The Most Challenging Dog Breeds for Novice Owners

Discover which dog breeds may not be suitable for inexperienced owners and why. Learn about the challenges of owning breeds like Akitas, Patterdale Terriers, Shiba Inus, and Bulldogs.

The Most Challenging Dog Breeds for Novice Owners

As a dog behavior expert, I have encountered many different breeds and their unique personalities. While all dogs have the potential to be great companions, some breeds may not be suitable for novice owners. One such breed is the Akita, a powerful dog with Japanese and American roots. Originally bred as guard and hunting dogs, Akitas have maintained their tenacity and strength, making them a challenging breed for inexperienced owners. One of the main issues with Akitas is their tendency to bark excessively.

While their melodious howls may be loved by some, their non-stop barking can quickly become a nuisance. This can lead to the dog becoming hoarse and even more difficult to handle. Unfortunately, this often results in Akitas being surrendered to shelters by overwhelmed owners. Another challenge with Akitas is their territorial nature. They are quick to perceive anyone they don't know as a threat and will not hesitate to defend their territory.

This can cause conflicts with visitors or even family members who are not familiar to the dog. As a result, Akitas require an experienced and confident owner who can properly handle their protective instincts. If you are new to dog ownership and looking for a low-maintenance pet that will still make your friends jealous, it's best to avoid breeds like the Akita. With hundreds of dog breeds in the world, there are plenty of other options that may be better suited for novice owners. One such breed is the Patterdale Terrier, which has gained popularity among terrier hunters. While they share some qualities with other terriers, Patterdale Terriers are known for being much more intense and active.

They require plenty of exercise and training to keep them well-behaved as pets. Similarly, the Shiba Inu may not be the best choice for new dog owners. Not because of their intelligence - they actually score quite high on the Stanley Coren canine Intelligence Scale - but because of their challenging personality. Shiba Inus require patience and perseverance when it comes to training, which can be overwhelming for inexperienced owners. However, the main reason why Shiba Inus may not be suitable for novice owners is their potential health problems. As with any breed, there are certain health issues that are more common in Shiba Inus, and dealing with these can be a challenge for inexperienced owners. As an expert, I always advise potential dog owners to thoroughly research and understand the breed they are interested in before bringing a dog home.

While a certain breed may look appealing, living with them may be a completely different story. This is especially true for breeds like the Shiba Inu, which were originally bred for endurance racing and require plenty of exercise and training to live a happy and healthy life as pets. Another breed that may not be suitable for novice owners is the Bulldog. While they may seem like a laid-back and easy-going breed, Bulldogs can actually be quite stubborn and require a firm and consistent owner to properly train them. Additionally, Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues that can be costly and time-consuming to manage.

Paul Geary
Paul Geary

Avid dog owner and trainer. As a Healthcare provider I am here to share my knowledge of health issues for pets and dogs, in particular

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