Us Brits love our dogs, but a vet has warned against getting certain popular breeds (stock) (Image: Getty Images/fStop)
A vet has shared the five dog breeds he would never own as he says some have difficult personalities or health problems.
Picking the perfect pet is no small feat. While some make perfect loyal companions, others can turn your household upside down. Different breeds suit different people, so it’s crucial to choose wisely to ensure a harmonious match for your home.
Viral dog doctor Amir Anwary, who shares his pet tips and tricks on his page, says he hopes to educate potential owners on dog breeds to ensure people choose their new companions wisely. In a recent video, he issued a warning about five popular types of pet – leaving many furious but others agreeing with his points.
Sharpei
First up, he says he would not get a sharpei dog. He explained: “These dogs can be incredibly stubborn, making it very difficult for them to train and if they’re not well socialised they can also become quite aggressive.”
He also noted that sharpei dogs are prone to skin infections due to their many skin folds. Plus, many of them have allergies.
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Siberian husky
Dr Anwary also says he wouldn’t get a Siberian husky, and explained: “These dogs are so vocal, like they do not ever keep quiet. They’re also incredibly stubborn, making them very difficult to train, and they’re also extremely high energy. So if you’re not giving them enough exercise every single day, they will become naughty.”
The vet also warned that this type of dog can be prone to escaping. “They will find a way to get out of your house,” he added. “It’s a big stress for me – I would not own this dog personally.”
Cocker Spaniel
The animal expert also said he would not own the ever-popular cocker spaniel. While this breed is oh-so cute, and Amir notes that there are many amazing cocker spaniels, he warns that there are others that “almost seem like they have a screw loose”.
He added: “For me, cocker spaniels come in three settings – there’s happy-go-lucky cocker spaniel, the anxious, agreesive cocker spaniel and the anxious, anxious cocker spaniel. So they can be very anxious, prone to separation anxiety and they can be quite aggressive.”
The vet notes that from a health perspective, however, cocker spaniels are a fairly good choice. They can be prone to ear infections and some hip problems, but added: “It’s a really decent dog.”
This is my own opinion but I would love to know from anyone who owns one of these breeds if you agree or disagree with me! Lets help educate potential dog owners !
Golden doodle
The penultimate dog on the vet’s list of breeds he would not get is the golden doodle. “I get the appeal of this dog, it’s basically like a big teddy bear, but this dog is on the fast track to becoming one of the dog breeds that has the highest vet bills.”
He said they are prone to chronic conditions, hip problems, and allergies. “They often require lifelong treatment that can be very, very expensive,” the dog expert added. He also notes golden doodles are very attached to their owners, so they can be affected by separation anxiety.
Chihuahua
“I’m not the biggest fan of chihuahuas,” Amir admitted. He notes that the dogs are pretty healthy and he doesn’t often find the breed with many serious health problems, but he does find issues with behaviour.
He explained: “They have fear based aggression…and they’re also so tiny that they’re basically scared of everything, which means they become aggressive towards almost everything. This makes it very difficult to socialise and give them medications.”
What dog owners say
People rushed to comment on the video. One individual shared their experience and commented: “I’m glad you finally explained my cocker spaniel to me. He did not like my son and was very aggressive with him biting him on more than one occasion.”
One other agreed, adding: “So totally true about the cocker spaniel. Mine definitely has cocker rage. And if you meet him you will think he’s the sweetest, cuddliest little boy. But if you know him. You’ll have seen the rage.”
A number of people disagreed with the vet, however, as one individual said: “I have a little Chihuahua girl and she’s the absolute best dog breed and dog EVER!”
One other wrote: “Don’t agree on the chihuahua. I think it’s al in the upbringing, and training. They can be amazing dogs if they are treated as dogs and not as dolls.” Another shared: “My chihuahua thought she was a pitbull, but she dominated all other big dogs in my building.”
While the vet’s insights can prove useful when choosing a pet, it’s important to do your own research before selecting a dog. You may also want to consider adopting a rescue rather than shopping from a breeder.