Choosing the right dog isn’t just about looks or popularity, it’s about finding a companion that truly fits your lifestyle. Some breeds, while beautiful or famous, can be challenging for the average owner due to their energy levels, stubbornness, or specific care needs.
Others, however, are easier to train, adapt well to family life, and thrive in a variety of homes. In this list, we’ll look at breeds that I believe might be best left to experienced owners and some that that I think make wonderful companions for most people.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Every dog is an individual, and behaviour can vary widely based on training, environment, and socialisation. This is mainly just my personal opinion.
The Breeds I’d Think Twice About
Before rushing to bring home a new pup, it’s worth learning which breeds might not be the easiest match for most people. Some dogs demand more time, training, or space than the average owner can provide.
These breeds often thrive with experienced handlers who understand their unique temperaments and needs. Let’s take a look at the ones that can be a bit of a handful.
1. Siberian Husky (Not Recommended)
Owning a Husky means signing up for a full-time workout partner who never takes a day off. Their boundless energy requires multiple hours of intense exercise daily, and a bored Husky becomes a destructive force in your home.
These escape artists can jump six-foot fences and dig under barriers faster than you can say walkies. Their stubborn streak makes training feel like negotiating with a toddler who speaks a different language.
Huskies shed year-round with two major coat blows annually that cover everything you own in fur. Their vocal nature means constant howling that neighbours rarely appreciate.
2. Dalmatian (Not Recommended)
Behind that iconic spotted coat lies a hyperactive personality that exhausts most owners within months. Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages for miles, so they need marathon-level exercise that few modern families can provide.
Their stubbornness rivals that of the most headstrong breeds, making obedience training a lengthy battle of wills. Without proper socialization, they often develop guarding behaviours toward strangers and other animals.
Deafness affects roughly 30 percent of Dalmatians, creating additional training challenges. Their high-strung temperament can lead to nervous behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing when left alone.
3. Chow Chow (Not Recommended)
That teddy bear appearance hides a fiercely independent spirit that makes bonding difficult for first-time owners. Chow Chows were bred as guard dogs in ancient China, and that protective instinct often translates to aggression toward strangers and other pets.
They rank among the most challenging breeds to train because they simply do not care about pleasing humans. Their aloof personality means you will not get the affectionate companion most people want.
Grooming that dense double coat requires daily brushing to prevent painful matting. Health issues like hip dysplasia and eyelid problems plague the breed, leading to expensive veterinary bills throughout their lives.
4. Akita (Not Recommended)
Akitas carry a dignified presence that commands respect, but their dominant nature makes them unsuitable for inexperienced handlers. These powerful dogs were bred to hunt bears in Japan, and that prey drive remains strong today.
They often show aggression toward other dogs, particularly those of the same gender, making dog parks completely off-limits. Their size and strength mean any aggressive incident could result in serious injury.
Akitas bond intensely with one person but remain suspicious of everyone else, including family members. Their grooming needs are substantial, and they shed heavily twice yearly. Training requires firm consistency that borders on professional expertise.
5. Belgian Malinois (Not Recommended)
Military and police forces choose Malinois for their intense drive and tireless work ethic, qualities that make them nightmares in typical households. These dogs need jobs to do, not just walks around the block.
Without several hours of both physical and mental stimulation daily, they develop severe anxiety and destructive behaviours. Their bite strength and speed make any training mistake potentially dangerous.
Malinois form obsessive bonds with handlers and often become reactive around strangers or other animals. Their intelligence means they quickly learn bad habits alongside good ones. Only experienced trainers with active lifestyles should consider this breed seriously.
The Dogs That Truly Shine As Companions
Before rushing to bring home a new pup, it’s worth learning which breeds might not be the easiest match for most people. Some dogs demand more time, training, or space than the average owner can provide.
These breeds often thrive with experienced handlers who understand their unique temperaments and needs. Let’s take a look at the ones that can be a bit of a handful.
1. Golden Retriever (Highly Recommended)
Few breeds match the Golden Retriever’s reputation as the ultimate family companion. Their patient temperament makes them wonderful around children of all ages, tolerating ear pulls and rough play with remarkable grace.
Goldens live to please their humans, which makes training feel like a joy rather than a chore. They excel in obedience, agility, and therapy work because they genuinely enjoy learning new tasks.
Their friendly nature extends to strangers, other dogs, and even cats when properly introduced. Regular brushing and occasional baths keep their beautiful coat manageable. Daily walks and playtime satisfy their moderate exercise needs without overwhelming busy families.
2. Labrador Retriever (Highly Recommended)
Labs consistently rank as Canada’s favourite breed because they adapt beautifully to almost any living situation. Whether you live in an apartment or on acreage, a Lab will adjust as long as exercise needs are met.
Their food motivation makes training straightforward, though it also means monitoring their diet carefully to prevent obesity. Labs adore water and will happily swim for hours if given the opportunity.
These dogs maintain puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood, bringing joy and laughter to every day. They get along splendidly with children, seniors, and other pets. Their short coat requires minimal grooming despite seasonal shedding.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Highly Recommended)
These small spaniels pack enormous hearts into compact bodies, making them ideal for apartment dwellers and seniors. Cavaliers thrive on human companionship and happily curl up on laps for hours of cuddle time.
Their adaptable nature means they match your energy level, whether that involves brisk walks or quiet evenings at home. Unlike many small breeds, Cavaliers rarely develop the yappy behaviour that annoys neighbours.
Children adore their soft, silky coats and sweet personalities. Regular grooming keeps their feathered ears and flowing coat looking beautiful. Health screenings help identify potential heart issues common in the breed.
4. Beagle (Highly Recommended)
Beagles bring cheerful energy and curiosity to every household they join. Originally bred to hunt rabbits in packs, they get along wonderfully with other dogs and love group play sessions.
Their compact size makes them manageable for most families, while their sturdy build withstands enthusiastic play from kids. Beagles possess an independent streak that adds personality without crossing into stubbornness.
That famous nose leads them on adventures, so secure fencing is essential to prevent escape attempts. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance beyond regular brushing. Beagles do vocalize with distinctive baying, which some find charming and others consider noisy.
5. Poodle (Highly Recommended)
Poodles shatter stereotypes about being prissy show dogs by proving themselves as brilliant, athletic companions. Available in standard, miniature, and toy sizes, there is a Poodle to fit virtually any living space.
Their hypoallergenic coats make them suitable for allergy sufferers, though professional grooming every six to eight weeks is necessary. Poodles rank among the smartest breeds, learning commands quickly and even anticipating your needs.
They excel in dog sports like agility and obedience competitions. Their playful nature keeps families entertained, while their loyalty creates strong bonds. Poodles adapt well to both active and quieter households.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog (Highly Recommended)
These Swiss farm dogs combine impressive size with remarkably tender personalities. Bernese Mountain Dogs form deep attachments to their families and show particular fondness for children, often positioning themselves as protective guardians.
Despite their large stature, they move with surprising grace and possess a calm demeanor that suits family life. Their thick coats require regular brushing but provide stunning good looks year-round.
Bernese dogs need moderate exercise, enjoying leisurely walks and outdoor time without demanding marathon running sessions. They thrive in cooler climates where their heavy coats keep them comfortable. Their shorter lifespan requires cherishing every moment together.
7. Boxer (Highly Recommended)
Boxers earn the nickname clown of the dog world through their goofy antics and boundless enthusiasm for life. Their muscular appearance might seem intimidating, but these dogs are total softies with their families.
They retain puppy-like playfulness well into their senior years, providing endless entertainment. Boxers excel as watchdogs, alerting you to visitors without showing aggression toward friendly guests.
Their short coats mean minimal grooming, just occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Active families appreciate their stamina for hiking, jogging, and playing fetch. Boxers need consistent training to channel their exuberance appropriately.
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Highly Recommended)
Do not let those short legs fool you because Corgis pack herding instincts and surprising athleticism into their low-slung bodies. Originally bred to herd cattle in Wales, they possess intelligence and work ethic that translates beautifully to modern family life.
Corgis learn quickly and enjoy having tasks to complete, making them excellent candidates for trick training. Their affectionate nature creates strong family bonds, though they may try to herd small children by nipping at heels.
Regular exercise prevents weight gain in these food-motivated pups. Their expressive faces and joyful personalities have made them internet sensations.
9. Havanese (Highly Recommended)
Cuba’s national dog brings tropical sunshine into homes through their cheerful, outgoing personalities. Havanese dogs adapt remarkably well to apartment living while remaining sturdy enough for family adventures.
Their silky coats come in numerous colours and require regular grooming to prevent tangles. Unlike many toy breeds, Havanese rarely develop nervous or snappy behaviours around children.
They form strong bonds with all family members rather than choosing just one favourite person. Havanese excel as therapy dogs because they read human emotions remarkably well. Their moderate exercise needs are easily met with daily walks and indoor play sessions.
10. Australian Shepherd (Highly Recommended)
Australian Shepherds thrive in active households where their remarkable intelligence and energy find proper outlets. Despite their name, the breed actually developed in the western United States as ranch dogs.
Their stunning coats come in various colours including blue merle, red merle, black, and red. Aussies need substantial daily exercise and mental challenges to prevent boredom-related behaviours.
They excel in dog sports like agility, flyball, and herding trials. Their loyalty and trainability make them wonderful companions for experienced owners willing to invest time in training. Aussies bond deeply with their families while remaining reserved around strangers.
