I’m a top vet… the FIVE dog breeds I would never own include popular family favourites
THESE are the five dog breeds that top veterinarian and social media star Dr Amir Anwary would never own.
The South African animal expert warned his nearly 500,000 TikTok followers against welcoming several canines into their homes – including family favourites.
BORDER COLLIE
A universally adored breed, Dr Anwary says these “working dogs” are not supposed to spend their days in comfortable family homes.
“They need to be physically and mentally stimulated every single day and most people that get a border collie don’t actually understand this.
“This breed is designed for herding sheep on a farm, so it’s extremely important to keep them happy in a city setting.”
The sheep herders are also prone to arthritis, Dr Anwary warned.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
The cavalier KC spaniel ranks as the 11th most popular dog breed in the UK, according to yougov.co.uk.
But to avoid early an early funeral, Dr Anwary says owners should steer clear of these sweet and gentle pets.
“I love this breed, it’s probably one of the nicest breeds I’ve ever worked with.
“But they suffer from a genetic condition … which is basically a condition that will cause the cavalier KC spaniel to go into congestive heart failure at a younger age.”
Dr Anwary says they can die as early as seven, and by the age of 10 “most” will have been sent to heaven or be functioning on heart medication.
There is still hope for owners, however, with lifespan estimates varying by source – www.thekennelclub.org.uk puts the breed at 12-plus.
BULLDOG
These dogs are historically seen as symbols of determination and courage.
But their breeding is controversial, with their squished faces causing airway obstruction.
Dr Anwary says: “Along with struggling to breathe, they also struggle with temperature regulation and exercise intolerance.
“It’s a very bad, self-perpetuating cycle with these dogs.”
Breeding of bulldogs was in 2022 made illegal in Norway.
DOBERMANN
Dobermanns also suffer from a heart condition and struggle to pump blood around the body, Dr Anwary says.
“They’re going to require regular check-ups and they may also need lifelong treatment for their heart.”
GREAT DANE
Dr Anwary admits his love for this breed, owning a Great Dane-cross himself.
But the purebreds are the issue, he says.
“The purebred Great Danes can only live for seven to eight years, which in my opinion is so little.”
