These dogs are NOT suitable for everyone - the biggest mistake when choosing a breed | Episode 17
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Time to read 22 min
The decision to take a dog into the family often begins with a single glance: "Oh, he's so cute!" But this is where the biggest mistake in choosing the right breed begins. The look is seductive - but what lies behind the loyal eyes is a bundle of genetically anchored characteristics that are often underestimated.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dog owner, if you don't thoroughly familiarise yourself with the breed in question, you run the risk of choosing a dog that simply doesn't fit into your life. In this blog, we take a critical look at some dog breeds - and explain why some dogs are simply not suitable for everyone.
The FCI group approach and its limitations - a detailed look
The FCI is the world's largest canine organisation, founded in 1911 and based in Thuin, Belgium. Its task is to publish breed descriptions (standards), coordinate breeding guidelines and organise international titles and recognition of breeding committees - such as CACIB, CACIT, CIB, CIBT and others.
Important: The FCI itself does not issue pedigrees or keep stud books - this is done by the national member organisations such as the VDH in Germany or the SKG in Switzerland.
Other major associations worldwide
AKC (American Kennel Club) - the largest umbrella organisation in the USA, not an FCI member, divides dogs into seven groups and awards titles at shows and trials.
Kennel Club (KC), Great Britain - oldest canine organisation, independent system, but cooperates with FCI.
UKC (United Kennel Club) - US-based, independent, emphasises work and performance evaluations ("Total Dog" philosophy).
CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) - Canadian organisation with a similar structure to the AKC, in part closely cooperating.
Other national associations, e.g. Dogs Australia (ANKC), SKK in Sweden - many are FCI members and set standards at national level.
The FCI classifies over 330 officially recognised dog breeds into 10 categories (groups) according to origin, purpose and appearance:
Herding and herding dogs (e.g. Border Collie, Australian Shepherd)
Pinscher & Schnauzer - Molossoid - Swiss Mountain Dogs and similar breeds
Terrier
Dachshunds
Spitz and original types
Running and welding dogs
Pointing dogs (Pointers & Setters)
Retrieving, sniffer and water dogs (e.g. retrievers)
Social and companion dogs (toy breeds)
Windhunde (Sighthounds)
We categorise the dog types according to categories that make sense to us and explain typical characteristics and the associated challenges in living together. Important: This blog post is intended as a classification, but makes no claim to be exhaustive - there is not enough space to cover every detail.
Category 1: Herding & driving dogs
Original task
Herding and driving dogs were bred specifically to control and move herds, but in very different ways.
Herding dogs like the Border Collie work closely with humans, gathering and directing the animals with their gaze, body language and subtle signals. They are highly sensitive, eager to learn and react precisely to every movement.
Herding dogs such as the Australian Cattle Dog, on the other hand, are designed to drive herds forward, secure paths and exert pressure with physical contact or short nips when necessary. They are more robust, more independent and more assertive than classic herding dogs.
Both types share an enormous appetite for work, stamina and the urge to control movement - characteristics that can quickly lead to problems in everyday family life without meaningful tasks.
Character & special challenges
Herding and driving dogs are among the most intelligent and hard-working dog breeds in the world. Whether Border Collie or Australian Shepherd - they all share a pronounced urge to move, high sensitivity to stimuli and an almost limitless willingness to co-operate with humans.
However, what appears to be a strength can quickly become a burden: These dogs are not made for lying on the sofa all day. They want to be led, challenged and kept busy in a meaningful way. Without mental and physical exercise, they begin to look for their own tasks - which can range from herding behaviour towards children to excessive protective instinct.
Hurdles in education
Training these dogs requires precision, clarity and a high degree of consistency - without harshness. Their sensitivity ensures that they react to the slightest changes in your mood. If you are insecure, stressed or impatient, this will have an immediate effect on your dog's behaviour.
At the same time, these dogs learn incredibly quickly - both positively and negatively. Mistakes in training are linked and memorised at lightning speed. This means that what has been wrongly conditioned once is difficult to correct again. During puberty in particular, many herding dogs are highly reactive and tend to overreact when they are overwhelmed.
What's more, dogs like the Malinois or the German Shepherd have been bred over decades for their performance, protective instinct and personal responsibility. If you don't provide them with a clear structure, you will soon have a dog that takes the lead - and that can be dangerous.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
These breeds are not for beginners or people with inconsistent, insecure or conflict-shy personalities. However, they are ideal for:
Active people who enjoy daily exercise and mental work with their dog
Dog sports enthusiasts who would like to try out disciplines such as agility, obedience or mantrailing
Professional dog handlers, e.g. in the protection service, police or rescue service
Self-confident, structured families who live by clear rules and can remain consistent
They are not suitable for:
People with little time or physical limitations
Families with small children, if clear guidance is not guaranteed
People who are "just looking for a family dog to cuddle"
People with a low frustration tolerance level or without dog training experience
The right choice of breed for herding and driving dogs does not start with looks, but with honest self-analysis. Only those who are prepared to accept a highly sensitive, hard-working partner - and have their own emotions under control - will be happy with these dogs.
Category 2: Livestock guarding dogs
Original task
Livestock guarding dogs such as the Kangal, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Caucasian Ovcharka or Maremmano Abruzzese were bred specifically for the protection of livestock herds. Their main task was to independently keep wolves, bears or other threats at bay for days and weeks at a time - without guidance or support from humans.
Unlike herding dogs, livestock guarding dogs should not co-operate with humans, but decide for themselves whether and how they react to a situation. This independence and personal responsibility are deeply rooted in the genetic code of these dogs - and this is precisely what makes them so special today, but also so challenging.
Character & special challenges
Livestock guarding dogs are calm, composed observers with an extremely high stimulus threshold - until they sense danger. Then they are lightning fast, powerful and uncompromising in their actions. Their protective instinct, loyalty and sense of duty are impressive - but they are not "classic family dogs" as we know them from everyday life.
One of the biggest challenges in choosing the right breed is that guard dogs are often considered "easy" or "good-natured" due to their gentle nature. In reality, however, they need clear boundaries, respect and a safe, structured daily routine - otherwise they will take the lead themselves.
Hurdles in education
Training a guard dog is a balancing act between a clear framework and restrained leadership. Anyone who works with drill, dominance or constant commands will fail - these dogs do not react to pressure, but to relationship.
Typical hurdles are
Low motivation for obedience or play
Mistrust of strangers or unknown stimuli
Pronounced territorial behaviour, especially in close living conditions
Slow but deeply rooted learning processes - once learned, behaviour is difficult to change
These dogs question decisions and need a person who conveys leadership through sovereignty - not through loudness or harshness.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
The right choice of breed for livestock guarding dogs starts with the question: Am I prepared to share responsibility with an independent creature - instead of controlling it?
They are suitable for:
Experienced dog owners who have already worked with independent breeds
People with a house & property, ideally outside urban centres
Owners who are not looking for a "command receiver", but a respectful guard partner
Families with a clear structure, a stable daily routine and few changing visitors
They are not suitable for:
People in flats or densely populated residential areas
First-time dog owners or insecure personalities
Households with regular guest changes, children or other pets, without intensive training
People who expect classic obedience or dog sports
Category 3: Molossoids & yard/guard dogs
Original task
Molossoids and court or guard dogs have an impressive history. As early as ancient Rome, they accompanied soldiers in battles, guarded camps and appeared as guard and working dogs. Breeds such as the Rottweiler, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro and Mastino Napoletano were bred specifically to protect the home, farm, family or livestock - and to actively ward off intruders.
These dogs were not selected for co-operation, but for strength, assertiveness and willingness to protect. Their protective instinct is deeply rooted - as is their tolerance level towards threatening situations.
Character & special challenges
Molossoids are powerful, self-confident, calm and loyal. They don't tend to rush, observe carefully and make independent decisions. This is precisely why they often appear calm in everyday life - but when they do act, they do so with full determination.
Many people confuse this calmness with easy manageability. But in reality, the exact opposite is the case: Molossoids need a consistent, confident person to give them direction. Otherwise they will take control themselves - and decide who is friend or foe.
When choosing the right breed, many people underestimate their territoriality, their protective instinct and their sensitivity to body language. These dogs read their counterparts - and expect the same from humans.
Hurdles in education
Training Molossoids is a challenge for anyone who is insecure or inconsistent. These dogs sense any weakness - and are not prepared to be led by someone who does not radiate clarity.
Typical parenting traps are
Underestimating their vigilance - visitors or neighbours can quickly become a source of irritation
Lack of mental exercise - leads to boredom, frustration or territorial behaviour
Refusal to set boundaries - especially with owners who do not have clear rules
Excessive cuddling - this allows the dogs to decide for themselves when "protection" is necessary
Molossoids do not need a "hard hand", but clear leadership with respect and structure. Anyone who treats them like a cuddly toy will sooner or later be overwhelmed - or experience risky situations.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
The right choice of breed for Molossians does not start with the desire for an imposing dog, but with a realistic view of everyday life, environment and leadership.
They are suitable for:
Experienced dog people who are familiar with body language and non-verbal leadership
People with a house, garden or yard who can offer the dog space and structure
Owners who want a real guardian and protector - and are not afraid of clear guidance
People who work with calm, patience and consistency instead of loudness and drill
They are not suitable for:
People who "just want a big dog" but have no idea about dog psychology
First-time dog owners or unsure persons
Families with lots of visitors, small children or changing life situations
Residents in apartment blocks or city flats without a place to retreat to
The right choice of breed for Molossoids is a question of responsibility. These dogs are not a fad or a status symbol - they are real working partners that demand respect, structure and seriousness.
Category 4: Pinscher & Schnauzer
Original task
Pinschers and Schnauzers are among the oldest types of European working dogs. They were originally used as guard and farmyard dogs - for guarding stables, yards and supplies - and also as rodent control dogs that kept rats and mice away.
Typical representatives are the German Pinscher, Miniature Pinscher, Giant Schnauzer, Medium Schnauzer and Miniature Schnauzer. Due to their adaptability and robustness, they were regarded as "all-purpose dogs" in rural life, which recognised and carried out tasks independently.
Character & special challenges
Pinschers and Schnauzers are self-confident, alert and assertive. They have a good level of territorial behaviour, but - in contrast to guard dogs - are more closely oriented towards humans. These dogs observe precisely, analyse and make their own decisions if the human is not clearly in charge.
The Giant Schnauzer in particular stands for strength of character and seriousness, while the Miniature Pinscher is more characterised by liveliness and temperament. What they all have in common is a great need for clear structure in everyday life. A lack of boundaries quickly leads to controlling behaviour - they then independently take responsibility for the house, garden or family.
Pinschers and Schnauzers show a high intrinsic motivation to control their environment. If this motivation is not channelled socially, hypervigilant behaviour (excessive vigilance) can develop - a phenomenon described in ethology as overcontrol behaviour.
Hurdles in education
The training work of Pinschers and Schnauzers can be directly explained by their original field of use: these dogs were bred to act independently, recognise threats and make decisions without consultation. This genetic independence and speed of reaction still has an effect today - and is at the heart of many training challenges.
A Pinscher or Schnauzer does not obey blindly, but weighs up: "Does what you are saying make sense?" This cognitive self-examination is not disobedience, but a sign of high social intelligence. However, without a stable attachment figure with clear, comprehensible boundaries, the dog takes on leadership tasks that actually belong to humans. This results in behaviour patterns such as
Excessive barking to report perceived danger,
Control behaviour towards visitors, children or other animals,
or a subtle but constant test of the owner's authority.
In ethology, these breeds are said to have a high degree of environmental control behaviour. This characteristic was functional - it served to recognise dangers at an early stage and to protect people or property. In today's stimulus-flooded environment, the same genetic disposition often leads to excessive demands and misinterpretation of stimuli, for example when a passing bicycle is perceived as a threat.
Pinschers and Schnauzers therefore require training that conveys clear boundaries without harshness. These dogs react badly to authoritarian pressure - it provokes resistance or retreat. Instead, structured, predictable communication that conveys security works.
In training, they also show typical patterns from their heritage as yard and guard dogs: they learn quickly, but they don't like to repeat themselves. Their motivation comes from meaning and context, not from mindless repetition. Training that is too monotonous or purely food-based leads to a refusal to learn.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
A Pinscher or Schnauzer suits people who can take the lead without appearing authoritarian. If you have consistency, patience and clear communication, you will find a reliable partner in these dogs who will protect your home and family with loyalty.
This category is unsuitable for beginners or people with a laissez-fair attitude. Problems can also arise in multi-dog households if there is a lack of structure - they are not conflict-averse and actively demand social rules.
Pinschers and Schnauzers belong morphologically to the group of so-called "medium-duty working dogs". Their high stimulus threshold, coupled with quick reactions, makes them effective guard dogs. In behavioural biology, this is referred to as situational independence - the dog does not react impulsively to every stimulus, but weighs up whether there is a need for action.
Category 5: Terriers
Original task
Terriers were originally bred for burrow hunting and rodent control. Their name is derived from the Latin terra ("earth") - they worked underground, hunted foxes, badgers or rats from their burrows and had to make decisions there independently.
Typical representatives are the Jack Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Fox Terrier or Border Terrier.
These dogs were selected for courage, independence and determination - qualities that still characterise their behaviour today, even if they have long since stopped hunting foxes.
Character & special challenges
Terriers are a prime example of what behavioural biology considers to be a high activation tendency with a low stimulus threshold. They react with lightning speed, are impulsive, persistent and have strong hunting and prey-catching behaviour.
Their temperament is often explosive - and their learning ability is high. But terriers think in chains of action: stimulus → decision → action. This makes them enthusiastic working partners, but also dogs that can't wait to be told what to do.
From a cynological point of view, terriers are reactive-autonomous dog types - they show a high level of independent behaviour and stable self-confidence. Psychologically, this genetic disposition correlates with low inhibition and strong intrinsic motivation (i.e. they work because they want to, not because they should).
Hurdles in education
The biggest challenge in training them lies in managing their independence and impulsiveness. Terriers learn quickly, but they learn selectively - they memorise what is useful to them. Their working memory is strongly contextualised: a signal works perfectly in the living room, but in the forest with stimuli? Often not.
Stimulus transmission in the mesolimbic system (reward centre) is significantly faster in terriers than in calmer breeds. This means that the stimulus "movement" is immediately linked to a feeling of reward. This is why it is so difficult to completely untrain hunting behaviour.
Training with terriers is therefore necessary:
Varied tasks instead of monotonous repetitions
Clear boundaries, but without authoritarian punishments
Frustration tolerance training (e.g. controlled waiting, impulse control)
Cognitive activity instead of constant physical overload
The terrier's nervous system is designed for short, intensive stress. Continuous stress (e.g. constant exposure to stimuli without control) leads to overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which favours irritability, restlessness or stereotypies (constant scratching, digging, barking). The following therefore applies: Terriers need stimulus management, not a flood of stimuli.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
A terrier is perfect for people who are dynamic, clear and humorous - people who offer exercise, mental challenge and consistent structure. They are ideal for active owners who enjoy training, nose work or dog sports such as agility or mantrailing.
They are not suitable for:
People with little patience or inconsistent leadership
Families with small children who are hectic and noisy
Owners who want a "simple companion dog"
A terrier is not a "side dog". However, if you understand him, you get an intelligent, loyal and courageous partner who will go through fire for his human-dog team - as long as you respect his boundaries.
Terriers are not small "fashion dogs". Their stimulus processing is comparable to that of working dogs: high dopamine output in response to movement stimuli, low fatigue threshold, strong fixation on visual stimuli. This explains why many terriers react to the smallest movements (e.g. cats, bicycles, toys) even in a domestic environment.
Kategorie 6: Bull & Terrier
Original task
The so-called Bull & Terrier originated in England in the 19th century from the crossing of bulldogs and terriers. The aim was to create a dog that combined the endurance, speed and passion for prey of the terrier with the strength, insensitivity to pain and tenacity of the bulldog. Originally, they were used for a variety of purposes, including rat hunting, as yard and guard dogs, but also for bloody animal fights in which they were pitted against other dogs or animals. This misuse shaped their reputation and left its mark on the perception and behaviour of the breed.
Typical representatives are the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and - not FCI-recognised - the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Character & special challenges
Bull & Terriers are emotionally intense dogs - they live in extremes. When they love, they do so with full devotion; when they get excited, they do so with full vigour.
From a cynological point of view, they belong to the explorative-reactive dog types: They show a high level of physical activation, low sensitivity to stress and strong social bonding systems.
They are loyal, affectionate and people-orientated, but at the same time impulsive, strong-driving and frustration-intolerant.
Their low inhibition threshold when agitated in combination with a high level of physical assertiveness can quickly lead to conflicts - especially in the event of miscommunication or inconsistent leadership.
Studies show that dogs with high muscle tension and adrenaline activity (such as bulls and terriers) often have a shortened stress reduction interval. This means that they switch more slowly from excitement to calm. In practice, this can be seen, for example, in the after-barking, pulling or "not being able to switch off" after exciting situations.
Hurdles in education
Bull & Terriers are not "beginner dogs". Their instinctive behaviour is genetically deeply rooted:
Prey-catching behaviour (grabbing, holding, shaking)
Stubbornness and low sensitivity to pain
Independent decisiveness
In parenting, this means that classic punishments or loudness are counterproductive - they increase arousal. At the same time, "love alone" is not enough.
What Bull & Terrier need is emotionally intelligent consistency:
Clear, calm leadership behaviour, no demonstration of power
Structure and fixed routines in everyday life
Calm stimulating environment during learning phases
Targeted impulse control training (e.g. controlled games with a cancellation signal)
The dopaminergic reward system in Bull & Terriers is particularly strong, which explains their high motivation and eagerness to learn - but also their tendency to "overdo" their behaviour. Low-stimulus phases (relaxation training, relief) are therefore just as important as active exercise. A lack of balance can otherwise lead to overexcitement, reactivity or aggressive behaviour.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
These dogs have a strong character, are loyal and extremely people-orientated. If you have clear structures, physical presence and composure, you can build a unique bond with them. They are ideal for active owners who enjoy training, are physically present and lead in a communicative, non-authoritarian manner.
Suitable for:
Sporty people with experience in dog behaviour
People with an interest in structure training, impulse control, nose work
Owners who bring time and consistency with them
Not suitable for:
First-time dog owners without knowledge of body language
People who avoid conflicts or are inconsistent
Families with very young children or a hectic everyday life
Anyone who decides in favour of these dogs should be aware of this: A Bull & Terrier is not a "fighting dog" - it is a performance dog with strong emotionality. If you handle them with expertise, patience and heart, you will experience a highly social, courageous and deeply loyal partner who will give everything for their owner - and this is exactly what makes the right choice of breed so crucial.
Category 7: Dachshunds
Original task
The Dachshund - also known as the dachshund - was originally bred for hunting badgers and foxes in burrows. Its special anatomy - short legs, long back, strong chest - served a clear purpose: to hunt in underground burrows, to track down, place and give a loud voice. In addition to hunting in burrows, dachshunds were also used for welding and rummaging.
There are three size variants ( standard, dwarf and rabbit dachshund) and three coat types ( shorthair, roughhair, longhair), all of which share the same functional origin.
From a cynological point of view, the Dachshund is a hunting dog with a high degree of independence and a pronounced sense of orientation in the field - a working dog in a small body.
Character & special challenges
Dachshunds are independent, courageous and highly motivated dogs that were originally bred to make their own decisions - without waiting for commands from humans. This leads to typical characteristics such as high persistence, low frustration tolerance and a pronounced motivation to hunt and dig.
In terms of behavioural biology, they have a low reaction inhibition to stimuli, especially to movement and odour stimuli. Many dachshunds also show strong alerting behaviour - loud alerting is genetically part of their original working profile.
Hurdles in education
The biggest challenge in training a Dachshund lies in its hunting motivation and independence.
A dachshund has been selected to follow a track over long distances, even if no human instructs it to do so. This genetically anchored tracking ability cannot be "untrained", but can only be controlled through management and alternative behaviour.
That means:
Recall training must start early and be built up consistently with positive reinforcement.
A Long Leash is often a lifelong companion - not as a punishment, but as a safety management system.
Nose work (mantrailing, tracking, target search games) is not a luxury, but an essential substitute for the original hunt.
Impulse control and frustration tolerance are compulsory exercises to regulate the high level of arousal.
The hunting behaviour of dachshunds is self-rewarding - simply following a trail activates the mesolimbic reward system in the brain. This is why classic punishments or interruptions are rarely effective. Successful training is based on controlled fulfilment of needs, i.e. the conscious use of substitute actions.
For whom are they suitable - and for whom not
A Dachshund suits people who have patience, consistency and a sense of humour - and who enjoy active pursuits. It is a partner with a strong character, not an "order taker".
It is ideal for:
Nature-loving people with an interest in nose work or hunting set training,
calm, structured households with time for mental exercise,
Owners who accept management as part of the husbandry (e.g. compulsory lead, controlled off-leash runs).
It is not suitable for:
People who are looking for an uncomplicated family dog without a lot of training,
sporty owners who want to take their dog with them when cycling or jogging,
Flats with many stairs or without the possibility to carry the dog,
People who interpret barking behaviour or stubbornness as "disobedience".
Choosing the right breed of Dachshund means respecting its working history. If you see him for what he is - a powerful, strong-willed hunting dog in a small body - you will get a loyal, alert and intelligent companion. Those who expect a small, comfortable sofa dog, on the other hand, will reach their limits.
The Dachshund's chondrodystrophic body shape (short legs, long back) increases the risk of herniated intervertebral discs (IVDD). Incorrect loading, jumping or being overweight greatly increase this risk. Therefore, a dachshund should not climb stairs, but should be carried or supported with ramps.
The right choice of breed is not a question of appearance, but a decision for or against certain behavioural dispositions that are deeply rooted in a dog's breeding history. Every dog breed was selected for a specific working task - and this genetic imprint still determines how a dog thinks, reacts and learns today.
Whether herding dog, terrier, dachshund or molosser - the original tasks characterise the nature:
A herding dog is highly sensitive, attentive and reactive because it has learnt to perceive the finest signals and react to movement.
A terrier is impulsive, independent and stubborn because it was originally bred to hunt and kill small prey on its own.
A Dachshund combines self-confidence with endurance and a hunting instinct because it worked independently in dark burrows.
A Molosser remains calm, but territorial, because its task was protection and deterrence.
These genetic foundations cannot be "removed" - they can only be redirected, channelled and used sensibly.
So if you're looking for a dog, you shouldn't ask yourself:
"Which breed do I like?" but: "Which behavioural traits can and will I live with?"
The right choice of breed means
Cynological understanding: Recognising which original task explains the behaviour.
Behavioural mindfulness: accepting that every behaviour has a function.
Self-reflection: Knowing what you can achieve as a person - and where your own limits lie.
The right choice of breed is no coincidence, but a scientifically based decision in favour of a compatible breed.
Understanding a dog's character from its breeding origins creates the basis for a stable, respectful and harmonious human-dog team in the long term.
About Vitomalia and the authors Lui & Paulina
The name Vitomalia came from the names of their two beloved dogs: Vito and Amalia. Vito, a sensitive and cheerful dog, accompanied Lui and Paulina through many formative years. After a long, serious illness, they had to let Vito go with a heavy heart on 14 February 2025.
This loss gave rise to the desire not only to process the experience for herself, but also to give other dog owners courage, knowledge and comfort - and so the podcast was born, as a way of coping with grief and at the same time as a platform to talk about dog ownership as it really is: full of love, challenges and growth.
Lui originally comes from a sports background, Paulina from psychology. Their shared passion for dogs brought them together. A hobby became a vocation: Lui trained as a behavioural therapist for dogs, Paulina specialised in dog science. They worked together as dog trainers for many years until they realised how great the need was for sensible and safe dog equipment.
This idea gave rise to the Vitomalia online shop, which is her main focus today. But their passion for the close collaboration between humans and dogs remains unbroken. In their podcast, Lui and Paulina share their experiences, their cynological knowledge and want to convey an honest, realistic view of dog ownership - without filters, without clichés, but with heart and mind.
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