When you’re wading into the waters of dog ownership for the first time, you want to make sure you’re prepared to give your soon-to-be pooch a comfortable and happy life. That can mean being realistic about the sort of dog you can take on the first time around. While there are plenty of breeds that will make dog ownership an easy transition, there are others you may want to wait on until you’re more experienced. Here are 10 that require someone with a bit more know how.

Akita

The Akita is known to be quite loyal, protective, and a canine shadow to its favorite person. That person will have a bit more work to do with this breed, though. Due to their history as hunting dogs, their prey drive can be strong, which can make being around smaller animals dicey. They’re also quite smart and stubborn, which can present a challenge when training. A firm, knowledgeable owner is needed to get the job done, both with standard training and socialization.

Alaskan Malamute

Training is a necessity with the Alaskan Malamute because their size can allow them to easily put others in their place. Bred as sled dogs, Malamutes also have boundless energy that requires adequate activity and stimulation. If they don’t get it, they're liable to become destructive, get really into digging, make daring escapes, and be vocal. Their abundant fur will mean extra vacuuming, too, along with extra care needed during heat spells. For owners that are up to the task, though, these pups are great family dogs, very affectionate, good with kids, and friendly to others they encounter.

Australian Cattle Dog

Relentlessly loyal to and protective of their favorite person, Australian cattle dogs are also loyal to the grind. These ranch dogs need something to do, and they need activity to wear their high energy selves out. If these needs aren’t met, they can easily get into some trouble. They’re also very bright and can outsmart their people without much of an effort. Training can be an adventure, too, due to their smarts and stubbornness. Rural owners with some space, understanding of independent dogs, and the ability to find tasks for their pups are the best option for this breed.

Border Collie

Another breed that thrives in the country with space to run is the border collie. While you don’t necessarily need to have a ranch or a farm to adopt one, these dogs are very high energy and need ways to expend that energy. With their high intelligence and history as herders, having a job to do can help address their higher physical and mental stimulation needs. They may take to herding people or doing more destructive things if they don’t get those needs met or get proper training. However, for owners who can provide this, a border collie will be an affectionate, playful, and friendly companion.

Chow Chow

A dog that is often the opposite of friendly is the Chow Chow. While they look like they’d be cuddly and sweet with their plump faces and fluff, they’re independent dogs that aren’t known to offer much affection. They’ve also had some tough jobs in the past, from hunting to guarding, so they can be quite independent. Without proper socialization, they can also be aggressive toward other dogs. Training is most effective with a seasoned, firm owner who knows the ropes and can keep the dog from thinking it’s in charge, which may not be the best attitude to have, given their size. For owners who can manage this, they will have the benefit of a protective and loyal dog.

Dalmatian

A protective, loyal dog more apt to cuddle with its favorite people is the Dalmatian. While their personalities are bright, their needs are also high. This breed was used as carriage dogs, including for firemen, so they love a good run and have a lot of energy to burn. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can act out. They’re also surprisingly big shedders considering their shorter fur and may need extra training to be around small children. These playful, friendly pups will warm a home with the right dedicated owner.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds may look intimidating, but the reason they can be a bit harder for new dog owners is their high maintenance nature. They are exceptionally smart and have been bred to do a wide range of jobs over the years, but training is essential to bring out the best in them. They’re used to having something to do, as well, so being left to their own devices won’t work for them. It may also lead to overly protective and sometimes aggressive behavior. The work is worth the reward, though, as German Shepherds are great family dogs who are good with kids, extra affectionate, and love to be around their people.

Jack Russell Terrier

Though Jack Russell Terriers are little, don’t tell them that. They won’t believe you. This breed is very high energy, stemming from its history of hunting. Due to that hunting history, it also has a strong prey drive. Jack Russells are fond of getting into a bit of trouble, love digging, are apt to escape, and are curious little investigators. They need an owner that understands this energy and who can provide plenty of ways to expend it. Training can be a challenge, too, as these dogs learn quickly and need to continue to be engaged. Fresh approaches will likely be needed. An active family that can provide an ideal environment for this breed will enjoy a silly, friendly, affectionate, and loyal companion.

Saint Bernard

Another affectionate, loyal companion of a much different size is the Saint Bernard. These dogs are known to be gentle, playful, protective, and good with older kids. However, their size and stubborn streak can be a difficult combination for anyone, especially those without any dog experience. Training needs to begin early to ensure the Saint Bernard’s bulk doesn’t end up causing problems when paired with behavioral issues. There will also be drool and shedding. Lots of drool and shedding.

Siberian Husky

Speaking of shedding and a bit more work, the Siberian Husky is also a great family dog that needs the right understanding owners. These dogs can be a handful, with an independent streak, a mischievous nature, a tendency to serenade with howls, a love of escapes, and pent-up energy that needs a release. Training can also be a challenge with their stubbornness. As pack dogs, they’re not overly fond of being alone, either. If they don’t get all the stimulation they need, they can be destructive. Once they’re all tuckered out, though, Huskies bring loyalty, affection, and playfulness to their homes.

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