I’m a vet & there are five dog breeds I’d never own – they have so many health problems and land owners with huge bills
A VET has revealed the five dog breeds she’d never own because they come with a whole host of different health problems.
Dr Rachel took to TikTok and posted a video where she explains her reasoning behind each of the dog breeds she’d personally steer clear of based on her experience in the profession.
According to the vet, placing at number five is the Husky.
“People will get these dogs because they’re beautiful, they’re intelligent and they’re just fun dogs to be around, but they are working dogs and they need a job to do,” she says.
“They also love the cold and they shed a lot.
“It’s important when you’re choosing a dog to pick a breed that goes with your lifestyle.
“I know with my busy schedule I’d not be able to give this dog the attention it deserves.”
Dr Rachel then moves onto number four – the Dachshund.
‘These guys are really cute and really unique but because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” she explains.
“If you have these dogs you have to be really careful and make sure they’re not jumping off of high places.
“I’d have a cash fund set aside in case they need to have back surgery because that does get pretty expensive!”
Next on Rachel’s list is the Great Dane.
“These dogs are super fun to have around,” she says.
” They’re goof balls and they’re really loving.
“The one thing I don’t like about them is that their life span is just so short.
“They grow quickly and develop health issues really early on in life, unfortunately.”
Coming in second is the Doodle.
Dr Rachel explains: “Although this isn’t a breed, there are a lot of owners with this type of dog – it can be a Poodle really mixed with any other breed.
“A lot of people get them because they think they’re hypoallergenic, they don’t shed and that they’re low maintenance…and this couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs that do shed and they also need grooming very frequently.
“We often see them come in matted and it’s painful for the dog.
“With this dog, you really don’t know what you’re going to get temperament-wise.
“I’ve had a lot of really good Doodles that come in and they’re a joy to work with, but I’ve also had some with some serious behavioural issues, so it’s something to consider.”
And according to Rachel, at number one on the list of dogs she’d never own are Bulldogs.
“Really this goes for any brachycephalic dog though, I just would not own them,” she says.
“Genetics are not on their side.”
The vet continues: “The most obvious being that they struggle to breathe…if I did rescue one I’d make sure they got the airway surgery that allows them to breathe more easily.
“They’re just not a healthy breed.”
The video has since gone viral, racking up over 3.5 million views and hundreds of comments – with many dog owners taking to the comments section to offer their opinions.
“I believe pugs, bulldogs etc should go extinct for their own good,” wrote one.
A second asked: “Why is it always the Husky?”
A third noted: “I have been blessed in my years of Great Dane rescue to have most live up to 11-13 yrs.
I truly believe it is about their breeding and care.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I have a Dalmatian and constantly tell people not to get them if they don’t have the time to put into them. They should be on this list.”
Another added: “As a French bulldog owner I knew what number one would be.”