Considering Your First Dog? Here Are the Breeds You Should Avoid

Choosing your first dog involves more than just admiring a breed's looks or popularity. Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinary surgeon with over a decade of experience, emphasizes that a potential owner's location and lifestyle are crucial factors. Many people select dogs based on aesthetics, overlooking whether the breed truly fits their capabilities and daily life. This mismatch can lead to training challenges, unmet needs for the pet, and stress for both owner and animal.

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I love spaniels, but if I lived in the city, I would not recommend getting a spaniel because they are extremely energetic dogs. They need a lot of physical activity and a lot of training.

For city dwellers, Dr. Warner advises against highly energetic breeds like spaniels. "They need a lot of physical activity and training," she explained, noting that urban environments often don't provide enough space for them to expend their energy. While beautiful, spaniels are better suited for rural settings and experienced owners who can handle their demanding exercise and training requirements.

When it comes to trainability, Dr. Warner points to breeds like the Jack Russell terrier as particularly challenging for beginners. "It's quite difficult to train because it's very intelligent and quite stubborn," she said. Similarly, Weimaraners, despite their striking appearance, are described as "quite difficult to train because they are very stubborn and determined." These breeds require a level of expertise that novice owners may not possess.

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There are breeds that are simply difficult to train. For example, Jack Russell, it's quite difficult to train because it's very intelligent and quite stubborn.

Instead, Dr. Warner champions breeds known for their eagerness to please and easier training. Golden Retrievers and Labradors are highlighted as excellent choices for first-time owners. "There is a reason why they are very popular pets, and that is because they are actually relatively easy to train, generally want to please people, and are great with children." While they need regular exercise, a couple of good walks daily are usually sufficient.

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People often think these dogs are beautiful, but they are quite difficult to train because they are very stubborn and determined. They are not naturally that obedient.

Finally, Dr. Warner issues a strong caution against brachycephalic breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs. These dogs, bred with short, flat snouts, are prone to significant respiratory problems. "It's really sad, they are bred to have these short muzzles, but as a result, many have breathing problems and need surgery to correct it, which I honestly think is wrong for such dogs to be bred at all," she stated. The associated health issues can lead to expensive veterinary care.

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Golden Retriever or Labrador. There is a reason why they are very popular pets, and that is because they are actually relatively easy to train, generally want to please people, and are great with children.