Veterinarian warns against owning these 5 dog breeds

These dogs may not be man’s best friend.

A UK vet who works with all types of dogs has revealed which breeds to avoid owning, citing their common health problems that can be costly – and worse, result in pain.

Alex Crow shared his knowledge in a video posted on Tik Tok and based his list on the dog breeds he comes across most often in his line of work.

Titled “5 Breeds I Wouldn’t Own as a Vet,” Crow, who is chief veterinary officer for Net Vet, according to his LinkedIn page, advised against owning these types of dogs:

Shar Pei

The wrinkled skin of the Chinese breed is the source of many health problems for the dog, Alex said.

“While many people find wrinkles adorable, they can lead to serious skin infections as bacteria get stuck between the wrinkles and the citrus,” said Crow.

They are also prone to ear infections, the vet said, as a result of their narrow ear canals.

He added that the breed often needs some sort of facelift procedure to prevent their eyelids from rolling forward, and they also suffer from a condition known as “Shar Pei fever”.

Flat-faced dogs

Flat-faced dogs – Frenchies, pugs and bulldogs – were also on the no-no list, due to their shortened and compressed airways, which leads to breathing difficulties, overheating and acid reflux.

These problems can hurt the owner’s wallet, as they often require “major, invasive surgery just to fix,” he said.

They also suffer from skin and ear infections, allergies and are prone to spinal problems, Crow said. They also have eye problems due to “bloated eyes”.

“In my opinion, if a dog needs multiple procedures just to live a normal life, then they probably shouldn’t exist,” Crow said in his blunt assessment.

German shepherd

Crow included the popular German shepherd, admitting that this addition was more of a “personal opinion”.

He explained that they “need a very specific lifestyle in order to thrive” – ​​which includes copious amounts of exercise and “mental stimulation” – the lack of which can lead to anxiety and behavioral problems. Crow said he found many landlords failed to “provide them with the lifestyle they need”.

He added that they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and other joint problems.

Dan the Great

Another large dog he warned against was the Great Dane, because the “gentle giants” are prone to a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy.

He also cited their shorter lifespan of 7 to 8 years, which is due to their large size.

“It would be very difficult to say goodbye after such a short time, especially when they have such a beautiful temperament,” said Alex.

Dachshund

The vet ended up with this beloved breed, which made the list because of their shape.

Their long backs and short legs make them prone to “severe back problems” such as slipped discs. They can also suffer from joint problems and an inherited eye condition known as progressive retinal atrophy.

“Even though they often have beautiful personalities, their body shapes predispose them to many of these health problems, and I’m sorry to see them go through all of this, just because of the way they were raised. said.

He acknowledged that there is variation within all breeds and tends to see “the worst in these breeds,” but pointed out that “many suffer because of the breeding practices we humans encourage, just because we think certain traits look cool.”

“We just need more education and barriers to prevent these issues,” he said.

He then asked viewers if they agreed with the list.