Choosing the right dog breed is a critical decision for anyone considering bringing a new canine companion into their home. Many people fall in love with the idea of a specific breed based on looks, trends, or characteristics they’ve read about—but they often underestimate the breed’s energy levels, temperament, and potential downsides. These challenges can make life miserable for owners who aren't fully prepared for the breed’s needs.
Before you commit to the dog breed of your dreams, it’s essential to understand that you don’t have to compromise on your preferences for looks, style, or energy levels. Often, there is a lesser-known breed out there that perfectly matches what you’re looking for—a large fluffy dog, for example—without posing the same challenges as the breed you initially had in mind.
Understanding Breed Challenges
Let me be clear: I work extensively with large guardian breeds and love them. I own a Chow Chow, which is a protective breed and very challenging to train. When we chose our Chow, we knew she would be naturally independent and aloof—traits we were ready to manage. However, her farm upbringing added a whole new layer of challenge: she was not only protective (which we liked) but also fiercely independent. It took us a year and a half of daily training to see some of that independence softened. Even now, at two and a half years old, we’re still tweaking and fine-tuning her behavior. She’s a work in progress, but she keeps us on our toes!
For most people, access to the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to address these traits isn’t readily available. That’s why selecting a breed that matches your personality and lifestyle is a crucial first step for most families.
Common Popular Breeds and Their Downsides
Many popular breeds come with traits that potential owners underestimate. Here are some examples:
Shiba Inu:
Why they’re popular: Compact, beautiful fox-like appearance, independent personality, relatively low grooming needs due to their self-cleaning coat, can make a good running or gentle cycling buddy.
The downside: Shiba Inus are known for their crazy stubbornness, independence but also very territorial, which can make training very challenging for first-time dog owners and dog trainers (trust me i own and trained our chow chow, their distant cousin). While they don’t require as much exercise as high-energy working breeds, they are highly alert and require 1 hour of active physical and mental stimulation daily. Without it, they may develop undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, resource guarding, or escaping. Training a recall with this breed requires an insane amount of effort if not done at a young age. Their strong prey drive also makes them prone to darting off, so they must be trained to walk securely on a leash.
Shibas are extremely aloof and don’t typically enjoy cuddling, which some people find disappointing.
My personal recommendation: If you cannot meet the Shiba Inu’s mental and physical stimulation needs, or need a dog that's active but easier to train, consider these alternatives: Alaskan Klee Kai, Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Boston terrier, or a well bred Doodle like a Cavapoo or a Goldendoodle.
German Shepherds:Why they’re popular: Loyal, intelligent, and protective.
The downside: Their guarding instincts require early and continuous socialisation to prevent fear or anxiety. They also need consistent mental stimulation and structured training.
- They can become overly wary and reactive if not properly socialised, making it crucial to expose them to a variety of people, environments, and situations early on. Their intelligence can also make them mischievous if they’re not given enough mental challenges.
My personal recommendation: If you’re not up for the socialisation and training commitment, consider breeds that are still intelligent and loyal but still protective like the Bernese mountain dog, Leonberger, Eurasier. These breeds offer excellent companionship and are easier to manage for the average owner. Additionally, consider owning a female with large breeds or guardians, as they tend to be less dominant, weigh less at the end of the leash, and are potentially easier to manage in the long run. A 70-90lb dog is more than enough to act as a deterrent and provide protection.
Huskies:
Why they’re popular: Beautiful looks and high energy 3 hours + per day.
The downside: Their independent nature and high prey drive can make them difficult to train. They’re escape artists and require significant daily exercise.
- Huskies are known for their vocal personalities and love of running, which means they’re not the type to thrive in a sedentary household. Without proper outlets for their energy, they can quickly become destructive.
My personal recommendation: If you love the look of a Husky but prefer a more manageable breed, consider the Eurasier, Samoyed, Alaskan Klee Kai, Finnish Lapphund. These breeds retain the charming appearance but tend to have a friendlier demeanor and slightly lower energy needs.
French Bulldogs:
Why they’re popular: Cute, small size, and relatively low energy.
The downside: Prone to health problems due to their flat faces, and their stubbornness can make training challenging.
- French Bulldogs are prone to overheating and breathing difficulties, which means they’re not suitable for very active households or hot climates. Their stubborn streak can be endearing but also frustrating during training.
My personal recommendation: If you love the compact size and charm but want a healthier and more trainable alternative, consider the Boston Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkie, Pomeranian which can be a little independent, Mini Schnauzer. These breeds share a similar playful personality without as many health concerns.
Rottweilers:
Why they’re popular: Protective, intelligent, and loyal.
The downside: Guardian instincts require careful socialisation, and they can be reactive without proper training. Their energy levels and strength demand experienced handling.
- Rottweilers can be incredibly affectionate with their families, but their protective nature means they need consistent training to differentiate between real threats and everyday situations. Their size and strength can also make them intimidating for inexperienced owners.
My personal recommendation: If you want a protective yet more approachable breed, consider the German Shepherd (available in various styles and colors), English Mastiff, Newfoundland. The American Pit Bull Terrier, when well-trained and socialised, can also be a good option. While these breeds are less intense, they can still pose some challenges. They offer similar loyalty and intelligence but are often easier for first-time owners to handle. Additionally, consider owning a female with large breeds or guardians, as they tend to be less dominant, weigh less at the end of the leash, and are potentially easier to manage in the long run. A 70-90lb dog is more than enough to act as a deterrent and provide protection.
Local Breed Trends:
Where I live, Australian Shepherds and Eurasiers seem to be everywhere. They’re stunning breeds that draw people in, but they often catch new owners off guard with their needs and behaviours.
For most people, the Australian Shepherd are not ideal pets unless they have the time and resources to meet these demands.
Key Points to Consider When Choosing a Breed
Energy Levels: Breeds that require 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily are generally manageable for most single people or families with typical jobs, provided they can dedicate additional time on weekends or evenings. For dogs at the higher end of this range, incorporating running, cycling, or active training during walks is highly effective. This is plenty for 99% of people.
If you are not very active, and even a 30-minute walk feels like a chore, aim for a breed that only needs 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day.
Why I Avoid High-Energy Breeds: Breeds that require 2+ hours of exercise daily are essentially a full-time commitment. Without sufficient activity and mental stimulation, they can develop significant behavioural problems, which is why I never recommend such breeds to my clients unless they have the time and energy to dedicate to their needs, like training for a marathon or running and cycling long distances every day, working on a farm or owning a lot of land.
I know that many people are happy owning these breeds, but if you are looking for an easy first experience or do not to invest $$$ into training i do not recommend: Dobermans (even though it’s my dream dog), Malinois (1000hp), Working-line German Shepherds, Shar pei, Cane Corsos (who really needs a battle tank), Presa Canario, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, German Shorthaired Pointers (his owner was retired but the dog would never switch off), Siberian Husky, Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Belgian Tervuren, Dutch Shepherd, Wolf dog hybrids (i trained them too), Vizslas and so on often leave their owners pulling their hair out due to their demanding nature.
Final Thoughts
Selecting a breed isn’t just about choosing a dog that looks cute or aligns with your dream image of a pet. It’s about finding a companion that fits into your lifestyle, personality, and capabilities. The right breed will bring joy, not stress, to your life—and with the right preparation, you’ll have a loyal friend for years to come.