originally bred to track down and forest raccoons that lived in the wild.

If you lead an active lifestyle, they may be good for you, but if not, you should definitely avoid this breed. Keep in mind that they will also need a large outdoor area to run around and burn off energy.

This is not only one of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners, but also a terrible choice for city dwellers orpeople who live in small apartments.

They love to chase small game, and if you're not up for it, this breed is not for you.

4. Border Collie

Border Collies make excellent dogs and are working dogs. They are very energetic and always willing to please.

Border collies are also highly intelligent, and this breed thrives on human contact. They have a job to do and they do it very well. Where would we be without the Border Collie?

They love having jobs and are happy as long as they please their owners. this raceneeds to be mentally and physically challengedand will need a lot of exercise.

If you can't guarantee he'll get plenty of exercise, it's best to avoid this breed.

5. Hunting Dog

Bloodhounds are adorable dogs and they love their owners. However, they like to be in control and are very stubborn.

They have a powerful sense of smell, which makes thembig hunting dogs, and if a hound picks up a scent it wants to follow, it will, and you'll be dragged after it.

Bloodhounds are prone to chasing other animals, so if you're a new dog owner, the bloodhound might be too difficult to handle.

This is a very active breed that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

They can pick up some mischievous behaviors for fun if you don't interact enough, which is why we've added them to the list of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners.

6. Mastim Tibetan

This breed of dog originated from the Himalayan mountains and was used to protect families.

They were kept indoors during the day, but often came out at night to protect the family's livestock and act as watchdogs.

For this reason, Tibetan Mastiffs are an independent dog breed and they are brilliant too.

They can be very aggressive towards strangers because they were bred to be watchdogs. This breed will need obedience training and will need to be well socialized as puppies.

This breed is definitely a breed to avoid if you are a first time owner.

7. Australian Cattle Dog

This is a very loyal breed of dog, and its job was originally herding. They are also a very stubborn breed of dog.

Australian Shepherd dogs can be very restless if they don't have work to do. They are bright and very athletic, so they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and stress-free.

We added them to the list of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners because these canines can be very wary of strangers, which can be a problem if you have a lot of visitors in your home.

This breed will take control as they like to do things their own way.

8. Akita

The Akita is such a powerful dog and originates from Japan. It is a large and very strong dog, with strong guarding instincts.

Akitas make excellent watchdogs, but they like to be in control and need a lot of training.

Their temperament can also change very quickly: one moment they can be calm and collected and the next minute they can become aggressive.

This breed should be watched carefully if you have children or other pets at home. They need to be well socialized as puppies to ensure they are used to people and other animals.

This breed will require a lot of commitment, and if you can't guarantee it, you should definitely avoid it.

9. Husky siberiano

This breed of dog is impressive to look at, but they are huge dogs and need a lot of grooming and exercise to stay fit, healthy and sharp looking.diet of huskies.

Huskies are working dogs and are not happy unless they are out and about and getting exercise. They were bred to pull sleds in snowy weather and are always looking for something to do.

A short walk will not do for this breed. They can walk for hours and will need a lot ofexercise throughout the day. You will need to have plenty of space for this large breed and also be careful around other pets in the house.

Huskies are predatory dogs, and you can never be sure of their temperament from one minute to the next, which is why they are one of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners.

10. rottweiler

A Rottweiler is a huge dog, and for a first-time dog owner, this is probably best avoided. They can seem like scary dogs to some people, but they can be a loving and affectionate breed if properly socialized.

Conversely, Rotties also love to be in control and can be very stubborn.

They can take over quickly if you let them, and they are powerful dogs. Rottweilers are also very protective of their people.

They are very loyal and will make excellent watchdogs for you and your property if you have experience handling these types of dogs.

They're big, though: They weigh up to 135 pounds, and a lot of that is muscle. That's why they are so strong!

honorable mentions

While the following breeds aren't on our list, you won't find them on our list of the best dog breeds either.

Before you get any of the following races, make sure you can handle them and are up for a challenge. They are not necessarily bad, but some can be very challenging to first time pet owners due to their intelligence or energy.

It's worth reading more about these breeds from a reputable source like the American Kennel Club before dismissing them entirely.

• Shiba Inu
• Dalmatian
• bullmastiff
• weimaraner
• Chinese dog
• belga malinois
• Alaskan Malamute
• shar-pei
• airedale terrier
• Saint Bernard
• German shepherd
• beagle

Remember the importance of training and personalities

As you look at the list above and consider your first dog, remember that a dog's breed does not determine its entire personality.

It just determines your personality. Even breeds known for active dogs will occasionally have a dog with low energy.

Also, some of the dogs above may be suitable for new dog owners if they are just pets and lead an active lifestyle.

Training is also critical for the best and worst dogs. Proper training can teach some dogs to leave small pets alone.

It can even transform an extremely energetic dog into the perfect companion dog. This is much easier to do if you also make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Don't forget that dogs need both physical and mental stimulation.

If you can, take the time to get to know a dog before you adopt one. This will help you determine how trainable it is and how difficult it will be to handle.

It's also important to note that you don't need a purebred dog. Consider looking for strays or mixed breeds at your local shelter.

The only concern with a rescue is that you don't know their lives beforehand. For example, a dog that has been involved in dogfighting may be aggressive.

That being said, most shelters will have a good idea of ​​a dog's personality. This makes them a good choice for a first dog, as he may ask for a specific personality type.

Common Questions About Dog Breed Choices First-Time Owners Should Reconsider

If you still have questions about one of the dog breed options above, find the answers here.

We'll also answer questions related to first-time dog owners, including the best breed of dog to start with.

What breed of dog is best for beginning dog owners?

Whether you want a family pet or a watchdog, first-time dog owners will want to stick to one of several breeds for an easier experience.

Great options include Papillon, Greyhound, Labrador Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and mixed breed dogs. Other dogs can also be great for new dog owners.

This list is not exhaustive.

What is the number 1 most dangerous dog?

Only experienced dog owners should own one of the most dangerous dogs. It would help if you started obedience training early as well, focusing on positive training.

These dangerous dogs include American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Bullmastiffs, and American Bulldogs.

What dog can kill a lion?

Not all large dog breeds can kill a dog. Some are secretly gentle giants. If you want a future dog that can kill a lion, consider a Wolfhound, Tibetan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boerboel, Bloodhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kangal, Dogo Argentino, or Brazilian Fila. .

What is the easiest dog to have?

If you want to make owning a dog as easy as possible, you might want one of the adorable dogs that are easy to own.

Great options include basset hounds, beagles,border terriers, bulldogs, Bichon Frise, chihuahuas, collies y Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

What dog has the shortest life expectancy?

The Dogue de Bordeaux is among the breeds with the shortest life expectancy. They live only five to eight years on average. Additionally, this breed has an above-average stillbirth rate.

What is the strongest dog?

The strongest dog breeds includeRottweilers, Siberian husky, German Shepherd, German Domo, Doberman, San Bernard, Newfoundland and Alaskan Malamute.

You will notice that some of these breeds are on our list of bad choices for a first time owner. That's because many are strong and need physical and mental stimulation to avoid problems.

What is the calmest dog breed?

Calmer breeds include the Golden Retriever, Scotch Greyhound, Greyhound, French Bulldog, Bichon Frize, English Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees.

What is the healthiest dog breed?

Some of the healthiest breeds include the Australian Cattle Dog, Chihuahua, Greyhound, Poodle, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Australian Shepherd.

What is the most difficult breed to train?

The most difficult dog breeds to train are beagles, rottweilers, Siberian huskies, basset hounds, Chinese shar peis, and Afghan hounds.

to doREAD THE FOLLOWING:The 4 scariest dogs according to statistics

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