Dog breeds not for the faint of heart or inexperianced
- Thread starter HayleyMarie
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You have no idea how happy I am that people would have to import to get a Koolie around here because Traveler's fan club is way too big because he manages to make himself look good in stores and around town
Though, very few people want one when they meet him at the dog park and they get a spring, lick on the face and gone before they even notice he's there. Or watch him run around screaming his head off while going fifteen directions at once and hear he's been there for four hours already
I think for the most part the Mals saving grace is they aren't "flashy" or "pretty". I've always been a fan of their look but I don't think they appeal as much to the averge person. And thank god for that
I remember my first first dog was Rascal the BC. Oh he was "happy" but we soooo should not have gotten a Border Collie. He got fat, got no exercise and was just there. Very sad.
Though, very few people want one when they meet him at the dog park and they get a spring, lick on the face and gone before they even notice he's there. Or watch him run around screaming his head off while going fifteen directions at once and hear he's been there for four hours already
I think for the most part the Mals saving grace is they aren't "flashy" or "pretty". I've always been a fan of their look but I don't think they appeal as much to the averge person. And thank god for that
I remember my first first dog was Rascal the BC. Oh he was "happy" but we soooo should not have gotten a Border Collie. He got fat, got no exercise and was just there. Very sad.
Oh, I would totally take Backup, Sloan and Mia. 
Mia's a fun dog but she has a tendency to drive a lot of people bonkers in real life.
Nard, Beau, Summer, and Rose all have many adoring fans in real life who would snatch them right up. Especially Nard and Rose, I think. Funnily enough, they're the calmest two by quite a bit!
Well maybe maybe not...
With some breeds (malinois, cattle dogs, border collies too but not quite to the same extent, etc) I really think you absolutely NEED to spend time around lots of them before committing to owning one. I haven't had a BC yet but I am very familiar with the breed from being around so darn many of them. They're such a unique breed I think people really should spend that much time around them before bringing one home. On the other hand, I've only been around 4 malinois (and to be frank I ADORED all of them completely), but I don't feel as well versed in that breed at all. Research and reading only takes you so far. I researched and researched and settled on an Aussie for my bigger breed. That was until I was around them and training with both BCs and Aussies and realized that Aussies overwhelm me more than BCs for some reason.
I guess I'm having a hard time wondering how people get a lot of malinois (for example) experience without already being involved in sports or something of that sort. Most my experience with higher drive breeds has been because I'm already involved in dog sports and training with my current dogs.
Also of note, even if you've had 'easy' breeds, if you've had 12 or so (or less) in all likelihood you're not new to things like reactivity, dog aggression, etc. Now, you may not have had to deal with issues on the same scale, but you're not new to them. I've had 13 dogs and most have been easier breeds (BC/Collie, GSD/Golden, Lab, shelties, and papillons over the years.) In those 13 dogs I've seen most the big 'issues' you'd expect in dogs. So at any rate it's not all completely new territory to begin with. Would I expect to see aggression or another issue more strongly in other breeds? Yes, but at least I've lived with and dealt with it before so it's not completely foreign. Even if you have 12 of one breed, dogs vary a lot from individual to individual. Someone who has just had a Mia is probably a lot more dog savvy than someone who just had a Rose even though both their experience is 'owned one papillon'.
I just really hesitate to suggest some breeds to most people, even if they AREN'T new to owning dogs, let alone new dog owners.
With some breeds (malinois, cattle dogs, border collies too but not quite to the same extent, etc) I really think you absolutely NEED to spend time around lots of them before committing to owning one. I haven't had a BC yet but I am very familiar with the breed from being around so darn many of them. They're such a unique breed I think people really should spend that much time around them before bringing one home. On the other hand, I've only been around 4 malinois (and to be frank I ADORED all of them completely), but I don't feel as well versed in that breed at all. Research and reading only takes you so far. I researched and researched and settled on an Aussie for my bigger breed. That was until I was around them and training with both BCs and Aussies and realized that Aussies overwhelm me more than BCs for some reason.
I guess I'm having a hard time wondering how people get a lot of malinois (for example) experience without already being involved in sports or something of that sort. Most my experience with higher drive breeds has been because I'm already involved in dog sports and training with my current dogs.
Also of note, even if you've had 'easy' breeds, if you've had 12 or so (or less) in all likelihood you're not new to things like reactivity, dog aggression, etc. Now, you may not have had to deal with issues on the same scale, but you're not new to them. I've had 13 dogs and most have been easier breeds (BC/Collie, GSD/Golden, Lab, shelties, and papillons over the years.) In those 13 dogs I've seen most the big 'issues' you'd expect in dogs. So at any rate it's not all completely new territory to begin with. Would I expect to see aggression or another issue more strongly in other breeds? Yes, but at least I've lived with and dealt with it before so it's not completely foreign. Even if you have 12 of one breed, dogs vary a lot from individual to individual. Someone who has just had a Mia is probably a lot more dog savvy than someone who just had a Rose even though both their experience is 'owned one papillon'.
I just really hesitate to suggest some breeds to most people, even if they AREN'T new to owning dogs, let alone new dog owners.
I was beaten to it, but yeah, this is what I meant by research - understanding exactly what a dog is about and being realistic about whether or not it matches your lifestyle. All of the book reading in the world couldn't prepare a lazy person for a Mal.
Again on the individual thing - I think Rowan would be a good first dog, too. (He's technically my first dog, at least first dog that has been my sole responsibility, but I've had dogs all my life and been the primary caretaker before.) I wouldn't generally recommend a Brittany to people, but a Rowan specifically would be a good fit for a lot of people, I think.
Again on the individual thing - I think Rowan would be a good first dog, too. (He's technically my first dog, at least first dog that has been my sole responsibility, but I've had dogs all my life and been the primary caretaker before.) I wouldn't generally recommend a Brittany to people, but a Rowan specifically would be a good fit for a lot of people, I think.
I dunno... I know a lot of new dog owners with BCs, APBTs, huskies, and JRTs (and a few of the others). And they all do pretty well actually. None are really outstanding dog owners either, just run of the mill average pet people. Their dogs all seem very content and happy with their lives.
Having taken care of several JRTs too, I don't find that breed any more difficult or easier than my papillons to handle either. Similar size, similar energy level, etc.
Having taken care of several JRTs too, I don't find that breed any more difficult or easier than my papillons to handle either. Similar size, similar energy level, etc.
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I think any breed can be unsuitable and "too much" for a family, especially if the family didn't do research on dog and just got a dog because they're "cute." Even friendly, small, handler oriented dogs can become very problematic if proper training, socialization and exercise is given, even if it means only going to a puppy class or walking 30 min a day.
That's why there are so many disaster dogs where people complain that their dogs are stupid, untrainable, aggressive, hyper, destructive, etc.
Edit: I also know quite a few first time owners with BCs, one with 2 Aussies/BC mixes at the same time, and a lot with Sibes. They know what they're doing and it's working out perfectly for them. The 2 Aussies/BC mixes live in a small apartment too with a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old child. They are by far the most well exercised and well trained dogs I've ever known even though they are a difficult breed for an owner that has never had dogs.
That's why there are so many disaster dogs where people complain that their dogs are stupid, untrainable, aggressive, hyper, destructive, etc.
Edit: I also know quite a few first time owners with BCs, one with 2 Aussies/BC mixes at the same time, and a lot with Sibes. They know what they're doing and it's working out perfectly for them. The 2 Aussies/BC mixes live in a small apartment too with a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old child. They are by far the most well exercised and well trained dogs I've ever known even though they are a difficult breed for an owner that has never had dogs.
I've always owned "easy" breeds so I don't really know what its like to own or care for difficult animals (like an animal that is hard to train or requires a lot of mental/physical stimulation) so maybe that affects my response to this kind of thing...
but I think with some honest research and talking to people who know the breed very well and some hard work and patience (as well as an honest look at yourself/your lifestyle)... people (even new dog owners) can own probably any breed
Then again, I'm not really attracted to "tough" breeds and have never been around them so maybe I just don't "get it." but I mean..they are dogs lol
I just don't like the idea of "starter breeds" or "breeds only for experienced dog owners", if you have done your research and spoken to people ,feel confident a breed is right for you, met some dogs probably and are ready to put in the hard work.
I don't see why you shouldn't go out and get the breed of dog you want.
Everybody has their first dog at some point, and some people aren't lucky enough to have had dogs as kids or young adults... don't think that makes them totally incapable of owning certain breeds.
but I think with some honest research and talking to people who know the breed very well and some hard work and patience (as well as an honest look at yourself/your lifestyle)... people (even new dog owners) can own probably any breed
Then again, I'm not really attracted to "tough" breeds and have never been around them so maybe I just don't "get it." but I mean..they are dogs lol
I just don't like the idea of "starter breeds" or "breeds only for experienced dog owners", if you have done your research and spoken to people ,feel confident a breed is right for you, met some dogs probably and are ready to put in the hard work.
I don't see why you shouldn't go out and get the breed of dog you want.
Everybody has their first dog at some point, and some people aren't lucky enough to have had dogs as kids or young adults... don't think that makes them totally incapable of owning certain breeds.
Unfortunately the bolded line is one of the biggest reasons rescues are always full.
Tons of people think they're really ready and then when they get the dog they go...:yikes:
Truth is some breeds are just easier to own, more fool proof if you will, that is part of their charm. imo My boyfriend and I will always own some "easy" dogs for our sanity and some difficult dogs for our sport desires.
Tons of people think they're really ready and then when they get the dog they go...:yikes:
Truth is some breeds are just easier to own, more fool proof if you will, that is part of their charm. imo My boyfriend and I will always own some "easy" dogs for our sanity and some difficult dogs for our sport desires.
But I think that only applies to people who are not the commited dog owners like we are on Chaz. Which I think is the problem. I believe that none of us Chazzers would bring a dog into our life and then realise that we can't handle it and send it right to the shelter. We would try all the resources we can. specialised trainers, vets, ect ect.
But we are a rare breed unfortunatly
And I think alot of people get this vision in their head. Kinnda like the dog is a mystical creature. And I think breeders are some of the cause of this. Since I have been researching CC and Boerboels, Its insane how the breeders explain their dogs. Its like they are not actually a dog but a perfect, polished mystical fairy creature from La La land. And people who are looking at these breeder sites actually believe this.
But I am not saying all breeder site are like this. There are some sites out there that speak the dirty about their breed and give a more real description of their dogs.
But we are a rare breed unfortunatly
And I think alot of people get this vision in their head. Kinnda like the dog is a mystical creature. And I think breeders are some of the cause of this. Since I have been researching CC and Boerboels, Its insane how the breeders explain their dogs. Its like they are not actually a dog but a perfect, polished mystical fairy creature from La La land. And people who are looking at these breeder sites actually believe this.
But I am not saying all breeder site are like this. There are some sites out there that speak the dirty about their breed and give a more real description of their dogs.
Well, people who frequent forums have often given in that dogs rule their life. This makes for a different person than a "dog person".
I hold out much more respect for people who say "no, this is not your average dog. This is a fabulous dog but you MUST be aware of all the horror before you decide you're ready for the pleasure."
I think APBT are one of the easiest and best family dogs in existance, that said no one should ever think about owning an apbt if they're not ready for the dog aggression, the high chance of anxiety, the lack of bodily respect, the happy tail, the broken ear tips, the high potential for knee problems, and last but far from least the extreme public interest both good and bad.
I've had apbt literally all my life, I was raised with them and have worked in APBT rescue all my life until the last 2 years due to housing arrangements denying my ability to foster. I know the breed inside and out and I consider them a relatively good breed for the average owner with an iota of common sense.
I think Malinois are awful as (just) pets but they're amazing dogs. If I were dishonest about the fact my male is really a terrible house pet I might be setting up another dog for failure.
I say this not because I hate these dogs but because I love them, these are the best dogs ever and I am fearful of more and more of them ending up in shelters which is what anyone fears for the breed they love.
I think people here (and all forums) have a much better chance of doing right by the dogs they acquire. The phrase "in over my head" comes to mind though every time I hear people jumping head first into a tough breed as their first experience of dog handling.
I hold out much more respect for people who say "no, this is not your average dog. This is a fabulous dog but you MUST be aware of all the horror before you decide you're ready for the pleasure."
I think APBT are one of the easiest and best family dogs in existance, that said no one should ever think about owning an apbt if they're not ready for the dog aggression, the high chance of anxiety, the lack of bodily respect, the happy tail, the broken ear tips, the high potential for knee problems, and last but far from least the extreme public interest both good and bad.
I've had apbt literally all my life, I was raised with them and have worked in APBT rescue all my life until the last 2 years due to housing arrangements denying my ability to foster. I know the breed inside and out and I consider them a relatively good breed for the average owner with an iota of common sense.
I think Malinois are awful as (just) pets but they're amazing dogs. If I were dishonest about the fact my male is really a terrible house pet I might be setting up another dog for failure.
I say this not because I hate these dogs but because I love them, these are the best dogs ever and I am fearful of more and more of them ending up in shelters which is what anyone fears for the breed they love.
I think people here (and all forums) have a much better chance of doing right by the dogs they acquire. The phrase "in over my head" comes to mind though every time I hear people jumping head first into a tough breed as their first experience of dog handling.
Oh, totally agree.
And well I give you kudos to owning a Mal, umm two... Your crazy J/K because I dont think I could ever do it. Give me a crazy insane terrier anyday, but not a Mal. I wonder if I could last a day? mmm.. NO! :rofl1:
And your love towards an APBT is like my love for my terriers mainly Westies. And I also hope to enjoy the companionship of a APBT oneday. I dont think I have ever met one I did not like.
I am planning on bringing a "tough" breed into my life in a few years. A CC or a Boerboel. Is it going to be easy? HELL NO! there are probably will be days where I am wanting to lock myself in my bedroom with a bottle of JD and let Tyler take the dogs for a Hike.
But I am realistic in my ability of handling a dog. And realistic with the breed that I have choosen. And if there are issue in the training that I need help with I know there are resources out there that would be a great help. Like training classes, which I would be taking anyways and Chaz <3
And well I give you kudos to owning a Mal, umm two... Your crazy J/K because I dont think I could ever do it. Give me a crazy insane terrier anyday, but not a Mal. I wonder if I could last a day? mmm.. NO! :rofl1:
And your love towards an APBT is like my love for my terriers mainly Westies. And I also hope to enjoy the companionship of a APBT oneday. I dont think I have ever met one I did not like.
I am planning on bringing a "tough" breed into my life in a few years. A CC or a Boerboel. Is it going to be easy? HELL NO! there are probably will be days where I am wanting to lock myself in my bedroom with a bottle of JD and let Tyler take the dogs for a Hike.
But I am realistic in my ability of handling a dog. And realistic with the breed that I have choosen. And if there are issue in the training that I need help with I know there are resources out there that would be a great help. Like training classes, which I would be taking anyways and Chaz <3
I'm sure you'll be fine, you're going about things correctly it sounds.
While I stand by Mals aren't for everyone it doesn't mean they're only for super people. I'm far from super powered, there are breeds I couldn't handle. I won't ever own another wheaten. I love Tucker and he's an awesome dog but he has nil for drive and desire to please, talk about frustrating and needing some seriously thinking about how to train them. lol
I had one hell of a time owning chihuahuas and yorkies without killing them out of frustration.
Also I am no home for an LGD, they're cool and all but just not my style at all. I've pretty well narrowed down what I can/will own anymore and I'm content with that.
APBT, Malinois and I'd love to try my hand at a border collie, jrt and staffy bull.
We're just lucky there are such variances in breeds today!
While I stand by Mals aren't for everyone it doesn't mean they're only for super people. I'm far from super powered, there are breeds I couldn't handle. I won't ever own another wheaten. I love Tucker and he's an awesome dog but he has nil for drive and desire to please, talk about frustrating and needing some seriously thinking about how to train them. lol
I had one hell of a time owning chihuahuas and yorkies without killing them out of frustration.
Also I am no home for an LGD, they're cool and all but just not my style at all. I've pretty well narrowed down what I can/will own anymore and I'm content with that.
APBT, Malinois and I'd love to try my hand at a border collie, jrt and staffy bull.
We're just lucky there are such variances in breeds today!
A JRT is on my shortlist. I will ALWAYS own a terrier and they migh be the next runner up.
I have always owned Terriers and Bouves, and to be honest no other group of dogs calls to me other than the Molloser group and terrier group.
My present Bouve, Emme annoys me sometimes. She is very handler/owner orientated. And so eagar to please. And what I call "needy" Which is nice, but I like to have a dog that can think for themselves and has an independant streak to them, Hence why I love the molloser group and terriers
I have always owned Terriers and Bouves, and to be honest no other group of dogs calls to me other than the Molloser group and terrier group.
My present Bouve, Emme annoys me sometimes. She is very handler/owner orientated. And so eagar to please. And what I call "needy" Which is nice, but I like to have a dog that can think for themselves and has an independant streak to them, Hence why I love the molloser group and terriers
While this is what sport breeding has done to some Mals and some BCs, it isn't necessarily true of all of them. The Belgian breeds should be able to be house dogs. An agility person in my area has a Mal from a very well known work/sport breeder who she says is a much better house dog than her non-working bred Dobe. There are multiple Mals on the flyball team I'm training with, as well as a sports bred height dog. I'm told the Mals are content after working or playing to chill out but the sport mix - not such much! It is important for people to know that some lines of Mals are bred to be over the top for sports purposes but I hate that it is becoming accepted as correct temperament for the breed. There are a lot of Mals out there that are now being bred to be great Sports Dogs without any care as to if they are good Mals or not.
Plenty of "easy breeds" end up in rescue. After doing behavioral counseling for quite some time at our local shelter, I came to the conclusion that a great number of dogs are given up because they are dogs. They run away when their leash is taken off, they steal food from kids, they jump up, they pull on leash, they bark, they are destructive, they resource guard, they dig, they have housetraining accidents. To many average pet owners who struggle with their dogs' normal and typical dog behaviors every day, they seem unsolvable and it seems easier to just get rid of their "bad dog" and get a "good dog". And the cycle goes on. They have no concept that these behaviors are typical and normal dog behaviors, to them their dog is defiant, untrainable and stubborn. I can't count the number of people who came to behavior counseling ready to give their dog up or return him to the shelter because of typical dog behavior.
Plenty of "easy breeds" end up in rescue. After doing behavioral counseling for quite some time at our local shelter, I came to the conclusion that a great number of dogs are given up because they are dogs. They run away when their leash is taken off, they steal food from kids, they jump up, they pull on leash, they bark, they are destructive, they resource guard, they dig, they have housetraining accidents. To many average pet owners who struggle with their dogs' normal and typical dog behaviors every day, they seem unsolvable and it seems easier to just get rid of their "bad dog" and get a "good dog". And the cycle goes on. They have no concept that these behaviors are typical and normal dog behaviors, to them their dog is defiant, untrainable and stubborn. I can't count the number of people who came to behavior counseling ready to give their dog up or return him to the shelter because of typical dog behavior.
