10 Breeds to Avoid
August 12, 2009
This is not a list of stupid breeds or breeds that are bad. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule and don’t take this personally. I’m just informing people if they get one of these breeds, they may have trouble leading a normal dog-owner life such as having a calm and orderly home, being able go to the dog park, allow the dog off leash, be around kids, dogs or other animals, or being allowed back into doggy daycare or a boarding facility.
In no particular order:
Siberian Husky
Jack Russell terrier
Chow Chow
Basenji
Pekingese
Alaskan-Malamute
Beagle
Samoyed
Pit bulls (just for the aggressive nature) smart and trainable
Presa Canario or American Bulldog
There are many more breeds I could have put on this list. If your breed is not listed here you should still follow the helpful tips below.
If you are thinking about getting one of the listed breeds or any breed for that matter, do your homework and find a good breeder. Meet the puppy’s parents as good sound parents produce good sound puppies. Learn everything there is to know about the breed. EARLY socialization (before 4 months old) training and exercise is the key.
If your dog shows aggression or other negative behavioral issues, get help right away, don’t make excuses for the dog and don’t be in denial. It’s OK to ask for professional help. Known aggressive breeds should be spayed or neutered before 4- months of age (or earlier). All other temperaments you can fix at 6 months.
Sounds about right to me.
I had a dog that was a husky/sheltie mix when I was younger. He was quite bright, but very unruly. He didn’t seem to too interested in being a pet and needed more exercise than I could manage to provide for him because I had to work. I tried sending him to doggy daycares, but they were expensive and he would always manage to escape (that dog was a legitimately talented jumper; he one cleared a ten foot fence.) Eventually, I had to send him to my cousin’s farm, where I believe he’s made himself very comfortable chasing sheep.
Then, a few years ago, I had a boyfriend who owned a jack russell who was an absolute nightmare. He would bark incessantly, was very aggressive to other dogs and children and peed on everything he didn’t rip apart.
I have a rottweiler/english setter/basenji right now, though. She is the sweetest dog I’ve ever met and is so laid back. She does chew a little, but we keep her supplied with bones. She absolutely loves everyone. . . as long as I’m home. Someone she’d never met before tried coming over while I wasn’t home and she didn’t bite them, but she was snarling. Other than that one incident, we’ve never had any kind of behavioral issues with her.
Thanks for the feedback, keep them coming
I don’t understand. I had a Siberian for 11 years and he was a great dog. He loved everybody and never showed any aggression toward another dog. He was an escape artist, and first year or two would escape from the backyard. It is difficult to give them enough exercise, but that was my problem not his. So I walked and walked and let him run loose in the woods. When I realized what he needed and gave it to him, he settled down.
When he died, I rescued a 3 year old Siberian and have had him for 3 years. He is almost the perfect dog. Wonderful disposition and just loves people, children and other dogs. It was because I had such a positive experience with my first Husky that I wanted another one.
I might add that I spend a great deal of time with my dogs. I don’t work and they live in the house with access to a fenced backyard. I give them a minimum of hour a day of running and walking on & off leash.
What is the problem?
Hi Ann,
There is no problem, except you probably need to read the post again.
It’s nice to hear when people have a good experience with breeds that are known to be on the difficult side. That’s why near the bottom of the story, I say “If you get one of these breeds, do your homework, early socialization and education is the key”. Looks like that’s what you did. I guess I should have added “exercise” to be even more specific.
I showed and owned Akita’s. I almost put them on the list. I’ve seen them on other peoples list of dogs not to own. Mine of course were great, but the truth is the breed can be really dog aggressive, their also wanderers and they like to mark their owners leg (I can go on). It doesn’t bother me in the least when behaviorist or trainers tell other people about how crazy those dogs can be, I know they’re not for everyone. I’d rather have people know the truth or all the potential problems before getting one.
Anyway, thanks for the comment
One thing about Siberians, if you raise them right. They’re a big help in keeping the owner in shape.
Thank goodness, I’ve worried all day as to what you might have to say that was terrible about Siberians. Mine was and is a a love. You’re right about keeping in shape. If it was up to me, there would be plenty of days I wouldn’t go walking too hot, too cold, too rainy, but the dog demands it. If I gain a few pounds, I just walk an extra mile for a couple of months.
Your blog is great. I’m learning a lot. I like Ceaser, but you are giving more advice that the average person can use.
My Pekingese was afraid of motorcycles and fireworks but had no fear of the neighbor’s Akita, and that is how he died. The Peke was a one person/family dog, but tolerated strangers. He seemed to not read clues that the Akita was the dominant dog. My fault in not understanding enough about dogs.
Sorry to hear….very sad