August 10, 2024, 8:10 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Newcomers to dog ownership sometimes pick a dog based on appearance or which breed is popular. However, this can have disastrous consequences because not every dog is suitable for inexperienced owners. PETBOOK has summarized which breeds beginners should stay away from and why.
Just because a dog is particularly small doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not a lot of work. In addition to being walked several times a day, grooming, and feeding, small dogs also need to be trained. The extent of this work is not related to an animal’s body size but to its character traits. For example, once bred for hunting, some dog breeds need particularly rigorous training to prevent their hunting instincts from getting the better of them. Even very independent and confident dogs sometimes don’t take much notice of inexperienced owners. We present nine popular dog breeds that are not suitable for beginners.
Overview
Dachshund
Although Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds, beginners adopting this breed are not necessarily doing themselves or their dogs a favor. It doesn’t matter whether they are rough-haired, long-haired, or short-haired dachshunds; the dog breed was bred specifically for hunting and still carries many hunting instincts today. Dachshunds also act independently because they were bred to drive badgers or foxes out of their dens. This breed of dog is decisive and likes to assert itself. For Dachshunds and Dachshund owners to get along well in everyday life, consistent training with a lot of perseverance is necessary for the owner. In addition, the dog breed is not necessarily highly motivated to cooperate with humans. This can make it unnecessarily difficult for beginners, which is why this dog breed is unsuitable for a first dog.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a typical example of “small but mighty.” Due to its small size, it is often underestimated and not taken seriously. This can lead to these dogs becoming increasingly extreme in their behavior out of desperation and displaying strong defensive gestures such as growling, baring their teeth, and biting. This is often ridiculed or even provoked by owners and those around them. This leads to the typical behavior of such small dogs, such as barking persistently at other dogs or unknown things and people.
The dog breed is extremely attached to its owner and very affectionate. So much so that Chihuahuas can even react jealously if they have to share their owner’s attention with other pets or even children. To prevent problems such as biting or constant barking from arising in the first place, it is important to train the dog from the outset and lay an excellent educational foundation. Unfortunately, most owners of this dog breed find this very difficult because they either don’t take the animals seriously or allow the cute dogs to misbehave. No matter how cute and small the Chihuahua is, this dog breed is not suitable for beginners.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Ridgies are natural beauties, and many beginners are charmed by the noble appearance of this dog breed. However, the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s roots go back to Africa, where it was used to hunt lions, and it is, therefore, self-confident and independent. Its protective instincts are very pronounced because of its roots. Ridgebacks, therefore, need an experienced and consistent handler who leaves no doubt about his sovereignty. In addition, these dogs are very sensitive and can quickly become stubborn under pressure. Because Rhodesian Ridgebacks are considered quite clever, their training is labor-intensive. Insecure first-time dog owners can quickly reach their limits here, which is why this dog breed is unsuitable for beginners.
Shih Tzu
With its long, silky coat, this small dog breed is also known as the “little diva. Shih Tzus demand a lot of attention. If they do not receive this, they can sometimes develop bad habits and quickly overwhelm inexperienced dog owners. Although Shih Tzus are typical companion dogs and were not bred for a specific task such as hunting or guarding the property, they need to be kept busy. Like many small dog breeds, the Shih Tzu is often underestimated and not taken seriously. They are brilliant dogs that love to learn tricks. Their coat also requires intensive grooming. The facial area, in particular, may need to be washed daily as food can get caught in the long hair. Only experienced dog lovers should keep Shih Tzus. This dog breed is not suitable for beginners.
German Shepherd
As the name suggests, sheepdogs are dogs initially used to herd sheep. Like many herding dogs, this dog breed always needs a job. The German Shepherd is anything but a lap dog and requires a lot of mental and physical exercise to maintain its friendly and balanced nature. Without consistent training, the dogs tend to be insecure, which often manifests in excessive barking. The German Shepherd is, therefore, not a dog that conforms. The dog breed requires consistent training, which many beginners cannot provide due to a lack of experience.
Australian Shepherd
This dog breed is often mistaken for an Australian breed due to its name, but it originally came from the USA, where it was used to herd sheep. The herding instinct is, therefore, very pronounced. Australian Shepherds are very attractive and popular due to their distinctive multicolored coats. However, these dogs are extremely active and require appropriate care. They need intense physical exercise several times a day and mental stimulation. Ideally, they should be kept as working dogs. However, with the proper training, it is possible to meet the needs of this breed. Many people underestimate the Australian Shepherd’s great desire for work and pick them for their attractive appearance. This dog breed is, therefore, not suitable for beginners.
Beagle
The Beagle was considered a fashionable dog for a while and was, therefore, often owned by beginners. However, they usually underestimate the hunting instinct of this medium-sized dog and its independence. Therefore, owners with little dog experience can quickly run into problems when training the Beagle. For example, if the dog suddenly goes hunting on its own in the forest. Because Beagles were bred to hunt independently, they always have their nose to the ground and are only moderately receptive to their owners. Once the dog has picked up a scent, it quickly disappears into the undergrowth or bushes. It is almost impossible, especially for beginners, to let the Beagle run off the lead because there is a high risk of them wandering off and getting lost.
Weimaraner
As a hunting dog, the noble Weimaraner requires substantial physical and mental exercise, just like all working dogs. In addition, Weimaraners can weigh up to 30 kilograms and should not be kept in a small apartment. These dogs need a house with a garden, plenty of exercise, and regular dog sports training sessions to be balanced. Beginners often overlook the basic needs of this large dog, which is why this breed only belongs in experienced hands.
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Border Collie
Like the Australian Shepherd, the Border Collie was originally bred for herding. This instinct is very pronounced, and if the Border Collie is not given enough exercise in the hands of beginners, it can start to chase cars or even herd children. What owners often smile about at first can quickly turn into problem behavior. For example, when the dog begins not only to herd the child but also discipline it. Training and keeping a Border Collie is a full-time job. Therefore, this dog breed is not recommended for beginners.