I’m a dog trainer – 5 breeds you should avoid or be prepared to do lots of training, exercise, and trips to the vets
JAMIE is a dog trainer with over 12 years experience.
With nearly half a million followers across his social platforms, he is on a mission to help owners reach their dog’s potential with educational training tutorials and motivational training methods.
Jamie, aka @jamiethedogtrainer on TikTok, spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the five dog breeds you should avoid if you’re looking for a pet and why.
1. Belgian Malinois
Jamie, who is Australian, said: “With energy for days and deserving of their nickname the ‘Maligator’, these dogs are just ‘too much dog’ for most people!
“Unless you’re heavily into dog sports, security, or work in the police force you really shouldn’t even think about one of these dogs!
“Malinois are known for their impressive athleticism and drive.
“This also means that if you don’t work and train them (a lot) every day they will go self-employed and you won’t like the type of job they choose for themselves!
“If you do plan on getting a Malinois, find a trainer…quick!
And definitely get into some dog sports because they love doing that like their life depends on it!”
2. English Bulldog
The expert explained: “If you don’t mind constantly cleaning skin folds to prevent infections and listening to snoring worse than your next door neighbour then the bulldog is for you!
“Bulldogs unfortunately due to breeding exaggerated features have many health issues.
“From skin infections, breathing issues and even eyelid problems they just aren’t a healthy breed overall.
“They may have fun and loving personalities but they are not a breed I would personally own for the above reasons.
“If you do still even after all the above think the bulldog is for you…make sure you’ve got pet insurance for the vet bills!”
3. Any Livestock Guardian breeds
The dog trainer added: “Yes this is an entire breed group!
“Unless you’re on a large property with a flock to protect, these dogs just don’t make amazing pet dogs in my opinion.
“Breeds such as the Maremma and Great Pyrenees are very independent and aloof. They are also quite difficult to train because of those traits!
“Although they are territorial and do provide some security for the home there are other breeds that do just as good a job and make better pet dogs such as the GSD.
“Livestock Guardian breeds also tend to be super alert at night due to their genetic drive to be on the lookout for unwelcome visitors making it quite annoying if you’re trying to get a goodnight sleep while your maremma is letting you know there’s a bug moving on your front window!
“If you do decide to get a livestock guardian breed make sure you spend a lot of time training them,” he added.
4. Chow Chow
Jamie continued: “The blue-tongued, primitive all-purpose dog that is very aloof with strangers, not super social, not at all affectionate, and not super easy to train.
“In my opinion not a great pet dog for most people.
“However, there are some positives: they are very clean dogs, have low odour, make great watchdogs, and are very loyal and protective of their family members!
“Unfortunately, that’s not enough for me to overlook their many drawbacks!
“If you do decide to get a Chow Chow, early socialisation is an absolute must.”
5. German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
He said: “It hurts me to put the GSP on the list as I absolutely adore them but honestly, they don’t make a great pet dog for many.
“Their energy levels are absolutely insane and you may think ‘I like to run so a GSP is for me’…
“However, do you really like to run? At your sprinting pace for 30km every day? Because a GSP could do that…EASY!
GSP’s are absolute athletes and would put some Olympic endurance runners to shame!
Jamie The Dog Trainer
“They also have huge hunting drive so be incredibly careful with them off-leash. They may just spot an animal and guess what? You ain’t catching them, so make sure you got a good recall!”
Jamie added: “Many people also don’t spend time teaching the GSP an off switch and they really struggle to settle inside the home and can be prone to separation anxiety.
“Despite the challenges the GSP presents they absolutely adore their family, are quite easy to train in my opinion and have a personality that’s really easy to like.
“They are also quite durable and low maintenance from a health perspective.
“If you do decide to get a GSP be prepared to do lots of training, provide a heap of exercise and have a plan to fulfill their drives!”
4 dog breeds that make the best pet
Jamie, aka @jamiethedogtrainer on TikTok has over 12 years of experience. He also has a real interest in dog sports and has multiple dogs with obedience titles.
Golden Retriever
The ultimate all round dog – very adaptable, social, intelligent and obedient. Not for owners who don’t like lots of dog hair though!
Greyhound
Low maintenance, resilient and very easy going. Does have high prey drive but very much a burst animal, greyhounds are lazy. Very suitable for apartments and love sleeping on your couch. Not for owners with cats!
Labrador
Another amazing all round dog – social, adaptable and smart! Just be aware that field line labs can be as high energy and driven as a Malinois so look for easier going lines if you want a companion.
Papillon
Ideal for small-breed lovers. Honestly I wish I saw more of these dogs around. They are so awesome! Super intelligent and quite athletic. They are super to train and surprisingly are quite low maintenance on the grooming front.
If you’re looking to train your dog for a loose leash walk, Jamie has shared a video on his YouTube channel and Instagram account.
Or check out his TikTok video that has been watched by 4.6million people on the three small breed dogs he wouldn’t recommend first-time pet owners get and why.