Many years ago, a friend of mine, who happens to be a professional dog trainer, told me the worst thing that can happen to a breed of dog is for it to become popular. She was right.

There’s a KZfaq channel where a woman just loves filming her Cane Corso being teased and becoming frustrated. She thinks it’s funny. I wrote her and strongly recommended she stop and take the dog to a qualified trainer. She’s setting this beautiful animal up for disaster. Some dogs should require a license to own. That includes pit bulls. Too many death and injuries due to selfish, immature people failing them.

I just rescued a chihuahua who was found in a rural area fending for himself. Nobody claimed him for weeks so the local shelter put him up for adoption. I was only going to visit, not adopt. I specifically require a calm, zen like environment as an introverted minimalist. The calmest, sweetest little 5yr old chi and I connected as if I raised him from birth. He’s more than I could ask for. I’m so blessed. Love my little nugget.

You forgot Shiba Inu’s and Basenjis. Both are not easy to train for a first time owner.

You've just highlighted every reason why I will never have a dog. I love all animals, including dogs and I've had all sorts of other pets. But I have enough intelligence of my own to know I would NOT be a good dog owner. I wish more people would do their homework before getting any dog, because it's the dog that pays the price for every bad decision by a human.

The general public doesn’t know a darn thing about dogs. They pick one out because it’s pretty sure it’s cute. They know nothing about the breed, nothing about what it requires, and most people are not willing to put in the hard work it takes. No matter what breed they get. It’s going to be a disaster. especially the terriers, working dogs, and guard dogs.

My fist dog was a Siberian Husky after her previous owners decided she was too much work for them. She was everything you say; active. smart and a hunter. She was a huge time commitment. Brisk walks/jogs 3 times a day, everyday were a must. Bathing her was a workout and cleaning up her hair was a constant. She was also calm and patient with children, strangers, other dogs and brought joy to my life for 15 years.

I wish people would read what their dog breed is bred for and their behaviors

I had owned cats for many years, and decided I wanted a dog. I love big dogs, so it had to be large. I wanted a dog with guarding instincts for my safety, as I'm a bit older and don't have the physical strength I used to. Finally, I wanted something unusual, a breed not often seen, and preferably striking in appearance. I settled on a Black Russian Terrier. My puppy was adorable; I took great pains to make sure he was well socialized, did puppy school, fenced in a huge portion of my yard, so we could train and play, and worked with him daily. It was a disaster. BRTs are extremely independent and make their own choices, and I had no clue how to make him want to please me. In addition they are tremendously strong, and walking him was just like you described, me on one end of the leash trying desperately not to get dragged all over the place. After almost two years of hiring trainers and trying, he knocked me down for the fourth time. I was determined not to fail this sweet dog and worked with my friend who is a groomer (she even took a course to learn the specialized haircut for BRTs!) and found him a home with a woman who had just lost her own BRT recently and was very experienced with them. She adopted him and now he has a list of titles as long as my arm, including his canine good citizen and trick dog! She sends me pictures and I get to visit him occasionally, but the important thing is that he's happy with an owner who can fulfill his needs. While I did do my homework I did not have realistic expectations and fell in love with the idea of this gorgeous dog being my pet, without being honest with myself about what that would really mean. I hope your videos help keep other people from making the same mistake I did.

I have seen farmers use Jack Russells to track large game animals in Africa. Those little dogs are fearless

Most dogs in US shelters that I have seen are overwhelmingly Pitties, Pitt-mixes, all types of mixed dogs not known, and huskies.

I have 2 standard poodles, awesome dogs. I believe that poodle and border collies are ties in 1st place for smarts. What I hate, is people breeding poodles with every dog under the sun.

First time dog owner here with a little toddler, loving my little bischon frise mix rescue. Not too energetic, not *too* smart, small but not fragile, no shedding or drooling or yapping, and really snuggly and sweet and eager to please. Real sweetie, PERFECT first dog.

II had a massive boxer. He was the greatest dog I ever had! He absolutely adored my granddaughter. We went to a dog training class run by a K9 officer. He was trained in German. He and my son wrestled all the time. He loved the whole family but I was HIS person. I moss that boy every day! I now.have a senior American Bulldog. She is a fantastic dog too! As I am getting older and can't be as active as I used to ne, when my old girl goes, I will go rescue an older dog that doesn't need as much exercise but needs someone to love him or her. One has to be aware of what you can physically do with a dog and what the dogs needs are.

Those are great categories. Seasoned dog person here. A lot of people don't realize with giant dogs, the medical conditions they will likely have, the shorter life expectancy, and the food they eat comes out in huge dino piles. Not saying people shouldn't get them, but for a lot of these dogs, you need the right lifestyle for THEM. They will not be accommodating yours for quite some time until there is routine. I adopted a dog from a County shelter. I knew he was pug and something else. I couldn't figure it out until one day, "boing! Boing! Boing! boing!", off the back door. I just sighed and said, "you're a damn Jack Russell!!!" Jack Russell's are the Tiggers of the dog world.

Add to this the Welsh Corgi, both types. I have had 5 from 1988-2021. They have requirements that many novice dog owners may not be able to give them, they are not for beginners. Its not if a Corgi right for you, its are you right for a Corgi. They need an assertive confident owner and training for both dog and owner, they need a fenced in yard, they dont need a home with many stairs they can have back problems that can cost big $$$, they dont need a home with or the potential of small children or children that are rough, they WILL defend themselves, they need very good quality food in 2 small meals daily, they have very strong herding instincts and will herd children, animals and adults, they need daily brushing they shed massively year round, they will live 12-15 years. Anyone not up for this physically, financially or mentally, dont get a Corgi. Their popularity now has some winding up in shelters because owners did not do the homework.

I am shocked at the stats for returning dogs to shelters in the USA, I had no idea it was that bad. I utterly agree on border collies, they are definitely not a first time dog, or in my personal opinion (which could be wrong), not good as a family dog. They are intense and require so much attention and also they bond with one person in the family. Border collies rarely appear in shelters here, this is farming country here in the south of France, and the border collies bred here are working sheep herders. I found my 3 year old male border collie in my local shelter 10 months ago and it was fate or something with the timing. He was literally starved by his last owner and finally surrendered to the local shelter (the French version of the SPCA) with all his papers and breeder info. I went through a rigorous process to get him. In addition to filling out the usual forms of personal info, I had to bring in the other border collie that the new dog would be living with to meet the new dog at the shelter, provide proof of the size of property I was taking the dog to (1 hectare of land), and even sign a government mandated form testifying that I knew how to look after a dog and that I would ensure feeding, vet care, grooming, exercise etc. In addition I was charged almost 300 euros for the dog, to cover the shelter's costs. After that I was supposed to wait 7 days before I could pick him up, but they offered to let me have him after two days as he was really not doing well at the shelter. The shelter said that he was a problem dog, aggressive to other dogs over food, hyper obsessive and inattentive. But as this would be the 6th border collie I would have I recognized and recognised a distressed border collie and their unique way of acting out their distress. They were wrong about him, he is the sweetest, gentlest angel that I wouldn't part with for love nor money. Not remotely agressive to other dogs or over food at all. You can do anything with him or to him, he is so gentle. You really cannot get a good handle on a dog's personality for months after bringing them home, as they take time to settle in and reveal their true personality so I cannot blame the shelter for not knowing him better. Anyway, I am not sure what the process for adoption from a shelter is over there, but the system here certainly weeds out inexperienced potential first time owners from making breed mistakes.

As someone who has worked in progressional grooming salons in Europe and UK; I would personaly say that curly coated breeds (Poodles, Doodles etc) are really not first time dogs. People get them because they are cute/have a good temperment etc but it was extremely rare to get a Doodle or Poodle that was not matted. Often owners never brushed the dogs or if they did they didn't brush parts or only brushed the top of the coat and so it would matt solid underneith. Curly coated breeds do not shed outwards, so their coat basically sheds inwards and basically collects the hair and causes more matting. They need daily burshing all over, with the correct brushes, even if they are "short". Most people don't know how much grooming they need and neglect to groom them, pushing it onto the groomer. In addition to that; most people do not teach their dogs to be okay with being touched in certain places (such as to get their face cut, nails trimmed or tail touched), which makes grooming them SO much harder and way more stressful on the dog.

I would also add almost any kind of terrier to this list. Lots of energy, smart, enormous prey drive. I know you did have JRT on your list but it applies to any terrier. Great advice! I think that some mention of the health problems and extra care in having brachycephalic (squish faced) dogs should be another caution.

Growing up we had lots of pets, now just cats but first dog when we was little was a miniature poodle. My mother spoiled that dog which resulted in us on the receiving in of sometimes vicious behavior. Years later one of my brothers came home with a Doberman, which I ended up raising. My rules were nobody teases this dog, no tug of war period. I’m 5 feet tall and on all fours she was half my height. The she had no formal training but when I went outside and she was excited and she put her paws up on me I’d gently hold them a moment until she wanted down, she stopped doing it. And when I needed to groom her I put a leash around her neck and she learned to stand still and behave when that leash was on, no pain or violence needed. She, Star, was the sweetest dog and I never thought about her as a guard dog except from looks. One day she surprised me. And cousin needed to leave his dog over for the day and they seem okay together. But I went outside once to check on them and my cousin’s dog start barking at me and Star came charging across that yard and backed my cousin’s dog all way to the other side of the yard without touching and that dog didn’t make another peep again while it was there. She impressed me.

I would also include pointing dogs as being unsuitable for 1st time dog owners. As a long time German Shorthair owner, I can't believe GSPs are now the 10th most popular breed in America according to the AKC. They are great dogs but their activity level, intelligence, and stubbornness can be a challenge even for an experienced dog owner.

Every time I meet someone who jogs, I tell them they should adopt a dog. Most dogs surrendered to the shelter have high energy levels and would be great running companions.

I have a doberman.He is the sweetest most loyal animal ever. He is a great protector and has never attacked anyone.

What, no Chow Chow? Deserves its own category.

I’ve had 3 Dobermans in my lifetime. They are very smart, high energy and love their families. I am now 70, and I won’t get another because I’m not physically able to exercise and put in the necessary training. It breaks my heart, I lost my last one, Samson, in October, and I miss him every day. He was so kind and loving and well behaved. I don’t know what I will choose next.

Not sure what I was expecting when I clicked this video but I was surprised that I agreed with absolutely everything. Cesar Millan always said that when people go to pick up a dog, they get the one that was jumping in the front trying to catch their attention. But that's the highest energy dog that you would find, which often ends in the dog getting returned, or having a life where dog and owner make each other miserable. Cesar says "get the one sleeping at the back". I did that with my Goldendoodle and, even though he has a lot of energy and can play non stop for hours, when he is in the house he's very calm and delicate with his actions, and likes to nap a lot. I couldn't be happier with him.

great tutorial video. I wish shelters would share information like this to avoid the sad revolving door experience.

Many years ago my daughter and her husband, my other daughter and I went to a dog shelter looking for a dog my daughter and husband could adopt. There was not much to choose from (luckily most had been adopted) but one stood out to me. I was a lab mix with shorter legs and curly ears. A staff member whispered to me that she would be euthanized the next week if no one adopted her and that she had a gentle and friendly personality. I whispered this to my son in law knowing he has a tender heart and he stated: "This one is coming home with us and if you want another one, it will come home too." My daughter woke up the next morning with this dog sleeping next to her with her head on her husband's pillow. She became the ultimate family dog, lived to a very old age. I will warn you that I adopted two dogs over the years and had much experience with dogs so I was able to work with their "triggers." All of my other dogs I had as puppies so they never had bad experiences and were carefully trained and socialized.

I adopted a 7 month old Siberian husky, he is now 15 months old and I totally love him. I had a GSD growing up and I thought that counted as a good experience cause I remembered the high energy, the shedding, and just how to handle big strong dogs, but boy I was definitely not that ready; huskies really don’t listen unless they want to, and that was the hardest part for me to work, but with a lot of patience (and a bit of professional help) we have made lots of progress. The bright side is that he is great with kids and people (my children adore him), and really chill if he gets the right amount of exercise. Thanks for the great video

Thank you for a much needed video. Both my Poodles have been rescues (AKA Pound Poodles). I did not see either of them in person until the day I adopted them. One was a miniature and the other is a large toy. I always figured that whatever their personalities were, we’d adjust to one another. After all, having to adapt to a second home after losing your first home and then being caged in a shelter has got to be difficult and scary. Since I was so lucky with both of my Pound Poodles, I was surprised to see a Standard Poodle on your list. Later, in your comments, you mentioned that Standard Poodles have different energy levels than other Poodles sizes. Sadly, because of the fact that there are no set standards for Poos or Doodles, when you get one of these designer dogs, you really have no idea what breeds of dog you’re getting. Your helping people to choose the right breed of dog is a blessing. As a child growing up, one of my uncles had a Chihuahua. Another uncle had a Toy Poodle. I spent a lot of time with the Poodle. Yet, when it came to choosing a dog breed, I repeatedly took the test in Dr, Stanley Corin’s book, WHY WE LOVE THE DOGS WE DO. Poodles were in the group that I always scored highest in. That same group contains GSD, Dobermans, Boarder Collies, Papillons and Shelties. For me choosing a Poodle was a no brainer. I was very familiar with Poodles and love that they don’t shed. For others, this is where they could really use your expertise. There’s a big difference in a Papillon and a Doberman. I’ve heard from many Poodle owners, that, “Once you go Poodle, you never go back.” While the breeds charming nature makes them a favorite, a Poodle requires a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily. They need their anal glams expressed. They need their teeth brushed. They need their nails trimmed. They need to be bathed regularly. My vet said no more than once a week for a bath. With a white Poodle, twice a week bathing would be better to keep her clean. Poodle’s hair has to be regularly trimmed. Having some basic knowledge on how to use clippers is important. Fortunately, the hot climate I live in allows me to give my Poodle a vet approved buzz cuts. Once a now more mature vet reflected about of the practice of veterinary medicine. He recounted the advice he gave an elderly woman, who asked him what breed og dog she should get after losing her beloved canine companion of many years. Being young and full of youthful enthusiasm for his favorite breed, Golden Retrievers, he told the elderly lady that Golden’s were the way to go. She got a Golden Retriever puppy. First the puppies wagging tail knocked ever and ruined many of her sentimental bibelots. As the puppy grew, his rambunctiousness made going for walks difficult. The final straw came when the growing puppy jumped up on the elderly woman and knocked her down. Her ankle was broken from that fall. Some family members rehomed the puppy, while the elderly lady was in the hospital having surgery on her ankle so she could walk on her leg again. When she recovered, she got a cat. Mean time, somewhere there was a small dog, who would have blossomed under her care and would have become her boon companion. Take the advice from someone more knowledgeable than you about what breed of dog to get. Don’t get any dog, if you don’t want to put the time into taking care of the dog and training the dog. Remember a dog is a lifetime commitment. A dog is a baby, who never grows up. Just like people, dogs are not perfect. Yet, they love their people unconditionally. Dog’s give us their whole hearts and souls. We should give them ours in return.

My first dog (as an adult) and subsequent dogs, have been huskies. My husband and I did our research prior to getting our first pup but it was a true challenge, down to my allergies for the first month. That first husky was a unicorn after he hit 1, he immediately flipped his switch and stopped eating his beds, the furniture and became a true gentleman. Our subsequent huskies have taken way longer to mature, we joke around that they fell off the tree still green (never matured) and we have faced health issues with them (diabetes in one and many GI issues on the other). We have had to replace our baseboards twice during their lifetime but we would not trade them for the world. They have been the funniest, sweetest and friendliest boys and have brought us endless joy.

Excellent video, wonderfully presented with easy to follow info. And I totally agree!

My sister-in-law desperately wants a Siberian Husky because her best friend wants one and she thinks they’re cute. It’d technically be her first dog ever owned. As a dog-obsessed individual, for years I have been educating her why NOT to get one. She’s a germaphobe, doesn’t like too much shedding, and is clueless how to train or care for a dog. Thank goodness, my brother has more sense and refuses to get a dog, period. He, too, is a germaphobe. Your video beautifully confirms why a husky is not for her. Thank you.

I’m a boxer person. I currently own a GSD but I’ve had five boxers so far in my life. Not only are boxers high energy and stubborn, but they’re rather difficult to train. A well bred boxer tends to have high protective instincts so they need socialized as much as possible, and a poorly bred boxer is more likely to be a bit, well, slower. They don’t pick up on training quite as fast and will ignore you if you let them (not because they don’t love you, they definitely do. But because they’re so hyperactive that the smallest things can distract them). One thing I’ve noticed with boxers though is that they will very quickly become their owners. A boxer with a calm and confident owner will be a calm and confident dog. A boxer that is around children will either be very calm and mother/fatherly or if they don’t have the best training then they may be hyperactive and not understand boundaries. A boxer whose owner just likes to rest on the couch all day will usually be right there on the couch with them. They are extremely versatile dogs. But it takes about three years for them to really settle down into their place in the world. From 6 months to 3 years of age, boxers are all just gangly, energetic goofballs and tend to be more speed than intelligence. Once they reach 3 years however, you will suddenly have the best dog you’ve ever known. They are sadly very prone to health conditions (mostly heart problems) and most don’t live very long. My oldest boxer passed at age 13, and the youngest at 7. All from some health condition or another. My grandparents have a young boxer, just 2.5 years, and he has developed a degenerative spine disease. If you can handle the heartache, the three years of mildly intense training, and the slobber, then boxers can be wonderful pets. But they are like trying to grow a rare plant. They need years of cultivated growth and training to become that perfect specimen, or else they will end up wildly overgrown and taking over your house

I love this video. Thank you so much for the information. ❤

Thank you for this helpful video. I volunteer at a shelter and when I first started, I thought they kennels would be full of pitties. The vast majority are shepherds and huskies or a mix thereof. Breaks my heart. So many probably would've been successes if the owners had invested in a trainer.

We have a Jack Russell x lurcher rescue. He is a reactive dog due to being under-socialised as a puppy, but not high energy. Because of his reactivity he is walked once a day, with the opportunity to go in the garden whenever he asks. He has me well trained so that his "I need to go in the garden right now" looks exactly the same as his "I want a treat"! But that's ok because he struggles with his weight, so if he asks for a treat, he gets it. He also gets a lot of attention because we both work from home, so maybe he gets more exercise than it seems, because we play with him a lot, through the day, and interact with him a lot so he has a lot of mental stimulation. When he's not interacting with one of us, he's on 'guard dog duty' looking out the window, or curled up by my feet. Such a sweet boy, but very nervous. Not a first time dog unless you have the time to figure out what he needs and then to give it to him. I do love him and wish he could be a bit better trained, but he's made a lot of improvement from the Scrappy Doo wannabe that he started off as. Now he's only a quarter of a Scrappy Doo! Good video, thank you.

I've got a standard poodle. These are absolutely amazing dogs for people who like training dogs and spend lots of time on walks.

My sister and her boyfriend got a great pyrenees as their first dog together. My sister was quite well adapted with dogs, but he was not. She sadly passed away tragically soon after they adopted him, leaving her boyfriend to take care of this puppy all by himself. When I heard you talk about 60% of dogs being rehomed within 6 months, I can say for certain this is true. Before that puppy was even fully grown, my sister's boyfriend was looking for people to rehome him to. We eventually took him in and he's finally in a home where he's loved.

My first dog was a Jack Russell....He wasn't difficult at all, best dog ever in fact!

THANK YOU so much for doing this video. As a dog trainer is just blows my mind when I see new dog owners getting a breed that is such a bad match for them.

my first dog was my Border Collie, her mother belonged to a neighbour and I often walked her, once the puppies arrived, Mama was eager to show me her babies, and so Meg became my treasured companion, she was a joy to train, and loved going on walks with me. I lost her 2 years ago and miss her greatly, I currently have a 12 year chocolate Lab, who is love on paws and is everyone's friend.

My sister adopts retired standard Poodle show dogs. Incredibly quirky yet laid back. I love the big barkers, Malamutes, Shepherds, Dobermans and the joy of my life, Dexter. Dexter, I thought on adoption, was a mostly Boxer. Turned out, he had a LOT of Bull Mastiff and that Incredibly muscular variety of Pit Bull in him. He quickly grew to be 150 pounds of gym rat with the most Alpha personality in a dog that I ever encountered. He would have been a waking nightmare for a firsty or a timid type. He became a joy. Loved playing with smaller dogs, loved kitty's, super dedicated guard dog yet never was a bit aggressive with visitors if I was present. The only thing he had a problem with was wild turkeys. I swear the dog wanted to get a hunting license for turkey season and nothing else. I was friends with all the dogs in my neighborhood growing up so I knew what time it was from jump, but I also know that trendsetter thinking has doomed a lot of undeserving dogs. Keep doing the Lords work.

We’re not first time dog owners, but haven’t had a dog for several years. We’re both seniors and miss the sense of security a dog brings by just alerting us. We both have minor mobility issues that a trained service dog would help. I’ve been doing a great deal of research and keep coming back to the Great Pyrenees breed. I have a slight fear of grown dogs and would feel much more confident raising a dog from a puppy. I would appreciate you thoughts as to whether a GP might be a good choice for us. Thank you.

Well said! I've been around thousands of dogs during the ten years working with them in a large shelter. It is definitely a learned trait of what to expect from certain breed groups!

Love this video! We had huskies for many years, and absolutely love the intelligence and problem solving skills they have..... They take a sense of humor and lots of love and time (notice my profile picture here - our sweet girl Tasha who lived to 16). Now that we are older, we have moved to Shetland sheepdogs!! We don't have the time or energy to truly care for a Sibe anymore.

My last dog passed away early April 2024, she was a shelter dog. She was 9/10 when I got her, and she passed at around 17 years old. I adopted a senior knowing she may not have a long life, but boy was I wrong! She was an amazing jack russell x. Shelter dogs are amazing dogs, as are seniors. When we get our next dog, will depend on what our lifestyle is going to look like in a few years. Mixed breeds, seniors, shelter dogs, all great. Just be ready to put time into the shelter dog, be patient. For first time owners? I totally agree with you. Great information! (im in the UK btw)

My daughter brought home a 10 week old female Cowboy Corgi-Australian Shepherd…… Herding is strong with this one. I love the now 3-1/2 month old nipper, but I need a break. Everyone else in the family does too, including my daughter. The pup was taught to sit, lay down and is learning to wait. She needs her 3rd series of shots before my daughter can take her out into the community. I think that part of the issue is lack of energy expenditure, as she needs at least 1 or 2 hours per day(or more!). I don’t think that my daughter will be willing to re-home her. I will be looking for the trainer of Malinois and German Shepherds that I saw in my neighborhood to help with the puppy.

I have a JRT. Luckily my partner and I are relatively young and can meet his exercise needs. He’s beautiful and sweet but very protective also

Hey! I’m sort of looking into getting a dog, and the Australian shepherd based on my research would be the best for me, because they’re good with small animals (I own rabbits), I’m really active, and I know the whole first year of that dogs life will be training. Is there any more info I need to know about the breed? Because I’m totally going to be making the investment for training and bond time.

So, what do you recommend are perfect for first time dog owners?

I totally agree with almost every breed on this list but I am surprised to see boxers on it. I've never had one myself but have been told repeatedly over the years that they're the ideal family dog. I can see them being rough for someone without kids if they were expecting a lap dog and didn't give it the attention and exercise it needed. I would also add beagles to the list. We've owned two. They are babies their whole life and you literally become their pack. But they think for themselves and weigh everything you tell them with whether or not it will benefit them. They are one of the most stubborn breeds out there. They are exceptionally needy dogs and you must watch them like a hawk because their aim every second is to get into some kind of trouble. So many see a cute little dog and 9/10 they end up in a shelter where they do not do well. Again, we love ours (though spaniels are my soulmates), but I wouldn't recommend them to beginners.

My first dog ever was a herding dog: Australian Shepherd. We also live in an apartment! I picked him because I love the blue Merle and blue eye coloring. We do not have a yard because we live in an apartment. However: we are extremely active and hike a LOT. He is always tired after a long day with us whether it be mental stimulation or physical stimulation. He also is a coach potato at the same time. He’s good and community canine + trick certified! They are good first dogs as long as you put the effort in. People just don’t do enough research and don’t cater to their dog species.

I have a standard poodle, he is just about 7 now. He's my first dog, but he is also a very chill dog as an individual, and not necessarily the norm. Grooming wise I learned to do it myself. Not impossible for a first time dog, but definitely lucked out with mine.

Unfortunately it's all too common that I see these breeds at shelters because people don't bother to know these breeds and how they work and what's involved for their care. I thought this was an excellent video.

And I'm still getting all of them:)

We have 2 standard poodles. They are complete opposites. The 1st one is a rescue and the 2nd is from a breeder. Our rescue is very, very mellow and sweet…she is now 11 yo. Our “breeder” girl is super high energy…she will be 7 in July and is a perpetual puppy. She does get “down” if she is not exercised a lot. Thank goodness we have a good sized, fenced yard. Love them dearly❤️

Great video. I am a trainer and behaviorist. Owning GSds since 1989.. i waited until 2021 before i got my first Dutch shepherd - short haired.. And 1 month ago i got my first Malinois.. they need A LOT!

I had two Husky and I also took care quite a few time of a Samoyed. When you got a sledge dog, you got a work out partner to walk and run around for at least 1 hour every day and a lot more if possible. I was walking every day and also sometime having one of them run along while I was biking on country roads. I was never slimmer nor fitter than when I was taking care of those dogs. Also, for the escape artist part, one of them was able to jump over me (over 1.80, 6ft) without touching me. If you want to keep them in a pen, you need at least 1m/3ft deep (if the ground is easy to dig) and 3m/10ft high. Less than that and they can dig or jump over the fence while you're out for work.

I’m fostering a Siberian Husky right now, she’s different not out for prey, submissive sweet definitely escape artist and high energy, sweet and charming and loves other dogs! I have a pit rot mix and a Siberian husky pit mix! Love them

Great video! I would also add the Akita; both the Japanese and the American. I think people get dogs based on their appearance and make that the only criteria (mistake nr.1) and also do not commit to understand and train and socialise their pups.

Our first dog was a Labbie. A perfect first dog IMO. For my second I upped the ante and just adopted a Rottsky. He does have a stubborn independent streak but he is very chill and loves people.

Great advice! I’ve had so many from Great Dane at180 lbs to teacup poodle at 3 lbs. they all have specific needs! Raised Golden Retrievers for ten years and would recommend the hunting breeds but all dogs need constant training and attention!

I would also say bully breeds aren't for the first time owner. They can be very strong, driven, and potentially dog reactive/aggressive (due to being bred historically for dog fighting). I have clients whose pitbull type breed mixes jump their fences in order to kill squirrels, back out of harnesses to attack dogs, or just generally are very difficult to walk due to reactivity. - A dog trainer in a bully breed mix heavy city

This advice is so important. People easily get drawn to certain breeds for the wrong reasons. The dog I grew up with was a Boxer, she was rescued in effect because she had been returned to her breeder at 4 months old ( her breeder was Kay White who authored some books on Boxer ownership; this was in the U.K.) I can vouch for the fact that Boxers are a bouncy ball of energy and fun. My Lisa was a beautiful brindle, surprisingly elegant for this breed as many Boxers, cute as puppies, can turn out to be bullish, drooly and goofy looking! They are also very powerful with a loud, deep bark, and very loyal and protective. Many people are scared of them. The thing is, my parents had kept Boxers twice before, so they knew what they were doing, and Lisa was very obedient and tolerant of kids as a result. I do still miss her 30 years later, maybe we have these favouritisms about our childhood pets.

Great list! For once I'm happy to see the Jack Russel on this list. I feel like many people underestimate them because they are small dogs.. They are not easy dogs if you dont know what you are doing.

Thank you for your informational video. I am perpetually heartbroken by the animals in shelters. As living becomes closer for many people, a dog’s needs can so easily overwhelm the wrong owner. Dogs bark. They dig. They play roughly. They can easily overwhelm a budget. And on and on. Cost alone can be out of reach for seniors, who desperately need a companion, but will wind up paying for vet care that exceeds their ability to pay, or leave them sharing kibble with the beloved pet for dinner.

i went to a sheepdog demonstration with collies in ireland and those dogs, doing the job they were bred for, literally DO NOT STOP moving. they are just constantly on alert and eager to get at their sheep, almost like they are in a trance. can’t really imagine one being too happy just hanging around a house without proper commitment to their energy

Brilliant! So much sense. This needs to be said again and again. Thank you.

Thank you so much for making this video 🤗 I’m going to share this with Several people I believe would benefit Greatly from your observations ☺️🦮🙌

I have a Doberman as my first dog and it's definitely a lot of work. Not impossible, but probably way more than the average person wants. As soon as you get one, the dog is your life. I became a member of a dog club for classes and took private lessons from a dog trainer. Because only a puppy class definitely isn't enough. She's 20 months now and I've been doing weekly classes at the club for about 75% of her life. Also almost every walk is a training session in some way. To work on the rough edges, on reactivity, on ignoring things around her in busy streets, or to work on her focus on me. I took a dive into the deep and I'm happy I did it. Always wanted a companion, a hobby and a dog. A Doberman is all 3 of those in one. But like you, I don't think I would recommend them to a first time dog owner.

I find the best way to find the best dog for you is through fostering. It’s less commitment than adopting, it’s usually lower cost (or free) depending on the rescue, and you’re helping to save lives. It’s sort of like trying before buying. Many rescues are desperate for foster homes 🥰

This is why i am being very picky about my next dog, I want to make sure I am able to provide what the dog needs. Thank you for the video

My daughter got her her first dog from pound, and it's a Shephard/ Doberman cross. After being locked up for a month of its life ( she is only a year and a half), she is turning out beautifully. My daughter just loves her to pieces, and the dog gets to go to the ocean or a park 3 times a day. She is getting socialized nicely, whether at a dog park, or sitting at a coffee shop, and has even had her off leash. She's only had her three weeks and lives in an apartment. It working out awesome for a big dog. But i get your point. My daughter only has her dog to take care of so its easy to get her out. Plus she never plans to have children. So this pup will never be going back to the pound.

I think your videos are well needed. I’ve had dogs since age 4, over 60 years, and what I see people buy, amazes me. I had a German Shepherd, And her pup. She was clever, stubborn, protective. We were pals. I was a teen. Today, I can’t control a large dog. We had 26 years of Mini Schnauzers! Wonderful dogs, still need to be groomed, and also prone to certain illness. Another consideration. We now rescued a senior terrier, 16 pounds, so adorable. We want another pup, or adult dog, just so hard. Thanks for explaining to newbie’s what they should expect, and save not only the owners from problems, but a dog in trouble for being that dog breed they were bred to be!

You’re right on the Siberian husky. I have one and had labradors mostly before. Husky you have to be an alpha and not a first time dog owner. But he is extremely smart. One of the smartest dogs I’ve seen. He is wonderful. As for exercise they don’t have to go near as much as some think. A trainer once posted on a Facebook group I’m part of for huskies. And he said don’t exercise so much that you can’t handle it. They adjust to what you give them. Just like a human. You run 3 times a day u get accustomed to that and expect it. Same with a husky. They don’t require that. Not saying not to give them exercise just don’t have to go to extremes. He is a wonderful dog. Honestly think huskies should be on the top list of smart dogs. But u think the people who judge the breeds think it goes by obedience. Mine is obedient but also has mind of his own lol.

I have a standard poodle that I'm training as a service dog. Even if I wasn’t going so far with her, it really is a lot to train them. They grow fast, are hyper and intelligent, and (if not taught to trust you and what you tell them) can be very stubborn. Her energy and hyperness haven’t faded, but her attention and willingness to learn have increased as she's gotten older (2y/o now), but that only because of her training.

Agree with the Boxer!! I have THREE! I know, I'm nuts.😂 They need mental and physical stimulation and exercise. Boxers get bored quickly. They can also get frustrated when they can't have their fun and that frustration can turn into other issues. They're great dogs! But you have to put in the time and energy into their training and other needs. We do hikes, nose work and agility and they love it! One of my Boxers is super tiny (40 lbs. She was the runt.) and she does frisbee!

I'm thinking about getting my first dog and it will probably be a Dobermann or Ceskoslovenský vlciak The thing I see is that people DON'T do their research about the breed they want or just very little and that's probably 1 of the reasons why dogs end up in shelter(just a thought and I could be wrong to some degree) So i'm currently looking for as much information as possible about the breeds and dogs in general. Looking in my city for a shelter where I can volunteer at so I can get more information and experience Also took care of my brothers 10 month old German shepherd for only a month(not long though sadly) damn I were unsure at the if I were going to do well but it went good and learned a lot from it(It was my first time so I were shaky at first) You got a like for informative and well made video. Sub because I will watch more of your videos :)

Good video. I've had 5+ decades of animal care and training - pets, farm animals, and wildlife rehab. I'll read what the "experts" have to say, but then I assess based on my own experience. Since I was a child, I found too many "expert" assertions about animals to be very human narcissistic and obtuse. The intelligence of dogs is assessed based to a significant degree on their obedience and bending to the will of humans, not actual intelligence. I rehab difficult shelter dogs. My previous rescue was an Akita/Chow that had been abused and returned to the shelter 3 times because people "couldn't work with him". After a year of work with Kodiak, I brought him to a function for our local animal shelter. They asked me if I would consider signing up to be one of their animal ambassador teams, due to his beautiful behavior. Though I'm proud of that moment, it showed how smart he was and his huge heart in response to my training, I declined as it would be too stressful for him. He was smart as a whip, and once I gained his trust, he gave me his big strong heart. My current rescue is a Great Pyrenees/ Anatolian Shepherd whose former owner told neighbors to shoot him or run him over. He was 90 pounds of untrained rodeo dog when i started, (and malnourished at that weight), but his brain and heart are massive. Many trainers and "experts" will literally call Great Pyrenees stupid, because many are very difficult to train in "obedience". Those trainers and "experts" are seriously ignorant. You made a great point about knowing where these dogs come from, and their purpose. The Great Pyrenees do not work next to humans in the Pyrenees mountains. They solve problems, care for their herds and flocks and their own needs, and do their jobs completely independently most of their life. The complexity of how a pack of them works together is STILL not being understood, or even considered, by "the experts". How these dogs decide who will stay in close with the flock, who will hang mid ground as back up and who will challenge and chase at the front lines - we still don't know. This independent thinking and problem solving is highly intelligent but subtle - it takes a completely different approach in training and handling. My Andre' the Giant is now 154 pounds, in good shape, and is a certified therapy dog visiting hospice patients and changing lives. While I do use key words, I talk to him much like a human and he prefers that, or silence with hand signals. I got him a talking clock so he can "tell time". The thing is, all our animals "tell time" - we just don't teach them how to sync it up with our human clocks. I absolutely delight in working with each animal that comes under my care. My first step is to throw out my own ego about what I think I know, shut my mouth, quiet my hands, sit down and observe and learn. Animal communication is far more intricate than most " experts" have wanted to admit. Of course, I tame and train feral cats too, so I was never going swimming in the mainstream, lol. Thanks for the video, it's well done. And though I think Akitas and Chows should be in there, I completely understand the list of dogs in this category is longer than ten, and the ones you chose are the more popular ones that people are going to see.

Might depend on your circumstances. My first dog as an independent adult was a border collie Aussie shepherd x - she was perfect for us as a newly married couple with no kids, a good yard, and lots of time and energy for training and activity! (I was only working part time then) I’m 60 and an experienced owner (mostly of herding types) and have a 3 year old lh German shepherd and while she is a big floofy cuddle monster who is exceptionally social with dogs and people alike, (she didn’t read the German shepherd handbook about being aloof) I agree they are NOT for first timers, just because she was a very challenging puppy, and she was essentially a puppy for first two years! That brain, energy and size is not for the faint of heart! The upside is she now is my very best, sweet friend. Also had a standard poodle border collie x and apart from the fact that she took 4 years to grow out of her puppy brain she was a delight. Hardest dog I’ve had? Cocker spaniel that was dumped on me by a family member when she was a year old and we decided she deserved a forever home with us. She just passed her 16th birthday and hadn’t learned a gd thing. Total character, and not the least bit interested in making her people happy. We are here to serve her lol.

Here in Australia just about every mixed breed has some cattle dog or border collie. My little guy is a cattle dog cross. Smart as whip, highly intelligent but not crazy energetic. He was my first dog. Got him when he was a pup from a foster carer. Now he’s 2 years old. Couldn’t be happier. Well trained, well behaved and a happy go lucky little fellow. ❤

Excellent information, thank-you

I got a standard poodle because they are "high energy" and they ARE high energy. She doesn't want to be in the house. She wants to be in the yard all of the time busy doing something like guarding the fence. Searching for cats. Chasing flies. Watching birds. Running around as fast as she can. I take her hiking and she is also my running buddy. She is terrific for me because she always has energy for outdoor sports. And yes, she does pull me on the leash until she gets a bit tired and then she behaves perfectly on the leash. You just have to let them get some of their energy out because they have a TON of energy.

Big agree on these, especially for the majority just wanting a good family dog. These dogs require WORK and dedication. Sorry for the wall of text... but I have 3 stories about 3 of these breeds that I just wanted to share. (And really not trying to counter any claims of the video. Just topics I can relate on) I'd like to introduce a proud exception which is my sister. She'd always wanted a dog, did a lot of research on breeds and what fit her lifestyle. Her first dog was a mini aussie that she got in college. In fairness, she did consider rehoming at one point because she felt she was too busy with school and couldn't give her the life she needed. Thankfully, we convinced her otherwise. Her dog has seen (and lived in)more states than I have, has gone on countless hiking adventures, road trips, took agility classes and was spoiled and loved immensely by all who knew her. She passed just earlier this year at the wonderful age of 16. My sister also has a border collie and another mini aussie now that she does both agility and flyball with. I on the other hand, technically my first dog is a husky. (Granted I live with my sister for a time with her dog/s and my bf grew up with dogs his whole life so I wasn't all alone in this). I also did research on the breed to know what I was getting into. (The breeder also makes potential buyers fill out questionnaires before approving) He was handful if I'm being honest, especially around 2 years old.. I 100% get why the unprepared would be overwhelmed. But my husky is now 7, a momma's boy, good with our cat and I wouldn't trade him for the world. Flipside, we have a neighbor who had a lab, sweetheart, who passed away maybe 3 years ago now. He then went and got a shepherd mix... totally energetic and unhinged dog... but I never see him exercise her outside... well dog becomes more unhinged, barks and snaps at neighbors walking by at the end of her leash... so what does he do? He gets a male puppy german shepherd... but then refuses to take them out separately so the female is barking nonstop so eventually the puppy grows up learning this behavior and starts acting somewhat like the female just less aggressive... My bf, myself and a TRAINER told him to take them out separately so they dont feed off eachothers energy... and he doesnt listen :/ instead takes them out for quick potty breaks and gets them back inside as soon as he can to avoid people and other dogs... it's sad honestly. :(

I got a poodle as my first dog 3 years ago. I have allergies so the lack of shedding was a huge draw. I did my research and didn’t/don’t have a problem with walking my dog every day or giving him jobs to do. I looked forward to training him and we still have a blast learning to communicate in new ways. I relate to my dogs status as hyperactive nerd lol He’s a CGC and the best dog I could have hoped for. But I agree, these dogs are not for anyone who is afraid to invest a lot of time, and more money, than they would on other breeds

I own a border collie, 3 years old, name is Garmur. He is my 2nd dog (first was a perfect mutt I adopted and loved for 8½ years, passed away to cancer). I´ve been around dogs my whole life and given my profession, as a butcher, I´m on my feet all day working which is horrible for the body and mental health. I knew I wanted (and needed) an active breed that fit my lifestyle (having done a number of sports through out my life). We are active 4-5 hours every single day. Playing, wrestling, training, walking, running & hiking. Owning a BC is a way of life, you are 100% in from the start or 100% out. This breed is incredible to work/live with when you possess the necessary skill and knowledge. With a simple hand gesture I can command him to lie down, wait, or come. No words required (although used for other scenarios). Crate training will save your sanity, ample redirection and interaction from the start (especially puppyhood) + socialization is a game changer. The more you teach your BC, the easier it is to control. Obviously, personalities vary and you have to account for that and implement changes in your handling as the puppy (if you have one) matures. I love everything that makes a BC a BC, period. Now, when it comes to dogs, especially certain breeds like working and guard dogs, I wish a license of sorts was required. Inexperienced owners are the root cause of many a disaster. From small incidents of property damage to deadly mauling, it is 100% the owner´s fault. If states would offer programs and hire full time trainers, what a world that would be to live in. Most people are too lazy or stupid to train their dogs so they sit outside and bark their heads off, no discipline and are uncontrollable. Dogs are not meant to serve as a status symbol, they are family members and should only be treated as such.

Thank you for this, great information.

Spot on. I'm a Cattle Dog devotee' but herding breeds are a very real challenge. Loyal and loving but you really do need to understand them and adjust accordingly.

Would have liked to see Livestock Guardian breeds included on here! Noteably the Great Pyrenees which has been increasingly flooding the shelters in many areas due to urban families wanting a "family friendly", fluffy giant and then finding all they want to do is bark, escape, and roam....

Very helpful video, thank you

Can you recommend a good guard dog for a house with cats in the south. Large size is not a problem, I have a Great Dane now. Would prefer med to low energy level. But have a large fenced yard in county for dogs with higher energy levels. Great Dane is my first dog. But I have watched Caesar religiously and have successfully trained her to walk off lead. I feel confident I could train most dogs successfully. Currently helping elderly neighbor train her unneutered Labradoodle. Having hard time finding a guard dog breed that is good with cats.

It s all about the time and the commitment. I have a mini Schauser atm because I am too busy for a doberman. If you only have 1 hour for a dog a day. Go for one that would tired out after 30 mins walk

this is a really awesome video, thank you

As a Jack Russel owner who is soon turning five, I definitely agree that the breed is not for the first time owner. That being said though, he is my first dog. It’s been one hell of a ride, but I guess what sets me apart from most owners are the attitude. I’ve always strived to learn more and continuously working to better my bond with my dog, better myself as a leader, etc, and things have turned out great. The Jack Russel is a very difficult breed in my opinion. This is because of their extreme alertness, extreme impulsivity and distractability, their high prey drive, their stubbornness and their intelligence. As well as their high need for physical and mental stimulation, as you mentioned. I’m proud to be walking him off leash, and I get a lot of comments from people who know about the breed.

how would you recommend people gain experience with these breeds if they eventually want to own one? I would love to own a Dobbie and an Australian shepherd one day, but I have never had my own dog.

FIRST TIME WATCHING. MUCH INFO AND ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH. MY FIRST DOG AS AN ADULT WAS A FEMALE DOBERMAN PUPPY BRED FOR SHOWING. THIS WAS IN 1973.. I KNEW NEXT TO NOTHING ABOUT DOGS BUT MY HUSBAND HAD BEEN RAISED AROUND DOBERMANS AND IT WAS HIS CHOICE. OF COURSE WE WERE BOTH YOUNG AND ACTIVE PEOPLE THEN. SHE WAS SO EASY I FELT LIKE I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING! YEARS AND YEARS LATER I GOT MY SECOND DOG. . . A BEAUTIFUL NORWICH TERRIER. . . ALPHA MALE. WELL WHAT A DIFFERENCE. BOTH WONDERFUL BUT THE DOBERMAN WAS SO MUCH EASIER.

I've had Norwegian Elkhounds for nearly forty years, and shepherd mixes before that. Each dog I have had was an individual, and I can't think of one that didn't exasperate at one time or another, but the Elkhounds, well, there's something special about the breed. Not the best fit for everybody, but they are for me.

I'm sure you get asked for your recommendation alot but I am considering getting a Greyhound, is that a good breed for a first time owner?

as someone who was gifted a jack russell at the ripe age of 11, i 100% agree with you. not a good dog for first timers. i was lucky enough that my boy seemed to settle well and is good at adjusting to my/other people's energy for the day. if i'm sick or feeling poorly, he doesn't mind laying in bed with me all day, but otherwise when we can he LOVES hours long hikes and running around. it was still rough those first few years when he was a young dog and my mother had no idea what she'd signed us up for. i've seen so many people with destructive jack russells who will eat their couch or their pillows or tear apart their shoes etc etc because their owners think they're just small dogs and they don't really "need" time and/or attention. i just wish people took more time to research about breeds they're interested in and not just going "ooh! cute". it ended well for us luckily, my boy turned 11 this year, and i think he's the best dog i'll ever have. it doesn't always end well for everyone else.