Steer Clear of These 8 Dog Breeds When Choosing Your First Dog

Choosing the right dog breed is crucial for first-time owners. Some breeds require extensive training, high energy management, or strong leadership, which can be overwhelming for novices. While every dog has individual personality traits, these breeds are generally better suited for experienced handlers due to their specific needs, temperament, or training challenges.

Here are 8 dog breeds first-time owners should avoid and why.

1. Border Collie – Too Smart for Beginners

Why they’re challenging: Border Collies are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, but their brains require constant stimulation. If they don’t receive enough mental and physical exercise, they can become destructive, anxious, or overly hyperactive.

Best for: Active and experienced owners who can dedicate several hours a day to training, games, and herding activities.

2. Siberian Husky – Beautiful but Stubborn Escape Artists

Why they’re challenging: Huskies are high-energy, independent, and love to run. Their strong prey drive and escape-artist tendencies make them difficult to manage without a secure environment. They also require constant exercise, or they can become destructive and vocal.

Best for: Active owners with fenced yards and experience handling independent breeds.

3. Dalmatian – A High-Energy Dog That Needs a Job

Why they’re challenging: Dalmatians were bred to run long distances alongside horses, meaning they need tons of exercise. Without it, they can develop behavioral problems, hyperactivity, and destructive tendencies.

Best for: Owners who can provide daily structured exercise, training, and stimulation.

4. Chow Chow – Aloof, Independent, and Hard to Train

Why they’re challenging: Chow Chows are independent, stubborn, and often wary of strangers. Without early socialization, they can become territorial and even aggressive. They also have low tolerance for rough handling, making them a poor choice for families with young children.

Best for: Experienced owners who understand firm training, early socialization, and independent-minded dogs.

5. Akita – Large, Powerful, and Requires Strong Leadership

Why they’re challenging: Akitas are strong-willed, protective, and independent, requiring a firm, confident owner. They can be aggressive toward other animals and strangers if not properly socialized.

Best for: Experienced owners who understand dominant breeds and proper socialization techniques.

6. Rottweiler – Loyal but Requires a Strong Leader

Why they’re challenging: Rottweilers are powerful and protective, making them prone to dominant behaviors if not given firm, consistent training. They need early socialization to prevent aggression and are not ideal for timid or inexperienced owners.

Best for: Confident, experienced owners who can provide structured training and leadership.

7. Belgian Malinois – Too Intense for a First-Time Owner

Why they’re challenging: Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent, energetic, and bred for police and military work. Without constant training and stimulation, they can develop serious behavioral problems, including aggression and anxiety.

Best for: Owners with experience handling working breeds who can provide a purposeful, structured environment.

8. Australian Cattle Dog – A Hardworking Herding Dog

Why they’re challenging: Australian Cattle Dogs have strong herding instincts, which can lead to nipping behaviors and a need for constant activity. If they aren’t given a job, they can become destructive, hyperactive, or aggressive.

Best for: Owners who want a working dog for herding, agility, or advanced training.

Choose Wisely for Your First Dog

First-time dog owners should choose a breed that matches their lifestyle, experience level, and ability to provide training. While these breeds can make wonderful companions for experienced owners, they require time, training, and commitment that may overwhelm beginners.

If you’re new to dog ownership, consider breeds that are easier to train, lower-maintenance, and more adaptable—your first dog experience should be rewarding, not frustrating!