Top Ten: Dog breeds not for beginning owners

"Gosh, I want a dog but I've never had one before. Maybe I'll get a.____ because they are popular and I like the way they look." That sentence right there is a disaster waiting to happen. Many new owners don't seem to know that they need to do a little research to see what breed of dog suits them. Whatever your personality is, there is a dog breed to match. Whether you are a new owner, or you are curious, here are the dog breeds a new owner shouldn't own.

#10: Treeing Walker Coonhound

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are hounds. That means these dogs need a lot of room to run and they have a high-prey drive and will see cats and smaller animals, and sometimes smaller dogs as prey and will chase and sometimes kill. These dogs are also very vocal and need the training to correct that. They also tend to jump up on people and their large size can easily hurt a small child.

#9: American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terriers are not for beginning owners because these dogs are prone to become aggressive without proper training and socialization. These dogs make loyal companions when given the right owner, but not someone who is just beginning to enter the dog world.

#8: Dalmatian

The 1960's was a disaster for dalmatians because dozens of these dogs ended up at shelters because owners couldn't handle the dog. Dalmatians are highly active and need room to run. They can also become aggressive without training and socialization, as with any dog, and they tend to become destructive when not given stimulation.

#7: Border Collie

Border Collies are probably the most energetic breed of dog. They need no less than an hour of exercise every day and quickly become bored. They will chew up and destroy when bored and they tend to herd family members and will nip.

#6: Belgian Malinois

Like Border Collies, Belgian Malinois have high-energy lifestyles and they also have a high prey drive. Biting is very prone in this breed and when they bite, they won't let go. These dogs are better of as working dogs than pets.

#5: Australian Cattle Dog

Another dog with high-energy needs, the Blue Heeler is better off for farm work than pet life. These dogs also tend to nip, like Border Collies.

#4: Cane Corso

Cane Corso's can be dangerous dogs when not given to a responsible and experienced owner. These dogs can cause many injuries to people and pets when not trained.

#3: Chow Chow

Like the previous dogs on this list, Chow Chows can be dangerous when not trained correctly. These dogs need to be trained when very young and continued throughout life.

#2: Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are dogs for very experienced owners. These large dogs can become aggressive very quickly and they also have a highly protective way to think. They will kill any animal that seems to be a threat to them.

#1: Akita Inu

These dogs are not even close to the same temperament as their smaller relative, the Shiba Inu. There has been a rise in dog attacks and these dogs seem to be rising as the cause. These dogs need intense training because they can be aggressive and they can be territorial. These dogs do not take harsh punishments very well and may lash out.

Please take careful time and choose a dog perfect for you. Do not adopt a dog based on popularity or looks because that cute puppy you saw in an ad may become a raging beast that weighs over a hundred pounds and becomes dangerous to be around. Happy reading! And of course, Canine Good!