12 dog breeds first-time owners should think twice about

7. Rhodesian ridgeback

Any dog that can take down a lion should give a first-time dog owner pause. Rhodesian ridgebacks can be wonderful family dogs, but they require consistent training to rein in their naturally protective instincts. Their size and intelligence make them a challenging dog for first-time owners, and these fearless dogs require an experienced owner to keep their courage from getting the best of them.

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