Getting a new dog is more than bringing home a cute animal; it’s about understanding that some breeds need more training and firmness than others. While some dogs, like Boxers and English Springer Spaniels, make great pets for newcomers to the world of dog ownership, others are best left to more seasoned owners.
Chow Chows, Italian Mastiffs, Afghan Hounds, Akitas, and Siberian Huskies are high-maintenance dogs that require extra care and consideration. Read on to learn more.
Why Are Some Breeds for “Advanced” Owners?
Many characteristics of certain dog breeds can make them more challenging to raise, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. For example, dogs prone to certain health conditions can be hard for beginners to navigate. Constant medical care needs, daily medications, and frequent vet visits can be mentally taxing and financially draining.
Also, certain dog breeds prone to aggression or anxiety might not also be an ideal pick for someone who has never owned a dog before. These high-needs dogs may need a lot of mental stimulation to avoid common behavioral problems, such as excessive barking and over-chewing.
Understanding a dog’s unique needs can help you make the right decision for you and your family. When deciding to get a dog, whether through an ethical breeder or shelter, consider your lifestyle, budget, and most of all, expectations.
1. Chow Chows
The Chow Chow is a watchful, one-person dog that will do anything to protect its family. Unfortunately, this translates into being wary of strangers and needing lots of early socialization to handle unfamiliar situations.
Many people are drawn to this Chinese dog breed because they are playful and patient, but they are also strong-willed and powerful, complicating training. Often described as a cat-like dog breed, Chow Chows need owners with lots of patience and experience training.
Chows tend to form strong bonds with their owners and can be prone to separation anxiety. They also have high-shedding coats that take a lot of grooming. If you like wearing black, don’t get one of these dogs! You’ll be covered in their hair constantly.
Still, in the right hands, Chow Chows make loving companions that will shower you with affection for years to come.
2. Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso)
The Cane Corso is a large, smart, and loyal dog breed. They can weigh over 100 pounds and have large heads with muscular bodies. These dogs were bred to work as farmhands, watchdogs, and soldiers, so they are strong and good guard dogs. They are eager to please, but they can be very wary of strangers.
To avoid aggression and reactivity, you must provide them with early socialization. While these dogs offer many benefits (such as a low-maintenance coat), they can be quiet and reserved—and they don’t always take kindly to other dogs and children.
Cani Corsi (the plural form of Cane Corso) tend to become more easily reactive and may bite. They need lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy. If they are understimulated, they can redirect those behaviors into digging, jumping, or pawing. They do better in large yards with an experienced owner willing to continue training them as they age.
3. Akita
One of Japan’s natural monument breeds, Akitas can be stubborn and not very fond of people outside of their family. They prefer smaller households as the only dog. While Akitas are fairly popular, they can be aggressive with unfamiliar people and dogs, and they’re not always predictable, making them difficult for some dog owners to manage.
What’s more, these dogs can easily tip the scales at 130 pounds––more than some people! These dogs need lots of training and socialization to avoid aggressive behaviors that could injure other people and dogs. Their tendency toward aggression is a primary reason why many of these dogs are rehomed.
4. Siberian Husky
Many people find Siberian Huskies beautiful with their blue eyes and wolf-like appearance, but these dogs require a lot of attention. They are built for hours of endurance work, so they need tons of exercise and playtime to prevent getting bored. And when this breed gets bored, it becomes dangerously restless.
Huskies are master escape artists, so it is important to keep a close eye on them. Huskies don’t typically do well in households with small dogs because they have a strong prey drive, meaning they’ll do anything to chase and capture little animals.
They can also be very stubborn. To thrive, Huskies need constant rules and guidance incorporated into their daily routine. These free-spirited dogs also shed a ton and howl a lot. So, if you’re looking for a quiet apartment dog, a Husky is not the right breed!
5. Afghan Hound
Unlike some of the dogs on this list, Afghan Hounds are not aggressive or reactive. However, they are fiercely independent, meaning they take commands as suggestions. Teaching an Afghan basic commands like sit, stay, and come can take months of consistency and hard work. In fact, their ambivalence for learning makes them rank as one of the least intelligent dog breeds.
If you’re looking to adopt an Afghan Hound, temper your expectations. Unlike some affectionate dog breeds, like English Sprinter Spaniels, you won’t make an immediate friend upon adopting an Afghan Hound. Yet, with some positive reinforcement training and patience, you might eventually gain their respect.
Conclusion: Some Dogs Are Suited for Experienced Handlers
These five dog breeds are better suited for advanced owners: Chow Chows, Italian Mastiffs, Akitas, Afghan Hounds, and Siberian Huskies. Before adopting a dog, it is important to thoroughly research their breed to learn whether they’ll be a good fit for your family. That way, you can get a dog that’s suited to your lifestyle and have years of happiness together.
