Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences that generates a sense of being unconditionally loved and appreciated. In order for a dog breed to thrive in a specific environment, potential dog owners need to be well informed of the breed’s needs and shortcomings.
Although we were reluctant to categorize any breed as “difficult” or “to be avoided”, the following list serves as a reminder of some of the breeds that require more time, attention and effort from their owners to reach their full potential and develop into elegant, loving companions.
15. Weimaraner
On the other hand, they require lots of exercise and are not the best breed for individuals who would rather spend their free time in front of a TV or enjoying a quiet movie night.
Weimaraners are very proud and sometimes even arrogant dogs, so their owners must be strict, firm and experienced with difficult breeds.
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These dogs do better in the countryside than in a bustling city with little open green space where they can run around for hours on end, so individuals living in smaller apartments in downtown areas are advised to look for smaller breeds that are happy to lounge on the couch by their owner’s side.
14. Rottweiler
Rottweilers’ nature can sometimes be vicious, making them instinctively run after their prey, which can be almost anything, from a person they don’t know that could be your friend, to a child who runs away screaming.
Like most guard dogs, Rottweilers are very suspicious of the unknown, but with the right type of training, they can be taught to watch over their owners while still tolerating strangers.
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Rottweilers shouldn’t be left alone with children as they may not understand the child is playing and not being attacked by friends on the playground.
13. Husky
Huskies are not the recommended breed to have with small children or other small pets in the house, such as a cat or a parrot.
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In addition to their instinctive nature to survive and thrive in some of the harshest environment, Huskies shed all year long, and families that like their homes spotless need to look for other breeds that are simply easier to groom and keep in the house.
12. Saint Bernard
Their sweet nature disagrees with city living, and small children or pets, as they can unintentionally hurt them or make a huge mess in the house.
In order to give a Saint Bernard a proper environment to thrive in, the owner has to have the dog trained at a very young age, as Saint Bernards take longer than other breeds to mature and may stay at the puppy level mentally for several years while physically reaching their full size.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are one of the most difficult dog breeds to own due to the fact that they are extremely energetic and require more exercise than a regular dog owner can provide.
Jack Russells are watchdogs, and like most terriers have a wild nature that needs to be channelled the right way.
These dogs are rather skilled hunting dogs with the instinct to run after smaller animals and kill them if possible.
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Jack Russell Terriers may not do well with small children as they are not as tolerant and don’t like to be bothered, pulled or stepped on.
10. Bulldog
They are short, but sturdy, which doesn’t make them the safest pet for small children to be around.
Bulldogs can’t swim because of their heavy torso and short legs, so anyone with a pool or a habit of spending free time near a body of water needs to be extra careful as Bulldogs shouldn’t have access to a pool of water.
This breed is prone to a variety of health issues and is more difficult to train compared to other breeds.
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Bulldogs do have a large fan base, but they are not the best choice for first-time dog owners or individuals looking for an easy-to-own breed.
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are excellent police and military dogs as there is very little they can’t be trained to do.
This is precisely why they are not suited for newbies or individuals who can’t devote a few hours every day to this dog.
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German Shepherds are one of the hardest workers around, and need owners who can animate and engage them in different tasks all the time to keep them from misbehaving, as their energy has to go somewhere.
8. Dalmatian
They are working dogs, and extremely useful when properly trained, but when there is nothing to do they are likely to engage in destructive behaviour, especially when bored.
Dalmatians need to be entertained with tasks all the time, otherwise their mischievous nature can get the best of even the most experienced dog owners.
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Dalmatians don’t live as long as some other breeds and are prone to different health issues. They are guard dogs, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, which means they require strict training at home if they are to be kept as family pets.
7. Border Collie
Dog owners who don’t have a lot of experience with demanding breeds will be better off with a poodle or a golden retriever.
Border Collies are herding dogs that require lots of space and a walk in the park a few times a day is just not going to cut it. This breed requires more than a normal investment from the owner as far as time and effort to keep the dog busy go.
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Without proper stimulation, Border Collies become hyperactive and can drive owners crazy by misbehaving and engaging in destructive behaviour.
6. Tibetan Mastiffs
These dogs were confined during the day, and let loose to perform their guarding duties at night.
In addition to their humongous size, Tibetan Mastiffs are very independent and often want to run things around the house as well.
They are overprotective dogs, thus sometimes confusing friends with intruders. These dogs are loving in nature and make loyal family pets, but require proper training from an early age to learn acceptable behaviour and fit into family life.
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Professional training and a firm and strict hand at home might be too much for new and inexperienced owners to bear.
5. Pekingese
They are often moody and seem malevolent, but they are actually good companions for single adults.
Families with small children are advised against getting this breed as children will treat it like a toy, pulling its coat, ears and tail, and the Pekingese is not as tolerant of small children as some other dogs.
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This breed can develop the so-called Small Dog Syndrome, where they are pampered to a point that they start to believe they are the pack leader in the house.
4. Great Dane
Great Danes absolutely need plenty of space and shouldn’t be kept in small city apartments.
With regular grooming and proper exercise, these dogs can make lovely companions, but they have to be socialized at a very young age more frequently than most other breeds to promote healthy development and constructive behavior.
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Great Danes can be rather dominant with other pets, and although most of them are excellent guard dogs, their territorial instincts may differ from pooch to pooch.
3. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is actually one of the most dangerous breeds when faced with strangers and unfamiliar pets, so it needs to be socialized properly at an early age in order to prevent any potential problems that may arise from its killer instinct.
It should be noted that dogs that are labeled as “dangerous” are in most cases trained to be aggressive and intimidating, exploiting their introverted nature.
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If a Chow Chow is raised in a loving home and given proper care and training, it will turn out to be a great family pet.
2. Doberman
The breed was created to be intimidating and threatening, but when given proper training, it is a very dependable and reliable guard dog that will go to great lengths to protect its owner.
Dobermans shouldn’t be kept in small places or with other pets, and require very firm and consistent behaviour on part of the owner.
Inexperienced dog lovers may make the mistake of adopting this breed without knowing what it takes to give a Doberman the environment it needs to thrive.
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Anyone who is not willing to sometimes be the “bad guy” in order to properly train this breed is advised against owning a Doberman.
1. Akita
Akitas are strong-willed dogs and like to dominate. It’s almost as if whichever Akita puppy you pick, it will turn out to be an alpha dog.
Akitas like to be the pack leaders, and that’s why it’s crucial that they are given proper training.
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A strict, consistent owner needs to put Akita in its place, and new owners are seldom equipped to deal with this huge ball of fur.
The title of this article is completely inappropriate. It should be “dog breeds to avoid based on your needs.” This makes it seem like these breeds are all around “bad” and should be avoided at all cost. And just as a little bit of information, I’m the proud owner of a Doberman and the part where it says that they shouldn’t be kept with other pets is a total fallacy. She lived happily (and very timidly) for 6 years with my 4 pound Chihuahua until my Chihuahua recently passed away of sheer old age.
My 70 lb Shepard puppy and my 4 month old Australian Shepard/Border Collie mix are the best of pals. My grand parents had Chihuahuas and those little snots used to nip your hand for no reason what so ever : )
Agree that this is an inappropriate headline. Personally I’m devoted to huskies as a breed.
true
Shepherds are the best, can’t imagine life without one.
I’ve had 4 shepherds over the years of my life. Each one had a distinct lovable personality…like people, extremely intelligent, loyal and just great companions.
I’ve had two shepherds and they were amazingly easy to train, obedient, loyal, and . . . something only their owners know . . . goofy. I felt very safe, but mostly because other people were so afraid of them. Neither ever once bit anyone, not even another dog.
i know i have one why is it a problem now
They are so cute with their little head tilt! 😀
My Lab got mixed up with a shepherd, probably the smartest and best puppies ever!!!!!
The BIG problem with German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. I like them as a breed (I know other breeds are prone to getting HD), but a few years ago I saw one in my neighborhood literally dragging itself b/c of HD. It didn’t look like an old dog, which made it more heartbreaking to see.
Breeding is important.
Years ago, we had a little pug with HD. My stepfather had read an article in a hunting magazine about the use of vit C for HD in hunting dogs. We started grinding up a vit C tablet everyday and adding it to her food…$1500 surgery no longer needed.
thank you very much my dog (masitff) will thank you now. 🙂
I give my Vizslas Pau d arco and coconut oil. It really makes a difference.
I will semi -disagree with you – because I lost a GSD to degenerative myelopathy – a MAJOR problem in GSDs – which made me feel like I wanted to hunt the breeder down and kill him. (Yes, she was a puppy mill dog but I was trying to rescue her) I loved my baby girl, and to see her, at 6 years old, dragging her hind end around trying to get outside like she knew she was trained to do and could not to do her business was so heartbreaking – oh, I still cry. When the vet told… Read more »
degenerative myelopathy (myelin depletion) is from lyme disease and/or the other tick diseases and its more likely your dog got that from ticks or mosquitos. try lugols next time.
Lugols huh? Can you share any links that support this? Quite interested here !!!
Buy new sorresto flea.collars from vet, yes expensive but last 8 months and protects from fleas and ticks.
You can’t judge a breed by a rescue dog, sorry. That is why I no longer rescue. Majority of those dogs have issues because they are puppy mill dogs. I admire rescuers but I won’t do it again.
That’s just wrong. How dare you discourage people from adopting a rescue in favor of some purebred breeder’s thousand dollar pet? There are thousands upon thousands of mixed breed dogs that do not suffer from inbreeding even if you are paranoid about future health issues.
In the same light Rob, how dare you denigrate those that choose to avoid the possible exposure to a $7500.00 Vet bill to have both hips operated on!!!
That poor GSD with no known history runs a major risk of being dumped, surrendered or put down.
At least reputable breeders with proven health progeny and a level of respect and responsibility for the breed to preserve it are cleaning up the mess that others have cursed the breed with.
Because people are evil and they wanted to make money off them.
I see it as an act of animal cruelty and should be imprisoned for the rest of their life or just shot.
Sorry for your loss. Avoid Pet shops and puppy mills. Go.with private breeders.
You can’t buy “American bred” GS’s. You need to get German bred/working breed because they haven’t screwed up the breed by trying to make them show dogs. Not one of my dogs has had HD because I look at breeding.
Yup….plus being inbred makes that problem a way higher risk
My heart goes out to shelter and rescue GSD’s. If I were wealthy, I would give them all a forever home. That being said, we save our hearts and wallets by only having AKC registered Shepherds with tested and proven health progeny going back a minimum of four generations from an established and reputable breeder.
Dobermans have the same issue with their hips
I had 2, Ruby was 13 when I put her down, incontinence not hip issues. Quite impressive for a Doberman. Breeding is everything.
There are GSD and then there are all of the other dogs.
Thats because the AKC ruined the breed over here, giving them a sloped back for show and breeders went right along with it. This type of breeding is horrible for the dogs but people are the problem. The original GSD was bred to avoid HD and didnt have issues with it till Americans brought this on.
Shepherd shed that’s my problem with them. German breeds are the best thus Doberman is mine.
We lost our GSD to old age almost two years ago. I want to get another, but I know I can never replace Kota. He was so even tempered… He let my wife’s chiweenie bite him, and be rude to him, all the while protecting the little rascal from everything. Kota let the neighbor’s cats eat out of his dish. He let the neighbor’s dogs (running loose without any thought to their safety and well being) take his chew toys. He had a big heart, and he was the smartest dog I ever had (and I have had several Shepherds,… Read more »
.
You should probably make a point to spell the word shepherd properly then, since you do have two of them. 😉
who really gives a shit…whether the person spelled Shepherd correctly is not the point,
…apparently I do, for one. As a German Shepherd owner I will admit it is a pet peeve of mine (no pun intended).
But aside from that fact, any outsider might easily discount or dismiss a dog owner’s abilities to train and control their pet if they habitually and repeatedly misspell the breeds that they so proudly own and praise. That has a lot to do WITH the point and how the point might or might not be taken.
So that’s who really gives a shit!
You are stupid and your point is stupid. An error in spelling is not related to treatment or training of one’s pet. It was a missed key stroke or haste. Get over yourself jerk
Make up whatever possibility you need to appease yourself but there is a pattern. Also, you might want to take a bit of your own advice on the end there. Don’t pretend you know me.
What a great SHOT! BURN……….
Ah, no. It just shows that the person doesn’t spell well which is totally irrelevant to their ability to deal with the breed.
Really, is that what it ‘shows’? Chihuahua, and every other word were spot on. This was not about lack of spelling skills. It was about pointing out that Shepard is a surname. not the name of a dog breed. So, you can call irrelevance if you need to, for yourself. But perception says otherwise.
Isn’t it your nap time?????
WHY?……..IS it YOURS??
Sometimes I kid people and say mine are “Standard Chihuahuas” 😉
Great reply, love it!
yes…
On a computer there is no excuse for misspelling. Mine even corrects my spelling as I go along.
Try checking you settings, genius…
There are 2 ways to spell Shepherd and Shephard , so it’s not a spelling error
It IS a spelling error….improper usage of the right word! What has happened to Americans????? They USED to be so properly educated……Our people have been so dumbed down by terrible teachers and very poor parenting, that by the time they get to college, they have to start learning all over again and even then the Professors are so Left wing Communists, that they purposely misguide the students! I had that same problem at Stanford U. with terrible Professors!
Is this English 101 or a dog breed discussion group?
…speaking of irrelevance, their ability to deal with the breed was never called into question.
Good for you! I also care about correct spelling and English! But, apparently, we’re a dying breed. The one thing I AM weak on is punctuation. What I always wonder about is how DOES one misspell words on a computer? On this new computer of mine I can’t misspell them even when I want to. Like if I want to call a republican an insulting name. Here is what I have to do–r-e-t-h-u-g. Isn’t that annoying? I don;’t even have to go to google to get the correct spelling. I want to type sci-fi and the computer tries to write… Read more »
Apparently Madihaw you have no real life other than correcting peoples spelling online. Boy I but you’re a real blast at a party going around correcting every ones spelling and grammar
How would one know how others are spelling at a party? I don’t understand your point.
nah larry, we’re just born teachers. 🙂
Americans are a dying breed.
Who isn’t?!
(Rant) Properly educated Americans have been targets of the Government Indoctrination Centers for decades. Dumbing down the masses is a central tenet of the ruling elite. I have extended family that have no command of the English language and without that basis, it is easy to understand their warped thought processes. (Rant off)
Your wright, with computers no kneed to learned to spell.
know your wrung, the pewter nose batter then ewe dew.
I prefer that people spell words correctly as well. However, I don’t bring it to their attention when they don’t. Many people don’t seem to know the difference between there, they’re and their. Also to, two, and too! There are other words that people use incorrectly quite often. I had a boss who was a horrible speller but he earned six figures a year so I didn’t think I needed to tell him how to spell. Unless the spelling is so bad that you cannot understand the gist of what they are trying to convey, then I would just roll… Read more »
In a perfect world–grammar & spelling would be perfect.
Rather than attempt to embarrass another human (who may be doing their very best), to make myself appear “more intelligent” than the “Offender”…I look at it as a game, or challenge–“To decipher is to WIN”!! (and NOT insult or embarrass anyone along the way!)
Ah nice, educated but not condescending. Well don’t worry, the way things are going, English won’t be the language spoken in this country much longer as the complacent youth let this country slip away.
I get frustrated too, with illiteracy, but I’m 60 years old. I guess literacy will be a THING OF THE PAST.
Irish: Just relax, wanting literacy only gets worse as you get older, say another 20 years or so. Like pronouncing “often”.
lol i know about that one – my grandfather used to say ‘offin’ as he got older and his muscles got weaker. i used to joke with him that ‘offin’ people is not a good idea. he used to love that. another one – napkin, turns into ‘nakin’. “Please pass me that there nakin would you? i so offin forget to grab one.” i miss that old lugg.
I’m 71 years old and was taught to pronounce often with a silent “t”. I don’t know if I have ever heard anyone in conversation pronounce the “t”. Also, depending on what part of the U.S. you come from, different areas have their own vernacular so I wouldn’t get too hung up on telling people how they should pronounce certain words. If I haven’t learned anything in 71 years, I have learned that I don’t always have to be right. And when I am right, I don’t always have to make it an issue…only if it’s a matter of life… Read more »
I am originally from Havre de Grace, Maryland. I hear you.
Often was pronounced with a t -sound until the 17th century, when a pronunciation without the [t] (Show IPA) came to predominate in the speech of the educated, in both North America and Great Britain, and the earlier pronunciation fell into disfavor. Common use of a spelling pronunciation has since restored the [t] for many speakers, and today [aw-fuh n] and [awf-tuh n] [or [of-uh n] and [of-tuh n] ] exist side by side. Although it is still sometimes criticized, often with a [t] is now so widely heard from educated speakers that it has become fully standard once again.
Ha ha…my husband’s from Indiana and doesn’t pronounce the “t” in often, saying it is silent. I’m from Charleston, SC and I pronounce the “t”. This has been a running argument with us. BTW, we have four dogs..all rescues..a bijon, a part great dane (?), a golden retriever, and our wild dog that looks a little like a Carolina dog. They are all wonderful, get along famously, but have cost us a dime or two for vet bills. Worth it, though.
true..
yawn!
zzzzz
Oh hum!!!
lol..
AGREE with G. You are an inflaming A__HOLE. I too, try to spell all the words I use correctly. There is just nothing worthwhile to the conversation, by you adding your disparaging remarks. I’ll spell sheppard any way I want to spell shephard. JACKA__!
THESE COMMENTS ARE WHY I PREFER THE COMPANY OF GSD’S OVER PEOPLE !!!!!
German Sheep-Herder, or is it Shep-Herder?
Oh what the Hell… Es ist eine Deutsche Wolf Hund.
Hund is a masculine word ergo;Er ist ein Deutscher Wolfhund.
BETTER YET!
TRUE!
I love schoolmarms!
I’m only doing this to be funny, but…
If you own one, you should know the proper name is German Shepherd Dog, not just German Shepherd. At least according to the AKC. 😀
I do know and understand. But I choose to skip the obvious portion of the name to avoid redundancy.
Get a life, he loves the dog, that’s what’s important, I would not want to be owned by you.
I know for a fact that the dog does not care.
Dogs…plural.
They do care, but ain’t saying.
Everyone here is wrong. The correct name is German Shepherd Dog. “Dog” is part of the name for this particular breed of canine.
Where has anyone specifically mentioned the GSD anywhere in this thread, so far?
Has anyone even mentioned the adorable and intelligent Rat Terrier yet???
It would have to be…otherwise, it would be referring to a German Farmer who has sheep.
Your an a hole maling an issue of spelling.
Oh, irony.
You’re
…oh irony, you make me laugh sometimes.
It isn’t ironic if someone says they don’t care about spelling and it is reflected in their spelling your fucking dimwit
I would estimate that nothing is ironic to someone who doesn’t care, good thing the irony was based on my perspective and not yours or theirs. That’s how the word irony works. Also, getting gang slagged by mental midget illiterates (such as you) for being literate about a topic at hand, that is ALSO ironic.
Bwahahahah! You are ALL Wrong!
Try: Deutsche Schäferhund! 😉
I’m not wrong I spent many years as a German teacher. The Noun and the adjective should agree. It would still be Deutscher Schafhund. I am interested to know what any of it has to do with dog training.
My parents had a Chihuahua when I was young and it was very nice. On that note, we had a Pekingese and it was also very nice.
My mother and I both have a Chihuahua, and they are two of the sweetest little dogs you’ll ever meet. They get along really well too.
Actually, we have a long-haired Chihuahua given to us by a co-worker who could not keep her due to divorce. We were quite hesitant to take her, given their reputation as nasty and nippy. She came to us at the age of 5 and is the sweetest, most friendly thing both with our household (including young kids) and others she meets. She loves kids, cats, dogs, guinea pigs…you name it, she rolls with it. The groomer and vet LOVE her too. There isn’t a mean or nippy bone in her body! So try not to label one breed as nippy… Read more »
My Chihuahua was the worst! She was so angry all of the time!! But she was still my little baby!! Lol
Yeah little dogs are nippy shits, only good for punting practice. If all 4 legs leave the ground when they bark, it’s not a real dog.
thank you for beating me to it
My Mother was a Doberman breeder. It was a long time ago, (selling price: $150) , We had as many as 14, at one time, and they ran loose, in the neighborhood, (again, a long time ago).
my cuzin has a husky what the problem now rlly ppl
I agree. My Doberman would curl up on his big pillow with both cats cuddling up to him. The three of them ate side by side. He was the most gentle and loving animal I ever owned. They get a bad rap because of the way they are portrayed in movies. He was very intelligent and generally learned tricks in a day or two. When he passed away we immediately went out and got another one. He did get plenty of exercise because we both jogged 5 miles a day. Dogs will behave and react in accordance with the way… Read more »
Did they grow up together from puppies and kittens? I believe any just about any breed of animal if brought up together will behave well together. They’ve showed numerous instances on TV. There was a cat who took over these baby ducks when they were born (it also had kittens). They actually suckled on the cat. Imagine that! Ducks suckling! That must have been a feat! Probably exceptions to this rule would be snakes and crocodiles, etc.
Hell, the last dog I had (when I was still living with my parents), was half pointer, half retriever. My parents kept chickens, and he never tried to kill any of them. A bird dog, living side by side with chickens lol There was even one hen we had, a Rhode Island Red, and they in particular took to each other. We would get up in the morning and find her actually sleeping on top of him haha
I love Dobies. I bought one and especially asked, LEAVE THE TAIL AND EARS. People don’t even realize it’s a Dobie. Just a lovable neighborhood dog!
Mine has natural ears, but for the love of dogs, dock the tail.
i don’t agree with the tail docking thing. i like dogs with the tail, the way their mommy made them, but it also helps me determine what they are thinking and lets me know if i’m doing something that makes them uncomfortable. the tail can ‘talk’ as much as the eyes and ears, at least to me.
AMEN!
Agreed. But your point should go further and state if dogs are going to be breed for sale, they should be breed for tempermant, health, and owners’ lifestyle, not look. You can thank the Victorians for that arcane bit of holdover vanity.
AND the AKC. It was also the SAME people who gave us the Bearing Rein for horses because it looked “more stylish” when they held their heads up.
Of course, it didn’t matter that a horse pulls by putting its head into the load they are pulling.
Personally, I think that ANYONE who MUTILATES a dog’s ears because it will make them look “more stylish” needs to have the SAME THING done to THEIR EARS.
That would change the trend in less than a heartbeat.
I’ve known a lot of people with Dobermans, and they’ve all been great dogs.
right.
I had a dobie that lived with a cat. Not once did it show any aggressiveness to the cat.
Amen Candace. Or dog breeds to avoid if you want to be an absent owner. We are the owner of an Akita who has been nothing but great even though we adopted him at 4 yo and no idea of his training.
I agree with Candace that it is a dangerous thing to label any dog breed as aggressive or potentially dangerous. Every dog of any breed has its own personality and how that personality evolves from puppyhood to adulthood depends on the humans that shape the dog’s world.
True; but there is a ‘truth’ too, to be aware of per a dogs DNA. People respond, too. . .and accordingly to their environment and how they are raised. We also know; that people are born with DNA ‘traits’; predispositions. . .and varying talents; that are accounted for in their ‘genes’. Traits of and ‘by’. . .are neither ‘good nor bad’ (depending on that raising up) but nontheless; are there. And if people not watchful or aware of potential situations where DNA memory my be called into play; there can be trouible. (Independence can be ‘stubborn’; not easily compliant. A… Read more »
And when certain breeds become POPULAR, they are overbred, and the breed goes downhill.
Thank you.
indeedd
All dogs are potentially aggressive. Just like every person has a breaking point, so does every dog. You’ll notice attack stories involving family pets tend to involve children left alone with animals? Wanna bet how many ears and tails were pulled before any of those loving family members took a chunk out of junior’s face? That said, big dogs often don’t know their own strength and many animals (not just dogs) are territorial. Both of which are factors would-be owners should take into account. As they should with stigmas. My rottie is a big, goofy mushface. He’s also taller than… Read more »
“my people perish for lack of knowledge.”
Rotties are loving amazing pets. If you can only handle a Yorkshire , that’s what you should have.
Until they eat your kid and destroy your house.
Troll.
Bob is obviously bored and childish
So is his dog obviously. A bored dog of any breed will do that.
Yorkie will eat your kids and destroy your house? I have to see that.
Our Rottie Dallis Marie was the most beautiful, trustworthy loving dog ever. We miss her every day. She taught me to be a better person and thanks to her I got over my fear of dogs. We now have two more dogs thanks to all I learned from Dallis. I’ve no doubt that when it is my turn to leave this life, Dallis will be waiting for me on the other side.
My 82 year old Mother is afraid of dogs too. She was very nervous when I told her I had a rescued Pitty. After a few visits she now asks when I’m bringing BeeGee over again, not when are YOU coming over again!
I agree Ratbert. I had a Rottweiler for a long time, and there is no more loyal, protective, worthwhile family member (yes, I preferred the rottie to the human members of family, much less trouble, much less drama, and I trusted the dog.)
Fostered a yorkie for a while. Pissed everywhere even with the most rigorous of training and being escorted outside every 45 minutes and bullied my pittie, my late shepherd, and the cats. 3/10 Would not recommend.
I would recommend a German Shephard for a small active boy any day of the week. They are playful, and loyal companion. They will watch out for the child and stay with the child. They are great swimmers, runners, and protectors. They are scary smart. They can be big cowards too. I had one as a boy that would wait all day long outside my class room window for school to be out. That dog was the friend when other kids were not around. They are great listeners too. The teachers all knew my dog and further liked this friendly… Read more »
A german shepard actually saved my older brother from drowning when he was 2 by pulling him away from the river.
When I was about 5 years old I had a German Shepherd Dog, and my mom told me a story about not hearing me , for a while so she went to find me. we lived on a Farm in Mi. Then, she got down by the barn and heard me Crying, The Dog was Dragging me down the Lane from the Lake that was about 200 yards from the barn. The dog and I were both wet and the dog had me by the back top of my pants dragging me home. she said He must have Known I… Read more »
My brother’s Husky and Bouvier de Flanders dogs were my nephew’s babysitters when he was outside.
true,,
i agree with PoorPeter.. when we were children, we grew up with German Shephards… i do have a memory of a neighbors German Shephard biting me in the back when i was about 8 or 9.. but i was at the door.. the dog was looking at me.. i rang the bell.. the dog barked.. i got spooked and it chased me down.. it wasn’t the dogs fault.. and it wasn’t my fault.. just one of those things. i would get another German Shephard in a heartbeat.. they are such beautiful dogs.
Same here. My brother and I were raised around them ourselves, and never once got bitten or even shown a hint of aggression towards. All our dogs were big babies towards us lol. We could’ve climbed all over them if we felt like it and they would’ve just laid there and let us, Obviously we didn’t and I don’t recommend that, but that’s how gentle ours were. Extremely smart too. I remember a black and tan female we had named Shadow, and she would come upstairs with me and my brother during bedtime and lay on the floor in front… Read more »
I too, have sentimental memories, of pets.
Fully agree. I had 3 German Shephards and could not ask for a better dog .We had 5 children during the time we had our shephards and never once did we had any problems
You are going to see a rise in dog bites from any breed that is OVERBRED by backyard breeders. Sure, shepherds had that reputation because they remained the most popular dog breed for most of the 20th century, thus leading to the larger population. If 70 out of 100 dogs are german shepherds…of course they’re going to have the highest bite statistics. And what breed is now becoming that? Pit/Bull breeds. Why? Not because they are more vicious, but because there are more OF them.
Agreed. There are more of them (pitbulls) also because almost every medium or large short haired dog seems to be called a pitbull, whether it’s a Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, American Pitbull Terrier, any one of the various Mastiff breeds or Molosser type dogs, or any mixed breed that came out looking a little bit like one of the above.
I have and love my Staffordshires.. wonderful dogs and very intelligent…one of my favorite breeds. Smart, loving and ornery…in England Staffordshires are called “nanny dogs” because they watch over the kids in their (family),.
I actually did a paper in my Freshman year od college about BSL (breed specific legislation) and though population of pit bull like dogs (there actually isn’t an actual pit bull breed but many clarified as pit bulls) is a factor, many of these stories on the news are made up because they want to raise their ratings and know that is the new hype (that they helped create) now, that pit bull like dogs are viscious. I’ve been around many dogs that are tagged as pit bulls and none have ever shown aggression. It’s not the dogs that are… Read more »
As a fellow German Shepherd owner, I could not agree more.
Yes. My best friend ever, was a Rhodesian ridgeback, named NICKY. He would chase the car to school, and return, at the exact time, that school let out (?!).
what about pit bulls? they are on the verge of being BANNED by practically every city in america because of their viscous unpredictable behavior….
I have known several ‘pits’ and not one of them was anything, but a muscular ‘teddy bear’. Many of the dogs listed here can be dangerous. People fail to realize dogs are animals. People try to humanize them when they are not human. Anyone of the larger dogs here could rip a persons throat out. The categorization of a pit bull as dangerous is correct, BUT the majority of medium to larger+ dogs should all fit into the same category. There are a few I would not put on the list, but if it is a dog it can be… Read more »
We should not “humanize” dogs because dogs can be dangerous? Have you read the papers lately? Or ever? Humans are far more dangerous than dogs.
Of course, but humans can rationalize their behavior. Dogs cannot. Also, body language that reads as positive in humans is often the opposite in dogs.
Don’t misunderstand me…. I agree totally, a human can be much more dangerous and devious than a dog.
I had a room mate years ago that had a St Bernard / Great Dane Mix that literally ate cats. If one made it past the 12 ft fence we would find its remains later. Her name was Honey and she was 150 lbs of gentleness except she “liked cats”.
someone has been watching too much TV.
Please read up on the research and recommendations by the American Veterinary Association. Yes, the research that shows NO true relationship between dog breed, and fatal dog attacks, that shows that in regards to dog attacks at least 40% of newspapers claim that dog was a different breed than the actual Animal Control Officer said, and 60% of newpapers disagree with each other, etc, etc. Also, many such cities have been lifting those bans. States have been making such bans illegal. Serious injuries from dog attacks have drastically increased in the UK since 5 pitbull-type breeds (“pitbull” is not a… Read more »
What a wonderful article. Very helpful information found here. I will make sure I don’t get any of the dogs listed here. Thanks Dognote, great site btw.
I have owned German Shepherds all my life. They are gentle with kids and protective. Yes when they are young they are a handful but all puppies like to chew on things and play. I have a youngster now who throws the ball in the yard and chases it to amuse himself. Incredibly intelligent and dedicated animals. I have had guard dogs from the Military and Police who learned silent commands in just a few weeks time and who never threatened anyone unless told to do so. Are they for everyone ? Not unless you are willing to teach and… Read more »
Our Shepherd saved my 3 year old nephew from a coyote out at my brother-in-law’s parent’s house last year. It’s a heavily wooded area but they rarely have wildlife come near the property. My nephew was just exploring around the edge of the yard with my sister while we were cooking out when we heard her yelling something. When I looked up I saw her grabbing my nephew and pulling him behind her. That’s when we saw the coyote approaching into the yard. I’ve never seen a coyote be that bold but there were reports that they were wandering closer… Read more »
That’s awesome, dogs will protect there “pack”. My sister had a shelter Shepherd, not sure if he was trained in the past or just knew to take care of his owner. Some dirt bag tried to mug her in the park Angus shredded that dude. Sister said all she saw was teeth and fur . Copd found dude at the ER LOL
The Chow is one dog I do agree only committed experienced owners should have. I love the breed but they are nit for everyone.
A Chow was the only dog my family ever had, and he was a total guileless sweetheart. He was never properly trained, and more than a little unruly, and thought anyone who came to the house thought they were there to see him, but he loved everybody and all the kids in the neighborhood loved him.
Any dog can be aggressive given the right circumstances and any dog can bite if afraid or confused. I don’t like labeling animals any more than I do people. I’ve had all kids of dogs over the years. I’m almost 70 and have had a cocker spaniel, a St. Bernard, a Chow, several Old English Sheepdogs, a Scottie, two Schnauzers, and currently a Shih Tzu. The only dog that ever showed any aggression was one of the Old English and it wasn’t her fault. It was mine. My daughter was only a year old and climbed out of bed and… Read more »
I seriously disagree with the view on Jack Russells. We have/had two, one of each gender. Neither has been destructive, temperamental or mean. While the female was very much an alpha and played hard and aggressively with our very large Labrador, she was sweet, affectionate and cuddly with people and preferred to be indoors. She passed away last year at the age of 14. The male is almost a polar opposite. Although he loves to lay next to one of us in the recliner, he is more aloof. He has the energy level one expects from a Jack and he… Read more »
I have 2 JRTs that are awesome dogs. I think it’s wrong to say that they are dogs to avoid. But it is important that people realize that they have a lot of energy. And I agree with the part about them not being very tolerant of being “loved” by little kids. Mine love to be petted by little kids but don’t put up with being grabbed or tugged on very well.
We have a path worn around our woodstove where one of the dogs likes to run. 🙂
I have 2 bulldogs, 1 male and 1 female, both have different personalities, but are amazing dogs. My males does have a few skin issues, but nothing that a little cleaning and caring for everyday won’t handle. They are kind of like babies, you have to wash their face, their butt and their feet so that they don’t get sores. I have 4 grandchildren and they are perfectly safe around my kids. My bullies are the best breed of dog that I have EVER owned.
I have to disagree about the chow chow and the pekinese . We had two chows and they were both Angels. The best dogs ever. I had little girls at the time and they loved the girls. One of my chows actually prevented my one daughter from falling down the stairs when she was a baby. My other chow let the girls climb on it and play with it all the time. They were very gentle. I have a pekinese right now. It is such a loving, gentle dog that I can’t believe you would list it as bad. My… Read more »
You people are fucking idiots. A dog is an animal and needs space to run no matter of the breed. You city people buy a dog as an accessory like you would a belt or shoes. Pathetic.
Rico did not take his meds today
Someone has their panties in a bunch…
I live in the city. My dog is very well exercised. Don’t judge people you don’t know. I run almost every morning and take my dog with me whenever I do so. I also take her on a nice long walk every night (Weather permitting, which applies to all people, not just people that live in the city). I guess I just have my dog as an accessory and I don’t let it get enough exercise just because I don’t have a big yard, right? Theres more ways to exercise a dog than letting it run around freely in your… Read more »
Try some decaf, Rico.
My dogs are free range. Never wear a collar at home. Free access to the acre yard and house.
Who wants a smelly dog in their house anyway? It’s akin to a baby that never grows up!
doofus! any one, who doesn’t get bathed smells! duh! yeah, you’re right! and you’re one selfish, arrogant, calloused being! you’ll grow old and die all alone and smelly just like the dogs you despise!
Most of these breeds listed are also the most intelligent – so of course they get restless! My German Shorthaired Pointer (related to the Weimaraner) gets long walks, runs, and taken to a dog park to keep her stimulated; boy are we tired… The only thing harder to train than a dumb dog, is a smart one…
This needs to be retitled to – Dog breeds to avoid if you don’t want to invest time in their care and training (which applies to pretty much any dog actually). A dog is not a toy, it’s a being that’s part of your family and if you can’t put in the time don’t get one.
People should stop thinking that breed is the most important thing about a dog. The most important thing in determining a dog’s behavior is species (the simple fact that it’s a dog) and the way it is cared for/handled/the behavior of the humans around it.
If I knew then, what I know now. I would have just stayed with one dog, the first one I got from the SPCA. I was really working hard on his training.
Jack Russell Terriers are one of the most difficult dog breeds to own … . What? I’ve owned 4 house dogs and my Jack is by far, the best! Raised with toddlers, she is loving, sensitive, very quiet, knows 9 tricks, and NEVER has an accident in the house. It’s all about the owners!!! Your pet is only as smart as you allow it to be. You have to invest your time in your animal. It’s that simple. Get them very young, handle them to know end, do not paper train – only outdoor bathrooms are acceptable, teach them to… Read more »
I have 4 Jack Russell’s. They are the best dogs. Portable, fun, smart and they have personalities like no other dogs. So what if they like to hunt? That is what they were bred to do. I have one that Fox Hunts with me. He rides in a pouch with his head sticking out. He loves it when we are galloping along with the hounds after a fox. At the right time he jumps out of the pouch to the ground and chases the fox out of his hole. Once done, he jumps up using my left foot to my… Read more »
who ever wrote this list didn’t properly do there home work. Rotties are NOT vicious by nature they have to be taught to be that way. I have raised them from pups and adopted older Rotties and have yet to have one come anywhere near being aggressive in any way.this include being around kids. protective yes but they will tell you to back off and so long as you do that so will they. a cocker spaniel is 100 time more apt to bite someone with no reason than a Rottie. they require love and attention and thrive on hugs… Read more »
this article should have been titiled dogs that should have experience with the breed. ANY dog regardless of the breed can be dangerous if not properly trained and treated properly can be dangerous and dogs that are considered harder to handle breeds with owners who dont know how to handle people with no expreience with those breeds that breed should not own them, this is what the issue is with all the dogs in shelters. i have had to Rottis and both went to their grave with a clean record no bites or any other issues they were awsome dogs… Read more »
I have owned dogs all of my life, and as a child, I grew up with them all around me. based on experience, any dog you take the time to love and nurture will be a good dog. However, I do believe that some dogs are predisposed to be more aggressive and or lazy and or hyper….but it is why a person should do their homework before buying/adopting a dog. Mutts are great pets (from experience) but again, each animal has it’s distinct personality. I had two boxers that I basically cared for almost the same way. one was so… Read more »
Thank you for not putting pit bulls on the list. I guess you know that a pit bull raised by a loving family is one of the best breeds, with surprisingly ZERO guard dog instinct. They are great with kids and yes, great with cats. The only issue is if another dog goes after your pit bull at the dog park, he will fight back, win the fight, and get blamed for the fight.
The three meanest dogs I’ve ever known were all wiener dogs, or Dachshunds. Next 2 meanest dogs were pekes. Although these little dogs cannot do as much damage as a big dog, they are MUCH more likely to attack. As a child, I lived with St Bernards, German Shepherds, one (Giant) Doberman and one Dalmation, (also a couple beagles, who are not on this list) and never had any incident of dog misbehavior. As an adult, my children have lived with a Rotweiller, Shepherd mix, Husky, a half-wolf, and a weimeramer/australian shepherd mix (also a couple beagles), and we have… Read more »
Properly trained, a Weimaraner is the smartest dog you’ll ever own. My dad once was in NYC, where some guy had one. He took the dog out on 5th Avenue, sat him on the dividing line in the street, and bet all he could walk around the block before the dog moved.
He won the bet!
The writer also forgot to mention that Huskies are among the best at playing basketball.
If the dogs themselves wrote an article, who would they pinpoint as “Breeds to Avoid”, and would they limit it to 15?
I have had so many dogs and an assorted breeds and work in the pet industry, unlike a person who only listen to other peoples opinions, there is not a dog alive I would leave alone with a child or other small person. Love, caring and discipline (just like children need), is what any being needs.
I agree with Candace, this should be a list of dogs you should not get if you are a busy 9-5 fanily who travels and does not take their pets.. Most of these breeds were working dogs and 4 were German breeds, these dogs need purpose, not for the family who is going to come home from work and plop down in front of the TV or computer or have them tied to a tree and only see them when they come out to feed them. They need interaction and a lot of play time and attention,…
This is why I have no dog now. I’m working all the time, no time to train a dog.
Leave it in the backyard, barking all day? No, I’ll wait.
Just like this article, adoption centers never address the real issues. A simple questionnaire would reveal an awful lot about what type of dog is right for you. We have a pure-bred German Shepard. His father was actually shipped from Germany, lol. His name is Chuck Norris. It suits him, well. Fiercely protective, scary, scary smart. I taught him tricks and commands in 5 minutes flat never having trained a dog before. But that breed, being so damn smart get bored quite quickly. They go go go constantly. When they get bored they develop weird behaviors, like licking. That’s why… Read more »
I have had at least five GSD’s, most of my extended family has them. Never have any of them bit a family member or a friend. They have protected the family at times. To say that these aren’t good family dogs pretty much negates anything this writer says even if they are right about something else.
I had a Husky/German Shepard mix… best dog I have ever had. Very intelligent, very protective and wonderful around small children (more so than I am…LOL).Yes, she was very protective when it came to people she did not know, but once she was introduced to the person everything was okay. Usually it is not the breed that is the problem…it is the owner who failed to train and socialize the dog. My motto is shoot the (negligent) owner and save the dog.
Dobies lijke any other breed takes nothing more than proper training/socialization. Yes, they are “:guard dogs”… but are also very loving, loyal family dogs as well.
The title of this article puts a bad label on these breeds. All dogs need proper love, care, and training. It is a commitment. My husband and I own a German Shepherd, I grew up with that breed, and couldn’t ask for a better dog.
My current Dobie & Rottie disagree with this. My past Husky disagrees with this.
The only thing I liked about this article is that “Pit Bulls” for once weren’t singled out or even mentioned!
Totally off when it comes to dobermans! I have had 3 dobermans with Chinese crested and they were nothing but gentle with her. They were always great with children and guests that I welcomed into the my home. I have also cared for several dobermans of friends of mine and never had a problem. Whomever this “expert” is, they obviously have not had enough experience with the breed to form an accurate opinion. In my considerable experience I have found that the doberman can evaluate a situation and react accordingly. They are very good judges of character and motivation. If… Read more »
my Rotty, Pit, Chihuahua and Jack Russell are a happy bunch oops the Rotty and Pit is actually one mixed dog
It didn’t mention Basenjis which can be very dangerous around small children or small pets such as very small dogs or cats. These dogs will often try to kill these small pets. Ours try to kill squirrels in our fenced in back yard and are sometimes successful. Thank God cats can run up trees so fast. Not all of the Basenjis do this. One of ours does, the other doesn’t. They’re both rescue dogs so they have some problems.
So in other words, it’s not the breed.
For once an article on dog breeds that’s pretty much spot on. Still a little too forgiving in some cases. Huskies are not pets – they are strictly dog-oriented dogs. Add Bouvier de Flanders and similar sheep/cattle dogs Bred for centuries to protect livestock and are unpredictable once they leave puppyhood. If you want the ghetto look stick to the clothes – not the drug house guard dogs so much “the fashion” these days.
The ads on is site make it almost impossible to read.
ADOPT A MUTT! A little interbreeding cancels out all breed specific problems. I adopted a German Shepherd/? pup. She grew up to have very short legs. Sort of a HUGE CORGI! But I love her.
Nothing wrong with Weimaraners. I especially liked the one in the movies with Simone.
Wow I just kept clicking looking for Pit Bull and it wasn’t even here. Mine’s laying with her head in my lap on the couch right now and she didn’t see it either!
All breeds cited have good points and bad points…it is up to the buyer to do their homework and they will find a breed to meet their desires…
No Pit Bull???
Technically, Pit Bull is not a breed. There are several terrier breeds that are commonly called pit bulls.
as the father of 3 boys i could always find them by locating our part border collie. he went everywhere they went. he loved those 3 boys!
I had A Siberian Husky that loved being petted by kids, which was my saving grace. If you gave him a very small opening he was on the way back to Siberia. But all I had to do was look for a group of kids, and there he was getting his coat smoothed, with a stupid look on his face. He loved twenty below and laying out on a snow back. Beautiful dog, but very vocal too. Couldn’t take him anywhere without his talking to everyone he could see, mostly complaining about how badly I was treating him, keeping him… Read more »
Under no circumstances should you EVER own an Irish Setter!!!! Unless you want twenty something drop dead gorgeous females pestering you night and day…And by twenty something I meant numbers, not age….
The bottom line is you have to be willing to train the dog properly, regardless of the breed. I have seen people get dogs and just put them in their backyard. If a dog is left alone with no training, attention, or love they can become feral just like cats. I had a neighbor who got a red heeler. At first they were very attentive, but they quickly lost interest. My nephew was “assaulted” by it. I feel that the dog just wanted some attention and love, but had been isolated in the backyard with very little human contact (at… Read more »
Great article and spot on. But how do you not include the Pit Bull Terrier?
I have a GSD/Alaskan Malamute mix and he is a pretty stubborn dog that is too smart for his britches. I am surprised Malamutes did not make the list. We had a full one before him and they are tough dogs to train,