Dog Breeds You Should Think Twice About Getting
There are pros and cons to every breed of dog, but it's important to have all of the information before you commit to taking care of a furry friend for the next 10 to 20-ish years. Doing your research ensures that you're getting a pet that's well suited to your lifestyle.
Keep reading to find out which dogs don't do so well in small spaces, which aren't so tolerant of children, and which need a lot of exercise.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a strong breed of dog and they're known for being excellent sled pullers. These dogs were built to work, so they have a ton of energy. They also do really well in cold climates.
These dogs can be stubborn, and they're known for their tendency to take off running when they're let off leash. You need to lay down some serious training in the early years to make sure an adult husky is going to listen to you and stay by your side.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas look pretty innocent. They're one of the smallest dog breeds, so you would think that they're also one of the safest. The thing is, because Chihuahuas are small, they have to be super stubborn and aggressive to protect themselves from bigger animals.
While you can train a chihuahua to respect people, if you're not firm enough they can turn on you and even attack small children who provoke them. They also tend to get jealous of small kids.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a playful dog breed, but they can take advantage of humans in their household who aren't as strong-willed. If you're considering getting a French Bulldog and you have small children, you have to teach your children to be assertive but gentle with these dogs.
French Bulldogs can also develop a lot of health and breathing issues because of their flat faces. This could lead to some expensive vet bills down the road.
Greyhound
Greyhounds were bred for racing and they're known for their incredible speed and energy. A lot of people who consider getting a greyhound think about adopting a dog that used to be involved in the racing industry. These dogs need homes and it's generally better to adopt a dog in need than to buy one from a pet store or a breeder.
Dogs that have raced in the past can have some significant issues, though. Make sure that a greyhound that used to race is a good fit for your family before you move forward with adoption. These dogs require a lot of exercise.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a super energetic dog breed. They require a regular schedule, lots of exercise, and a lot of attention. With proper training, these dogs can become excellent companions. With insufficient training, Jack Russell Terriers can be more like Jack Russell Terrors (as they are often called).
Make sure you can take the time to properly train one of these adorable dogs. If you put in the effort, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful pet.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are super high energy dogs, which means you have to be committed to keeping them active and occupied. These dogs were bred to herd sheep, so sign your Aussie up for sheep herding classes if they're available in your area.
Because these dogs are herders, they may try to herd small children. If you channel that desire into something more productive like sheep herding, you're going to have happier kids and a happier pet.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. While having a big dog has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks. Big dogs are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia. They can also overpower young children and even small adults.
If you're thinking about getting a Great Dane, make sure you have a big house and a decent sized yard. These dogs need a lot of space.
English Toy Spaniel
Even though the English Toy Spaniel has the word "toy" in its name, it's not a great pet for children. These little dogs can feel threatened when children aren't careful with them. They can react violently when they feel like they're under attack.
Some people think that you don't have to spend as much time training English Toy Spaniels because they're so small and cute, but these dogs need a lot of training and guidance if they're going to be good family pets.
Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei's signature wrinkles make this dog very distinguished looking, but all of those wrinkles and folds can attract and trap bacteria. These dogs can develop a whole bunch of skin issues if they aren't properly groomed or taken care of.
These dogs were initially bred to be guard dogs, and they can become aggressive if they're not properly trained. They do make excellent guard dogs, though.
Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed bred for their hunting skills. This type of dog is known for being fearless and self-assured. The Skye Terrier is still very much a terrier and they can become aggressive if they're not properly socialized.
Skye Terriers also don't like being neglected, and if they're left alone for too long they'll start chewing things they should chew and digging in places they shouldn't dig.
Pit Bull
It's no surprise that Pit Bulls are on this list. They definitely have a reputation for being aggressive bullies with a fierce bite. The truth is, most Pit Bulls make excellent pets, but a few of them have been trained for dogfighting purposes. When Pit Bulls bite, they bite hard, but most of them aren't aggressive.
Still, you need to be careful around Pit Bulls you don't know. These dogs need you to be the pack leader.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard breed became pretty well known after the film Beethoven came out. These gentle giants make great pets, however, you have to keep in mind that these dogs are huge. If you're thinking about getting a Saint Bernard, you have to consider the size of your living space and your car.
You can't take a Saint Bernard to the vet in a tiny sports car. Also, they drool a lot, so you don't want a Saint Bernard in a sports car anyway.
Akita
Akitas were bred in Japan to serve as guide dogs. They can be great protectors for your household, but they may also see your friends and neighbors as intruders. You need to train your Akita to protect you when you need protecting, but also to remain calm when friends come over to visit.
You also need to teach children to approach Akitas calmly and gently. They (like all of us) don't like being provoked.
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian was originally bred for hunting small animals. They were also used as guard dogs in the past. While they seem super friendly in that movie about 101 of them, these dogs can actually be quite aloof. These dogs need to be socialized properly to prevent them from becoming aggressive or territorial.
Dalmatians are not a popular family pet, although they can make excellent companions with the right training.
Beagle
Beagles have plenty of good qualities: they're a nice size, they're usually pretty friendly, and they sure are adorable. But before you bring one home there are a few things you should be aware of.
Since they were bred as hunting dogs, they need tons of exercise -- a lot more than the average pet owner is able to provide. Beagles are also prone to wanderlust and can become cunning escape artists when they want to get out!
Pekingese
The Pekingese may look cuddly and cute but they definitely don't want to be treated like little dolls. These dogs are fiercely independent and strong-willed. They don't like to be cuddled or crowded. Some children don't understand that these dogs don't like to be cuddled.
While kids can learn to be wary of a Pekingese's boundaries, they may be better off with a dog that is more tolerant of rough play and physical touch.
German Shepherd
When trained the right way, German Shepards can make wonderful pets that are obedient, smart, and loyal to their owners. These dogs are super intelligent, which is why they're often used as police dogs. They also have very powerful noses that can help them detect illegal substances or missing people.
These are powerful dogs though, and if they're not trained properly, they can really push you around. Make sure to train these dogs well while they're puppies so they don't bully you when they get older.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff was first bred in Southern Italy. These dogs were originally used as guard dogs, although their bark is usually worse than their bite. Neapolitan Mastiffs are really gentle giants.
If you're thinking about getting a Neapolitan Mastiff, be aware that these dogs drool a lot. Just be ready for puddles of drool all over your furniture. Also, large dogs tend to have more health issues than smaller dogs, so be aware that there may be some hefty vet bills in your future.
Presa Canario
These puppies may look adorable now, but when they get bigger they're going to be all kinds of trouble. The Presa Canario dog has earned a bad rap over the years. These big dogs are bred to guard livestock, and they do not do very well in houses or apartments.
In some parts of the world, the Presa Canario is actually banned. These dogs have a tendency to attack anything they perceive as a threat.
Shi Tzu
The Shih Tzu is the least recommended dog breed for families with small children. These dogs are easily overexcited and scared and that can lead them to bite children. They bite when they're frightened, and these dogs are easily frightened.
Shih Tzus can also develop separation anxiety. This isn't a good breed to adopt if you travel a lot or if you work long hours. These dogs need to be taught how to remain calm when they're left alone.
Wolfdog
Wolfdogs are absolutely stunning, but it is by no means easy to turn a half-wolf half-dog into a tame domestic animal. There will always be wildness in the blood of these creatures. Wolfdogs have the instincts of a wild animal, and wild animals need to kill to eat.
Even with proper training, these animals will always be unpredictable. Definitely do not get a wolfdog if you live with small children.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows look like big teddy bears, but these dogs aren't actually the greatest with children. They can be stubborn and pushy and they're notoriously hard to train.
These dogs need a strong alpha to put them in their place, and children aren't generally strong alphas. These dogs can grow very attached to their owners and they can become quite jealous when another person or animal tries to approach their "master."
Rottweiler
This little guy looks all cute and innocent now, but just wait until he gets older. These dogs were bred for their strength, which means they're great at pulling carts, but they're also hard to push around. A dog like this could easily knock down a small child.
These dogs are super loyal, but that means that they might try to protect you from people you don't need to be protected from, like your friends or your grandparents. Rottweilers love to play, but they can sometimes play rough, so if you already have a smaller pet in your home, that's something to be aware of.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds were bred for hunting and guarding homes. While they make excellent guard dogs, they don't always make the best family pets. They can become destructive and disobedient if they're not properly trained.
They also have long silky fur that requires a lot of grooming and attention. While some Afghan hounds can be super friendly, the breed doesn't tolerate rough play well. They can become aggressive towards children if children play too rough with them.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans make excellent police dogs and military dogs, but that means that they're often bred and trained to be aggressive. These dogs are super powerful, and they can take a person down if they need to.
Most of the time, Dobermans who are raised as pets don't have issues with aggression, although other dog owners and people on the street may keep their distance because of the Doberman's reputation for being violent.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs can grow very large and they don't seem to be aware of their size. These dogs are rather clumsy and they can sometimes knock over small children. These dogs can also be aggressive, but that aggression can be trained out of them with strong leadership.
If you get a bullmastiff, make sure you start training your puppy early because they can develop bad habits which may be hard to fix down the road.
Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are small in size and they're super cute. They were bred to be companion dogs to Japanese royalty. While these dogs are very loving and affectionate, they demand a lot of love and affection from their owners.
If you have small children, you may not be able to give a Japanese Chin all the love and attention that it needs. Having a Japanese Chin is like having another child in your family.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are little dogs that were bred to hunt small game animals. They have strong hunting instincts, so they don't usually get along well with animals smaller than them, like kittens or hamsters.
Dachshunds can be quite timid and sometimes they get frightened around large crowds or unintentionally aggressive children. These dogs are prone to weight issues so be careful not to overfeed a Dachshund. Make sure you don't feed them any table scraps, even when they look at you with those puppy dog eyes.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute was bred to survive in harsh and isolated environments. They can be a very serious breed and they aren't as playful as your average golden retriever. They can also be very difficult to train. They need strong leadership and a lot of attention.
Also, these dogs shed a lot. They grow a very thick coat during the winter months, and then they shed all that fur in the summer. If you or someone in your family suffers from asthma, this is probably not the breed for you.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher isn't the most common dog breed in the world, but many families looking for a small breed might consider getting one. These dogs are mischievous and they often get into all kinds of trouble.
These dogs are small, but that doesn't mean that you can slack off on the training front. Affenpinschers can be disobedient, but with a lot of time and effort, you can get them to listen to you.
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner was originally bred to be a hunting dog. These pups are full of energy, so you'll need to take a Weimaraner on regular walks and outdoor excursions. These dogs love to chase small animals, so it may not be the best breed for you if you already have a cat.
These are high maintenance dogs, but they'll also repay you for all of that time and effort with lots of love and loyalty.
12 Different Breeds Have Separation Anxiety More Than Most
In total, there are 12 different breeds that suffer the worst from separation anxiety. That's somewhat a relief to hear since there are tons more breeds in the world. However, it would very disheartening to find out one of your dogs is in the 12.
If you do happen to own one of these dogs, make sure you look out for the warning signs. That way, you can help make sure that your doggo is comfortable while you’re away…
Toy Poodles
Aren't toy poodles so adorable? The small and soft little pooches are great to have around and don’t require too much of anything — that is, except for some extra attention. These dogs were bred with the main purpose of companionship.
Thus, they don’t exactly do too well when their owners are gone for any amount of time. It’s just in them to always want some type of interaction. Be sure you’ve got things figured out for whenever you need to be away!
German Shepherds
One of the most popular dog breeds comes in hot on this list! German Shepherds have a reputation of enjoying work, like helping the police and herding sheep. With so much responsibility, you would think they wouldn't need so much attention.
If you think they’re calm and collected, then you’ve got another thing coming to you. Researchers have found some interesting information about the brave and loving German Shepherd. We hope it doesn’t deter you from getting one. Read on to find out what it is that researchers discovered about these dogs.
Don't Leave Shepherds Alone Too Long
Despite all that these incredible dogs do, they still aren't fond of being on their own. Their stoic personalities might confuse you, but research found that German Shepherds are among the worst who suffer from separation anxiety.
That fact can help explain why they work so well as police partners. They tag along waiting for instructions to find contraband, attack an enemy, or even provide comfort to those who need it. Always make sure your Shepherd gets taken care of.
Havanese
Another precious dog breed to make the list is the Havanese. These pooches with Cuban origins were bred to be the perfect family dog. With family comes attention and these little ones desperately need it.
When they get left alone, their separation anxiety really shows itself in full capacity. Plan on making sure your Havanese has a sitter of some sort if you're going to be gone for an extended period of time.
Labrador Retrievers
Another highly properly breed is the Labrador Retriever. They're so cute when they’re puppies and evolve into a different level of cuteness as they grow up. Have you ever seen Marley and Me? It’s almost impossible to not love a Lab.
This breed is one of the most family-friendly dogs on the planet. You’d think that they are fully capable of handling things while they’re all alone. Sadly, that isn’t the case for a Lab. Sorry to all you owners out there…
Intense Anxiety
The Lab is a perfect family dog. Due to that fact, they love to be around people and receiving attention in all types of ways. Therefore, leaving them alone can lead to scary results.
Even if you're leaving it alone for a small amount of time, that can be enough to allow his or her separation anxiety to become intense. As much as many dog owners wish to spend their entire days with their dogs, that just can’t be a reality in most cases.
Cocker Spaniels
Cocker Spaniels are fun and interesting dogs. They are gun dogs so they are used to being outdoors for long hours alongside their owners. That makes them great for companionship, but troublesome in other areas.
Over the years, this breed has developed some temperament issues. Now, we're not saying to count the breed out completely, we’re just telling you that if you plan to leave a Cocker Spaniel by itself you should expect a shift in attitude.
Border Collies
Take a good look. Border Collies are beautiful dogs. You might catch them in dog shows quite often because of their intelligence. Many like to call them little balls of energy as they are always looking for ways to keep busy.
They're happiest when they are engaged in sport or with their owners, so you can bet that they need ways to tolerate their time of solitude. It’s best if you can find ways to keep this breed amused.
Border Collies Need Activity
Imagine stripping away physical activity from a professional athlete in their prime. And say this athlete had nothing else to do. This is what it's like for border collies when they can’t exercise, stimulate their minds, or enjoy any type of entertainment.
Without any of those activities going on, severe cases of separation anxiety erupt in the pooch when their owners are away. That’s so sad to hear, especially for such a terrific dog like this.
Bichon Frises
We know, your cuteness radar just started beeping violently. Bichon Frises are some of the cutest dogs to walk this Earth with their customizable hair and little paws pouncing around. These dogs sure need their share of attention.
They don't enjoy being away from their owners at all. The dropoff in attention when their human lovers aren’t around is enough to bring forth serious anxiety in them. They are adorable, but that cuteness comes with a price.
Australian Shepherds
First, it was the German Shepherd. Now, we have the Australian Shepherd, the dogs from down under. These shepherds have a high work ethic thanks to their background of herding livestock on some of the busiest farms you could imagine.
They don't mind! They love to get their paws dirty because that’s just another regular day for them. However, things can go differently if they aren’t tended to well enough. They need love just like you…
They Need A Lot Of Stimulation
It's not a secret that Australian Shepherds need stimulation. It explains why they don’t do too well when combating boredom. It isn’t what anyone wants to hear but its the truth regarding this breed.
When there’s nothing left to do, these dogs become supremely anxious. You have to be sure to raise them up properly as a puppy and even once they’re grown, always have plans ready for days or moments they have to be left alone.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
We're sorry, it’s not our fault the dogs keep getting more adorable as the list continues. Next up is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Like a few other doggos on this list, this breed is a companion type.
The companions are the ones you have to be aware of because they can suffer from separation anxiety the most. While they look for ways to fill their time when they’re alone, they don’t always find success and end up pouting and sad.
Vizslas
The Vizslas is quite the sporting breed. They are also very loyal. With a life span of 12-15 years, they would prefer that you wouldn't leave them alone for any of that time.
Vizslas have earned the nickname of the "Velcro dog" because they love to stick to their humans as much as they can. Conversely, they go to great lengths to please their owners as well, but at what price?
They're A Hungarian Breed
These Hungarian breeds are highly active. They often aim to please their owners while outside as well. However, leaving them alone for long periods of time can cause them to come close to losing their minds.
Viszlas have a hard time trying to fill the void in dull moments of the day, thus their separation anxiety can kick in rather quick. That's something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy, so owners, try your best to accommodate these guys.
Italian Greyhounds
Say hello to the Italian Greyhound. While regular Greyhounds are active and agile, the Italian type is happy with just lounging around with their companions. They really enjoy running around in fields too.
They are the perfect dog to take around with you to all the places you go, as you see in the photo we provided. But when they aren't with anyone, they can become incredibly anxious. Why would you want to leave a precious little one like this alone anyway?
German Shorthaired Pointers
The German Shorthaired Pointer is next on this list. This breed was developed in Germany for hunting during the 19th century. We know how hunting works… the dog stays closely attached to the human and they get things done.
But this special trait makes it hard for the dogs to adapt to being alone while their owners are away. Anxiety can start brewing as you wondering what your dog is up to. He or she is probably wishing you'd come back as soon as possible!
Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier look a lot like the miniature Doberman Pinschers. Don't get them confused. These dogs are unique in that the goal for breeding them was to kill rats and course rabbits.
These doggos have amazing personalities. They are friendly, loyal, and great guard dogs. You can also train them pretty easily. The Manchester Terrier won’t mind if you leave them on their own for a minimum of eight hours. Don’t forget to show them a lot of love once you return!
Kerry Blue Terrier
Have you ever encountered the Kerry Blue Terrier? They are strong-willed, elegant-looking working dogs. The Kerry Blue Terrier came about to hunt small land creatures and birds. They also herd cattle and sheep. If you have children, then don't worry because they work well with the kids too.
She will be fine if you leave her alone, but the owner needs to have a firm hand. Rarely will she bark or cry when left alone, but attention will be a must upon coming back home.
