Dog expert warns of three dog breeds first time owners should 'never' get

The expert has advised against three breeds for first time dog owners (stock image)
-Credit:Peter Cade/Getty Images


A dog expert has revealed the three breeds he believes first-time owners should steer clear of.

Dogs are a cherished pet, often becoming an integral part of many families. They offer wonderful companionship, loyalty, happiness and generally give owners their unwavering, unconditional love. It's no wonder they've earned the title "man’s best friend".

However, each dog comes with its own unique behaviours and peculiarities to be aware of, so it’s crucial to do your homework before taking on the serious commitment of pet ownership. Canine behaviourist Will Atherton has amassed a large following on social media due to regular posts offering his knowledge and expertise.

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In a recent Instagram video, which garnered thousands of views, the expert offered his views on three breeds some people should avoid - particularly first-time owners.

young german shepherd sitting on grass in park and looking with attention at camera, tilting head
The vet wouldn't recommend first-time dog owners getting a German Shepherd -Credit:Getty

Speaking directly to the camera, Will said: "These are three breeds that first-time owners should never get. Now, as a clinical canine behaviourist, here at my training centre, we work with when dogs go wrong - and, often, terribly wrong - every single day."

Will then mentioned the three breeds he's encountering frequently in his business and wants to help people avoid "heartache" by making a "better choice" when selecting a potential dog breed.

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He started with: "Number one is the Japanese Akita. Now, when I first entered this industry, they were far more popular than they are now but in the last year or so, it’s a breed that’s really started to come back through my system, and my inbox is having more and more.

"It’s a breed that I just don’t recommend for the vast majority of people, let alone first time owners. Number two is working line German Shepherds.

"Now, certain lines of German Shepherds may potentially be a good pick for first-time owners but hardcore working lines rarely, if not ever, are."

Surprisingly, the final dog Will doesn’t recommend for first time owners is the Border Collie. He explained he’s seeing this breed "all the time" and it’s usually due to issues with "biting children".

In the caption accompanying the video, Will added: "Now I know there’s going to be owners of these breeds watching this that have amazing examples of the breed, and I want to encourage you that rather than getting upset with me about my informed opinion, that you should be proud of yourself for the clear skill and leadership you have - that many people didn’t."

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People shared their thoughts in the comments section. One person said: "I agree with this", while another said: "No wrong dogs, just wrong owners. Not bad, just wrong."

Before getting a dog, it’s important to do your research and ensure you can meet a dog’s needs. Training is often essential, and it’s worth bearing in mind not all dogs are suitable for first-time owners.

If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter instead of shopping from a breeder.