Dog breeds question....low energy and high energy?

Question

You always see people wanting a lower energy dog (typically a first time dog owner), that isn't too hyper, that is calm, and doesn't need to much exercise, and won't be destructive if left alone for 6 hours....but they are always asking if a Husky, or a jack Russell, or a lab would fit that description


So lets help them out a bit:


Can you list 5 high energy breeds and 5 low energy breeds?

Can you list 5 breeds good for a first time dog owner?

Can you list 5 breeds not good for a first time dog owner?


I'll start: (Again this is based on my personal experience and research)

Low energy breeds:
Dachshund
Old English Bulldog
French Bulldog
Maltese
Boston Terrier

High Energy Breeds:
Siberian Husky
American Pit Bull Terrier
Poodle (all sizes)
Border Collie
Labrador
Jack Russell Terrier

Good breeds for a first time owner:
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Dachshund
Pug
Shetland Sheepdog

Breeds not good for first time owner:
Poodle (my breed of choice, they are cute but very smart and need tons of mental stimulation)
American Pit Bull Terrier
Dalmatian
Siberian Husky
Great Dane (great dogs but need a knowlegable owner)

Answer 1

Keep in mind that YOUR idea of "low" or "high" energy is different than everyone else's - for instance i would NEVER consider a Maltese or Boston Terrier to be "low energy." Boston's need brisk daily walks (usually) and my Maltese was NEVER low in energy.



My interpretation of "low energy" consists of determining what exercise needs a dog has - the Pekingese for instance don't usually do well with exercise and need one short, slow walk a day (therefor i consider them to be "low energy.") The Greyhound, as fast as they are, tend to be total couch potatoes indoors and don't necessarily NEED tons of exercise (again, why i consider them to be "low energy.")



I don't usually like to list individual breeds that are high, low, good, bad - i tend to focus on what Groups the person should focus on and let THEM do the rest of their own research to find a dog in the group i suggest.



Examples:

I would consider the "Toy" group to be "low" energy for the most part since most of those dogs do well with one walk a day.... but the "Herding" group would be "high" energy because they would need longer brisk walks and/or jogs.



In terms of dogs for first timers, i consider the Toys to be the best place to start for most people because they were bred for human companionship AND to be willing to please. Non-Sporting dogs would be next followed by the other groups.



In general i tell people to start with a dog that is easily motivated, medium to low energy (unless that person is a jogger or very active), and willing to please. Leave the "intelligent" dogs be for now as they need more mental stimulation and tend to get into more trouble. DEFINITELY stay away from the strong, dominant breeds.

Answer 2

I can only speak about my own dog but she and other American bulldogs that I know are generally high energy (though not as high as boxers, jack russell terriers, etc) and not for first time owners. They need to go for a long walk at least once a day, play time, and they are very stubborn. If you don't know anything about dog training, you will have a hard time. You also need to be assertive because these dogs can be dominant. If you want a dog that you can just pet, baby talk to, and give treats to all day, this is probably not the breed for you.



Edit: I also agree with the above posters...adult dogs are better for some people. I know a lot of people want puppies because they are so cute and they want that bond of having had the dog since it was a pup but they don't really have the time and patience to train pups.

Answer 3

Low energy:

-English Bulldog

-Bullmastiff

-Great Dane

-Great Pyrenes

-St. Bernards



High energy;

-labrador retriever

-jack russel

-husky

-Setters

-Beagles



Good breeds for first time owners:

-golden retriever

-german shepherd

-a mixed breed!

-collie

-Cocker spaniel (probably the english, or springer spaniel)



Breeds not good for first time owners:

-pit bull

-dalmatian

-Chows

-Rotties

-Any small breed, like a chihuahua, jack russel, pomeranian...people think they are so cute but so many are high strung or high energy... they're better off getting a larger breed dog or mutt





For any owner that this is their first pet, first dog EVER, I'd always suggest a mutt first! My mutts have been the greatest, and they've prepared me for other breeds. And I've done all of my research now. I feel bad, I tried to talk a family member out of getting a jack russel because they thought they were "cute", and they got one anyways and ended up giving it away. I tried to warn them and told them they need to train them properly, etc... But oh well what can ya do...

Answer 4

Agree...but GSD for a first time owner can be a little too much...they need stimulation and training.



High energy:

Dalmations

Retreivers

Weimareiner (personal experience)

Border Collies

Huskies



Low energy:

Swiss Mountain Dogs

Great Pyranees

St Bernards

Bull dogs

Shar Pei's



Best for first time owners:

Spaniels (personal experience)

French Bulldogs

Pugs

Golden retreiver

Labs



Worst dogs for first time owners:

Wolf Hybrid/dogs

Caucasian Shepherd

Weimareiners (personal experience)

Pitbulls, dobermans, rottweilers (just b/c there is a lot of responsibility that comes with owning one...I love these dogs personally, they are great)

Chow Chows

Answer 5

I feel GROWN dogs are best for first time owners. Provided they have been trained to sit, stay, and have a good disposition.



Puppies, are immature, frustrating, unpredictable and require Huge amounts of time, tolerance, attention and affection. - they are not for young and 1st time dog owners.



If more people went to their shelters to pick out a min 2 year old Dog, I think they would have a better pet experience.

Answer 6

high energy breeds

collies

labs

german shepherd

rotties

low energy

bichon frise

sharpei

golden retriever

first time dog

spaniel

yorkie

poodle