Not for me! 🙅♀️
As someone who has worked with dogs for three years, I’ve seen tons of breeds come in and out of the facility. While there are specific dogs of nearly every breed who I like individually, here are some of the breeds that I don’t think would fit my lifestyle or I would never own for other reasons. An exception for why I would own any of these breeds would be a foster situation or if I rescued the dog.
🐶 frenchies: Oh French bulldogs… where do I start? These poor babies are prone to so many health issues including but not limited to: issues breathing, skin conditions, and bowed legs. These pups are often the result of poor breeding practices in order to get out of standard puppies that the backyard breeders can sell for more $ because they’re “rare”. It’s unfortunate because often these pups are super sweet, but I cannot in good conscience support a dog that comes with so many health issues built in.
🐶 poodle mixes or “doodles”: Let me start off by saying that there are some doodles who I love with my whole heart. However, my issue with these “breeds” comes from the irresponsible breeding practices that they come from. I rarely see a doodle breeder do any sort of health or temperament testing on the parents and this coupled with the fact that they often straight-up lie to their customers by calling these dogs “allergen-free” and say that have “low-maintenance coats” gives me the ick. As doodles are often the result of a poodle mixed with a double coated breed (I.e. golden retriever or Bernese mountain dog) this makes their coat EXTREMELY prone to matting and difficult to groom. It’s no fault of the dogs on their own but solely on the breeders. Additionally, the lack of temperament testing in the parents means I see a LOT of behavioral issues with these dogs. Resource guarding, snapping for no reason, and poor energy dispersal are all common issues. I’ve also had multiple dogs who bite people to show affection. Why is this encouraged and seen as normal?
🐶 hound dogs: While not a breed, I’m including this entire category. I prefer my peace, and the braying gets on my nerves. As someone with chronic migraines, I can barely handle dogs braying outside at work, and I think I would lose my mind if it was in my home as well.
🐶 Belgian malinois: They just don’t fit my lifestyle! I could never offer the amount of physical stimulation that a mal requires as they are a breed that NEEDS a job. Sweet dogs, but they can also be a bit mouthy and destructive if they don’t have enough outlets.
🐶 pugs: My reasons for this are pretty much the same as frenchies. These poor babies have such a hard time breathing and it breaks my heart whenever I hear one of them struggling to get enough oxygen.
🐶 Saint Bernards: Holy slobber! I feel I’d have to vacuum and mop at least once a day to clean up all of the slobber and shed fur from one of these. While Saint Bernards are often super sweet and I love their look, they’re just not a breed for me.
🐶 Newfoundlands: my reasoning for this is basically the same as my reasoning for Saint Bernards. They have a lot of fur and produce a lot of slobber. Plus, I don’t think I live in the right sort of climate to own dogs with such a thick coat. They would overheat so fast in the summer.
Choosing the right dog breed is crucial for ensuring harmony between the pet and owner’s lifestyle. Many of the breeds covered such as French Bulldogs and Pugs suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome, causing breathing difficulties that can lead to serious health complications. This condition stems from selective breeding for flat faces, which unfortunately compromises their respiratory systems. Potential owners should be aware that such breeds often require special veterinary care and should be sourced from responsible breeders committed to health screening. Poodle mixes, commonly known as doodles, have surged in popularity partly due to claims of being hypoallergenic. However, these claims are often misleading. Because doodles are crosses between poodles and double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, their coats can be prone to matting and require frequent grooming. Moreover, the lack of temperament and health testing in some breeders increases risk of behavioral issues such as resource guarding and unexpected aggression. Hound dogs, while beloved for their hunting skills, emit loud baying sounds which can be challenging for owners sensitive to noise or living in noise-restricted environments. Similarly, Belgian Malinois are highly energetic working dogs that need consistent physical and mental stimulation; without adequate outlets, they may develop destructive behaviors. Large breeds like Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands produce excessive shedding and slobber, demanding a significant commitment to cleaning and grooming. Their thick coats also make them less suited to hot climates, increasing risk of heat-related stress. Understanding these breed-specific needs helps prospective owners make informed decisions aligned with their living situations and capabilities. Responsible dog ownership includes research, realistic expectations about care requirements, and a commitment to the dog’s well-being. Rescue or foster situations can be meaningful ways to provide loving homes for any breed while accommodating individual circumstances.
See more comments