I’m a vet and 2 ‘small, confident breeds’ are often harder to train – they can be ‘pigheaded’ and won’t be convinced
WHEN choosing a dog breed, you might want to avoid strong headed and stubborn canines.
One vet shared her least favorite Fidos – and it proved that sometimes big headaches can come in small packages, or at least pooches.
They might not look fierce, but there are two types of dogs that she doesn’t want you to be fooled by.
“Some of the smaller, more confident breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds can be a bit pigheaded when it comes to training in my experience,” Dr. Lisa Simon, a resident vet at Pooch & Mutt in London, told The U.S. Sun.
“They are often difficult to convince otherwise when they have their heart set on something,” she added.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-train companion, she said to beware of some “anxious” breeds.
“Certain Poodle crosses and Frenchies can sometimes get too worked up to train when in situations they find stressful,” she said.
Just make sure not to judge a dog by its cuteness, but rather by its chronic medical issues.
“I couldn’t justify purchasing a dog bred to be severely brachycephalic, such as a Pug,” she said.
“Many of these dogs struggle to breathe and suffer with a range of medical conditions caused by how they were bred to look,” she added.
She did share one exception, however.
If one of these breeds was in need of a home, she might just take one in, breathing problems and all.
“I think rescuing these dogs is very different to breeding or purchasing them,” she said.
She also has a tip if you want a more laidback lap dog.
“From a lifestyle point of view, I couldn’t own a very high energy breed like a Border Collie or Belgian Shepherd right now,” she said.
“I do not have the time they’d need when it comes to exercise and training,” she added.
You might love your dog – whatever breed it is – but you most likely won’t love your future vet bills.
That’s why Dr. Simon advises to always take pet insurance.
“This is especially true for those breeds prone to more medical issues such as Pugs, Frenchies, German Shepherds and Labradors,” she said.
“Larger dogs can cost more when it comes to feeding them and buying items like beds and harnesses,” she added.
“However, they do not tend to live as long as smaller breeds, so this cost can even out.”
While some breeds such as the Labrador and Beagle tend to have a one track mind that is very focused on food, she doesn’t want you to discredit them simply for their dietary wants.
“With the Lab, we know it is a gene that they carry, which makes them prone to obesity,” she said.
Still, she said that any type of dog can be kept slim with the right doggy diet and exercise plan.
If you’re looking for more of a family dog, the mom of two strongly recommends staying away from larger dogs who have been “bred for fighting.”
These breeds include the American Pitbull as well as the American Bulldog.
“Just never worth the risk, in my opinion,” she said.
“I’d also be wary of Akitas, Shar Peis and Chow Chows as these dogs are powerful and many are stubborn, difficult to control and prone to aggression.”