In the market for a furry, four-legged best friend? Weighing the best dog breeds for your specific lifestyle is the first—and most important—step in the process of becoming a dog owner. For instance, are you a city dweller, or do you have access to a backyard where a dog can roam? Does your job require you to spend a lot of time away from home? Will your dog be around little kids? It can all feel a bit daunting at first, so it might help to hear from a veterinarian about which dog breeds shouldn’t be on your radar.
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1. Dachshund
Don’t let their puppy eyes fool you—Dachshunds are known for being “very stubborn” and having “some really bad separation anxiety,” said veterinarian Amir Anway in a TikTok video.
He adds that it’s not uncommon for them to bark all night, which can become an issue if you commute to work and are leaving a barking dog home alone for several hours on end.
Dachshunds are prone to a back condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which disrupts nerves in the spinal cord. Because of their petite stature, it’s also easy for this breed to gain weight, “which makes the back problems that much worse,” explained Anwary.
“So if you own a dachshund, you need to be on top of it,” he cautioned.
2. French Bulldog
According to Anwary, a French Bulldog can best be described as a “cute, adorable little abomination.” Although they put up a cute facade, they’re known to run up quite a hospital bill.
“If it is not breathing issues, it is skin problems. If it is not skin problems, it’s back problems,” said Anwary. “As a vet, I see these dogs coming in all the time for so many different medical issues. I would not own a French Bulldog ever, but they are adorable.”
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3. Belgian Malinois
As far as family dogs go, the Belgian Malinois is a smart pick, especially if you have young children, per the American Kennel Club (AKC). They’re considered a playful and welcoming breed, but with those traits comes lots and lots of energy, which some owners may consider a con.
“This is not a dog, this is a machine. It requires constant physical and mental stimulation,” said Anwary. Without proper exercise and brain stimulation, this breed can become “destructive.”
“I work a full-time job, there is no way I can give this kind of dog the attention it deserves to thrive,” he explained.
4. Border Collie
Although a “lovely” breed, Border Collies are considered a “working dog” because they’re very hyper, notes Anwary.
“They’re always on, they always need physical and mental stimulation, and I could not possibly provide a Border Collie the amount of stimulation that it needs to stay happy. And if it doesn’t stay happy, it becomes destructive,” he said.
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5. Labrador
Labradors are recognized as one of the best breeds for young families, especially if you’re already living in a dog-friendly home. The AKC describes them as active, friendly, and outgoing. And while that may be the case, Labradors are also considered vacuum eaters, meaning they consume everything in sight.
“Labradors are a dog breed that are very prone to becoming overweight, and they are also a dog breed that loves to eat absolutely everything so they are very food-driven,” said Anwary.
“So what do you get when you cross a dog that loves to eat absolutely everything with a dog that gets fat when it eats anything? You get a dog that is perpetually overweight,” he continued. “Me? I’m a weak owner. I love giving my dog treats. My labrador would be rolling all over the place, that is why I could never own a labrador.”
