Selecting a dog breed is a very personal choice that is best left to the family. However, if you are a first-time dog owner, there are certain breeds you may want to avoid as they need a firm owner and an experienced dog handler. Also, there are a few breeds that do not get along well with children; some are quite difficult to train, and some are particularly bad for allergy sufferers. Here is a list of the worst dog breeds for new pet owners.
1. Pit Bull
Pit Bulls are quite sweet but they have received the reputation of being aggressive. Unfortunately, statistics also prove that Pit Bulls may not be the best dogs for first-time owners or those with young children. After all; pitties have jaws of steel which can cause terrible damage. So steer clear of this breed if you have very young children.
2. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are known to have scored the lowest on the ‘dog smartness tests’. This makes them the least intelligent dogs around and that can impact trainability. Many people believe that Afghans are slow learners. However, they do have other skills; they are fast! Another hassle of owning an Afghan is that they need a lot of grooming. Afghan Hounds are also supposed to be the one of the worst dog breeds for allergy sufferers.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are generally good dogs and they love to be around people and kids. However, they can be very stubborn and can take a while to train. Another pain point about Basset Hounds is that they cannot be left home alone. So if you work full-time, you’d need to arrange for a dog sitter to prevent separation anxiety. Thirdly, your dog could be one of the worst dog breeds to own if you suffer from allergies. Fourthly, you will always need to keep your dog leashed as he could easily run off chasing a scent.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs but they were mostly bred for military work and police work. While successful in these lines of work, they are known to be quite aggressive. Many a German Shepherd has bitten humans despite there being no provocation. This human-aggression has been mostly seen in un-neutered dogs. Germans Shepherds also need a lot of specialized training and regular grooming. German Shepherds and Chow Chows are considered the worst dog breeds due to biting.
5. Chow Chow
A study conducted on dog bites in children concluded that parents who wish to get a dog should try to avoid certain breeds like the Chow Chow. This is due to the fact that the breed has been known to bite non-household members. Again, this behavior was mostly seen in un-neutered dogs.
6. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small, yappy, and tend to be neurotic dogs. Being tiny, they try to make up for their small size with barking. This small dog breed is also susceptible to cold and hot climates and cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. Like most toy breeds, they can be very stubborn, hence difficult to housetrain. Many Chihus are known to suffer from separation anxiety.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are working dogs and they need a job to do. If not exercised, they can get neurotic and bark aimlessly. Cockers are also in need of daily grooming; failure to do so can lead to mats and tangles in the coat. They are energetic dogs that need physical and mental stimulation. Without this, they can indulge in unwanted behavior like barking, chewing, tearing sheets, or digging. Cockers are prone to skin allergies. They are not too fond of young kids unless socialized from a young age. Cockers tend to have a mind of their own and that can make training difficult. They won’t hesitate to bite even their family members.
8. Pug
Pugs have a slew of health issues. Being brachycephalic dogs, they tend to suffer from breathing problems. This also causes them to snore a lot. Pugs should never be over-exercised, especially in hot weather. Many Pugs require surgical procedures to ensure that they can breathe properly. In short: Pugs are one of the dog breeds with most health issues.
9. Rottweiler
Rottweiler or Rotties are large dogs that can even fight to the death to save a loved one. But they are also known to need specialized training in order to tone down their over-aggressive tendencies. Owing to their large frames and super strength, it is not a good idea to leave them unsupervised with young children. Of course; accidents can happen no matter what breed your dog is. So supervise your dog, and your child, irrespective of the breed.
10. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are very excitable dogs and this characteristic trait also makes them one of the worst behaved dog breeds. Of course, good training and socialization can prevent these problems. Naturally, Dalmatians need a lot of training and they also need plenty of exercise. So, they are definitely not the best breed for first-time dog owners. Dals are also prone to skin allergies and food sensitivities. Never allow a kid to be unsupervised around a Dalmatian as they tend to jump, even on small babies.
11. Bulldog
Bulldogs are sweet-natured, loyal, and generally get along well with kids but they have a host of health issues. In fact; they can be considered as one of the dog breeds with the most health problems. These include breathing troubles and snoring. Bulldogs also drool a lot and that can get messy. They are also heavily wrinkled and you need to clean these wrinkles from time to time in order to prevent skin issues. Being slow learners, they are also difficult to train.
12. Weimaraner
You cannot ignore your Weimaraner. If you do, you are inviting trouble in the form of excessive barking, scratching of floor/furniture, and ripping of walls and furnishings. Weims also need to be socialized to counter their tendencies to shyness or aggression. They may look mellow but they need a strong owner to control them. Otherwise, they are sure to take on the house. Weims also shed copiously, dig up yards, and their dander can cause severe allergies to some people. You must leash your pet in public else he won’t hesitate to run away. And they aren’t particularly great with cats or other house pets. Weims certainly aren’t great fits for families with elderly parents or young children.
13. Neapolitan Mastiff
If the devil were a dog, he’d look like a Neapolitan Mastiff. This dog is potentially aggressive and dangerous and needs a strong handler to tame him. Remember: people are going to be frightened of this scary dog. And he drools a lot. So let him have his meals outdoors. However, he is not an outdoorsy dog; he can die from heatstroke. Although Neapolitans look tough, they suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They also suffer from bloat, bone cancer, eye issues, and other health problems.
14. Akita
Why is the Akita bad for first-time owners? The main reason being: as per dog bite statistics, they are one of the ten worst dog breeds for biting. They need a firm owner who will show him who the boss is! Otherwise, they won’t hesitate to dominate you. Never leave an un-socialized Akita alone with another animal or a child, especially if the Akita is unfamiliar with them. They can be very aggressive.
15. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are also top in the number of breed-specific attacks on kids. They are intelligent dogs but they have a stubborn streak that makes them difficult to train. Their heavy coats also do not make them suitable for warm weather. They need a lot of grooming. Also, they are generally not the most affectionate breed and may not show as much love or affection as other breeds. Of course, every dog is different.
