Breeds Not for First-Time Owners – Meet the Smart but Exhausting

If you’re getting a dog for the first time—or the first time in a while—I’m here to help you find the right one for your lifestyle, personality and one that you can safely handle.

With nearly 35 years of hands-on experience, owning, loving caring for dogs, multiple breeds, large and small, puppies to seniors, I’ve seen what happens when people pick a breed that’s too smart, too stubborn, or just too much dog.

In today’s post, I’m sharing 5 popular breeds that are not a good match for first-time owners—no matter how cute or cool they seem on social media.

Before I start, here are three points that I’d like you consider if you’re a first time dog owner:

• The dog of your dreams might not be the right dog for you at this point in your life.
• First-time owners don’t know what they don’t know. You can read books, binge watch videos, and do all the research… but you won’t truly understand what it’s like to own a dog until you own a dog.
• Puppies are four-legged babies. Adult dogs are four-legged children. If you’re not ready for a baby or a child, then think long and hard before you bring a dog into your life.

Now let’s meet the dogs.

These dogs are brilliant—but that’s exactly why they’re tough. They learn fast, including bad habits, and need constant mental and physical work. Intelligence doesn’t make them easy—it makes them demanding.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are gorgeous, intensely loyal and eager to work, but they are high maintenance, and their energy and need for stimulation can overwhelm inexperienced owners. Without structure and a job to do, they often become destructive, anxious, or start herding everything that moves — including kids.

Border Collie

The Einstein of dogs, but with no off switch. Without a job, they’ll invent one—and probably one you won’t like. Without daily mental challenges and high-level physical activity, their intensity and drive quickly turn into chaos in a typical pet home.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a favorite of police and military units for a reason—this is a working dog to the core. But, a working machine in a companion pet home? Disaster. This breed is too much dog for 99% of people. Without rigorous training, structure, and advanced handling, they can become dangerously reactive.

Standard Poodle

This dog was originally bred as a hunting dog. Athletic, high energy and whip-smart. Needs way more effort and structure than most people realize. They require daily exercise, mental engagement, and consistent training—or they become restless, mouthy, and demanding.

Miniature American Shepherd

Though smaller in size, the Miniature American Shepherd has the same mental and physical intensity as its Aussie cousin. Their cute looks are deceiving—these dogs need structure, stimulation, and confident handling that most first-time owners simply aren’t prepared for.

Choosing the right dog isn’t just about what looks good on social media—it’s about what fits your life, your personality, and your ability to handle the breed’s needs. The dogs in this post are all incredible in the right hands, but they can quickly become overwhelming for first-time owners who aren’t prepared for their energy, intensity, or instincts.

Need help figuring out which breed is right for you?

I offer one-on-one support to help you choose the best fit, find a reputable breeder or rescue, and get set up for success. Click here to book a free 30 minute consultation and take the guesswork out of getting a dog or visit my website page to learn more about my services.