20 Dog Breeds That The Average Person Should NOT Own
Picking the right dog breed is not just about looks, it can shape daily life in a big way. Some breeds need constant exercise, firm training, or a lot of space, and that can be a rough match for a first-time owner.
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That is why this list focuses on dogs many experienced owners think are better suited to people who already know what they are doing. From giant guardians to high-energy herders, the breeds here can be a lot to handle if you are not prepared.
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A few names are obvious, and a few may surprise you. Either way, the reactions are part of the fun, so keep going to see which breeds made the cut.
The Top 20 Dogs Not Recommended for Novice Dog Owners
Why yes, I did make this specifically for this article. 😂
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1. Tibetan Mastiff
These dogs are very powerful and can be dangerous.
Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, emphasizes that "understanding a dog's temperament is crucial; many breeds may appear cute but can have aggressive tendencies." It's vital to research these breeds thoroughly instead of being swayed by their appearance.
According to Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, "these dogs often bond closely with one family member, which can lead to challenges in family dynamics." Thus, they may not be suitable family pets and require an experienced owner who can establish themselves as the 'alpha.'
Dr. Daniel Goleman, Dr. Helen Fisher
2. Kangal Shepherd
Kangal dogs were bred to protect livestock from wolves, showcasing a remarkable loyalty to their owners. According to Dr. John Gray, a relationship author, “Dogs, like humans, form strong bonds with their primary caregivers, often leading to selective obedience.” This breed's tendency to listen primarily to one person can be both a strength and a challenge for potential owners.
3. Jindo
No one has mentioned the Jindo yet.
The Jindo is an Akita-like breed from Jindo Island in Korea. They are beautiful, intelligent, clean, excellent hunters, and they housebreak themselves. But they are also fiercely independent, have a very high prey drive, and cannot be contained by any fence that the mere human mind can devise.
They never get lost - a Jindo who gets out (and they all do) will come home … eventually. They are loyal to one person, tolerate the rest of the family, despise any other family dogs, and detest strangers. Any small family pets will be killed and eaten; there is no Jindo-proof rodent, rabbit or bird cage.
A Jindo will pluck a cat off the top of an 8-foot fence - and eat it. Small children running, playing and squealing trigger its prey drive and somebody is going to be bitten.
They believe that dog parks are beyond stupid. They will not welcome being petted by random people when out walking… and everyone wants to pet them because they are beautiful.
On Jindo Island, if your Jindo thinks that you don’t go hunting often enough, your dog will go out on its own, stalk and kill a deer, then lead you to it.
A Jindo cannot be trained out of its nature. Period. Being the keeper of Cookie for 14 years was a learning experience every day. She walked on a leash, rode in the car, came when called IF she was already confined to the house or yard, and followed all the rules that made sense to her: no table-grazing? Okay. No burrowing out of the yard through a hole that would challenge a garter snake? Not so much.
I loved and was totally intrigued by her, and fast-talked her away from Animal Control several/many times in her life. She genuinely loved me. But she was also a Jindo. She was polite to my husband, and put up with the children only because they were mine.
4. Fila Brasileiro
```htmlOne breed comes immediately to mind…the Fila Brasileiro.
As noted by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "The Fila Brasileiro is known for its protective instincts, which can manifest as aggression towards strangers." Dr. Alexandra Solomon
In some regions, owning a Fila Brasileiro requires significant land and specialized training. Dr. Solomon further explains, "These dogs often require extensive socialization and training to manage their strong guarding instincts."
They can be unpredictable, showing aggression without discretion; as Dr. Solomon warns, "Their loyalty to family members can lead them to perceive anyone else as a threat."```
5. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois require an extraordinary level of physical activity, often needing around 16 hours of engagement each day. As noted by Dr. Dan Siegel, a psychiatrist and author, "Dogs, particularly high-energy breeds, thrive on structured activities that channel their energy positively." Without proper outlets for their energy, these dogs can exhibit undesirable behaviors. It's crucial for potential owners to understand the commitment involved in caring for such an active breed.
6. Corgis
Corgis are enormously popular right now, especially with families, and I cannot stress this enough—please don’t get that dog. I know they’re cute. Their little butts are adorable and they’re 90% ear, but trust me. Unless you are a track star with one child or less, do not get that dog.
They are working dogs. Cattle herders, and they will herd anything. Cats, other dogs, rabbits, chickens, and children. How do they herd, you ask?
They bite. They nip at your heels like savage little gremlins and while it would not bother an adult, it will make your children cry. All the time.
They are extraordinarily loyal, and usually latch onto one person. If you have more than one child, this can present a jealousy issue.
They bark. A lot. All the time. At 4:30 in the morning, to remind you that their food dish is half empty and they are going to starve to death before the alarm goes off at 6. They bark when you come home and when you leave. They bark when you say their names. They bark when they hear your name. They bark at cars and postmen and delivery drivers and vacuums. They bark at a fly sneezing three blocks away.
Due to their body being so long, they are prone to back and hip problems. A lot of them don’t do stairs, or can’t. I’ve never met one that actually enjoys climbing anything, even just a few stairs or a ramp. If you aren’t prepared to carry the dog or get low furniture and live in a ranch house, do not get this dog.
Most importantly, they have an incredible amount of energy. My dog runs all day. She takes three long walks, and between them she plays “chase the cat” while the cat climbs around the shelves in the room. She does not sleep until after 10PM and she is up by 5AM. Barking. Every day.
Always barking.
If you do get the dog, expect to get another one just to entertain the one you already have. That’s what owning a corgi is like.
Or rather, that’s what being owned by a corgi is like.
Amy
7. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies should not be owned by people living in tropical countries like India.
The Huskies have thick fur coats, which protect them from the extreme cold temperatures, sometimes below freezing point in their natural habitat of the Siberian mountains. They are known to survive cold temperatures of up to -60 degrees. As Dr. Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist, states, "Animals thrive in environments that mimic their natural habitats; otherwise, they can suffer significantly."
Lots of affluent individuals in tropical countries like India tend to buy these dogs. However, the climate here is not suitable for them at all. Imagine wearing a thick leather sweater at temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Imagine you can never remove it no matter how hot it gets. That's how bad the situation is for these lovely dogs.
After a few months, if they are not maintained properly, they start to suffer from chronic breathing and skin problems. Dr. Madeline Levine, a child psychologist, emphasizes that "neglecting the needs of any living being, including pets, can lead to dire consequences." Once the medical expenses exceed a certain level, the owners mostly abandon them.
It is truly heartbreaking to see these lovely dogs suffer in such alien conditions, often losing their fur and dying prematurely.
8. German Shepherd
As common as German Shepherds are, many experts caution that the average person should reconsider owning one. "These dogs are incredibly intelligent and powerful, requiring a level of care and socialization that many owners may not be equipped to provide," says Dr. Ian Kerner, a licensed sex therapist and relationship expert, on his website iankerner.com.
While it's easy to be drawn to their beauty and charm, it's essential to understand the commitment involved. "I've seen many people who are determined to get one simply because they've encountered a friendly one or admire their looks," adds Dr. Kerner.
9. Redbone Coonhound
As Dr. Lawrence Cohen, child psychologist and author of "Playful Parenting," notes, "Hunting dogs are known for their vocalizations, and if you're not fond of howling, you might want to reconsider." These breeds can be quite active, and without sufficient exercise, they may resort to digging, leading to unsightly holes in your yard.
"It's essential to provide them with an outlet for their energy," advises Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, child development expert and co-author of "The Whole-Brain Child." "If they don't get enough physical activity, they can become destructive."
Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned motivation researcher, emphasizes that "these dogs are intelligent and can be quite stubborn." She shares that her own dog was trained quickly but later exhibited typical adolescent behaviors of defiance.
Despite the challenges, the bond with your dog can be incredibly rewarding. As Dr. Brené Brown, vulnerability researcher and author, states, "The love and protection a pet offers can be profound, especially during significant life changes." My own experience with my pup has kept me active during my pregnancy, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Also, it sounds like the same frustration people had when they debated whether aggressive dogs should be taken to a dog park.
10. Beagle
Beagle.
"Beagles are known for their stubbornness and independent spirit," says Dr. Ian Kerner, a licensed sex therapist and author, emphasizing that these traits can lead to challenges in training. You might find yourself in a tug-of-war with your beagle over simple commands, much like I do with my own. After seven years, I can attest that my beagle often acts like a cat; when I throw her a ball, she simply watches me retrieve it. It's amusing for her, but it can be frustrating for me. Despite my best training efforts, she still indulges in her mischievous habits, like scavenging for greasy paper outside. Dr. Kerner notes, "Understanding a dog's personality is crucial for effective training." If you prefer a more compliant pet, I wouldn't recommend a beagle puppy; they can be a handful that feels like having a spoiled child forever.
11. German Shorthair Pointer
Cute puppy, right?
That’s the problem. Everyone thinks they are cute. But many “average”, well-meaning people see one of these and, despite what it says in BOLD PRINT in every legitimate book about dog breeds, still think they can be a good owner of this breed. Unfortunately, in far too many cases they are wrong, and the dogs end up being abandoned or otherwise ending up miserable or in a shelter. As Dr. Robert Cialdini, an expert in influence and persuasion, states, "People often underestimate the challenges of responsibility, believing they can manage what they truly cannot."
Shelters do not keep dogs alive forever. They actually must put down dogs that no one adopts after a certain period of time. This breed ends up in shelters a lot. According to Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist, "Understanding the emotional needs of a pet is crucial; neglecting this can lead to dire consequences for both the animal and the owner."
I have lived with several GSPs over the years. All came into my life from being abandoned or neglected. In one case the previous owner at least had the honesty to admit he could not handle it, the realization that he should find a better home for the dog, and the steadfastness to do proper vetting before handing the dog off to someone else (me) who was prepared for being able to take care of this breed.
12. Caucasian Shepherd
```htmlOk, I’ve read a lot of the answers and this one deserves a mention!
I am talking about the Caucasian Ovcharka. Also known as the Caucasian Shepard and Russian Shepard dog. (No, this is not the Tibetan Mastiffs, it is its bigger cousin)
These dogs were bred to fend off wolves … and bears! Yes, bears! They are truly a Mac truck on four legs. A Caucasian Ovcharka is huge, they are known as a very loyal dog. They are great around children and are extremely smart like a Leonberger breed. Their natural instinct is to protect the herd and the family. Dr. Madeline Levine, a child psychologist, emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership, stating, "Children can benefit greatly from the presence of a loyal dog, but it's crucial to choose a breed that fits the family's lifestyle and experience level" (madelinelevine.com).
In the Caucasus mountains of Georgia, they will breed these dogs. As soon as they are of age, they will literally send them out with a flock of sheep for days on end without so much as training. The dog's natural instinct is to follow the flock and to look after them until the owner returns, and they will achieve this by fighting off wolves.
In the Russian forests, people use these dogs to protect their homes from bears. They were also used to hunt bears. I am not talking about an English-gentlemen kind of hunt, where five armed men ride on horseback and hunt a non-predator type creature, whilst a bloodhound runs it down the last of its energy. These dogs would seek out a bear on their own! If it came close to their family house, it was shown to hunt it down. These dogs are a powerhouse. No doubt.
In saying all that, they are actually very mild-tempered around humans whom they call their own. They are absolutely eager to please their owner. You can leave them with your own child in a pram and know the dog will not allow a single person to come near it. They simply put themselves in between the child and anyone who approaches.
So in saying that, this is NOT a dog for a novice owner!
This breed is much like an old school-mind. Its loyalty and love are endless, but it seeks an Alpha owner! If the dog does not see its owner as his or her leader of the pack, it will just simply ignore you. It will eventually just do its own thing, and that’s when you’re in trouble!```
13. Border Collie
I’m seeing a lot of people mentioning big dogs, strong dogs, high prey instinct dogs, but only a few very wise people have mentioned this guy:
Border collies. Or any herding dog, for that matter, but this guy in particular comes to mind.
Don’t get me wrong, border collies are good dogs. Very friendly, intelligent, funny individuals with a lot of personality.
But they are NOT for your average person. They have a ton of energy and they love to run fast and far. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, "Dogs like border collies require not just physical exercise but also mental stimulation to thrive." Unless you’re incredibly active yourself, with a lot of free time, you won’t be able to keep up with these dogs, and you’ll have a high-strung animal going crazy with a need to burn off all his energy in your house.
Their intelligence also means that they will get bored easily, which again, means that if you’re working 9-to-5 and need to leave your dog alone, you’ll come home to a destroyed house because he’s going stir crazy with nothing to do. "A bored dog is often a destructive dog," warns Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert. They need a job to occupy their mind, they need to learn and use what they learn.
They were bred to be herders, and if you’ve ever seen a border collie following instructions from their trainers, you’ll know how complicated the instructions can be. Often it’s just a few pitch changes in a whistle, and the dog will know exactly what to do. It’s hard even for me to figure that all out.
The right owner for a border collie IS out there, believe me. Every dog has, somewhere, the right person to go with them. But I’m willing to bet that if the average person adopts a border collie, the situation will end with a frustrated, bored, antsy dog, and a person whose house has been destroyed.
14. Samoyed
Samoyed or affectionately known as the Sammy.
A lot of people see them and fixate on their cuteness. And yes, they sure are head turners! Especially as puppies, they resemble polar bear cubs!
But then what frequently happens is that people go out and get one without doing adequate research on the breed and then wonder why the house is covered in white fur? Why is there a huge hole in the wall? And WHY is the couch completely chewed up!?
Samoyeds are working dogs originally from Siberia. They were bred to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and keep children warm meaning they need a job to do!
A lot of people do not realize that these cute fluffy dogs need exercise, A LOT of exercise. They are after all, working dogs. Ours require at least 2–3 hours of running/hiking/swimming a day.
Without enough exercise, they are left bored and because they are also intelligent the combination results in sometimes very creative methods in destroying the house, yard, garden, and any material possessions you hold dear. We used to have to baby lock our cabinets because our boy learned how to open them while we were away.
The dog is fluffy, very fluffy and that fluff is going to go somewhere. The grooming requirement for Samoyeds is high. They have a double layer coat and shed their inner layer once or twice a year depending on gender. When that happens the amount of fur they produce can easily produce 2 more dogs.
Some people even spin it into yarn and make clothes out of it! They require frequent brushing that can take hours to remove all their dead hair. Many people don’t realize this or simply cannot spend the time to maintain their Sammy and the poor dog ends up matted and ultimately shaved.
Like most northern breeds Samoyeds are stubborn and quite difficult to train. They are smart and will try to push your boundaries as much as they can. I know many owners cannot have their dogs off leash because of this.
Their dog simply won’t return no matter how many times they try to call him back. This is why they frequently require a lot of time invested in training or else they will grow up unruly, disobedient, and can become a danger to themselves.
They are sweet and very affectionate dogs. They love people and I mean REALLY love people so much that many will exhibit separation anxiety if left by themselves for too long. This can manifest as destructive behavior or endless barking which is a problem for people with long and inflexible work hours.
Speaking of barking…Samoyeds tend to be quite noisy and enjoy the sound of their own voice so they don’t make good companions for those living in tight quarters or where noise will become an issue.
Just as certain breeds fit the lifestyle of certain people, Sammys are great for the right owners! They are beautiful, smart, and athletic dogs. We absolutely love our 2 Sammys in our lives but they definitely have not been a walk in the park.
We frequently get stopped on the street by families or couples interested in adding a Samoyed to their lives after meeting our 2. However, just as frequently we encounter Samoyeds needing new homes because the dog required a lifestyle that was incompatible with its original owners.
15. Xoloitzcuintli
```htmlThe Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless dog.
The dog version of Sphinxes (hairless cats), it is definitely NOT for beginner dog owners. Here are the reasons:
Xolo dogs should not be owned by someone who lives in cold climates. Due to the fact that they are hairless, they would be categorized as an indoor dog if adopted as such. Even in warm climates, they need access to air conditioning due to how sensitive they are to air temperatures.
Xolo dogs are very intelligent and high energy dogs. For a Xolo dog, they need a lot of outdoor space to run around and extra stimulation. A Xolo dog is not suitable for someone who doesn’t have the time to exercise them, because like Huskies, they will be destructive of their surrounding property.
Xolo dogs are not recommended for little children. Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, emphasizes that "certain breeds, like the Xoloitzcuintli, may not be ideal for families with young children due to their energetic nature and rough play." However, they are great for families with active, older children.
Xolo dogs have skins that need high maintenance. They have sensitive skin, which means that they are extremely sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is better to exercise them either in the early morning/evening and/or with dog sunscreen.
Furthermore, their skin needs constant maintenance; washing their skin weekly/every couple of weeks is important for preventing acne. To prevent oily skin and dirt, they need to be wiped down with a warm damp rag daily. Also, they may need lotion applied on them to prevent drying out of their skin.
With proper care and love, Xolo dogs make excellent guard and family dogs. However, it’s not fair to adopt them due to a trend. Please carefully consider if you want to adopt any dog, especially a Xolo dog.```
16. Italian Greyhounds
"If you don’t want a dog that is overly attached, sensitive, and prone to health issues that can lead to expensive vet bills, you might want to reconsider this breed," warns Dr. John Gray, relationship author and expert on pet behavior at marsvenus.com. "They can also be quite challenging to housetrain, which can lead to unpleasant situations at home."
"These dogs are not suited for everyone," Dr. Gray continues. "They require a special kind of owner who understands their unique needs."
"However, for those who truly connect with them, they can be the most rewarding companions," he adds. "But it’s essential to be prepared for the commitment they demand."
17. Chow Chow
I’ve looked through a lot of answers, but haven’t seen anyone mention the Chow Chow. These are mine. I love these guys, and they’re the 4th, 5th and 6th I’ve had, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend them to the ‘average’ person.
1 - Grooming. Not just brushing (which needs done regularly), but bathing and blow drying. Fortunately, if you can keep them clean, it’s not a weekly thing, but we had to buy a custom dryer to be able to run for the hours required to blow dry these fluff balls. They also blow coat twice a year, so during those times, you can expect to spend hours brushing them to get the undercoat out.
2 - Health. “Chow Chows are prone to certain health issues such as entropion and hip dysplasia,” says Dr. Andrew Weil, a leading expert in integrative medicine. “This breed can also be susceptible to certain types of cancer, making them an expensive dog to own.”
3 - Temperament. They can be aggressive if not socialized early and often. “Chow Chows require a strong leader who can guide their independent nature,” notes Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher. “They thrive in a structured environment where they feel secure.”
There’s a lot of finesse needed to keep these dogs in line but still happy and social. They’re also very headstrong/independent, and you have to ‘guide’ that temperament into productive rather than destructive behavior. They get bored with repetition in activities like obedience (while being quickly stuck to routine - read: breakfast/dinner times, wake-up times, etc.).
There are more, but those are the key issues.
That being said, every time we meet someone that has had a chow, they smile wistfully when they see ours. There’s something about the breed that endears them to your heart once you’ve owned one. I think it may be that they make you earn their respect, which in turn earns yours.
18. Catahoula Leopard Dog
```htmlCatahoulas are often regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
Dr. Steven Pinker, a cognitive scientist, notes, “Dogs, particularly breeds like the Catahoula, exhibit remarkable problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence.” The National Association of Catahoula emphasizes that “not everyone needs a Catahoula,” highlighting the breed's independence and cleverness. In my experience with rescue, many have remarked that it is the most intelligent dog they have ever encountered.
The Catahoula Cur holds the title of the state dog of Louisiana. Owners frequently share anecdotes of their dogs being instructed to find cattle and returning hours later, successfully herding them into the corral without any human assistance.
Many people are drawn to this breed due to their striking appearance. However, new owners often discover that these dogs can cleverly escape their crates and consistently outsmart them. Without sufficient mental stimulation and a job to do, Catahoulas can become quite destructive due to boredom.```
19. Saint Bernard
```htmlSt. Bernards
We've had one and she was beautiful and highly intelligent. Originally they were used to rescue avalanche victims.
As a puppy she was really cute and slept curled up in our lap. As a giant horse-sized dog she still thought she was a puppy and slept curled up in our lap.
Slobber. Slobber everywhere.
Fur and constant shedding. We've made yarn from her hair and knitted socks.
Poop buckets.
Food buckets.
Farting and snoring. (Sometimes simultaneously)
Highly vindictive and killed small animals she didn't like.
Very good memory and remembered anyone who’ve mistreated her. Never forgave.
Many health issues and very short lifespan.
When she died, it felt like a family member died. I cried for a week straight.
Dr. Michael Thompson, child psychologist states, "Dogs, especially larger breeds like St. Bernards, can have complex emotional lives and may hold grudges, which can lead to behavioral issues."
```
20. Dalmatian
```htmlThese spotted dogs are very cute, widely popularized by Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, and among the worst breeds for first-time dog owners.
Dalmatians were originally bred to be firehouse dogs. Their primary purpose was to run and bark loudly in front of a firetruck, almost like an alarm. They were also kept by nobles to guard their horses and coaches. Over time, their original purpose became obsolete but their primary traits of a good watchdog, loud barker, and athletic figure stayed.
What this means for a first-time dog owner:
Dalmatians need a large amount of exercise. According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, "Dogs thrive on routine and physical activity; without it, they can develop behavioral issues." This means that while they do not usually become destructive when bored, they can easily develop depression and their health can rapidly deteriorate if not given proper exercise and mental stimulation.
They are aloof with strangers. Dalmatians have a very strong sense of loyalty towards just a few preferred humans, and tend to treat the rest with mistrust. Dr. Dan Gilbert, a happiness researcher, notes, "Socialization in early life is crucial for dogs to develop trust and reduce anxiety around unfamiliar people." It takes a lot of socialization, training, and exposure during their puppy years to help them overcome this, which first-time owners may not always be aware of.
They are very vocal. If not trained properly, they will bark and make a lot of noise regardless of the time of day. This can cause frustration not only to the owner but also any neighbors.
It can be difficult to find a well-bred Dalmatian. As with any purebred, Dalmatians should be bred for a good temperament. However, they are one of the most commonly mis-bred dogs, and it can be difficult to find the best breeder possible if you don’t know what you are looking for.```
I have to admit there were a few dogs mentioned that I hadn’t heard of before, like the Caucasian Shepherd and the Kangal Shepherd. I was also really intrigued by the extreme opinions about Fila Brasileiro being so aggressive and reactive.
In doing some research on my own, the user wasn’t too far off; they are very protective of their families and are NOT friendly with strangers. I just inherently disbelieve folks who make broad generalized assumptions about a breed, since usually, it’s more nurture than nature that impacts a dog's temperament.
Were there any breeds on this list that surprised you? Would you add any other breeds to a “Not for Novice Dog Owners” list?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Some of these breeds are a lot more dog than a beginner expects.
A few of the names on this list are instantly recognizable, but others are the kind that make you pause and look twice.
The reactions get even stronger once people start talking about temperament.
That is where the debate really starts.
Before you decide your dog needs a buddy, see what the online user asked about skipping canine companionship.
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