I’m a vet and these are five dog breeds I would never own – including some seriously popular family favourites

A top veterinarian has revealed five dog breeds he would never own after years in the industry. 

Dr Amir Anwary, from South Africa, shared that while dogs are among the most popular pets, most owners don’t do enough research on the breeds they choose. 

Border Collie

Dr Anwary said border collies were bred to be working dogs and designed to herd sheep on a farm.

‘They need to be physically and mentally stimulated every single day and most people that get a border collie don’t actually understand this,’ he said.

‘It’s difficult to keep them happy in a city setting.’

The breed is also prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, which leads to expensive medical bills down the track.

A top veterinarian has revealed five dog breeds he would never own, including border collies and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

‘They’re probably one of the nicest breeds I’ve worked with but they suffer from a genetic disease that can cause congestive heart failure at a younger age,’ the vet said.

‘Often dogs are affected as soon as they’re seven years old but this can be delayed up until ten years old, when most Cavaliers are impacted.’

The disease means the dog may die at a younger age or be on heart medication for the rest of their lives. 

Bulldog or any brachycephalic breeds

Dr Anwary would never own a bulldog because of the breed’s health conditions

Dr Anwary would never own a bulldog because of the breed’s many health conditions.

‘I love brachycephalic breeds but because of their squished faces, they suffer from a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome,’ he said.

‘Because of the anatomical abnormalities with a squished face, they struggle to breathe, regulate their temperature, and exercise.

‘The exercise intolerance leads them to gaining weight, which makes temperature regulation and breathing even more difficult.

‘It’s very bad self-perpetuating cycle with these dogs.’

The vet revealed that he would never own a Doberman because of the breed’s predisposition to a heart condition

Doberman

Dr Anwary revealed he would never own a Doberman because of the breed’s predisposition to a heart condition.

‘Dobermans are prone to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which is where the heart muscle becomes thinner and the heart chambers become larger,’ he said.

‘The illness makes it difficult for the heart to pump heart throughout the body.’

It also means the dogs will require regular check-ups, and may also need life-long treatment for their heart.

Great Dane

While Dr Anwary has owned mixed-breed Great Danes before, he pointed out a serious issue with purebred dogs: their lifespan.

‘Purebred Great Danes can only live for about seven to eight years, which in my opinion is so little,’ he said.