7 Hardest Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
Knowing you're ready to get a dog and actually finding the right breed for your lifestyle are two very different things. For first-time dog owners, choosing carefully is especially important, since not all breeds are well-suited for beginners.
Some dogs require far more training, patience, and experience than most new owners expect when bringing a pet home. Vets say these challenging dog breeds can be more difficult than they appear-and often catch new dog owners off guard once they settle in.
While experienced owners may be comfortable handling higher-maintenance breeds, or adorable, but stubborn pups, veterinarians generally recommend that beginners start with dogs that are easier to train and more adaptable. That doesn't mean easy dogs don't require effort-it simply means some breeds are a better fit for those who have never had a pet before.
Here are the 7 hardest dog breeds for first-time owners, according to a veterinarian.
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7 Hardest Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
Choosing the right dog breed is especially important for first-time owners. While some dogs are easygoing and adaptable, others can be far more demanding in everyday life than they appear. These are the breeds vets say often surprise first-time owners and aren't good pets for those who are new to dog parenting.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is known for its bravery, intelligence, and strong guard dog instincts, making it a standout working breed in police and military roles. However, experts often rank it among the hardest dog breeds for first-time owners, particularly for those unprepared for its intensity and constant need for engagement.
Without consistent structure, training, and daily stimulation, this is a bg dog can become more challenging than many first-time owners expect, with behavior issues that often surprise new pet parents.
"The Belgian Malinois is a very smart, high-energy breed that needs a job in order to flourish," says Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance.
When those needs aren't met through proper exercise, socialization, and mental engagement, vets warn the breed can develop anxiety and destructive behaviors, making it a poor match for beginners without prior dog-handling experience.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Confident, smart, hard-working
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 40-80 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a giant breed that was originally bred as a guardian and hunter. This makes it one of the most challenging dog breeds for first-time owners, especially those without experience handling large guardian dogs. "This breed is inherently intelligent, vigilant and aggressive," Hunt says. "They must be carefully socialized extensively as puppies in order to be well behaved, social dogs that do not pose a risk to humans or other animals."
While this breed can be devoted to its owner, its strength can be hard for first-time owners to manage, and vets say it can catch many new dog owners off guard with how demanding it is in real life. "The Cane Corso's tendency toward aggression can be problematic, too," Hunt says. "For many beginners, this is a breed that can feel more challenging than expected without experienced handling, which is why it's not thought of as a beginner-friendly dog."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Intelligent, affectionate, majestic
- Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
- Weight: Varies
- Lifespan: 9-12 years
Related: 7 Devoted Dog Breeds That Are True Companions, According to Experts
Chow Chow
If you're getting a dog for the first time, you may be drawn to Chow Chows due to their bear-like appearance and fluffy coats. However, Hunt says this medium-to-large size dog breed is known for its independence and originally bred as a guardian, making it inherently aloof. Because its temperament, vets say it can be a challenging breed for first-time dog owners and one of the hardest dog breeds for beginners.
For many new pet parents, this is a breed that can catch owners off guard with how reserved it is in daily life. "This breed tends to bond with one person, possibly a few at most, but they regard all other humans with wariness," Hunt reveals. "Chows are generally not considered to be good family dogs as a result of their wary and potentially aggressive behavior," she adds.
This doesn't mean the Chow Chow can't be a great dog-it's just unlikely to be a good fit for a first-time owner, especially those who don't expect a dog that is more independent and less social than most popular breeds people choose for families.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Dignified, bright, serious-minded
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Australian Shepherd
Another harder than expected dog breed that inexperienced dog owners should aviod are Australian Shepherds. First-time dog owners should know before choosing this breed that they have a high level of intelligence, matched only by their athletic nature and high need for exercise. "They need to have a job and significant daily exercise in order to be well-behaved dogs," Hunt says.
If you live on a farm or area with a lot of land where your dog can roam and run, this herding breed may be a good fit. But, otherwise, this breed is unlikely to be a good match for a first-timer. "The average owner is not able to meet these dogs' needs for exercise and mental stimulation, and as a result, they can develop behavioral problems," Hunt says.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Smart, work-oriented, exuberant
- Height: 18-23 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
Teacup Yorkshire Terrier
This breed looks easy-but isn't. In fact, for many new pet parents, this is one of those dogs that can catch first-time owners off guard with how delicate and demanding it is in everyday handling. So, if you're a first-time dog owner and want a small dog, the Teacup Yorkshire Terrier may not be the rigth match for you.
While extremely popular due to its tiny size, vets often list these teacup breeds among the worst dog breeds for first-time owners because of its fragility and care needs.
These pups are a smaller version of the classic Yorkshire Terrier, weighs under four pounds and is a high-maintenance dog breed to look after. "Teacup Yorkshire Terriers are not good dogs for inexperienced owners," Hunt says. "If one of these teacup dogs jumps from an owner's arms to the ground, they can fracture both of their front legs, requiring corrective surgery."
If you like the idea of a Teacup Yorkshire Terrier but are a first-time owner, Hunt suggests looking into a regular Yorkshire Terrier or other small dog breed. These are still petite, but are slightly more hearty.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Weight: Varies
- Lifespan: 11-15 years
Russell Terrier
The Russell Terrier-also known as a Jack Russell Terrier is a fun-loving breed, but its need for activity can be tough for inexperienced owners and one of the worst dog breeds for seniors. "Jack Russell Terriers are insanely high-energy," Hunt says. "I have seen many owners struggle to meet their needs for exercise, resulting in a hyper dog terrorizing their home."
The Russell Terrier is considered one of the highest-energy dog breeds you can get, which many people don't realize. While regular walks, trips to the dog park and runs will help offset some of that, they like to explore off-leash too. That just requires plenty of training first to ensure the safety of your pet-and most first-time dog owners aren't up for the task, making this small breed surprisingly difficult to have and not ideal for beginners.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Alert, inquisitive, lively
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 9-15 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
Bulldog
Bulldog can be surprisingly difficult to own for first-time pet parents as they require above-average care. This is often due to the breed's smushed-in, or brachycephalic, face, Hunt says.
"A Bulldog's face shape causes varying degrees of respiratory compromise," Hunt says. "Because panting is how dogs dissipate most of their heat, a dog with respiratory compromise is perpetually at risk of heat stroke."
These medium-sized dogs also have skin folds on their face, and sometimes body, that are prone to developing skin infections. These pups require careful management and care as a result, Hunt says, making this a breed that require more experience than beginners realize.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Friendly, courageous, calm
- Height: 14-15 inches
- Weight: 40-50 pounds
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
Source:
- Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor at Embrace Pet Insurance.
- Belgian Malinois. American Kennel Club.
- Australian Shepherd. American Kennel Club.
- Cane Corso. American Kennel Club.
- Chow Chow. American Kennel Club.
- Yorkshire Terrier. American Kennel Club.
- Russell Terrier. American Kennel Club.
- Bulldog. American Kennel Club.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 4:10 AM.