What Breeds Wouldn't You Recommend For A First Time Onwer?

[pixie_meg]

LOL I personaly wouldn't recoment SWF for inexperienced owners - they tend to make them into aggressive little prats by treating them like babies.....massive generalisation there LOL

yes generalisation but i am nodding along with your assumption. the teenagers down the road have turned their swf into an aggressive little horror and laugh when it lunges at my boy.

[noisymina]

LOL I personaly wouldn't recoment SWF for inexperienced owners - they tend to make them into aggressive little prats by treating them like babies.....massive generalisation there LOL

Yeh - but one sees it all the time.

My brother and his family STILL have not worked out that their SWFs (won't mention breed here) NEED proper goomimg.

I even told him to take them to a groomer - if only to get the faces and feet tidied up. But, no, they will charge too much.

I've explained about matted hair and what it does - but they just don'tseem to "get it".

The dogs are treated like kids.

[Remarkabull]

LOL I personaly wouldn't recoment SWF for inexperienced owners - they tend to make them into aggressive little prats by treating them like babies.....massive generalisation there LOL

Have to agree with that! Was at the vet couple of days ago with my MaltesexShi Tzu and vet kept on about how amazing his teeth were. I said why not, he eats bones just like my other dogs do. Vet was surprised that I fed my Little Fluffy actual bones, I get the impression that alot of people think that bones are too much for their SWF, as is walking on their own 4 legs among other 'normal' doggy behaviours. Can you imagine these people with a Dobe, Rotti or other such breeds?

[BMAK]

i think its not so much the dog breed that shouldnt be owned but what the owners shouldnt have for first time dogs as they will be the people influencing it and its behaviours??? does that make sense its hard to decribe what i mean

any breed is suitible for first time owner aslong as they have the time to commit to the breeds needs and backgrounds lifesyle, eg owning a husky and not having the time to groom it and run it like they were bred for, those dogs can shed badly if left untouch and love a good hardy run.

i think high drive dogs/working breeds/and head strong dogs wouldnt be suitible for first time dog owners unless they are certain its the breed they have time for and can cater to the breeds needs i would love to have certain breeds of dog but because i havent got the space for large breed dogs i dont think ts a suitible for me to own such breeds like danes or mastiffs

aussie lover is this what you mean?

Edited August 11, 2010 by catherine.b

[SparkyTansy]

I believe any breed can be suitable for a first time dog owner providing both parties are fully aware of the breed in question & it's requirements.

Previous dog experience doesn't always equate to being a better owner or better prepared .

Agree with this... In fact it could be that the right person (first time owner) could be even more prepared for a particular breed through research than someone that owned the breed 20 years ago and "knows a thing or two"...

I think it's always case by case. Sometimes, you can't help what breed you fall in love with and it pays to know what you are getting yourself into.

[raineth]

hmm its an interesting thought isn't it?

I would generally think that breeds that tend to be very dominant or very stubborn would be the main criteria for being better suited to experienced hands.

But then I think there is still quite a bit of variation of temperament within a breed. And good breeders can choose a pup with temp that a better fit for a first time owner

[whiskedaway]

Sibes aren't big dogs, even males won't be any bigger than 30kg generally speaking. I don't often recommend Sibes to people, even people who are experienced dog owners, because it's not just about how experienced you are IMO - some breeds will just not be the right fit for your lifestyle. I know people who are very experienced dog owners who would never want to own a Sibe (despite how pretty they are ). Not because the breed is so difficult to own, but you just have to be the right person to own one.

Agreed with you about size. And a dog that needs a lot of exercise doesn't really mean that it's a dog someone inexperienced shouldn't own. With a Sibe, you have to be the leader 100% of the time. No slacking off, because otherwise they take advantage of it, and that can be hard for inexperienced owners.

[tdierikx]

Some of the traditionally "working" breeds can be challenging even for an experienced owner in the 'burbs...

As for Rottweilers - all of mine have been total lounge lizards - not very challenging at all... lol!

T.

[Starkehre]

My personal opinion on the subject is more about the temperament of the prospective owner than the breed or temperament of the dog or experience of the owner.

To further explain, in my opinion some people, no matter how many dogs they have owned do not have the right type of temperament to own any dog. And no matter how much advice this owner gets, they still do not "get it". some people will always be "owned by their dogs".

And on the flip side, a totally inexperienced person that has never owned a dog could have exactly the right temperament to become dog savvy very quickly with some advice, guidance and training. They "get it" and realise what it takes straight away.

I feel it more about committment and general "make up" of the person rather than experience.

Just my opinion.

Edited August 11, 2010 by dyzney

[Dogsfevr]

I see it this way the same fundamentals of owning dogs applies whether it be a Chi to a Great Dane.

All dogs need leadership/all dogs need training so there really isn't anything special that owning a dog should be for first time or second time dog owners.

You fail to give the basic fundamentals then you fail the dog.

The only real difference is understanding each dogs unique traits & deciding which ones best suit & you can apply for the next 15 yrs.

We run kennels & a grooming salon,we see many first time owners from the the big to the small from Pitbull to poodle .

Yes there are people who have failed in some ways but i can tell you the biggest failure is simply by not using common sense & ready to done the Flame suit there being so many books out there now about how you should raise a dog & people truly not understanding that what a book says doesn't mean it is right .

Owning dogs in the last 10 yrs is like parenthood,all these new ways of raising & alot of input from experts claiming it should be this way not that way .it has become very confusing & you see it in dog owners who often end up so frustrated that don't see the simple things.

Owning & raising a dog isn't as hard as many make out & with good simple common sense & honesty in what your capabilities are & what time your prepared to put in there is a right dog for everyone & that does include breeds that some people see as "not suitable"

In the years past we use to board pitbulls,nearly all where first time owners & these dogs where wonderful animals,well trained/loyal a joy to look after.

One of the weirdest combo's we have boarded was an Akita/shar pei cross,this would make most people think but this dog again was a joy to board ,delightful manner.s ,.

The problem is some people simply believe they have the right to own some breeds & there will always be a supplier for those people.

As an example & this isn't a generalization to all in this fielded but the worse clients we have for grooming with matted/unbrushed dogs are Hairdressers & why??

I guess one could ask what breeds are the best suited for first time dogs owners & why??

Edited August 11, 2010 by showdog

[huski]

Agreed with you about size. And a dog that needs a lot of exercise doesn't really mean that it's a dog someone inexperienced shouldn't own. With a Sibe, you have to be the leader 100% of the time. No slacking off, because otherwise they take advantage of it, and that can be hard for inexperienced owners.

Yep Sibes are strong willed what's in it for me? dogs. Although to be honest, at almost eight years of age, my Siberian is a real gentleman and has been for years. He's pretty calm and he's SO easy to live with. He doesn't need excessive exercise. Having said that - he is very intelligent and will work out quickly what he can and can't get away with.

ETA: I must admit that I've been on various Sibe forums over the years and put a Sibe with the wrong type of person and they are an absolute DISASTER. I'm sure that's true of most breeds, but my heart just breaks for the dogs who are stuck in homes that are obviously so unsuitable for them (and the owners won't take on board any suggestions/advice and wonder why their dog has xyz behaviourial problem when it's so clear they picked the totally wrong breed for them).

Edited August 11, 2010 by huski

[Staranais]

I agree with some other posters in that some breeds are lower maintenance & less challenging than others. That doesn't necessarily mean that they're always unsuitable for a first time owner, just that they're more likely to cause a problem in inexperienced hands, and more likely to turn out to be "more dog" than the owner bargained on.

My girl is a malinois, I would not recommend the breed to a first time owner, especially a malinois from the working lines. She is extremely energetic, very fast learning, very sensitive, very predatory, hugely alert & reactive, and very very noisy. Most first time owners could not handle this.

[MsKatie]

From a personal perspective I think it is important to have a knowledge of dog breeds and an honest understanding of what you want in a dog - besides their pretty looks - before you pick a dog. IMO this gives the best chance of a succesful pairing.

[moosmum]

I've had plenty of Dobes that would be fine for 1st time owners,though I do think they are happiest and show their best with lots of mental stimulation companionship and lots of affection.

Of those I have now,I wouldn't recomend them for 1st time owners since they have a huge need for being an active part of their family group with the mental stimulation that brings.(and affection )

They can be very fast reacting dogs with a lot of confidence and are very intelligent with a strong protective instinct,( as opposed to aggressive),so some experience in training and socialisation is needed if they are to live the sort of lives they are best in,as protective companions in almost all we do.

Edited August 11, 2010 by moosmum

[dognurse]

i wouldnt reccommend large or big breeds dogs to a first time owner purely because if a big dog gets out of control it is harder to restrain than a small breed dog. without the experience in how to train and handle a dog, size really does matter. ie; an excited chi jumps up on you it doesnt cause that much damage vs an excited rotti jumping up on you.

the fundementals of dog training are all the same across the breeds, with slight differences, and yes it does depend on the individual dog, and the individual person. but, if i was asked my opinion regardless of not knowing the dog and humans personality i would pick: cavalier, pug, and staffy. pretty safe, friendly even tempered dogs (generally), the pug and staffy both have short hair that dont need to be overly groomed.

i had a 'second hand' miniature poodle as my first dog. steep learning curve but a rewarding lesson none the less hyperactive, overly intelligent, daily grooming, manipulative, little dog syndrome, handsome, moody, protective and utterly awesome :D

[Adnil444]

LOL I personaly wouldn't recoment SWF for inexperienced owners - they tend to make them into aggressive little prats by treating them like babies.....massive generalisation there LOL

+1

[Bjelkier]

I don't think it is a matter of being an experienced owner but rather being a good owner :D

My thoughts exactly. Experience doesn't aquaint with knowledge either.

I think provided a novice dog owner researches a breed, takes time to learn about what is required to keep it and is prepared to put effort in, then any breed might be suitable.

I can think of people who've owned several dogs that I wouldn't recommend as dog owners for any breed.

My thoughts exactly

[Rach...]

I don't think any dog breed should be classified for first time owners only, only for owners willing to put the time and effort into the dog

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I was a first time owner of a breed you're not supposed to start with first and it's worked out. I went on to get two more - perhaps because I am remarkably stubborn

There are some breeds that your average person shouldn't go into unaware of the demands, but that isn't the same thing. A single male martial artist of the more reflective schools of martial art who has never had a dog before might be a great first time owner for an Akita. A harried mum of 3 kids under 10 trying to hold down a job and care for an elderly parent probably won't be.

I think the answer is in some combination of lifestyle, ability to reflect on your own behaviour and resources (mental energy, time & money). That's hard to neatly sum up.

I also feel really sorry for the "easy" breeds. If you are terminally clueless, you can easily ruin an "easy" breed and some of the "easy" breeds have lines that are anything but (Goldens, for example).

[Lab_Rat]

My personal opinion on the subject is more about the temperament of the prospective owner than the breed or temperament of the dog or experience of the owner.

To further explain, in my opinion some people, no matter how many dogs they have owned do not have the right type of temperament to own any dog. And no matter how much advice this owner gets, they still do not "get it". some people will always be "owned by their dogs".

And on the flip side, a totally inexperienced person that has never owned a dog could have exactly the right temperament to become dog savvy very quickly with some advice, guidance and training. They "get it" and realise what it takes straight away.

I feel it more about committment and general "make up" of the person rather than experience.

Just my opinion.

I would have to agree with you dyzney!! For example, I have owned quite a number of dogs in my time, and consider myself to be an "experienced" dog owner. I have been obsessed by dogs from an early age and pretty much like most breeds. However - I would never even think of owning any of the independent type breeds, like Malamutes or Shiba Inu. I know that I dont have the correct temperament to own one of these breeds - they would end up owning me .....

Hehehe, our ridgy is hard enough work!!