A vet known as 'Alex the vet' on social media has shared four crucial points for anyone considering adopting a dog, emphasising that proper breed research is the most impactful step before bringing a pet home.
Researching the breed is key
In a video and accompanying post, Alex said: "The single most impactful thing you can do for your future dog happens before you ever bring them home. And it's not training, it's not insurance, it's not the vet that you choose. It's researching the breed properly before you buy them."
He explained that many health, welfare, and quality of life issues he encounters as a vet stem from owners not fully understanding what they were getting into.
The four checks
First, Alex advised researching health issues common to the breed, noting that "almost every breed has predispositions." Short-nosed dogs often struggle with breathing, long-backed dogs risk spinal damage, and large dogs commonly get joint dysplasia. Knowing these risks helps owners catch early warning signs and predict future vet costs.
Second, he urged researching exercise and mental stimulation needs, saying: "Border collies and Frenchies are wildly different animals." High-energy working dogs need hours of intense activity, while low-energy companion dogs need only short walks. He warned: "If you work full time and live in a flat and then buy a working line breed, both you and your dog are gonna be miserable."
Cost and purpose
Third, Alex highlighted the honest lifetime cost of the dog, including food, insurance, vet bills, grooming, and training over 12 to 15 years. He noted: "Some breeds are two to three times more expensive to keep than others, mostly because of vet bills."
Finally, he advised researching what the breed was bred to do, arguing that a companion breed with a working ancestry often can't switch off. "And that mismatch is where a lot of behaviour problems come from," he explained.
Alex concluded: "Now, this doesn't mean don't get the dog you want. There are some breeds that I would strongly advise against for ethical reasons. But always choose a dog after doing your research. Look them up online, watch videos or even talk to people you know that have that breed and adopt if you can."
