IF you want to bring home an obedient little dog, some more headstrong breeds may not be for you.
According to a veterinarian, sometimes big headaches can come in small packages — or at least in dogs.
LISTEN, PUPPY
They may not look fierce, but there are two types of dogs she doesn’t want you to be fooled by.
“Some of the smaller, more confident breeds, like chihuahuas and dachshunds, can be a little stubborn when it comes to training, in my experience,” Dr. Lisa Simon, resident veterinarian at the Dog and mutt in London, he told The US Sun.
“It’s often difficult to convince them otherwise when they have their minds set on something,” she added.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-train companion, she said to be careful with some “eager” breeds.
“Certain poodle and Frenchie crosses can sometimes become too agitated to train when they are in situations they consider stressful,” she said.
A SICK PUPPY
Just make sure you don’t judge a dog by its cuteness, but rather by its chronic medical problems.
“I could not justify purchasing a dog bred to be severely brachycephalic, like a pug,” she said.
“Many of these dogs struggle to breathe and suffer from a range of medical conditions caused by the way they were bred to look,” she added.
She shared one exception, however.
If one of these breeds needed a home, she could simply take one in, breathing issues and all.
“I think rescuing these dogs is very different than breeding them or buying them,” she said.
She also gives a tip if you want a more relaxed lap dog.
“From a lifestyle standpoint, I couldn’t own a high-energy breed like a Border Collie or a Belgian Shepherd right now,” she said.
“I don’t have the time they need when it comes to exercise and training,” she added.
BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR WALLET
You may love your dog — whatever breed it is — but you probably won’t love your future vet bills.
That’s why Dr. Simon advises always getting pet insurance.
“This is especially true for those breeds prone to more medical problems, such as pugs, Frenchies, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers,” she said.
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“Larger dogs can cost more when it comes to feeding them and purchasing items like beds and harnesses,” she added.
“However, they don’t tend to live as long as smaller breeds, so this cost can be balanced out.”
THICK BREEDS
Although some breeds, like the Labrador and Beagle, tend to have a focused mind and are very focused on food, she doesn’t want you to discredit them simply because of their dietary needs.
“With the lab, we know that it is a gene that they carry that makes them prone to obesity,” she said.
Still, she said any type of dog can be kept lean with the right canine diet and exercise plan.
RISKY BUSINESS
If you’re looking for a more family dog, the mother of two strongly recommends staying away from larger dogs that were “bred to fight.”
These breeds include the American Pitbull and also the American Bulldog.
“It’s just never worth the risk, in my opinion,” she said.
“I would also be careful with Akitas, Shar Peis and Chow Chows as these dogs are powerful and many are stubborn, difficult to control and prone to aggression.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
