15 Challenging Dog Breeds Not Ideal for First-time Owners

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Australian Cattle Dog outdoors
Raul G/Pexels

Choosing a dog for the first time is exciting, but some breeds can be quite a handful, especially for beginners. Certain dogs have high energy levels, unique grooming needs, or strong protective instincts that can be challenging without prior experience. While these breeds are incredibly rewarding for seasoned owners, they may require more patience, training, and consistency than most first-time owners expect. Let’s look at 15 dog breeds with qualities that can make them more demanding than other breeds.

1. Border Collie

border collie
Elina Volkova/pexels

Border Collies are famous for their intelligence and energy, making them ideal for experienced owners who can match their active lifestyle. Originally bred for herding, these dogs have a strong drive to stay busy and thrive when they have a job to do. With endless energy and a knack for learning, Border Collies excel in agility and obedience training. However, they need consistent mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. For first-time owners, keeping up with a Border Collie’s needs can be overwhelming, but for those with experience and time, they make loyal and lively companions.

2. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
Kateryna Babaieva/Pexels

Siberian Huskies are incredible athletes with boundless energy, but their spirited nature makes them a challenging choice for first-time owners. Known for their love of running and exploring, Huskies require a dedicated and active owner who can meet their high exercise needs. Their independent streak can make training tricky, and they’re also notorious escape artists, often finding ways out of yards and enclosures. Additionally, their strong prey drive means they may not be ideal for homes with smaller pets. While stunning in appearance and highly social, Huskies thrive best with owners who are experienced and ready for their adventurous spirit.

3. Akita

Petting an Akita
Zen Chung/Pexels

Akitas are loyal and protective, making them fantastic guardians, but their independent and dominant personalities can be a handful for first-time owners. Bred initially for hunting and guarding in Japan, these strong-willed dogs need consistent training and firm leadership. They tend to be wary of strangers and can exhibit aggressive behaviors if not properly socialized, so early, positive experiences with various people and pets are essential. While Akitas are incredibly devoted to their families, their large size, protective instincts, and need for structure make them better suited for experienced dog owners who can confidently guide them.

4. Dalmatian

Dalmatian
RebeccasPictures/Pixabay

Dalmatians are known for their high energy, intelligence, and distinctive spotted coats, but they’re not the easiest fit for first-time owners. Originally bred as carriage dogs, they have a natural tendency to run and an endless desire for activity, which means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough outlets for their energy, Dalmatians can develop behavioral issues, including destructive habits and excessive barking. While they’re affectionate with family, their strong-willed and sometimes stubborn nature requires patience and consistent training to manage.

5. Chow Chow

Chow Chow
Marius-Kristensen/Pixabay

Chow Chows, with their lion-like manes and distinct blue-black tongues, are undeniably charming, but they can be quite a challenge for first-time dog owners. Known for their aloof and independent nature, these dogs are naturally reserved and sometimes wary of strangers, which can make socialization crucial yet difficult. Chows are also strong-willed and less eager to please, meaning training can require significant patience and persistence. Their thick double coat demands regular grooming to prevent matting, adding to the upkeep. Without experienced handling, a Chow Chow’s natural protectiveness may develop into stubborn and territorial behaviors.

6. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois
Marchalluc/Pixabay

Belgian Malinois are intelligent, high-energy dogs often chosen for demanding roles in law enforcement and the military. Their impressive agility, loyalty, and sharp instincts make them remarkable workers but also challenging pets for inexperienced owners. Malinois require rigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay content, and without it, they may become restless or even destructive. Their protective nature also means they need consistent socialization to differentiate friends from foes. For first-time owners, the Malinois can be overwhelming due to their intense drive and need for purposeful engagement.

7. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog
Fernando Lucas/Pexels

Australian Cattle Dogs are incredibly energetic, intelligent, and bred for herding, traits that can be challenging for new dog owners. With a strong independent streak and a high need for physical and mental stimulation, this breed thrives when it has a job to do. Without ample exercise and tasks to channel their energy, they may resort to chewing, digging, or herding people and other pets. Known for being a bit stubborn, Australian Cattle Dogs need consistent training and socialization, making them more suitable for experienced owners who can keep up with their lively, sometimes intense nature.

8. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu – The Independent Thinker
Evgeny Tchebotarev/pexels

Shiba Inus are known for their spirited personality, independence, and strong sense of self, which can be challenging for first-time dog owners. They have a stubborn streak and tend to do things their way, often resisting commands if they don’t feel like following them. Though small in size, Shibas require a confident handler who can provide firm yet positive training and socialization from a young age. Their reserved nature can make them wary of strangers, and they may not always be the most social with other pets, making them a better fit for experienced owners who appreciate a dog with a unique, bold personality.

9. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute
Mohan Nannapaneni/Pexels

Alaskan Malamutes are large, powerful dogs with a heritage rooted in sled-pulling and work in challenging conditions. Their impressive strength and endurance make them exceptional outdoor companions, but their high energy and independent spirit can make them tricky for first-time owners. Malamutes require ample exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy; otherwise, they can become destructive or try to escape. Known for their social yet sometimes headstrong nature, these dogs also have a strong prey drive, so early training and consistent boundaries are essential to ensure they grow into well-behaved family members.

10. Cane Corso

A Cane Corso Dog
agutti/Pexels

The Cane Corso is a strong, protective breed known for its loyalty and assertive nature, making it a dedicated family guardian. However, their size and natural wariness of strangers require experienced handling and thorough training from an early age. Corsi are intelligent and learn quickly, but they need a confident owner who can establish leadership. Without proper socialization, they may become overly protective, and their strength can be difficult to manage. This breed thrives in a structured environment with a firm, steady hand, making them a challenging choice for inexperienced dog owners.

11. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier
Matthias Zomer/pexels

Jack Russell Terriers are small but come with an enormous personality and energy level. Known for their lively and adventurous spirit, they require consistent training and plenty of mental and physical exercise. Their high prey drive, combined with a natural inclination to dig and explore, means they’re best suited for owners who can keep up with their curiosity and energy. Though small, they can be quite vocal and independent, making them challenging for first-time owners. A Jack Russell needs a patient, active owner to channel their energy constructively, as their boundless enthusiasm can be overwhelming for beginners.

12. Weimaraner

Weimaraner
Mirzat/Unsplash

Weimaraners are known for their sleek appearance and incredible stamina, but they can be quite a handful for new dog owners. With a high prey drive and boundless energy, they require ample exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. This breed is also prone to separation anxiety, often leading to destructive behavior if left alone for extended periods. Weimaraners thrive with consistent training and structure, and they benefit most from an owner who can provide regular, intense physical activities like running or hiking. Their energetic and independent nature makes them a better match for experienced pet owners.

13. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees
Tychon Krug/Pexels

The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant with a strong protective instinct, originally bred to guard livestock in mountainous regions. While they are affectionate with family, their independent nature can be challenging for new owners. Great Pyrenees are known for being wary of strangers and can be quite vocal, often barking to alert their family of any perceived threats. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding season, which adds to the upkeep. Their sheer size, protective demeanor, and grooming needs make them more suitable for experienced owners who can manage their unique demands.

14. Rottweiler

Rottweiler
MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

Rottweilers are powerful, loyal dogs with a natural guarding instinct, which can make them challenging for first-time dog owners. Known for their protective nature, Rottweilers require firm, consistent training to channel their instincts positively and prevent overprotective or dominant behavior. They thrive on structured activities and mental engagement, which can be demanding to maintain. Additionally, Rottweilers need early socialization to ensure they’re comfortable around new people and other pets. Their strength and assertive personality make them a rewarding but high-responsibility breed, best suited to those with experience in handling strong-willed dogs.

15. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard
Ilona Krijgsman/Pixabay

Saint Bernards may look like gentle giants, but their size and unique needs make them a handful for first-time owners. Known for their calm demeanor, they can also be stubborn and require consistent, patient training to manage their large, powerful bodies effectively. Saint Bernards need ample space and are prone to drooling and shedding, which can add to household upkeep. They’re great with families but require early socialization to ensure they’re comfortable around strangers. With their size, grooming needs, and training demands, Saint Bernards are best suited to those prepared for a big commitment.

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