A seasoned professional dog trainer has issued a stark warning to prospective pet owners, identifying three specific dog breeds he strongly advises against bringing into family homes. The guidance comes from Garret Wing, founder of American Standard Dog Training, who possesses more than two decades of expertise in training police dogs for both operational street duties and competitive events.
Expert Advice from a Veteran Trainer
Garret Wing, whose respected YouTube channel has attracted over 2,800 subscribers, shared his insights in a video from 2023. He emphasised that certain breeds are fundamentally inappropriate for domestic settings or present excessive challenges for typical owners to manage effectively. Wing's professional background lends significant weight to his recommendations, as he specialises in handling high-performance working dogs.
The Tibetan Mastiff: A 'Monster' Capable of Extreme Force
Ranking third on his list of breeds to avoid is the Tibetan Mastiff. Wing described this breed as a "monster of a dog" with the alarming capability to "kill an entire pack of wolves." He posed a critical question to viewers: "Do you think you need that in your home, with your small children? Not necessarily."
Beyond their formidable strength, Tibetan Mastiffs are notoriously stubborn and difficult to train, according to Wing. While acknowledging their beauty, he firmly stated they are "probably not for you" if you seek a manageable family pet.
The Great Dane: A Lifestyle-Altering Companion
Next, Wing highlighted the Great Dane. He recognised these dogs as "sweet" animals that can become wonderful pets, but cautioned they demand profound lifestyle adjustments. Owners may need to completely rearrange their living spaces, invest in extra-large crates, and meticulously plan furniture layouts and outdoor areas.
"We're talking about a dog that is just too big for most homes," Wing explained, underscoring the practical challenges of accommodating such a giant breed in typical domestic environments.
The Cane Corso: An Unsuitable 'Battle Tank' for Suburbia
Topping Wing's list of unrecommended breeds is the Cane Corso, an Italian mastiff historically used for guarding livestock, herding cattle, and hunting large game. Wing described this breed as entirely unsuitable for families, labelling them "absolute battle tanks" that belong nowhere near suburban neighbourhoods.
"That is too much dog for about 99.9% of folks," he asserted, noting this assessment comes not only from his professional training perspective but also from personal experience as a Cane Corso owner. The breed's powerful guarding instincts and substantial size make it overwhelmingly challenging for the vast majority of households.
Wing's overarching message is clear: while these three large breeds—Tibetan Mastiff, Great Dane, and Cane Corso—may be impressive animals, their specific needs, temperaments, and physical demands render them poor choices for typical family homes. Prospective dog owners should carefully consider these expert warnings before committing to any of these formidable breeds.
