You’re new to the world of dogs and dreaming of an adorable, fluffy, teddy bear-like companion. Then, out of nowhere, one appears; majestic, puffy, and picture-perfect. This one truly looks like your dream companion.
For a moment, it feels like your wish has come true. But pause right there because what you’re looking at might not be the sweet, cuddly companion you imagined.
Despite the fluffy, charming appearance, you need to consider other traits as well, like the temperament, exercise, and grooming needs, just to name a few. Do not decide to adopt a pet dog only because of its beautiful, fluffy appearance. You might feel a bit disappointed right now. But trust us, we’ve saved you from committing a really big mistake.
As a first-time dog owner, you might not be prepared for dogs that require extensive grooming and significant training. Certain breeds have an independent nature and don’t listen to commands too easily. They might be highly protective breeds with high energy and are only well-suited for experienced owners who love to train challenging pups.
Dog Breeds That Are Not Nice To Meet You
1. Chow Chow
This black, cream, cinnamon, blue, and red dog seems like a live teddy bear, has a characteristic lion-like mane around its head and shoulder, almond eyes, and a black, blue tongue. You might be thinking that’s the cutest description ever.
But these well-built, medium-sized, generally healthy dogs are snobbish, distant, composed, and independent. Chow Chows have the temperament and attitude of a ferocious cat that doesn’t give much of a damn about you.
Hence, Petplan advises not to be enthralled by its cuddly appearance, because these pups don’t have any enthusiasm for hugging you. They are very picky and moody dogs that will only choose one favorite human and follow them around wherever they go.
WebMD notices Chow Chows are not even that active, are very territorial, and don’t easily trust new people or dogs. Hence, whenever you see one and feel this overwhelming desire to pet these pooches. Try to control your emotions, or else if this dog feels provoked, it can cause you harm with its powerful bite.
2. Akita
These descendants of the Matagi dogs might have produced the famously loyal “Hachiko”. But they are not known for being the most friendly breed in the canine world. Akitas are aloof and reserved with strangers, exhibiting a strong protective instinct, which makes them an excellent guard dog.
But not necessarily a sweet, affectionate, easy-going dog. Akitas are silent, serious, and not very expressive. They build bonds with individuals rather than the whole family and are quite difficult to attract towards you. Don’t ever expect to get a hug or cuddle from an aloof Akita in your first meeting.
The temperament of this Japanese dog is naturally protective and fiercely loyal. Potential dog owners should know they will need to put in a lot of work to overcome their stubbornness and standoffish behavior.
These Japanese hunting dogs are deliberate and strong-willed, have a thick neck, pointy ears, and an upright curled tail that gives them a cute, fluffy toy-like appearance. But these pooches are headstrong despite their undying loyalty.
They are also not overly tolerant and only suit experienced dog owners who know how to handle dogs with a stubborn streak.
3. Cane Corso
Cani Corsi are naturally wary of strangers and can be aggressive if they feel their family is threatened. They are also on the less friendly side of things; these 80-110 pounds and 23.5-27.5 inches tall Cane Corsos are equipped with innate aggression and haven’t forgotten their guardian instincts.
These shiny black Italian Mastiffs can become truly dangerous dogs with encouragement. You would never see these Cane Corsos taking some time off from what they see as their purpose of life and most important duty, which is protecting their pack.
Cane Corso is constantly alert, so much so that it notices threats in its sleep and is quite domineering. Certainly not ideal for the fainthearted or laid-back owners. If you think you aren’t as daunting or dominating, then don’t even think about getting these hunting dogs in your home.
Consulting a dog trainer can help first-time pet parents teach their dogs good manners and manage their behaviors. The strong protective nature of this wrinkly Cane Corso makes us believe that a good professional trainer is your best bet if you are keen about bringing one of these pups home.
4. Shar Pei
What would you expect if you met a hunter or fighter for the first time? Of course, fear, anxiousness, but multiply this uneasy feeling ten times because this Shar Pei with a high prey drive sees every passing stranger as a potential threat.
These are naturally reserved and suspicious about unfamiliar people and dogs, making them one of the least friendly dog breeds. Whom you should meet only after taking a lot of precautions. This dog’s personality can be described in three words: loyal, independent, and stubbornly intelligent.
PetMD quotes this medium-sized dog with a broad muzzle, a bluish-black tongue, tiny eyes and ears, and endless skin folds as unique. It was initially used by Chinese farmers to guard and herd their livestock.
Later on, it was also used for boar hunting and guarding homes. Shar Pei undoubtedly make loyal companions, but not without a lot of effort and dedication from the owner’s side. They need consistent training and early socialization from a very young age.
Although these wrinkly pooches make great watchdogs but they tend to have a regal and independent temperament and are also quite stubborn and territorial dogs.
5. Rottweiler
Some say Rottweilers have a big heart and that they give even bigger cuddles. While others recall how dangerous these Roman drover dogs can be. Although originally bred to be herding dogs and guardians, these strong, powerful, and protective dogs aren’t the best pups to meet without exercising some caution.
These highly independent, task-oriented, or stubborn dogs can be very challenging for first-time pet parents. Moreover, Rottweilers are known for being aloof and wary of strangers, requiring early socialization and strong leadership.
The truth is, raising these dogs is incredibly challenging. These confident and devoted dogs are always ready to keep their pack safe, but don’t tend to wear their heart on their sleeve. You’ll need to put in a serious amount of hard work to get access to the Rottie’s inner circle.
Rottweilers are also quite aloof and skeptical about strangers; they have strong protective instincts and don’t appreciate anyone approaching the driveway or fence of their turf (Trespassers beware! or else you’ll be cornered and held by one of these dogs for an unnerving evaluation). Rottweilers never rush into new relationships too quickly and are always responsible about their choice.
They have a wise, “wait and see” outlook on life choices. They are steady and thoughtful but also cunning canines that need strong leaders and alphas to harness their power and protective nature into healthy dog behaviors.
6. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a massive lion-like dog with a prominent mane, and is also another flock guardian and watchdog. These pups belong to the Himalayan ranges and have a history of safeguarding monasteries, temples, and villages in Tibet.
They are known to have been chained by their masters and kept outside their homes to act as early warning systems and effective deterrents for predators and intruders. This powerful pup with brave looks and a loud voice needs early socialization.
Moreover, proper training and adequate mental and physical stimulation are also crucial for all dogs, regardless of breed, to raise well-behaved individuals. The Tibetan Mastiff is also known for being reserved and highly territorial, especially around unfamiliar people. The dogs are hard-wired for being protective.
P.S. Adult dogs can be excellent options for first-time pet parents because they often have more manageable energy levels. Moreover, they may have mastered basic commands, which is a bonus.
7. Belgian Malinois
Did you just click an ad for the best protection dogs and fill out a form for an enquiry to get one of these Belgian dogs? Let us warn you about the consequences of your action beforehand.
These Belgian Malinois are not friendly towards people whom they don’t know. But the cherry on the cake is that they have a natural wariness towards strangers, which in this case is you.
Raising this hyperactive puppy is no joke, and it is important for first-time dog owners to first understand a dog’s specific needs, including training requirements and exercise levels, before jumping on the bandwagon to become pet parents.
Why add another high-energy pooch to the pack? You are quite exasperating, honestly. Omlet recalls that these Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and are often used in police and military work due to their natural wariness of strangers.
(Imagine that, they aced a job interview in security forces for their aloofness, and you are sitting on your couch expecting them to give you a big hug and be your friend forever, snap out of your daydream, hooman!)
They easily get bored and need a ton of mental stimulation. They require a proper, consistent environment for training. The Belgian Malinois exudes confidence and alertness, and is always ready to conquer the next big thing.
Moreover, they should always be watched around kids because these herding dogs will try to wrangle children who get boisterous or unruly.
Conclusion
The common traits of wariness towards strangers and high vigilance make these guard dog breeds excellent protectors. But these traits also make the most unsociable and unfriendly pooches in the canine kingdom.
These hunting dogs and guard dogs are great at their specific jobs and purposes for which they were originally bred for whether it be catching some big game or deflecting danger, these dogs are the ones to watch out for.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that these highly talented guardians and hunters with aggressive natures and independence in their behavior would make the most affectionate or amiable pets.
Hence, families and pet parents should look out for more options and consider other dogs like the highly affectionate and well-behaved pets, for easy-going owners.
P.S. It is to be noted that dogs need a lot of time and cannot be left alone all day, making time commitment a crucial factor for first-time owners.
