There are many things you have to take into consideration before becoming a dog owner, including which breeds will suit you – and one expert has warned first-timers against picking one of these three.
Which dog breed you pick will depend on many different things – do you want one that’s a good family dog? Do you have time to walk the dog as much as it needs to? Is your home big enough?
With more than 200 recognised dog breeds in the UK, there’s something for everyone. However, according to one dog trainer, there are three breeds that first-time owners should definitely avoid.
Cocker Spaniels
Adam Spivey of Southend Dog Training doesn’t recommend first-time dog owners to get Cocker Spaniels, despite it being a “highly intelligent” breed with a “very strong work ethic”.
The dog trainer explained how Cocker Spaniels are “born to search,” and because the average owner “doesn’t know how to satisfy” that need, the pooch is “going to still search for things” – including picking up things it shouldn’t.
It also has a “very low tolerance for things being taken away from it.
Shar Pei
The dog trainer described a Shar Pei as the “definition of a grumpy old man”, adding: “These dogs are not motivated by pretty much anything, and they are just born f****** angry.”
He also claimed that while they are “very unhealthy”, they could still be an excellent choice for the right owner.
He elaborated: “Someone who knows what they are doing and has got one from a decent breeder, and understands how to control a dog with such strong protective and combative instincts, this might be a good dog for you. Far too much for your typical dog owner.”
Chihuahuas
Regarding Chihuahuas, Adam didn’t hold back, labelling them as a “soldier of Satan,” a “diabolical demon” and “just f****** angry”.
He pinpointed the issue to owners who “baby them,” leading to aggressive behaviour towards anything that moves.
Yet, he suggested that treating them like a large breed, such as a Great Dane, can result in a well-adjusted pet.
He cautioned: “But most first-time dog owners are going to baby the f*** out of this dog and it’s not going to be happy”.
