The aristocratic demeanor of this elegant-looking creature goes through to its personality. The Afghan Hound commands attention rather than seeking it out. Beneath the glamorous, long, and shiny coat, you may be surprised to find a stalwart hunter. The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed dating back to the Egyptians and was also found in the Middle Eastern mountains, where it was trained to leap after gazelle and smaller prey, like hares.
With a strong instinct and ability to run nimbly through mountain terrain, it requires plenty of outdoor exercises. Adopting an Afghan Hound comes with a commitment to daily exercise and coat care. With this level of attention, this dog is a calm and quiet four-legged friend who loves to jump in bed with you. While the Afghan can be trained to be good with children, it is not a playmate type of dog. This dog will be unhappy without attention and left in the backyard.
Pekingese
This breed is legendarily stubborn. Pekingese were bred to be lapdog companions by the ancient Imperial family of China. Some Pekingese were official royal dogs. These dogs retain their royal breeding with a haughty attitude and a strong disposition that commands respect. It’s very difficult to train a Pekingese since it believes it should be in charge and goes about this business with an entrenched obstinacy. This dog may even bite if it is disciplined harshly.
Well-socialized Pekingese are very loving with their owner and family, but strangers are treated as intruders. This makes the breed a great watchdog. They are extremely brave, considering their size. They will fight off strangers to death if determined to be a threat.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is from Siberia, where it was bred by the Chukchi people to pull sleds. This high-energy dog is not a good couch dog and also not a good backyard dog. They are an intelligent breed easily drawn to mischief and are known to be extremely destructive when bored or left alone. These dogs are avid diggers. Escaping confinement is another strength.
PetVet called the Siberian Husky one of the worst breeds for first-time pet owners, saying, ‘The phrase ‘obedient Siberian Husky’ is something of an oxymoron.” They have a strong predatory drive, so other pets like cats or hamsters may become prey. These pups are prone to howling, reaching loud, siren-like whines. They are great jogging companions as long as it is cool enough. Their thick coat sheds twice a year. Overall, they are happy, playful, independent-minded dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The sleek and powerful Rhodesian Ridgeback is distinguished by a streak down its back of reverse-growing hair. It is affectionate, intelligent, and child-friendly. However, this dog is not a good fit for most people. It needs more time and energy than most folks have.
In Rhodesia during the 1870s, this brave dog was known as a good protector against lions. As an intelligent dog, it will become stubborn and strong-willed without proper handling. This breed can become very destructive if it doesn’t get enough exercise and doesn’t recognize any humans as its authority figure. It will likely become combative with other dogs as well. With the proper upbringing, this dog will be a calm, gentle, obedient dog.
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is another dog on the Dangerous Dogs Act and is banned in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and Denmark, to name a few. It is not recommended for first-time dog owners. And, owning one may preclude getting covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy, while legal liability can be costly. They drool and shed profusely and are naturally aggravated by guests or strangers. Bred as hunting dogs, they will protect your family vigorously at any cost.
If you’re still set on this powerful Mastiff, he will need an owner who dominates over it as the alpha. You must be firm, confident, and consistent. A passive owner will find Fila taking the alpha position. According to Dog Breed Info, “A dog with the massive size and strength of the Fila that believes he is alpha to humans is downright dangerous.”