Introduction
Choosing Dogs for the first time is exciting, overwhelming, and a little intimidating—especially when more than 68 million households in the United States already share life with a furry companion. With so many breeds, personalities, and care requirements, it’s natural for first-time owners to wonder: Which dog is actually right for me?
Recently, a professional dog trainer named Charlie, a 27-year-old originally from London and now living in Minneapolis, sparked a heated online debate when he named three dog breeds he believes first-time owners should avoid. His Instagram video, which attracted more than 2.8 million views, didn’t just list breeds—it opened a larger conversation about responsibility, expectations, and what it really means to raise a dog.
This article breaks down Charlie’s reasoning, explores the behaviors and needs of each breed group he discussed, and includes reactions from real dog owners who shared their experiences online. Whether you’re considering your very first dog or helping someone else choose, this in-depth guide will help you understand why certain breeds can be more demanding—and which dogs might be a better fit for beginners.
Why Some Dog Breeds Aren’t Ideal for First-Time Owners
Before diving into the three breed groups Charlie highlighted, it’s important to understand the logic behind his viewpoint. Owning a dog is more than feeding, walking, and giving cuddles. Each breed comes with instinctive behaviors that are deeply rooted in history—some were bred for hunting, others for herding or protection. These instincts never fully disappear.
A first-time owner may struggle with:
- High energy levels
- Strong prey drives
- Guarding or territorial instincts
- Hard-to-manage physical strength
- Loud vocal tendencies
- Intense mental stimulation needs
- Training challenges
- Separation anxiety
- Reactivity in stressful environments
Some dogs simply require more consistency, discipline, and physical/mental engagement than beginners are typically prepared for. Charlie’s list isn’t about labeling any dog as “bad.” His main point: Some breeds demand a lot more than the average new owner expects.
1. Bully Breeds: Powerful, Sensitive, and Easily Misunderstood
Bully breeds have become incredibly popular in recent years. Their expressive faces, chunky bodies, and affectionate nature make them irresistible to many dog lovers. However, their popularity often overshadows their complex needs.
Charlie describes bully breeds as “powerful, sensitive, and not ideal for someone looking for an easy-going dog.”
Understanding Bully Breed History
The American Kennel Club explains that many bully-type dogs were originally used for bull-baiting in medieval Europe. While that brutal practice is long gone, the strength, determination, and reactive instincts bred into them still linger in many lines today.
Today, bully breeds are known for being:
- Devoted and loving
- Intelligent
- Playful (especially with tug toys)
- Protective of their families
- Emotionally sensitive
But without proper stimulation, structure, and training, they can quickly develop behavior issues such as:
- Rough play
- Frustration-based reactivity
- Guarding or territorial behaviors
- Anxiety-driven aggression
Charlie warns in his video:
“If you don’t stimulate a bully breed, it will snap into aggression real quick.”
A Van Full of Dogs—and a Strong Opinion
During his recording, Charlie sat inside his training van, surrounded by an English Bulldog, a French Bulldog, and two other bully-type dogs. While he loves working with them, he emphasized that new owners often underestimate their emotional needs and physical intensity.
Public Reaction: Divided and Emotional
His comments triggered mixed reactions online.
One user said:
“My English Bulldog was the sweetest dog ever. But my daughter had an Old English Bulldog that was aggressive from day one.”
Another shared a different experience:
“I’m a first-time owner with an English Bulldog named Zeca. He’s a handful but I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”
These responses underline Charlie’s point: breed traits vary widely, and a dog’s upbringing plays a huge role.
A Note on Legislation
In the U.K., a ban was recently introduced on XL Bully dogs after several high-profile attacks. These laws raised awareness about responsible ownership—and the importance of matching a breed to an owner’s capabilities.
Should First-Time Owners Avoid Bully Breeds?
Not necessarily.
But first-time owners must be prepared for:
- Consistent training
- Regular behavior management
- Mental engagement games
- Structured socialization
- Strength handling
- Emotional sensitivity
These dogs are not “starter dogs.” They are incredible companions—but only for someone ready to put in the work.
2. Hound Breeds: Beautiful, Stubborn, and Born to Run
Hounds are visually stunning and incredibly loyal. Many first-time owners fall in love with their expressive faces, long ears, or sleek silhouettes. But looks can be deceiving.
Charlie warns:
“People who live normal, average lives shouldn’t own a hound. Do you understand the exercise requirement?”
Two Types of Hounds: Sighthounds vs. Scenthounds
Sighthounds
Examples: Greyhound, Whippet, Afghan Hound
- Chase by sight
- Extremely fast
- Sensitive and gentle
- Require mental calmness, not excessive chaos
Scenthounds
Examples: Beagle, Bloodhound, Coonhound
- Follow scent trails obsessively
- Can be extremely independent
- Loud “baying” vocalization
- Difficult recall training
Both types share a common trait:
They were bred to work—relentlessly.
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Exercise Needs That Surprise Most New Owners
One user shared:
“We had to walk our hound 4 miles before work and 4–6 after just to keep him calm.”
This level of physical demand is far beyond what many first-time owners expect. Without proper exercise, hounds can become:
- Destructive
- Escape artists
- Loud barkers
- Harder to train
One commenter defended them:
“I’ve had three greyhounds—they are affectionate, gentle, and don’t need excessive walking.”
This is partly true—retired racing greyhounds often have lower exercise needs. But many hounds are high-energy, high-drive, and endlessly curious.
Are Hounds Beginner-Friendly?
They can be, but only if the owner:
- Has an active lifestyle
- Loves long outdoor walks
- Understands stubborn training habits
- Is patient with loud vocalizations
- Can manage prey drive
Without these traits, hounds are more work than most beginners want.
3. Herding Breeds: Brilliant, High-Drive Dogs Not Built for Casual Homes
Herding dogs are often seen as intelligent, graceful, and capable of learning anything. Breeds like the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Border Collie consistently rank among the smartest dogs in the world.
But their intelligence can be overwhelming.
Charlie explains:
“Herding breeds make great family dogs, but they need so much engagement it’s unreal.”
Herding Instincts Don’t Turn Off Indoors
These dogs were bred to:
- Control livestock
- Respond instantly to commands
- Work long hours
- Think independently
That means they may try to “herd” children, pets, or even adults. Charlie recalls a training experience:
“A herding dog nipped my leg to make me throw a ball. That instinct comes out fast.”
What Makes Herding Breeds Challenging
- They require multiple hours of daily stimulation
- They get bored easily
- They can become destructive
- They often bond with one person intensely
- Their energy levels are extremely high
- They need purposeful activity, not just walks
One owner said:
“My collie is my best friend, but you must do the work. Most people don’t want to.”
Another added:
“There is no easy breed. Dogs need more responsibility than people think.”
Are They Suitable for First-Time Owners?
Generally, no.
But they work wonderfully for:
- Active families
- Rural homes
- Outdoor lifestyles
- People with time for training
- Owners who enjoy advanced obedience, agility, or scent work
These dogs thrive with structure, mental challenges, and jobs to do. Without these, they can develop anxiety and destructive habits.
Which Breeds Are Better for First-Time Owners?
Charlie recommends several breeds he believes are more beginner-friendly, including:
- English Golden Retriever
- English Labrador Retriever
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Pug
- Chihuahua (for apartment living)
These breeds tend to be easier because they’re:
- Eager to please
- More forgiving of training mistakes
- Lower in prey drive
- Predictable in temperament
- Adaptable to different lifestyles
Still, every dog—no matter the breed—requires commitment.
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Key Takeaways
✔ Not all breeds are suitable for first-time owners
Some require more time, training, exercise, and mental stimulation than beginners expect.
✔ Bully breeds are powerful and sensitive, needing structure.
✔ Hounds often require extreme exercise and have strong instincts.
✔ Herding dogs are brilliant but high-maintenance and demanding.
✔ Breed alone doesn’t define behavior — training and environment matter hugely.
✔ First-time owners may prefer Labradors, Goldens, or smaller companion breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are these breeds impossible for first-time owners?
No. Many beginners successfully raise these dogs. But they require more dedication than average.
2. What is the easiest dog breed for beginners?
Golden Retrievers and English Labradors are widely considered beginner-friendly.
3. Are bully breeds naturally aggressive?
No. Aggression usually stems from poor training, lack of stimulation, or irresponsible breeding.
4. Which dogs require the most mental stimulation?
Herding breeds like Border Collies, Malinois, and Australian Shepherds.
5. What’s the biggest mistake first-time owners make?
Choosing a dog based on looks alone instead of researching temperament and needs.
Related outside Resources
1. American Kennel Club (AKC) – Breed Information
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds
2. American Pet Products Association (APPA) – Pet Ownership Statistics
https://www.americanpetproducts.org
