Are you a first time dog owner? A pro tip for novice owners is to do your research thoroughly before adopting a dog breed. Investigate their grooming needs, eating habits, and mental and physical stimulations requirements.
For instance, a high-maintenance breed or a dog that requires a lot of exercise might not be suitable for a beginner pet parent. Similarly, if you are a fastidious homeowner, some breeds might turn out better than others.
According to the American Kennel Club, just like 85% of new mothers experience baby blues, new pet owners can also experience “puppy blues.” Puppy blues refer to a wide range of emotional responses, such as anxiety, sadness, and sometimes even regret about getting a new dog.
Have a look at these 7 most challenging breeds for first-time dog parents.
Most Challenging Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
1. Belgian Malinois
Overview
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Energy Level: High
Grooming Requirements: Short coat, requires minimal grooming.
Exercise Needs: Significant exercise of one to two hours per day.
Belgian Malinois is a highly intelligent and athletic dog breed. It requires a lot of stimulation and exercise. Due to their high energy levels and grooming needs, they are not ideal for inexperienced pet owners.
They have a high prey drive and therefore, can be a great responsibility for families with children and other pets. These protective dogs require intense training and proper socialization to learn basic manners, which might be a daunting task for first time owners.
An untrained Malinois can easily injure their owners and others. Malinois are popular for their strong instinct and guarding abilities. It is an elegant dog breed with strong muscular build, black ears, and Belgian chocolate colored questioning eyes.
2. Siberian Husky
Overview
Height: 20-23.5 inches
Energy Level: High
Grooming Requirements: Brushing 2-3 times a week, occasional baths.
Exercise Needs: Extensive daily exercise of 1 to 2 hours.
Siberian huskies are also called sled dogs. This breed was originally bred to thrive in extremely cold weather, so they have a very thick double coat.
They shed heavily due to which the coat requires extensive grooming. Making them comfortable and taking care of their coat can be challenging for an inexperienced dog owner.
This is not a low-maintenance breed. According to PetMD, it has high energy levels and requires a lot of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Siberian huskies are strong-willed and highly intelligent. They are popular escape artists and prefer sleeping outdoors in the winter.
Huskies are highly active dogs with a smart and outgoing personality. They are independent thinkers who bark excessively and often end up chewing your furniture. If a Siberian Husky is going to be your first dog, seek help from a professional trainer to get it trained.
3. Chow Chow
Overview
Height: 17-20 inches
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Requirements: Thorough brushing twice a week, monthly baths
Exercise Needs: Moderate exercise of 1 to 1.5 hours.
Chow Chow is an adorable medium-sized dog with a quiet and independent nature. Their loyalty and affection make them a great family dog. But, this might not be true for new owners! Reason: Chow Chows are not friendly and hate cuddling.
This breed looks like an adorable teddy bear, but does not behave like one. They are not very smart, and you may need to repeat a command multiple times for them to follow. Cutting it short, they are very stubborn and hard to train.
The major downside of having a Chow Chow is that it can be dangerous in new hands. Also, they are a high-maintenance breed. You have to brush them at least twice a week, and even more during the shedding season. Bathing your pup once a month will suffice.
4. Border Collie
Overview
Height: 18 – 22 inches
Energy Level: Very high
Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing, Bathing after 6 to 8 weeks.
Exercise Needs: Vigorous daily exercise of 2-3 hours
Border collies were originally bred as herding dogs. They are workaholics who need a lot of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They get attuned to their surroundings. Due to their strong hunting instincts, they can chase after the bikes or cars or nip at the heels of children.
Although Border collies are independent dogs that do not require 24/7 attention, you need to keep your new pet busy. Otherwise, they will exhibit destructive behaviors or engage in harmful activities.
Border Collies are very smart and considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds. According to usserviceanimals.org, they can understand a command in less than five repetitions. However, many owners have reported that these dogs can struggle with house training and end up scratching walls and chewing furniture.
Important: Ask the breeder whether your dog is a show line, farm, or sport dog. They all have different needs.
5. Dalmatian
Overview
Height: 19 – 24 inches
Energy Level: High
Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing, occasional bathing
Exercise Needs: Daily exercise of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Dalmatians are highly energetic working dogs. Originally bred to run, these are one of the fastest dogs. However, their high energy levels make them a challenge for first timers. Dalmatians start barking endlessly when they do not get the desired attention.
Moreover, they can be destructive at times. Despite having a short coat, this breed sheds a lot. So, you need to clean the fur using a vacuum cleaner. But if you are a fastidious owner, this breed might not be an ideal choice!
These dogs are super smart and can easily understand your commands within 15 to 20 repetitions. However, they have intensive exercise needs of around 1.5 to 2 hours daily.
Therefore, they are more suitable for experienced owners. Early socialization and proper training can help them become well-rounded and confident. Consistent and positive reinforcement works wonders.
6. Akita
Overview
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Energy Level: Moderate
Grooming Requirements: Minimal
Exercise Needs: Regular daily exercise of an hour or two.
Akitas are impeccable guard dogs with American and Japanese origins. They were bred to hunt big game and have a high prey drive. Dog training is required to make them socialized and well-behaved. They may get aggressive around strangers and do not get along well with other dogs.
It is one of the most loyal and protective breeds. They resist training and do not let anyone enter their territory. Due to these characteristics, Akitas can only be handled by experienced owners. If you are a new owner, you might need to learn how to train your Akita.
The dogs of this breed need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally active. They might require up to 40 repetitions to understand your command. Akitas can also become moody and irritated for some time.
7. Rottweiler
Overview
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Energy Level: Medium to high
Grooming Requirements: Regular brushing once a week, occasional bathing
Exercise Needs: 1 to 2 hours daily.
Rottweiler is a working dog breed with strong protective skills. They are usually affectionate towards their owners. But they can also be a bit stubborn. Early socialization and significant training is needed to turn them into well behaved and loving pets.
Rottweilers are large and muscular dogs that can easily overpower humans. Just like Chow Chows, they are strong-willed and may try to assert their dominance if the owner does not properly train them. They have medium energy levels.
They may show an aggressive behavior towards strangers and other dogs. In addition to training difficulties, their large size also makes them hard to handle for the first timers. So, you might need a dog trainer to tame a Rottweiler.
Conclusion
There are numerous dog breeds, including German shepherds, Australian Cattle dogs, Pit bulls, Jack Russell Terriers, and Huskies. Certain breeds might not be suitable for first-time owners due to their temperament, energy needs, or several other characteristics.
Remember that each breed has its own traits. Many dogs can develop separation anxiety when ignored. So, if you are planning to adopt your first dog, make sure to take proper care of your pup. As long as your pet is happy, you are doing a good job at dog ownership!
