Dog expert Will Atherton, of Will Atherton Canine Training, has named three breeds that families may want to “steer well clear of” if they have children
Whilst numerous families dream of welcoming a four-legged member, certain dog breeds simply aren’t suitable for households with youngsters.
Canine expert Will Atherton, from Will Atherton Canine Training, has identified three breeds that families should “steer well clear of”.
He explains: “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 second dog breed Mr Atherton considers completely inappropriate for families is the Caucasian Shepherd. He revealed: “Yes, they can be protective of the family, but they’re much better suited to live outside on a farm.
“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.”
He noted that this frequently applies to any of the massive livestock guardian breeds, many of which aren’t ideal choices for families with small children.
The final breed Mr Atherton firmly warns against keeping in a family household is the Dogo Argentino.
“I love Mastiff breeds,” Mr Atherton clarified. “But of all the Mastiff breeds, this is the one that I hear going wrong with children the most.”
For families, Mr Atherton suggests three breeds that are perfectly suited to family life, which are the Labrador, the Golden Retriever and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.