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10 Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Owners

James Rhys Clarke

Last Updated: Sep 25, 2023

Top 10 Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Owners

So, here you are, prepping all the necessary stuff to becoming an official fur parent.

Dog food, check.

Grooming kit, gotcha.

Awesome dog bed, ordered.

Oh, wait. Have you thought about the dog breed that you're going to adopt yet? Are you sure?

Hate to break it to you, but there are literally worst dog breeds for first time owners like you.

And if you've never dealt with a canine before, listen up.

Not every dog is suitable for every owner.

Unfortunately, if you don't find a pet that fits your lifestyle, you may end up in an unhappy relationship.

Let me tell you something.

How suitable a dog breed is for a new owner depends on several factors.

According to various studies (1, 2, 3, 4):

Domestic dogs exhibit tremendous phenotypic diversity…

That means, different dog breeds have varying temperaments, characters, and behavioral traits.

But mostly, what it all comes down to is a breed's trainability and aggressiveness, and both of these factors are related to each other.

Up for the challenge?

Then, read on to learn more about:

The 10 worst dog breeds for newbie fur parents
What science has to say about dog trainability & aggression
The importance of training and learning your dog's personality

Let's dive in!

Note: Two other variables that are slightly less important but still must be considered are the breed's stubbornness and energy levels.

10 Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Owners - Infographics

10 Worst Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

1. Skye Terrier

Skye terriers are great little dogs, but they like to have things their own way and can be really stubborn.

This breed of dog does need regular exercise and will require lots of walks to stay fit and happy.

They also need regular grooming as their coat can get very long and end up covering their eyes.

Skye Terriers will also need regular baths and brushing, as they are prone to matting. They are fairly high-maintenance dogs, making them one of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners.

2. Cane Corso

This breed of dog was originally a watchdog and was used for hunting wild boar in Italy.

They are huge dogs and are quite stubborn too. They really can end up ruling the home as they do like to have things their own way.

Cane Corsos will build strong bonds with their owners, and they really will become special friends.

They are very territorial dogs and are also extremely protective of their owners. That being said, if you’re a new dog owner, this breed is probably best avoided.

3. Treeing Walker Coonhound

This breed of dog really isn’t the best option for a first-time dog owner. They are highly athletic and will need a lot of exercise to stay fit and content.

They are also very competitive and are known for their endurance. Treeing Walker Coonhounds were originally bred to track and tree raccoons living in the wild.

If you lead an active lifestyle, then they may be fine for you, but if not, you should definitely avoid this breed. Keep in mind that they will also need a big area outside to run and burn energy.

This is not just one of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners but also a terrible choice for city dwellers or folks living in small apartments.

They love chasing the small game, and if you aren’t prepared for this, this breed isn’t for you.

4. Border Collie

Border Collies are great dogs, and they are working dogs. They are highly energetic and are always willing to please.

Border Collies are highly intelligent too, and this breed thrives on human contact. They have a job to do, and they do it so well. Where would we be without the Border Collie?

They love having jobs, and they are pleased as long as they please their owners. This breed needs to be mentally and physically challenged and will need a great deal of exercise.

If you cannot guarantee that you will provide lots of exercise, then this breed is best avoided.

5. Bloodhound

The Bloodhounds are lovable dogs, and they adore their owners, too.

However, they do like being in control and are very stubborn.

They have a powerful sense of smell, making them great hunting dogs, and if a Bloodhound picks up a scent they want to follow, they will, and you’ll be dragged along behind them.

Bloodhounds are prone to chasing other animals, so if you’re a new dog owner, the Bloodhound may be too much to handle.

This is a very active breed that needs a lot of stimulation both mentally and physically.

They may pick up some naughty behaviors to entertain themselves if they don't get enough interaction, which is why we've added them to the list of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners.

6. Tibetan Mastiff

This breed of dog originated from the Himalayan Mountains and was used to protect families.

They were kept inside during the day but used to be let out at night to protect the family's flock and act as a watchdog.

For this reason, Tibetan Mastiffs are an independent breed of dog, and they are also brilliant.

They can be very aggressive to strangers because they were bred to be watchdogs. This breed will need obedience training, and they will need to be well-socialized when they are puppies.

This breed is definitely one to avoid if you’re a first-time owner.

7. Australian Cattle Dog

This is a very loyal breed of dog, and their job originally was to herd. They are a very stubborn breed of dog as well.

Australian Cattle Dogs can become very restless if they haven’t got a job to be getting on with. They are brilliant and very athletic, so they will need a great amount of exercise to keep them happy and stress-free.

We added them to the list of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners because these canines can be very wary of strangers, which could be a problem if you get lots of visitors to your home.

This breed will take over, as they do like to have things their own way.

8. Akita

The Akita is such a powerful dog, and it originated in Japan. It’s a large dog and is very strong, with strong instincts to guard.

Akitas are great as guard dogs, but they do like to be in control and need a lot of training.

Their temperament can also change very quickly – one minute, they can be calm and restful, and the next minute they can become aggressive.

This breed should be carefully watched if you have children or other pets at home. They need to be well socialized when they are puppies to ensure they are used to people and other animals.

This breed will require a great amount of commitment, and if you cannot guarantee that, this breed should definitely be avoided.

9. Siberian Husky

A Siberian Husky is stunning to look at, but they are huge dogs and will need a lot of grooming and exercise to stay fit and healthy and have an accurate Husky diet.

Huskies are working dogs and aren’t happy unless they are out and about exercising. They were bred to pull sleds in snowy climates and always lookout for something to do.

A short walk won’t do with this breed. They can walk for hours and will need a lot of exercise throughout the day. You'll have to have plenty of space for this large breed and watch out for other pets in the house too.

Huskies are predatory dogs, and you can never be sure about their temperament from one minute to another, which is why they are one of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners.

10. Rottweiler

A Rottweiler is a huge dog, and for a first-time dog owner, it’s probably best avoided. They may look like scary dogs to some people, but they can be a loving and affectionate breed if properly socialized.

On the contrary, Rotties also love being in control and can be very stubborn.

They can quickly take over if you let them, and they are mighty dogs. Rottweilers are very protective of their people too.

They are so loyal and will be great guard dogs for you and your property if you have experience dealing with this type of dog.

They are big, though – weighing up to 135 pounds, and a lot of that is muscle. That’s why they are so strong!

Bonus: Honorable Mentions

While the following breeds didn't quite make our list, you won't find them on the best dog breeds list either.

Before getting any of the following breeds, make sure you can handle them and are up for a challenge.

They are not necessarily bad, but some can be very challenging for first-time pet owners due to their intelligence or energy.

It is worth reading more about these breeds from a reputable source like the American Kennel Club before ruling them out completely.

Science on Breeds' Trainability and Aggression

Research shows that some breeds are genetically more aggressive and have a higher prey drive due to the structure of their brain – amygdala and hypothalamus (5, 6).

Similarly, studies also found that certain breeds are harder to train than others because of their behavioral traits, boldness, reactivity, and sociability (7, 8).

These two breed factors are important for first-time owners because a dog will be more restless, more impulsive, and less easy to control.

They will require far more skills, experience, and patience from the dog owner.

And if this is your first time adopting a dog, you may not have the necessary qualities to prevent accidents to yourself, the dog, and those around you.

In a 2018 study that focused on the trainability of specific breeds, scientists found that Borzoi, Chow Chow, and Saint Bernard, among other breeds, were much harder to train and have control of.

Meanwhile, the following dog breeds scored very high on trainability and how good they were at listening to owners and following commands:

Pairing both of these factors helps us figure out which dogs are less suitable for first-time owners.

So, the 10 of the worst dog breeds for first-time owners that we listed above would be harder for you to care for (but not impossible) if you're inexperienced, have less patience and time, and don't have the means for the dog to release energy constantly.

Remember the Importance of Training and Personalities

As you look at the above list and consider your first dog, remember that a dog's breed does not determine its entire personality.

Even breeds known for active dogs will have occasional low energy.

Additionally, some of the above dogs may be fine for new dog owners if they are only pets and you have an active lifestyle.

Training is also essential for both the best and worst dogs. Proper training can teach some dogs to leave small pets alone.

It can even turn an extremely energetic dog into the perfect companion dog.

This is much easier to do if you also make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Don't forget that dogs need both physical and mental stimulation.

If you can, take some time to get to know a dog before adopting him.

This will help you determine how trainable he is and how hard he will be to handle.

It is also worth noting that you don't need a purebred dog. Consider looking at stray dogs or mixed breeds at your local shelter.

The only concern with a rescue is that you don't know their life before.

For example, a dog previously in dogfighting rings may be aggressive.

That being said, most shelters will have a good idea of a dog's personality.

This makes them a good choice for a first dog, as you can ask for a specific type of personality.

Common Questions about Dog Breed Options First-Time Owners Should Reconsider

If you still have lingering questions about one of the above dog breed options, find the answers here.

We will also answer related questions first-time dog owners commonly have, including about the best dog breed to start with.

Which Dog Breed Is the Best for First-Time Dog Owners?

Whether you want a family pet or a guard dog, first-time dog owners will want to stick to one of several breeds for an easier experience.

Great options include the Papillon, Greyhound, Labrador Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and mixed breed dogs. Other dogs can also be great for new dog owners.

This list is not exhaustive.

Dog Breeds

What Is the #1 Most Dangerous Dog?

Only seasoned dog owners should get one of the most dangerous dogs. It would help if you also started early with obedience training, focusing on positive training.

These dangerous dogs include American Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Bullmastiffs, and American bulldogs.

Which Dog Can Kill a Lion?

Not every large dog breed can kill a dog. Some are secretly gentle giants. If you want a future dog that can kill a lion, consider a wolf dog, Tibetan mastiff, Rottweiler, Neapolitan mastiff, Boerboel dog, Bloodhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kangal, Dogo Argentino, or Fila Brasileiro.

What Is the Easiest Dog to Own?

If you want dog ownership to be as easy as possible, you may want one of the lovely dogs that are easy to own.

Great choices include Basset Hounds, Beagles, Border terriers, Bulldogs, the Bichon Frise, Chihuahuas, Collies, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

What Dog Has the Shortest Lifespan?

The Dogue de Bordeaux is among the breeds with the shortest lifespan. It only lives between five and eight years on average. On top of that, this breed has a higher rate of stillbirths than the average.

What Is the Strongest Dog?

The strongest dog breeds include Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Dobermans, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Alaskan Malamutes.

You will notice that some of these breeds made our list of poor choices for a first-time owner. That is because many are strong and need physical and mental stimulation to stay out of trouble.

What Is the Calmest Dog Breed?

The calmest breeds include the Golden Retriever, Scottish Deerhound, Greyhound, French Bulldog, Bichon Frise, English Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees.

What Is the Healthiest Dog Breed?

Some of the healthiest breeds include the Australian Cattle Dog, Chihuahua, Greyhound, Poodle, German Shorthair Pointer, and Australian Shepherd.

What Is the Hardest Breed to Train?

The hardest dog breeds to train include beagles, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, basset hounds, Chinese Shar Peis, and Afghan Hounds.

Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Owners: Before You Go…

Owning a dog is truly an amazing journey.

The amount of love and care you can give them, expecting nothing in return, makes the human-canine bond stronger, isn't it?

But if you're a new pup parent, you might want to consider going for friendlier dog breeds first.

The great thing is, you can make the most of your pup-parenting journey and learn the ropes of dog ownership at the same time.

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