A professional dog trainer with more than 30 years of experience working with dogs has listed five breeds he would urge first-time and novice owners to “stay away” from
A professional dog trainer has unveiled a list of five breeds he wouldn’t recommend for a first-time owner. Choosing which breed of dog to welcome into your family can be quite the challenge, with various lifestyle factors to consider.
Content creator and “dog behaviour expert” Casey Ray boasts more than 30 years of experience working with dogs and has listed the breeds he’d urge novice owners to steer clear of. In some instances, he wouldn’t recommend these breeds “even for a second or third timer.”
He advised potential owners who are still “wrapping their heads around how dogs work” and learning how to interpret their body language and energy to “stay away” from five breeds in particular, with number one even being banned here in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
He said: “If you’re experienced and you think you’re ready to tackle one, you know, maybe get with a professional trainer and ask them some questions about them because these breeds are no joke, right?”
5. Cattle dog
Kicking off his list, Casey began with the cattle dog – also known as the Australian cattle dog – a herding breed developed for driving cattle through rough terrain over long distances. They’re high energy, very loyal and intelligent, but can nip at the heels of small or squealing children due to their natural herding instincts.
Casey said: “My personal opinion is if you don’t have a farm or a ranch, you don’t need these dogs. You know, it takes a lot to keep them fulfilled – they are intense and that energy needs to go somewhere.
“I’ve probably seen this breed become more reactive on and off leash than any other and that’s because the energy is not being channelled into what they are bred to do.”
4. Akita
In fourth place, Casey put the Akita, a Japanese breed known for its strong protective instincts. They’re large and strong dogs with very dominant and independent personalities.
They require consistent training and early socialisation to prevent them from being too aggressive. Casey described them as “powerful” and explained: “It’s got to be properly socialised. It’s got to come from good bloodlines.
“It needs to go right into training, and you, the handler, needs to understand exactly what needs to happen for this dog or this breed.”
3. Belgian Malinois
Next, Casey put the Belgian Malinois, “first bred around the city of Malines in the north-western region of Belgium”, as per the American Kennel Club.
Casey has personal experience with this breed, having owned one himself, and shared: “Most loyal dog I ever trained and owned, he was fantastic. He was my right hand for 14 years – I miss that boy dearly.”
But he conceded they’re “off the charts” with “zero chill” as they were bred to work, and their protective, stubborn, confident, active and demanding natures can make them very difficult in the hands of the wrong owners.
Casey added: “I would say honestly, this breed is not for 99% of homes.”
2. Anatolian shepherd
In second place, Casey listed the Anatolian shepherd, known for their strong sense of loyalty and desire to protect their owners, or “pack”.
They can be calm and affectionate with their immediate family but they’re still dominant and demanding so require strong owners able to offer firm, consistent training.
Casey described them as “very large, very powerful, very aloof” and said “most people don’t know how to handle them.”
He added: “This is like a lifetime package because they need to understand what to do all the time and it’s ongoing. Very challenging breed.”
1. Dogo Argentino
In first place, Casey put the Dogo Argentino, a breed which is banned here in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
It’s a large, mastiff-type dog known for their powerful build and history in dog fighting. Casey included them in his list because “they’re gaining popularity” in some countries.
Describing them as “stunning” and “high energy” with a “strong prey drive” which “equals aggression towards other animals”.
He added: “And that’s what you really have to watch out for. Obviously, this is not ideal for first-time owners.
“Probably not even first-time trainers, second-time owners, third-time owners. This is a big, powerful breed – and you really got to understand what you’re getting yourself into.”
Remember, no matter what breed you choose to get, training is often essential. Never leave dogs unaccompanied around children, and always do your research and get professional advice before selecting a dog for your family.
