Expert Warns: These 3 Dog Breeds Are Not Ideal for First-Time Owners (and Why)

Are you a dog lover and planning to get your very first pet home soon? Well, getting a pet dog comes with responsibility but it is also an extremely rewarding experience. However, the key here is to pick a dog breed whose personality and lifestyle matches yours. Also, do consider the budget you have for pet expenses-- which includes their diet, grooming, vet visits, and other basic needs. To help new pet-parents choose the right dog for themselves, Steve- who is the head dog trainer at Cainark Dog Training- recently took to TikTok to share his expert views. Steve is a dog expert who specialises in extreme reactivity and dog behavioural issues, and here we list the three dog breeds first-time pet owners should NOT choose, according to him:

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First-time dog owners should not get a Patterdale Terrier, Steve shared. For the unversed, Patterdale Terriers are small dogs and they were originally developed in Northern England for hunting and farm work. They are known for their bold personality and high energy, and so they are ideal for people who are experienced dog owners and have an active lifestyle. "Oh my God, the prey drive in those guys are unreal," Steve said, emphasising why this breed is not ideal for first-time dog owners.

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Talking about German Shepherds not being a great choice for first-time dog owners, Steve said, "I love them to bits but oh my God they're hard work. You've got to get it right."
German Shepherds are highly energetic, intelligent, and loyal dog breed. They are known for their strong work ethics and high trainability, and that's why they are usually hired for police work. They need regular exercise, routines, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Thus they are more suited for experienced dog owners, who can handle high-energy dogs.

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The third dog breed that first-time owners should avoid are Belgian Malinois, Steve shared. Similar to German Shephards, Belgian Malinois are "German Shepherd on acid", he jokingly said. "Do not get yourself one of them. You've gotta put a lot of work in," Steve explained.

For the unversed, Belgian Malinois are also high-energy and highly protective dog breeds that are usually trained for police work. And so, they have specific requirements-- like exercise, mental stimulation, diet, etc-- to stay active and healthy.

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