Vet nurse lists dog breeds first time owners should avoid

Dogs are one of the most popular pets, loved by children, couples, families and the elderly. But with so many breeds out there, it can be hard to know which is right for you. Some dogs are more energetic and active than other breeds so require more exercise and playtime.

Also, dogs are prone to different health conditions depending on the breed so some might need more care than others. There are other factors to consider, such as how much space you have in your home for a dog and how much time you will be able to spend training it.

Jade is a registered UK veterinary nurse who owns three dogs and three tortoises. She regularly shares animal care advice and tips on social media.

The vet nurse recently posted a video on TikTok listing four dog breeds she wouldn’t recommend for first time, inexperienced owners. They are…

1. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are popular large-breed dogs that were originally bred to pull sledges. They’re often mistaken for huskies but Malamutes are larger, according to PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity.

The animal organisation adds that although their playful personalities can be a big draw for owners, they can be “extremely challenging so probably aren’t well suited to first time owners.”

Malamutes are very energetic dogs so they suit active homes with owners who can dedicate a lot of time to them. They are also known for being quite vocal so you can expect a lot of howling/singing from them.

Some of the health conditions they can develop due to their breed are hip dysplasia, a painful condition that causes one or both hip joints to develop abnormally while a puppy is growing, cataracts and hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid causing problems with weight, skin and energy levels.

2. Chow Chow

The second dog breed Jade wouldn’t recommend for first time owners is the Chow Chow. They are best known for their mane-like fur and having a blue-black tongue instead of pink.

They were originally used for guarding, herding and hunting – and they first came to the UK in the 18th century, where they were an attraction at the London Zoological Gardens.

PDSA describes them as “incredibly loyal dogs” that will want to protect their family and they may “sometimes be unsure of strangers”.

The charity advises to socialise them well from a young age to make sure they’re happy meeting new people and dogs.

It also states that Chow Chows “ideally suit experienced owners with a good knowledge of the breed”. Some of the health conditions a Chow Chow might develop is hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cruciate ligament disease, which can cause the knee to become very wobbly and painful, leading to your dog limping.

3. Border Collie

Border Collies are often cited as the “smartest dog breed” and they are high energy working dogs that were historically bred to herd livestock on farms in the UK, according to the American Border Collie Association.

This dog breed is usually between 30 and 55 pounds and has a medium-length double coat of wavy hair.

They are friendly and have lots of energy so they “love to be active with kids and parents.” Their intelligence, paired with their high energy levels means pet parents “must dedicate time to exercise and mentally stimulate their dog”.

A common medical issue in Border Collies is hip dysplasia. They can also be prone to epilepsy and a genetic eye disease called Collie eye anomaly.

4. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is one of the most confident, intelligent and hardworking dog breeds and they were first bred near the city of Malines in Belgium, where they got their name. This breed was originally bred to herd but their “trainability and drive led them into several other careers, including police work, search and rescue, and bomb and drug detection”, outlined by PetMD.

The pet health source adds: “ Daily walks are simply not enough for this breed; instead, Belgian Malinois dogs need high levels of aerobic exercise, like a five-mile run every morning. Belgian Malinois dogs need intensive, long-term training and exercise. This makes them great running, hiking, and biking companions.”

These dogs can develop elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, which can cause joint pain and arthritis. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are two other conditions they are prone to.

Every dog is different, so be sure to do your research before adopting one into your family. You should also consider visiting an adoption centre or shelter to pick out your new pet, as there are plenty in need of a loving home.