The 4 Dogs You Shouldn’t Get as a Novice Owner – They Are Aggressive ‘Escape Artists’
A veterinarian shared which dog breeds he doesn’t recommend for first-time dog owners.
The dog expert explained why he doesn’t think his list is suitable for those without experience.
In his viral videoTikTok user Ben (@ben.the.vet) explained why he chose certain pets.
He said his nine years of experience treating “thousands of dogs” influenced his decisions.
For his first non-approved breed, the vet noted that Border Collies were not ideal for new owners.
Ben explained that the working breed does best in an active environment and can become “really bored” in a regular home.
He continued that this boredom can lead to destructive behavior, such as digging, excessive barking and aggressive displays.
For anyone not used to dogs, the vet said border collies can be “a lot to handle.”
He also revealed that a “surprise” addition to his list is the popular beagle breed.
According to Ben, beagles are difficult to train because they are “quite stubborn” due to their hunting background.
The dog expert mentioned another major problem with beagles.
“They have a bit of a reputation as being kind of escape artists,” he explains.
Ben recommends having a secure yard if you’re considering adopting a beagle, as beagles are notorious for having poor recall abilities.
The TikTokker’s next suggestion was that he would advise new owners against getting a Dalmatian.
He explained that Disney’s 101 Dalmatians saw a spike in owners of the breed for a while.
However, inexperienced owners were shocked to discover that the breed is not as easy to train as the cartoon makes it out to be.
Ben described the “very cute” breed as “very difficult” for new owners.
Best Dog Breeds for First Time Owners
Dog behaviorist Will Atherton shared his thoughts on which breeds are best for those with little experience.
- Labradors: The lively breed is easy to train, loyal to its owners and does not make high demands on exercise.
- Golden Retrievers: The expert gave the same reasoning as Labradors.
- King Charles Spaniels: This breed requires little exercise and is known for being friendly and easy to train.
Finally, he explained why huskies are one of the least suitable breeds for people with little experience.
“Getting a dog is a big commitment and will change your life, but getting a husky is something completely different,” he explains.
In addition to the fact that a husky needs a lot of exercise, it also needs regular maintenance of its coat.
And because they were bred to pull sleds over long distances, a short walk every day is not enough to burn off their energy.
This can cause them to become overweight, get bored quickly and become a burden to their owners.