These dogs are incredible, but they can be way too much for beginners.
Choosing the right dog is about more than just looks. Some breeds are naturally independent, while others require constant attention. Certain dogs are incredibly intelligent but also highly stubborn, making training a challenge for first-time owners. Others have strong guarding instincts that require expert-level handling. Without the right structure, these breeds can become difficult to manage, and in some cases, even dangerous.
If you’re new to dog ownership, it’s important to pick a breed that matches your experience level. Some dogs need extensive training, daily exercise, or firm leadership that a beginner might struggle to provide. That doesn’t mean these breeds aren’t great dogs—when placed with the right owners, they thrive. However, for someone without experience, they can quickly become overwhelming. These 12 breeds are not ideal for first-time owners, no matter how cute or impressive they may be.
1. The Akita is powerful, independent, and not easy to train.
This ancient Japanese breed is known for its loyalty, but that devotion comes with a strong-willed personality that can be difficult for beginners. According to Bella & Duke, Akitas are large, powerful dogs that need experienced handlers who can establish clear leadership. If not properly trained, they can be territorial, stubborn, and even aggressive toward strangers or other animals.
Socialization is crucial to prevent Akitas from becoming overly suspicious or reactive. They require firm, consistent training and an owner who understands canine behavior. While they are incredibly loyal to their families, they aren’t always friendly with guests or other pets. Their independent nature means they won’t always obey commands, making them a tough breed for someone who has never trained a dog before.
2. The Australian Shepherd has energy levels that can be overwhelming.
At first glance, Australian Shepherds seem like the perfect family dog. However, as noted by Parade Pets, these dogs were bred for herding, which means they have seemingly endless energy. Without proper training and structured activities, they can quickly become anxious and destructive.
Daily mental stimulation and physical exercise are non-negotiable for this breed. They excel in agility training, herding trials, and obedience work, but if they don’t get enough activity, they may start herding children, chasing cars, or engaging in other unwanted behaviors. First-time dog owners often underestimate just how much time and commitment an Australian Shepherd requires.
3. The Belgian Malinois is a working dog that needs a job.
Many people confuse Belgian Malinois with German Shepherds, but these dogs are in a class of their own. As mentioned by Parade Pets, Malinois require rigorous training, structured routines, and constant mental stimulation. Without these, they can become destructive, anxious, or aggressive.
Because they are often used in police and military work, their instincts make them naturally protective and high-energy. They aren’t the type of dog that can be left alone in a yard or entertained with short walks. If they don’t have a job to do, they will find one—often in the form of chewing furniture or chasing anything that moves.
4. The Border Collie is too smart for its own good.
Border Collies are ranked as one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, but intelligence doesn’t always make for an easy pet. According to Study Finds, these dogs require two or more hours of daily exercise, along with constant mental challenges. Without enough stimulation, they can develop serious behavioral issues, from chewing up household items to scratching at walls.
Training a Border Collie isn’t just about teaching basic commands; they need complex tasks to stay engaged. They thrive when given jobs, whether it’s herding livestock, competing in agility sports, or learning advanced tricks. Without structure, they can become anxious, hyperactive, or even destructive, making them a challenging choice for inexperienced owners.
5. The Cane Corso requires a confident, experienced handler.
A powerful and dominant breed, the Cane Corso was originally bred as a guard dog, meaning it has a natural instinct to protect. Without a firm and knowledgeable owner, these dogs can quickly become territorial and hard to manage.
Training must start early, and socialization is essential to prevent aggression toward strangers or other animals. They need an owner who understands dog behavior and can establish themselves as the clear leader. In the wrong hands, a Cane Corso can become difficult to control, making them unsuitable for someone who has never owned a dog before. Their sheer strength and intense loyalty require a dedicated owner who is willing to provide consistent training throughout their life.
6. The Chow Chow may be cute, but they can be aloof and difficult.
Fluffy and lion-like, Chow Chows have an independent nature that often surprises new owners. They are not overly affectionate dogs and tend to form strong bonds with just one or two people.
Their stubbornness makes training a challenge, and they are naturally wary of strangers. Without proper socialization, they can become territorial and even aggressive. While some people appreciate their aloofness, first-time dog owners may struggle with their strong-willed personality and need for structured leadership. Grooming can also be demanding, as their thick fur requires frequent maintenance to prevent matting and overheating.
7. The Doberman Pinscher is highly intelligent but requires extensive training.
Dobermans are known for their loyalty and intelligence, but they also require firm and experienced handling. If not properly trained, their protective instincts can lead to issues with aggression or anxiety.
They need rigorous physical and mental exercise, along with early socialization to ensure they don’t become overly suspicious of strangers. First-time owners often underestimate how much time and structure a Doberman requires, making them a difficult breed for those without experience. Their high energy levels demand regular activity, and neglecting their need for engagement can result in destructive behaviors.
8. The French Bulldog has more health issues than most new owners expect.
While French Bulldogs are undeniably cute, they come with a host of health concerns that make them high-maintenance pets. Their flat faces cause breathing issues, and they are prone to overheating, making them more delicate than they appear.
Vet visits can be frequent and expensive, and their stubborn streak means they aren’t always easy to train. First-time owners often fall for their adorable looks without realizing just how much care and attention they require. Their small size makes them well-suited for apartment living, but they still require daily walks and structured playtime to stay healthy.
9. The German Shepherd needs structure and leadership.
As one of the most popular dog breeds, German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable. However, their working-dog heritage means they need constant stimulation and a strong leader.
Given no proper training, they can become overly protective or develop behavioral problems. They are not ideal for owners who don’t have the time to invest in training and daily exercise. Their intelligence means they pick up on bad habits just as quickly as good ones, making consistent training a necessity. Socialization is key to preventing them from becoming overly wary of strangers, as their protective nature can sometimes lead to reactivity. Owners who fail to meet their high energy demands may find themselves dealing with an anxious or destructive dog.
10. The Rottweiler is powerful and requires experienced handling.
Large, strong, and naturally protective, Rottweilers are not for beginners. They need firm leadership and early socialization to prevent unwanted aggression.
Without clear boundaries, they can become territorial and difficult to control. Their strength alone makes them unsuitable for someone who isn’t confident in training a dominant breed. Because of their guarding instincts, Rottweilers require structured training from an early age to ensure they develop into well-mannered companions. If not properly exercised and mentally stimulated, they can become bored and engage in destructive behaviors. While highly affectionate with their families, their size and strength can be overwhelming for an inexperienced owner.
11. The Siberian Husky requires more exercise than most owners can handle.
Huskies are beautiful but notoriously difficult for first-time owners. Their independent nature and high energy levels mean they need near-constant physical activity to stay happy.
They are also escape artists, known for digging under fences or slipping out of harnesses. If not given the right outlet for their energy, they can become destructive and hard to manage. Their thick coats require regular grooming, especially during shedding season, which can be a challenge for those unprepared for the upkeep. Since they were bred to pull sleds for miles, their endurance and need for movement often surpass what the average owner can provide. Without firm training and supervision, they may develop a stubborn streak that makes them difficult to handle.
12. The Treeing Walker Coonhound has an endless drive to run and hunt.
This breed is highly active and has a strong prey drive, making them difficult for inexperienced owners. They need a lot of space to run and regular, rigorous training to keep them focused.
Without a job or daily exercise, they can become restless and engage in destructive behaviors. While loyal and intelligent, they require an owner who understands how to channel their high energy effectively. Their strong sense of smell can make training challenging, as they are easily distracted by scents in their environment. Because they were bred for hunting, they may not always be the best fit for homes with small pets, as their instincts drive them to chase. First-time owners may struggle to provide the structure and training needed to keep this energetic breed well-behaved.