19 Dog Breeds That May Be Challenging for First-Time Owners

Understanding Dog Behaviour
By Liam Hartwell

Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but not all breeds are suited for novice owners. Some dogs require more time, patience, and expertise than others. In this post, we’ll explore 19 dog breeds that might pose more challenges for first-time owners.

Dalmatian

© winnie_and_wellington

The Dalmatian is known for its energy and intelligence, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation. First-time owners might find their high energy levels challenging.

Dalmatians are also known for their stubbornness, making consistent training essential. Their need for socialization is crucial to prevent behavioral issues.

Additionally, Dalmatians can suffer from certain health issues, such as deafness, which requires careful attention. First-time owners need to be prepared for these potential challenges.

Border Collie

© duckythebordercollie

Border Collies are famed for their intelligence and herding instincts, requiring constant mental and physical activity.

They thrive in environments where they have tasks or jobs to perform, which can be demanding for an inexperienced owner.

If not properly engaged, their intelligence can lead to destructive behaviors, making them a challenging breed to manage for first-time owners.

Akita

© akitanyti

The Akita is a powerful and independent breed, often reserved with strangers, which requires experienced handling.

They possess a dominant nature and need strong leadership, making them less suited for first-time owners who may lack confidence in dog training.

Akitas can be aggressive towards other animals if not socialized properly, adding to their challenging temperament.

Jack Russell Terrier

© jack.russell.terrier.lover

Known for their boundless energy and intelligence, Jack Russell Terriers are not the easiest to keep entertained.

They need rigorous exercise and mental challenges to prevent boredom, which can lead to mischief.

Their independent spirit and occasional stubbornness can test a first-time owner’s patience and training skills.

Siberian Husky

© zeusthestubbornhusky

Siberian Huskies are known for their vocal nature and strong-willed personality, making them a handful for new dog owners.

Their need for constant activity and exercise can overwhelm those unprepared for an energetic lifestyle.

Huskies are also escape artists, requiring secure fencing and supervision to prevent them from wandering off.

Chow Chow

© justin.veenema

Chow Chows are known for their aloof and independent nature, traits that require experienced handling and training.

They are less tolerant of rough handling, making them unsuitable for families with young children who may not understand boundaries.

Their stubbornness and need for socialization can be challenging for first-time owners.

Weimaraner

© martin_the_weimaraner

Weimaraners are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and stimulation, which can be overwhelming for a novice owner.

Their need for constant companionship means they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too long.

Training a Weimaraner requires patience and consistency, as their excitement can become overwhelming.

Belgian Malinois

© humanesocietyoc

The Belgian Malinois is a working breed known for its intelligence and drive, requiring an owner with an active lifestyle.

They excel in obedience and protection work but demand experienced training to channel their energy effectively.

Without proper engagement, they can become bored and develop destructive behaviors.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

© thepupperrazzi

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong and independent dogs known for their protective instincts.

They require early socialization and firm, consistent training to manage their strong-willed nature.

First-time owners may struggle with this breed’s need for mental and physical challenges.

Australian Cattle Dog

© a2australiancattledogs

Australian Cattle Dogs are intelligent and energetic, bred to herd cattle and require constant activity.

Their strong herding instincts can make them nippy, a trait that needs to be managed with careful training.

Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, they can develop problematic behaviors.

Presa Canario

© kirkhumphrey7

The Presa Canario is a large and powerful breed requiring experienced handling and early socialization.

They have a natural guarding instinct, needing proper training to ensure they are well-behaved.

First-time owners may find their dominant nature and strength challenging to manage.

Cane Corso

© primetimecanecorso

Cane Corsos are powerful dogs with a strong protective instinct, requiring firm and consistent training.

They thrive with experienced owners who can provide structure and leadership.

Without proper guidance, their size and strength can become difficult for novice owners to handle.

Alaskan Malamute

© heavenkingdommalamutes

Alaskan Malamutes are known for their endurance and need for rigorous exercise.

They are independent dogs that require firm training and socialization to ensure obedience.

First-time owners may find their stubbornness and strength a challenge to manage.

Dogo Argentino

© dogo_argentino_ghost

The Dogo Argentino is a strong and fearless breed, bred for hunting and protection.

They require an owner capable of providing consistent training and socialization to manage their dominant nature.

Their strength and protective instincts can be overwhelming for a first-time owner unprepared for such a commitment.

Shar Pei

© griffin_sharpei

Shar Peis are known for their unique appearance and independent, sometimes aloof, demeanor.

They require early socialization to ensure they are well-adjusted, as they can be wary of strangers.

Their stubbornness and potential health issues can be challenging for first-time owners who are not familiar with the breed.

Basenji

© thedogist

The Basenji is a small, energetic breed known for its independence and unique trait of not barking.

They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, making them a challenging choice for novice owners.

Their tendency to become bored if not properly engaged can lead to mischievous behaviors.

Bullmastiff

© bullmastiff.dog.ins

Bullmastiffs are large, powerful dogs with a natural guarding instinct, requiring an experienced owner.

They need firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age to ensure they are well-behaved.

Their size and strength can be daunting for a first-time owner, making them a challenging breed to manage.

Fila Brasileiro

© filabrasileirotesouronacional

The Fila Brasileiro is a strong and loyal breed known for its protective nature.

They require a confident and experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization.

Their natural guarding instincts can be difficult for novice owners to manage, making them a demanding breed.

American Pit Bull Terrier

© apbt_infinity

The American Pit Bull Terrier is often misunderstood, but their strength and energy require experienced handling.

They need consistent training and socialization to ensure they are well-mannered around other animals and people.

Without proper guidance, their strength can be challenging for first-time owners to control.