A dog trainer has warned families to “steer well clear of” certain breeds he deems the “worst” for households. Canine expert Will Atherton, from Will Atherton Canine Training, said: “My job is helping fix dogs when they’ve gone terribly wrong.”
Pointing out one problematic breed, he mentioned: “First up is the Belgian Malinois; yes, they’re capable of crazy feats of obedience and training, but that does not mean that they’re suitable for families. “They bite children, they herd children, [and] they have no off switch.”
The Caucasian Shepherd also made Mr Atherton’s list of family-unfriendly dogs, reports the Express: “And any of the giant livestock guardian breeds,” he advised. “Yes, they can be protective of the family, but they are much better suited to live outside on a farm.”
Further, Mr Atherton highlighted the potential dangers in a domestic setting: “And if you try and bring them in the home, they may not have the patience or the ability to get away from children that they find frustrating, and it often does lead to bites on children.”
Concluding his cautionary advice, he spoke against the Dogo Argentino for family environments: “I love Mastiff breeds,” he said. “But of all the Mastiff breeds, this is the one that I hear going wrong with children the most.”
The top three breeds Mr Atherton recommends for families are the friendly Labrador, the gentle Golden Retriever, and the affable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Will Atherton’s three dog breeds not to have in the family home
- Belgian Malinois
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Dogo Argentino