Getting a new puppy seems like a great idea at first. You dream about having a cute, cuddly dog to play with and love. But sometimes, the dog you get isn’t what you expected at all.
There are certain dog breeds that can make new owners regret their decision very quickly. Maybe the puppy barks all night and keeps you awake. Or sheds fur all over your house. Or needs way more exercise than you can give it.
Before you get a puppy on impulse, you need to know which dog breeds tend to disappoint their new owners right away. That’s why I made a list of the top 13 breeds that people often regret buying.
1. Siberian Husky
These beautiful dogs are bred for endurance in freezing temperatures, giving them tons of energy to burn. Their thick coats also shed heavily, leaving fur all over. Huskies are notorious escape artists who will dig under or jump over fences.
They howl and bark frequently. Without proper exercise and stimulation, they can become destructive.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Like their Husky cousins, Malamutes have very high activity needs not suited for apartment living. Their heavy shedding combined with their drooling creates a constant mess.
Malamutes are also quite stubborn and difficult to train.Their massive size makes them challenging for first-time owners.
3. Jack Russell Terrier
The go-go-go attitude of Jack Russells makes them incredibly hyper, barky, and full of energy that often wears owners out. They require vigorous daily exercise and firm obedience training.
Their tendency to dig up yards and relentless chasing of small animals can also cause frustration.
4. Dalmatian
Gorgeous spotted coats make Dalmatians seem like awesome family dogs in movies. In reality, these high energy pups were bred to run alongside horse-drawn carriages.
Without sufficient exercise, they easily become restless, destructive chewers. Their stubborn nature also makes training difficult.
5. Chow Chow
Chows look like fluffy teddy bears, but their reserved, standoffish personality frequently clashes with new owners expecting cuddly lap dogs. Their thick double coats shed constantly. Chows need very early socialization and training due to territoriality and suspicion of strangers.
6. Chinese Shar-Pei
This breed’s classic wrinkly appearance attracts many owners unprepared for their assertive, stubborn guardianship mentality. Shar-Peis requires an experienced owner who can be the strong pack leader.
They’re also notorious for excessive shedding and struggling with separation anxiety.
7. Weimaraner
Often called the “Velcro Dog,” Weimaraners crave constant attention and become extremely destructive if left alone too much due to separation anxiety. Their physical and mental exercise requirements are also very demanding for a first-time dog owner.
8. Afghan Hound
These dogs are gorgeous, but their long silky coats require constant thorough grooming and bathing to prevent matting and keep them looking their best – often more than new owners can handle.
Afghans also have a tendency to roam and are independent thinkers who can be challenging to train.
9. Akita
While loyal companions, Akitas have an innate guarding instinct that causes them to be territorial and wary of strangers without socialization. They can be too strong-willed for inexperienced owners. Their thick coats shed heavily year-round.
10. Bullmastiff
Despite their beloved family protector reputation, Bullmastiffs require an experienced owner who can handle their immense strength and size. They shed profusely, drool constantly, and need very consistent training to ensure they know their owners are the alphas.
11. Basset Hound
Adorably cute but often stubborn to a fault, Basset Hounds frequently frustrate new owners with their laziness and refusal to listen.
They’re also extremely vocal dogs who will bark and howl excessively if not trained properly. Their excessive drooling is another messy con.
12. Shetland Sheepdog
While intelligent, Shelties have boundless energy and can become neurotic, excessive barkers if not given enough stimulation and exercise daily. Their double coats shed constantly, while their suspicious nature means proper socialization is required.
13. Bernese Mountain Dog
These large, beautiful dogs have become popular family pets despite needs for extensive daily exercise and grooming that new owners underestimate. Their shorter lifespan of only 6-8 years also makes the inevitable loss of such loving companions extremely difficult.
Conclusion
No matter how cute a puppy is, you have to make sure you can handle that specific breed’s needs and personality. Owning a dog is a long-term responsibility, so do your research before bringing one home!
The most important thing is choosing a dog that matches your experience level and daily routine. If you live in a small apartment and work long hours, maybe hold off on getting a high-energy breed that needs tons of exercise.
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