While dogs may be man’s best friend, all breeds are not the same. Originating from a single common ancestor, dog breeds have changed dramatically over the years. Due to selective breeding as well as our ability to reach animals from every corner of the planet, pet owners have grown increasingly creative when it comes to selecting their family pet. With that being said, there are certain dog breeds that are better off in their natural habitat or with a trained handler rather than in your home. Listed below, you’ll find a collection of beautiful canine breeds that simply should not be owned by untrained pet owners!

French Bulldog

Let’s start off our discussion by focusing on the French Bulldog. This beautiful breed resembles the traditional Bulldog, though it is substantially smaller. The sharp and pointed bat ears are a calling card for this specific breed. Typically intelligent and affectionate, French Bulldogs can be a charmer when invited into the family home.

Having said all of that, the French Bulldog does present challenges for many novice pet owners. Traditionally, French Bulldogs will run into multiple health issues throughout their life, including disease and problems relating to their body temperature. If you are going to adopt a French Bulldog, make sure you take the time to properly take care of it.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is described as a serious, smart, and dignified breed of dog. Weighing in at anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds will mean that your Chow Chow takes up plenty of space inside of the home. Originally from China, the Chow Chow has become a popular albeit unique and challenging breed all over the world.

Chow Chow’s are known for their red color and their massive and fluffy coats. While the breed can be trained for ownership at home, you are going to want to keep them away from small children until they are fully comfortable in their new environment.

Dalmatian

Who doesn’t recognize the famous Dalmatian? While most of us grew up watching the Disney movie ‘101 Dalmatians’, the film does a poor job representing how difficult these breeds can be. Known for their sleek frame and spotted coat, Dalmatians are athletic and in need of constant attention.

With a rich and detailed history, Dalmatians have been seen as everything from the companions to nobles to the assistants of firefighters. Dalmatians require a stern leader in the home as well as someone who is willing to deal with their potential hearing problems. Dalmatians also need to stay active at all times to prevent them from becoming bored and potentially dangerous.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is known for its slick coat, bright eyes, and loyal demeanor. Siberian Huskies can grow anywhere from 45 to 60 pounds depending on their height and gender. Siberian Huskies are amazing pets for owners who love the outdoors. 

In order for a Siberian Husky to live a long and healthy life, owners must be willing to keep them outside as much as possible. Siberian Huskies are associated with winter activity and for good reason. This breed of dog can quickly grow destructive if they are not kept entertained and active throughout the day. You’ll need a large yard or the willingness to walk them frequently, as well.

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is proof that small dogs do not always equal great dogs for at home. Jack Russell’s are a bright and inquisitive breed known as much for being active as they are for being protective. The Jack Russell Terrier has a ton of energy and if you don’t provide an outlet for them, they can quickly become a destructive force within your home.

As a high-energy breed, you’ll also want to slowly introduce your Jack Russell to any small children. Jack Russell’s typically will live for 12 to 14 years with a max weight of roughly 15lbs.

Pit Bull

It is almost impossible to talk about dangerous dog breeds without bringing up the Pit Bull. Ostensibly, there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. Having said that, it is important to recognize that some breeds can be more challenging than others. 

Pit Bulls are genuinely powerful dogs with a ton of energy. Thanks to their strong jaws and their persistent loyalty, the Pit Bull can lock onto anyone that it perceives to be a threat, regardless of the age or size of their target. If you are going to own a Pit Bull, training and socialization skills are absolutely imperative.

Shar-Pei

Who couldn’t love these wrinkly little guys? While the Shar-Pei is an adorable breed of dog thanks to its dark tongue and deep wrinkles, they still don’t make fantastic family pets. The Shar-Pei originally came from Southern China. They received their name from the British iteration of the even older Cantonese word for the dog, sha peih.

The Shar-Pei can grow to be almost 65lbs in size when properly fed and fully grown. After having been listed as one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, they continue to be adopted by pet lovers everywhere. Due to their combination of size and aggression, a cautious approach is definitely to be advocated for.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a popular breed of dog throughout the United States. Despite their name, the Australian Shepherd actually originates here in the United States of America. Considered to be an active breed of dog, the Australian Shepherd will find itself at home on farms or in a home with a large yard.

Despite the fact that Australian Shepherds are a common breed, many pet owners don’t realize what they are getting into when they adopt one. In order to have a happy and well-behaved Australian Shepherd, you must commit to staying active and busy with your dog outside. A boring Australian Shepherd can quickly become a family problem!

Basenji

The Basenji is a special breed of hunting dog that originates from Africa. Known for their yodel-like yips, the Basenji is truly a stunning breed of dog. Similar to other pariah dogs, like the dingo, the Basenji is an active and hard-to-train breed. Despite their diminutive appearance, they are filled to the brim with energy!

If you are looking to adopt a Basenji, just understand that you need to start training at a young age. As a hunting breed, they are known to be active and wild when not properly exercised and attended to. The Basenji can live to be 14 years old while growing to a weight of 24lbs.

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most famous dog breeds on the planet. Thanks to their wolf-like physical traits and their strong body, German Shepherds have been appropriated by both the military and the police force.

Despite being one of the most registered breeds in the American Kennel Club database, the German Shepherd is often misunderstood by new owners. While the German Shepherd can become a phenomenal family dog, they do have a tendency to be active and troublesome when you don’t keep them occupied. The German Shepherd is fantastically intelligent, so make sure that you never let yours grow bored.

Caucasian Ovcharka

The Caucasian Ovcharka can also be found under the mantel of Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Whatever you decide to call the breed, you should know that they originate from Georgia in Europe, not the United States. This massive dog can grow to be over 200lbs while standing at almost 3ft in height.

The Caucasian Ovcharka was originally bred in order to be a guard dog. The origins of the Caucasian Ovcharka can be traced to the Caucasus Mountains which is where their name originates from. These large dogs are independent and fearless while also very intelligent. The Caucasian Ovcharka is rarely a great fit for families.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a tiny breed of dog that originates from China. Originally bred on the Tibetan Plateau, the breed as we know it today was perfected by Chinese breeders. The Shih Tzu is known for having a petite body as well as a long-haired and curly coat. When carefully groomed and trained, the Shih Tzu can be a great show-dog.

Unfortunately, like many small dogs, the Shih Tzu falls prey to several temperamental issues. The Shih Tzu can be trained and socialized from a young age to be safe around children, but they are notoriously stubborn and independent. If you don’t start training at a young age, you’ll have obedience issues with your Shih Tzu.

Dachsund

While the Dachsund may be referred to as the ‘weiner dog’, you shouldn’t treat the breed like a joke. The dachshund was bred to be a hunting dog that could handle badgers, rabbits, and even prairie dogs. Hunters have also turned to the Dachsund in order to track down wounded deer while out on a hunt.

While the Dachsund is a tiny dog, it can be far more aggressive than people realize. While the size of the dog prevents it from being dangerous, you still want to think twice before introducing young children to them. With proper socialization skills and behavioral training, the Dachsund can still be a great family pet.

Labrador Retriever

By this point in time, you should be realizing that many popular dog breeds are also sort of dangerous. No other breed properly represents this dynamic as well as the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dog on the planet. The Lab is known for being fiercely loyal, lithe and athletic, and incredibly obedient.

While Labrador Retrievers can be incredible family dogs, they require a firm hand and plenty of exercise in order to avoid destructive tendencies. If you don’t spend enough time with your Labrador Retriever outside, you’ll find that the relationship is unfulfilling to both parties.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is right up there with the Pit Bull and Rottweiler when it comes to common and potentially dangerous dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher originated from Germany where it was bred into its current form by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. 

The Doberman Pinscher is known for having a short black coat, a fierce face, and a protruding muzzle. If you want to own a Doberman Pinscher, you have to be prepared to handle the driven and occasionally stubborn mindset that they implement. As a strong and protective dog breed, you need to have a firm hand when it comes to behavioral training and modification.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a breed of dog that doesn’t traditionally scream ‘danger’ when you first set sights on them. Still, this toy breed from China represents a potentially problematic addition to your home. The Pekingese is, unfortunately, known for having a bit of Napoleon-syndrome which can manifest itself around small children. Additionally, the Pekingese is known for having rigid grooming requirements in order to ensure the health of the breed.

The Pekingese is also known as the Lion Dog and is considered to be a lap dog thanks to its royal and noble roots. The Pekingese has a fascinating backstory, and they can make great pets for the expert owner.

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is another breed of dog that doesn’t seem to be a poor family pet at first glance. Still, the Skye Terrier is known for being both feisty and excitable which can make them particularly problematic for homes with young children or babies.

The Skye Terrier is known for its curly coat that typically comes in grey, blue, blonde, or otherwise dark colors. Known for being sturdy little dogs, the Skye Terrier enjoys the lifestyle of a hunting companion. In order to keep your Skye Terrier in shape both mentally and physically, make sure to take them on frequent trips outside.

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a lithe and large breed of dog that can be traced back to the 19th century. Originally introduced by royalty, the Weimaraner was relied upon for hunting game such as deer, bear, and boar. As royal hunting games began to decline, the Weimaraner began to be introduced as a farm pet that could be used to hunt rabbits, foxes, and birds.

The Weimaraner is a physically hardy breed of dog that can live to be 14 years of age. With their long lives and large bodies, their separation anxiety can become problematic. The Weimaraner is fiercely loyal to a specific owner which can lead to problems in larger households.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler has one of the worst reputations among domestic dogs in the world. The Rottweiler comes from Germany where it was originally bred in the 19th century to herd livestock. The Rottweiler was also used to haul carts filled with freshly butchered meat which is how they got their name. 

Nowadays, the Rottweiler is frequently used in law enforcement and the military. The Rottweiler has a sturdy body, a black thick and short coat, and a bite that can endanger anyone that it comes across. The Rottweiler needs training and socialization skills from a young age in order to be safe around strangers and younger family members.

St. Bernard

Don’t let the giant fluffy coat of the St. Bernard fool you! The St. Bernard scored a big pop-culture hit when the breed was used for the ‘Beethoven’ family films. Having said that, the St. Bernard isn’t a breed that you can bring home without any expectation of difficulty.

The St. Bernard can be traced back to Italy and Switzerland in the 1600s. Originally, the St. Bernard was bred to be a search and rescue dog. Nowadays, the St. Bernard is known for having a huge frame and a fluffy coat. The biggest issue with the St. Bernard is that they are large dogs with frequent health problems, so attentive owners are a must.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound may be one of the most physically interesting breeds on our list. Despite their small frame and long hair, the Afghan Hound isn’t considered to be the easiest dog to get along with. The biggest issue with the Afghan Hound is that they have stringent grooming standards without a hardy constitution. If you own an Afghan Hound, you must pay attention to their health at all times.

The Afghan Hound can be traced back to the Afghanistan Mountains in the Middle East. As one of the oldest breeds of dogs, the Afghan Hound has a rich and fascinating history.

Greyhound

The Greyhound was bred for racing and outdoor activity. While their name and image has been appropriated for automobiles throughout the world, the Greyhound isn’t to be underestimated as a pet. The Greyhound is known for its incredible speed and constant need for physical activity. According to research, the Greyhound can hit a top speed of 43 MPH! Suffice to say, if your Greyhound gets off of the leash, you had better hope it wants to come back.

The Greyhound can grow to almost 100lbs despite their slim and aerodynamic frame. The Greyhound has a life expectancy of 14 years on average.

Wolfdog

The Wolfdog is a special breed of canine that is created by mating a gray wolf with a domestic dog. The Wolfdog is striking to look at due to how closely it resembles an actual wolf. Due to the mixture between a domesticated and non-domesticated dog, the Wolfdog can have an unpredictable temperament.

Despite their gorgeous coat, the Wolfdog is not for ownership by a traditional household. While still a recognized breed by the FCI, we highly suggest that novice pet owners look for a breed of dog that is easier to maintain. While they are not as dangerous as an actual wolf, caution should still be made.

Tosa

The Tosa is a gorgeous dog that was first bred into popularity in Japan. Originally known for being a fighting dog, rehabilitation of the breed has been going on for years. Still, due to their roots, the Tosa is known for being aggressive and dangerous when around strangers. In fact, many countries around the world will restrict the potential ownership of a Tosa due to their danger.

The Tosa was originally bred and raised in the city of Tosa, Shikoku, which is now known as Kochi, Japan. The dog still is used in Japanese dog fighting rings which is, strictly speaking, despicable.

Great Pyrenees

After taking one look at the Great Pyrenees, all we want to do is cuddle with it. Having said that, giving the Great Pyrenees respect might be the best way to cultivate a safe and harmonious relationship. The Great Pyrenees originated as a breed known for protecting livestock.

The Great Pyrenees can live up to a dozen years while growing into quite the substantial creature. To keep your Great Pyrenees happy and healthy, frequent vet visits for checkups will be vital. Anytime that you adopt a larger breed of dog, you must be ready to put in the time and effort required to properly train them.

Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is an iconic breed of dog thanks to their long snout, wide-set eyes, and pure white coat. While the Bull Terrier has garnered a negative reputation due to their portrayal in pop-culture, the Bull Terrier can actually be a phenomenal family pet. The difference between a good Bull Terrier and a bad one typically comes back to how the owner treats the relationship.

Strong of will and body, making sure that you keep your Bull Terrier active is the best way to prevent potential behavior issues. Originally bred to be a hunting dog, make sure to incorporate long walks outdoors to keep the breed happy and entertained.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the tallest domesticated breeds of the planet. The average male Great Dane can grow to a size of 82 inches and almost 200lbs. As a result, it takes a strong will and a strong body to properly train and handle a Great Dane.

If you are looking to add a Great Dane to your home, you need to understand that they only live to be around six years old. Great Danes are particularly prone to disease and issues with their hips, so you’ll have to be attentive and patient with the breed if you plan to introduce one to your family.

Chihuahua

Thanks to a great marketing campaign by Taco Bell, the Chihuahua has seen massive reputation management in recent years. Despite their tiny frame, the Chihuahua can be a tough pet to bring home to the kids. The Chihuahua originated from Mexico where it also received its name. While the origins of the Chihuahua are hard to detail, it is thought that the breed is derived from the ancient Techichi.

The big problem with Chihuahuas as a pet is due to their aggression. As with many smaller breeds, the Chihuahua likes to bond with a specific person before becoming at least antagonistic toward strangers.

Cane Corso

Typically, you’ll find that the Cane Corso can be a tremendous dog for the family. Despite their large size and intimidating features, the Cane Corso is known to be both gentle and loving with those it considers family. Having said that, the Cane Corso is notoriously tough to socialize with, so owners must always be wary when introducing strangers to the dog.

The Cane Corso comes from Italy where it was initially bred as a guardian and police dog. The Cane Corso will typically have a black or fawn coat, though iterations can be found due to breeding. No matter what color coat the Cane Corso has, you must be sure to watch over them carefully on all outdoor excursions.

Border Collie

An incredibly popular farm dog, the Border Collie can be a fantastic choice for canine companionship. Having said that, Border Collies are known for being adopted by owners who simply aren’t prepared for the energy expenditure that is required of them.

The Border Collie was originally bred in the United Kingdom as a herding dog for sheep. Known for their bright minds and loyal obedience, owners have to make sure that they are constantly testing their dog’s resolve in order to keep them out of trouble. What does this mean? Well, you have to stay active with training and exercise or else the Border Collie will turn into a destructive breed.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a purebred dog that is known for its massive jaws, thick body, and protruding snout. The Bullmastiff is considered a ‘large breed’ of domesticated canine, though they aren’t a perfect fit in every home. Despite their rich lineage, the Bullmastiff is probably not the best kind of pet to have around children due to their size, aggression, and short lifespan.

The Bullmastiff can trace its roots back to 19th century England. The Bullmastiff was originally bred between the Mastiff and Bulldog for the purpose of security. The Bullmastiff was originally accredited as a purebred breed by the English Kennel Club back in 1924.

Dogo Argentino

If it seems like many of the more dangerous dog breeds are sourced from South America, that’s probably not a coincidence. In order for farmers to keep their land safe from predators, having the right guard dog was imperative. The Dogo Argentino is a muscular breed of dog that finds its roots in Argentina back in 1928. 

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Dogo Argentino is a fiercely loyal breed that will fight to the death to protect its owner or companion. With their large heads and massive jaws, the Dogo Argentino is known for having a fierce bite that can keep even the most steadfast of predator at bay.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Don’t let this adorable dog fool you, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a long history to account for. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be traced back to South Africa where the Khoikhoi used them as hunting companions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for its dense, sleek, and slightly shiny coat. While a trim looking dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can grow to almost 100lbs.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has been known for its ferocity and willingness to endure any danger. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have even been known to scare away lions during intense encounters. Needless to say, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is not the kind of dog you bring home to your small apartment.

Perro de Presa Canario

The Perro de Presa Canario is also known as the Canary Mastiff. This breed of dog is known for its impressive brindle coat, large jaws, and substantial stature. The Perro de Presa Canario has a large and muscular body that has been bred for aggression and hunting. The official breed of the Gran Canaria island, the Perro de Presa Canario is quite popular in certain regions of the world.

Researchers have sourced the Perro de Presa Canario back to the 1500s, which makes them one of the older breeds in our discussion. The Perro de Presa Canario needs to be properly trained for safe cohabitation.

Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is a type of Brazilian Mastiff that finds itself under the ‘working breed’ umbrella. The Fila Brasilero comes from Brazil where it was bred for aggression and tracking. Used by hunters as well as farmers seeking to protect their cattle, the Fila Brasilero is an exceptionally strong dog. This breed of pet was also used by slave owners in order to hunt down slaves who had managed to escape.

The Fila Brasilero can grow to 110lbs in weight while standing at 30in in height. With a distinct brindle coat and a large head, the Brasileiro can be quite intimidating if you don’t know what you are doing with them.

Boerboel

The Boerboel is a breed of mastiff that comes from South Africa. The Boerboel was initially introduced to the world as a farm dog whose sole purpose was to protect the entirety of the property. As a result, the Boerboel was bred to become one of the strongest breeds in the world.

The Boerboel can grow to be almost 200lbs while standing at over two feet in height. The Boerboel was a popular dog on the South African frontier during the 1800s, and they were used by De Beers in order to protect their mines. Suffice to say, the Boerboel should be the last breed brought home to a small home or a building with children in it.

Bernese Mountain Dog

If you took one look at the Bernese Mountain Dog, you’d think it was the sweetest breed in the world. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a striking resemblance to the St. Bernard, though there are some pretty significant differences. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a guard-breed that was initially bred to work on farms throughout the Swiss Alps.

In the years since they were first bred into popularity, the Bernese Mountain Dog has become a popular dog for rural pet owners everywhere. Due to their size and short lifespan, they don’t make for great family pets. That being said, if you have the space and patience for training, the Bernese would make a great addition to the family home.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is an adorable breed of dog that stands just under 13 inches tall when fully grown. The Affenpinscher has been bred since the 1600s with many breeds providing different coat types and color combinations. The Affenpinscher tops out at around 13lbs and is most well-known for its monkey-like appearance.

The Affenpinscher is tremendously loyal but also dangerously protective. As a result, if your Affenpinscher registers a small child as a threat, that child could end up with a nasty bite. Socialization and temperament training is key if you want to bring the famous Monkey Terrier into your home.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a breed of dog that occasionally finds itself under the Belgian Shepherd umbrella. The term Malinois comes from the Fench city that the breed originated from, Mechelen.

Primarily used as a working dog, the Belgian Malinois can be dispatched to detect foul odors such as explosives as well as narcotics. The Belgian Malinois has found a home within the legal field and you can even find this breed being used by the United States Secret Service. Suffice to say, this breed requires more than just a strong leader in the home, they require professional training in order to be safe around the house.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

With our conversation winding to a close, we figured it was time to highlight a rarer breed of dog. The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is a popular breed down south in the United States. This dog is also simply known as the Catahoula Hound, though its name is derived from the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is known for its striking coat and its lithe and athletic body. Traditionally used to hunt wild boars, the Catahoula Leopard Dog thrives when given free rein outside. These dogs are active, strong, and known for being difficult to train by even professional standards.