A dog behaviour expert sparked debate by revealing three breeds he would never recommend owning – including one he previously had himself.
In the UK, where dogs are a national obsession, picking the perfect pooch is no small feat. While some breeds are the epitome of loyal companionship, others can turn your household upside down. It’s crucial to choose wisely to ensure a harmonious match for your home.
Will Atherton, a renowned dog behaviour specialist, is on a mission to educate potential pet owners about different dog breeds to help them make an informed choice. With a staggering 24.7 million likes on his popular TikTok channel, Atherton dispenses invaluable advice to his followers.
He firmly believes there are three breeds he would “never” have in his home. Will declared: “First up, for me, it would have to be the Caucasian shepherd.”
Known for their bravery, intelligence, and protective nature, these formidable dogs are fiercely territorial and won’t shy away from confrontations with formidable predators like bears or wolves, as noted by Dog Time.
Their inherent suspicion of strangers and other animals can lead to aggressive behaviour if not properly managed.
Will further explained: “I genuinely don’t think that is a breed that anybody should be considering getting unless they need a legitimate livestock guardian in a country where you have predators like wolves and bears that are a very real threat to you and your livestock.”
Will, a seasoned dog trainer, has shared his candid thoughts on certain dog breeds, cautioning potential owners. “I used to own the Siberian husky and I’ve worked with hundreds of them,” Will revealed.
He expressed his personal disinterest in the breed, saying, “For me, I’m just not a big fan. Huskies, I think are more like cats than they are dogs and just don’t really vibe with what I look for from a dog.”
Additionally, Will mentioned his reservations about owning a chihuahua. He said: “Now, don’t get me wrong I definitely think I could pull off rocking a really small dog breed but honestly, I’d be worried that I might lose it, sit on it or hurt it. So I just wouldn’t take that risk.”
What dog owners say
The debate over dog breeds sparked a flurry of comments as people shared their diverse experiences. One owner boasted about their Caucasian shepherd: “I have a Caucasian shepherd. So active and friendly.”
Another chimed in with praise for the breed: “My sister has a Caucasian shepherd, he’s a rescue too but he’s an absolute darling.”
However, not all feedback was positive, as one individual reflected: “I wanted a Caucasian shepherd so bad a couple years ago. I’m so glad I never got one.”
Others defended the breed’s compatibility with family life: “Caucasian shepherd I have 2 who live in my house and live with children, no problem at all.”
Yet another comment highlighted the challenges faced by these dogs in shelters: “I worked in a kennels that found a Caucasian shepherd. She was so gorgeous but would just pace around her kennel all day. They couldn’t rehome her.”
Another penned: “My husky is just the best. I don’t know why they have a reputation.”
In a similar vein regarding huskies, someone else remarked: “Huskies are their own breed of sass. They only listen when they want to and they talk back.”
Meanwhile a chihuahua enthusiast added: “I have a chihuahua. They are tough little dogs, and cuteness overload the whole day.”
The moral of the story? It all comes down to personal preference. What may be one’s person’s dream dog could be a nightmare to another family.
It’s all about picking the right breed depending on the lifestyle you live, which is something the canine behaviourist helps people to consider.
So what’s your favourite breed? Don’t forget to let us know in the comments section below.
