Choosing the right dog is a major decision, especially for first-time owners. A professional dog trainer with more than three decades of experience has now issued a stark warning, advising novices to avoid five specific breeds that he deems too challenging.
Expert Advice For New Dog Owners
Casey Ray, a content creator and dog behaviour expert, has spent over 30 years working with canines. He strongly suggests that individuals who are still learning to interpret canine body language and energy should stay away from five particular breeds. In some instances, he wouldn't recommend these dogs even for a second or third-time owner.
Ray emphasised the importance of seeking professional guidance, stating, "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?"
The Five Breeds to Approach With Caution
Here is the detailed list of the five breeds Casey Ray advises first-time owners to avoid, based on his professional experience.
5. Cattle Dog
Starting the list is the cattle dog, also known as the Australian cattle dog. Bred as a herding dog for driving cattle across vast, rough terrain, this breed is high-energy, extremely loyal, and intelligent.
However, their strong herding instincts can lead them to nip at the heels of small or squealing children. Ray offered a firm opinion: "My personal opinion is if you don't have a farm or a ranch, you don't need these dogs." He explained that their intense energy must be channelled correctly, or they can become reactive.
4. Akita
Next is the Akita, a powerful Japanese breed known for its protective nature. These large, robust dogs have highly dominant and independent characters.
They require consistent training and early socialisation to prevent aggressive tendencies. Ray described them as "powerful" and stressed that the handler must fully understand the breed's needs for the relationship to be successful.
3. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois, a breed originating from Belgium, takes the third spot. Ray, who owned one for 14 years, called him the "most loyal dog I ever trained and owned."
Despite this personal connection, he was unequivocal in his warning. The breed has zero chill and was bred to work, resulting in a protective, stubborn, confident, and demanding nature. Ray candidly admitted, "I would say honestly, this breed is not for 99% of homes."
2. Anatolian Shepherd
In second place is the Anatolian shepherd, recognised for its fierce loyalty and strong guarding instincts. While they can be gentle with their immediate family, they remain dominant and demanding.
Ray described them as "very large, very powerful, very aloof," noting that most people do not know how to handle them. He characterised ownership as a "lifetime package" requiring ongoing, consistent training.
1. Dogo Argentino
Topping the list is the Dogo Argentino, a breed banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This large, mastiff-type dog was historically used in dog fighting and is recognised for its muscular build.
Ray included it because it is gaining popularity in some countries. He described the breed as "stunning" and "high energy" with a strong prey drive that can lead to aggression towards other animals. He advised that this breed is not ideal for first-time owners, or even for many experienced ones, stating, "you really got to understand what you're getting yourself into."
Final Considerations For Prospective Owners
Regardless of the breed you choose, Ray and other experts stress that proper training is vital. It is crucial to never leave dogs unsupervised around children and to always conduct thorough research and seek professional guidance before bringing a new dog into your family.
