Expert Warns 3 Dog Breeds Are Worst for Families Due to Biting Risk

Bringing a dog into your home is a dream for many British families, but a leading expert is urging caution, highlighting three specific breeds that he says are completely unsuitable for households with children.

Three Breeds to 'Steer Well Clear Of'

Canine expert Will Atherton, of Will Atherton Canine Training, has issued a stark warning to families, advising them to avoid three dog breeds entirely if they have young children. He states that the risks associated with these breeds are simply too high for a typical family environment.

The Breeds Posing the Greatest Risk

The first breed on Mr Atherton's list is the Belgian Malinois. While he acknowledges their incredible intelligence and capacity for advanced training, he stresses this does not make them good family pets. He explains that they are prone to biting and herding children, and critically, "they have no off switch", meaning their high-energy, working-dog mentality is constant and can be dangerous around youngsters.

The second breed he identifies as inappropriate is the Caucasian Shepherd. These massive dogs can be protective, but Atherton clarifies they are "much better suited to live outside on a farm". He warns that in a home environment, they may lack the patience to tolerate frustrating interactions with children and cannot easily remove themselves from a situation, which "often does lead to bites on children". This caution extends to other large livestock guardian breeds as well.

The final breed Atherton firmly warns against is the Dogo Argentino. As a fan of mastiff breeds, he makes a specific distinction, noting that of all the mastiffs, this is the one he most frequently hears about "going wrong with children".

Safer, Family-Friendly Alternatives

For families looking to welcome a four-legged friend, Mr Atherton offers positive alternatives. He recommends three breeds known for their gentle and patient temperaments with children.