Veterinarian warns against owning these 5 dog breeds

These dogs may not be man’s best friend.

A UK veterinarian who works with all types of dogs has revealed which breeds he would avoid owning, citing their common health issues that can be costly — and worse yet, result in heartache.

Alex Crow shared his insights in a video posted on Tik Tok and based his list on dog breeds that he encounters more frequently in his line of work.

Entitled “5 Breeds I wouldn’t Own As A Vet,” Crow, who is the chief veterinary officer for Net Vet, as per his LinkedIn page, advised against owning these types of dogs:

Shar Pei

The Chinese breed’s wrinkly skin is the source of many health problems for the pup, Alex said. 

“While many find the wrinkles adorable, they can lead to serious skin infections as bacteria gets stuck between the folds and festers,” Crow said. 

They are also prone to ear infections, the vet said, as a result of their narrow ear canals.

He added that the breed often needs a face-lift type of procedure to prevent their eyelids from rolling forward, and they also suffer from a condition known as “Shar Pei fever.”

Flat-faced dogs

Flat-faced dogs – Frenchies, pugs and bulldogs –  were also on the no-no list, because of their shortened, compressed air ways, which leads to breathing difficulties, overheating and acid reflux.

These problems can take a toll on the owner’s wallet, as they often require a “big, invasive surgery just to fix,” he said.

They also suffer from skin and ear infections, allergies, and are prone to issues with their spines, Crow said. They also have eye problems due to their “bulging eyes.”  

“In my opinion, if a dog needs multiple procedures just to live a normal life then, they probably shouldn’t exist,” Crow said in his blunt assessment.

German Shepherd

Crow included the popular German Shepherd, admitting that this addition was more of a “personal opinion.”

He explained that they “need a very specific lifestyle in order to thrive” – which includes copious amounts of exercise and “mental stimulation” — a lack of which could lead to anxiety and behavioral problems. Crow shared that he found that many owners failed to “provide them with the lifestyle that they need.”

He added that they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and other joint issues. 

Great Dane

Another large dog he cautioned against was the Great Dane, because the “gentle giants” are prone to a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy.

He also cited their shorter lifespan, of 7 to 8 years, which is due to their large size.

“I would just find it incredibly tough to say goodbye after such a short time, especially when they have such a lovely temperament,” Alex said.

Dachshund

The vet concluded with this beloved breed, which made the list because of their shape. 

Their long back and short legs make them prone to “severe back problems,” such as slipped disk. They also can suffer from joint problems, and an inherited eye condition known as progressive retinal atrophy. 

“While they do often have lovely personalities, their body shape really just predisposes them to many of these health problems, and I just find it heartbreaking to see them go through all of this, just because of how they’ve been bred,” he said.

He admitted that there are variations within all breeds, and he tends to see “the worst in these breeds, but stressed that “many suffer due to breeding practices encouraged by us humans, just because we think certain traits look cute.” 

“We just need more education and barriers in place to prevent these issues,” he said.

He then asked viewers if they agreed with the list.