It’s no secret that owning a dog comes with its own set of responsibilities. Not only do you need to be prepared to feed, walk, and house your pup responsibly, but you also need to ensure that you have the time and energy to dedicate to their training and development. This is especially true for people who want to own a particularly energetic breed. Arguably one of the most important factors when choosing which dog breed would suit you best is your lifestyle. After all, there’s no point in investing time and effort into an animal if you don’t have the capacity to look after them properly.
There are so many different dog breeds out there that it can feel overwhelming when trying to decide which one suits you best. This article covers our top 5 recommendations as the five dog breeds that the average person should not own – at least not until they have gotten used to living in a world full of responsibilities!
Pugs
Pugs are adorable (almost) all-rounders that make for excellent pets. However, they are by far one of the most challenging breeds to maintain, let alone own. Pugs are affectionate, sociable, and friendly dogs that love nothing more than being at their owner’s side.
While this makes them incredibly loyal pets, it also means that they demand a significant amount of attention from their owners. Owning a pug, therefore, can be exhausting. The amount of time, effort, and energy needed to properly care for these dogs is beyond what many people can provide.
Pugs have a ton of health issues and are extremely sensitive – even when they are just going about their day-to-day lives. The slightest change in the environment can have a devastating effect on these dogs. This is not a breed for the faint of heart. Pugs are the type of dog that will be genuinely happy with even a small amount of attention. For this reason, they are often passed around households or spoiled by people who don’t realise the level of care they demand. Because pugs are often given to people who don’t fully understand what is involved in owning one, many people end up giving them away.
Sadly, this means that a lot of pugs end up in shelters and rescues. Because of this, if you know you don’t have the time and effort to invest in a pug properly, consider passing on them. They are great companions, but they are not worth the heartache of ending up with a dog that you can’t properly care for.
Boxers
This is one of those breeds that we’re not saying you should never own. Rather, we are advising you to wait until you are more established before getting a boxer. Boxers are incredibly energetic and excitable dogs. They adore being around people and are incredibly affectionate. They demand a significant amount of attention and are suited to a household with a lot of activity. Because of how high-energy and excitable boxers are, they aren’t great for households with children or people with limited mobility. Like many of the other dogs on this list, boxers are incredibly sensitive to changes in their environment.
This can range from food allergies to loud noises. With this breed, it’s all or nothing. If they are stressed or anxious, they will let everyone know. Boxers can be wonderful, loving pets. They are loyal and affectionate, and they will be the perfect addition to an established household. They are not, however, the best breed for new pet owners. If you aren’t prepared to deal with the amount of attention they demand, consider one of the other breeds on this list.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are another breed that are not (necessarily) off-limits for new pet owners. Rather, we are advising you to wait until you are more established before getting a German Shepherd. This breed is incredibly intelligent.
They adore being challenged and actively enjoy learning new things. They are incredibly protective of their owners and are known for being incredibly loyal dogs. These traits make them incredibly rewarding to own, but they also come with their own set of demands. German Shepherds need hours of exercise every day and are not suited to households with small children.
This is another breed that can be incredibly sensitive. They are easily affected by their owner’s emotions, so active households with many people coming and going can be challenging for them. German Shepherds are fantastic pets for the right owner. They are very rewarding to have and will give their owners a ton of love and attention. If you know that you have the time and energy to care for them properly, they will be an excellent addition to your household.
Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are beautiful dogs that bring a lot to the table. They are sociable and friendly, but they also have a playful streak. They are highly active and are another breed that loves to exercise. This makes Siberian Huskies sound like the perfect pet, but the reality is that they are a challenging dog to own. They require a significant amount of attention and are not ideal for people who work long hours or lead busy lifestyles.
Siberian Huskies are incredibly sensitive and can be affected by almost anything. They are not the best dogs for first-time owners and require a significant investment in their health and wellbeing. If you are someone who is home most of the day and has the time and energy to properly care for a Siberian Husky, they can make for amazing pets.
They are incredibly affectionate and make great companions for people who like to be active. If you think that the Siberian Husky is the breed for you, just be aware that they are not the right dog for everyone.
Dalmatians
Dalmatians are widely known and loved as Disney’s iconic dog breed. They are beautiful dogs that are known for their spots. They are great companions and adore being active and around people.
Dalmatians are not difficult dogs to own – per se. They are extremely loyal and affectionate and are relatively low-maintenance. They also come with their own set of challenges, however. These dogs are incredibly sensitive and will be affected by almost anything.
They are incredibly excitable and can be aggressive when they are overstimulated. They are also not the easiest dogs to train and require consistent, positive reinforcement. If you are someone who is able to dedicate a significant amount of time and energy to their dog and can properly manage their sensitivity, a Dalmatian may be the perfect pet for you. If you’re not 100% sure, consider another breed on this list.
Final Thoughts
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, and it’s important to choose the right breed for you and your lifestyle. There are many breeds out there, and some are more challenging than others. If you are new to dog ownership, we recommend choosing a breed that is less energetic or active to make the transition easier.
As time passes and you get more experience, you will be able to better evaluate which dog may be a better fit for you. The most important thing is that you do your research and find a breed that you love. It’s also important to keep in mind that, no matter what breed you choose, you will need to put in the work to properly care for your dog. Dogs are incredible animals, but they need our help to live a happy and healthy life.