Three dog breeds that have ‘serious issues with children’

“I specialise in when things go terribly wrong with dogs,” said canine behaviourist Will Atherton. “And, unfortunately, that often happens with bites towards children; I see certain breeds cropping up time and time again.” One dog breed you may not want to have if you have small children at home is the Border Collie, said Mr Atherton.

This is because the highly trainable dog has a huge drive to herd, and if this need isn’t fulfilled, there can be untoward consequences. Mr Atherton explained: “Contrary to popular belief, people think because they’re so trainable it means that they’re easy dogs to live with, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Those herding instincts will kick in, and if you don’t fulfill the dog properly, which many people don’t have the time or energy to do, they will start herding your kids.”

The dog training specialist elaborated: “And by herding your kids, I mean chasing them around, biting their ankles.”

When you envision a medium-sized dog like the Border Collie nipping at the ankles of a toddler, for example, you can see how frightening the experience might be for the child.

Another dog breed that Mr Atherton says is not great with children is the Akita.

“Time and time again, I see them having serious issues with children and it’s never pretty when that happens,” said Mr Atherton.

And the last dog breed might surprise you — the Dalmatian. Mr Atherton said: “Most people don’t realise that the Dalmation has one of the highest bite histories here in the UK, and oftentimes, towards children.”

There was a mixed reaction to his bold online TikTok video, with some defending the dog breeds.

One commentator wrote: “[I] grew up with seven Dalmatians — and all [were] incredible with me as a child.”

Somebody else noted: “I have a Border Collie and he’s great.” Another person added: “Our American Akita would’ve given its life for us — including kids.”

Others, however, added their own opinion as to which dog breed shouldn’t be around children.

“I’ll add Chihuahuas,” one commentator stated. “Because of their small size children… often treat them like toys, cross their boundaries…”

A lot of people chimed in to say that Mr Atherton had forgotten to add a “Pitbull” to his list.