These dogs may not be man’s best friend.
A UK vet who works with all types of dogs has revealed which breeds he would avoid, as these breeds tend to have common health issues that can be costly – and worse, heartbreaking.
Alex Crowe shared his thoughts by posting a video on tik tok And he based his list on the dog breeds he most frequently encounters in his work.
Net Vet Chief Veterinary Officer Crowe wrote on his LinkedIn page, titled “5 Breeds I Wouldn't Keep as a Vet,” that he recommends not keeping these types of dogs:
Shar Pei
Alex said that the wrinkled skin of this Chinese breed dog is the cause of many health problems for it.
“Although many people find wrinkles attractive, they can cause serious skin infections because bacteria get trapped between the wrinkles and thrive,” Crow said.
The vet said they are also prone to ear infections because of their narrow ear canals.
He added that this breed often requires a face-lift-like procedure to prevent their eyelids from rolling forward, and they also suffer from a condition called “Shar Pei fever.”
flat faced dogs
Flat-faced dogs — Frenchies, pugs and bulldogs — were also on the no-no list, as their smaller, narrower airways cause breathing difficulties, overheating and acid reflux.
These problems can be heavy on an owner's wallet, he said, as they often require “major, invasive surgery” to fix.
Crowe said he also suffers from skin and ear infections, allergies, and has problems with his spine. He also has eye problems because of his “bulging eyes.”
In his blunt assessment, Crowe said, “In my opinion, if a dog needs this many procedures to live a normal life, they probably shouldn't exist.”
German Shepherd
Crowe included the popular German Shepherd, admitting that the addition was his “personal opinion.”
She explained that they “require a very specific lifestyle to thrive” – including plenty of exercise and “mental stimulation” – a lack of which can lead to anxiety and behavioral problems. Crowe explained that she found many owners “failed to provide them with the lifestyle they needed.”
He said they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and other joint problems.
great Dane
Another large dog he cautioned against was the Great Dane, because this “gentle giant” is prone to a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy.
He also said that their lifespan is only 7 to 8 years, which is due to their large size.
“It will be incredibly hard for me to say goodbye to him after such a short time together, especially as he has such a lovely nature,” Alex said.
Dachshund
The veterinarian concluded with this beloved breed, which made it onto the list because of their size.
Their long backs and short legs make them prone to “serious back problems” such as slipped discs. They can also suffer from joint problems and a hereditary eye condition called progressive retinal atrophy.
“Although they often have very loving personalities, their body shape actually makes them prone to a number of health problems, and I find it very sad to see them go through that, just because of how they're born,” she said.
He acknowledged that there are variations among all breeds, and that he sees “the worst of things” in these breeds, but stressed that “many breeds suffer because of breeding practices encouraged by us humans, simply because we think certain characteristics look attractive.”
“We need more education and barriers to prevent these problems,” he said.
He then asked the audience if they agreed with the list.
