Most of these breeds should be avoided if you are a first time pet owner. These are the kinds of dogs that most often have a dominance streak or generally require more time and patience. These rules do not apply to all dogs but all of them will show some breed specific behavior. Mix breeds will sometimes show these characteristics as well just because your dog looks like another doesn't mean he will act that way. If you are getting a dog from a local shelter (which I recommend) look into the dog breeds (not just what they say! some breeds look like others) don't adopt on impulse many terrier mixes for instance go in and out of homes many many times because people think they are cute and are not prepared. I also listed the ATTS scores from 2007, ATTS stands for American Temperament Test Society who rate dogs based on their reactions to everyday stimuli including shyness, aggressiveness, protectiveness and stability.
Dalmatian: One thing about these dogs they are go-go-go and never stop. Designed to run along side carriages these dogs can go all day unfortunately after their rise in popularity caused sever in-breeding and behavioral issues. Many Dalmatians are prone to aggression and anxiety mostly stemming from lack of exercise. However if you have a horse and go riding or happen to be living on a farm these dogs love to run and would probably fit in just fine. They also tend to have a slight dominating streak so be sure your training shows the dog you are always in charge. They scored a 81.8% on the ATTS.
Akita: Handsome, dignified, and strong (both in mind and body). These dogs are easy care but have one of the most stubborn streaks usually associated with terriers. They have incredibly strong guarding instincts and if not socialized will become very anti-social and aggressive with people. They also tend to be aggressive to other dogs including their own kind. They are very quiet in terms of body language and will often "go off" with very little warning. They also bore very easily in training not to mention their strong willed so you have to be the right type of person. But with tons of socialization (and I mean tons of it) these dogs can make great guards and a wonderful friend. The Akita scored a 74% on the ATTS test.
Chow Chow: Very much like the Akita, powerful independent and dignified are common was to describe chows. These cute balls of fluff are extremely not tolerant of things they do not want. They are very loving protective and attached to their family but if your not part of the family you better watch out. If you plan to have guests frequently and don't spend time training your dog to be tolerant these dogs go aggressive. For this reason they do not make the best suburban / apartment dogs. There are stories of chows taking on bears and other large game, these dogs mean business when it comes to guarding. The chow scored a 70% on the ATTS test.
Pit Bull Type: There is no such breed as a pit bull okay. First off these dogs are great with kids and very tolerant of anything you teach them to be tolerant of. However due to bad press I can only recommend these types of dogs including Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, to owners who would make sure their dog is above and beyond the next door lab when it comes to training. Anything wrong your dog does is placed on the breed and not the specific dog. So don't ruin it for everyone by getting a pit type and letting it go bad. These breeds also have BSL or breed specific legislation. These breeds score on average about a 85% on the ATTS test.
Terrier Breeds: You got to be a certain type of person for these types of dogs. They are independent strong willed and fairly certain you are wrong most of the time. Having a terrier and getting a hamster for your kid is a good way to teach them about the circle of life. These dogs were bred for varmint hunting and will chase and hunt anything that could be game. These are not apartment dogs. Even though they are small and easily transported these dogs need just as much exercise or more then large breeds. However they will supply endless antics and a brilliant mind that needs to be kept learning. The Yorkshire terrier earned a 82.5%, the Jack Russell earned a 84.1% the English Jack 100% and the Smooth Fox Terrier 76.4% on the ATTS to name a few.
Want to know more about the ATTS? visit
atts.org for a list of all breeds temperaments based on interaction and environmental situations.
Akita: Handsome, dignified, and strong (both in mind and body). These dogs are easy care but have one of the most stubborn streaks usually associated with terriers. They have incredibly strong guarding instincts and if not socialized will become very anti-social and aggressive with people. They also tend to be aggressive to other dogs including their own kind. They are very quiet in terms of body language and will often "go off" with very little warning. They also bore very easily in training not to mention their strong willed so you have to be the right type of person. But with tons of socialization (and I mean tons of it) these dogs can make great guards and a wonderful friend. The Akita scored a 74% on the ATTS test.
Terrier Breeds: You got to be a certain type of person for these types of dogs. They are independent strong willed and fairly certain you are wrong most of the time. Having a terrier and getting a hamster for your kid is a good way to teach them about the circle of life. These dogs were bred for varmint hunting and will chase and hunt anything that could be game. These are not apartment dogs. Even though they are small and easily transported these dogs need just as much exercise or more then large breeds. However they will supply endless antics and a brilliant mind that needs to be kept learning. The Yorkshire terrier earned a 82.5%, the Jack Russell earned a 84.1% the English Jack 100% and the Smooth Fox Terrier 76.4% on the ATTS to name a few.
