A canine behaviourist has warned prospective pet owners against choosing 'super smart' dog breeds, claiming they are rarely a good fit for typical households. Will Atherton, founder of a dog training academy, shared his insights on TikTok, explaining that highly intelligent breeds often come with challenges that new owners may not anticipate.
Why 'Super Smart' Breeds Can Be Problematic
According to Atherton, many people assume that smarter dogs are easier to train, but his professional experience suggests otherwise. 'The vast majority of dogs I see with problem behaviours - ranging from annoying their owners through to being incredibly dangerous and at risk of ending up in a shelter - are actually often the smartest dog breeds,' he said in the video. He noted that these breeds tend to have high energy levels and drive, and they can 'work and train you just as much as you can train them.'
Breeds to Avoid for First-Time Owners
Atherton specifically advised against breeds such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, and Malinois for novice owners. Instead, he consistently recommends breeds that are eager to look to their owners for guidance, are gentle with people and other animals, and possess sufficient intelligence to be trained effectively.
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The behaviourist named the Labrador Retriever as the 'king of all dog breeds' that 'ticks every box' for first-time owners, with the Golden Retriever coming in as a close second. 'If more first time owners got those breeds instead of ones like Border Collies and German Shepherds... there would be a lot more happy owners,' he stated. He added that this shift could reduce behaviour problems, shelter admissions, and euthanasia rates.
Public Reaction
The TikTok video sparked discussion among viewers. One user commented, 'People don't meet their needs and that's where it goes wrong. I always look for a dog/breed his needs so we match.' Another shared their experience with a Border Collie-Greyhound cross, noting the high exercise requirements. A third user agreed with Atherton, saying they struggled with a slightly smarter dog that tries to outsmart them. A fourth praised Labradors and Golden Retrievers as 'super forgiving of mistakes,' making them ideal for beginners.
