The dog expert, of Will Atherton Canine Training, stated: “My job is helping fix dogs when they’ve gone terribly wrong.” He warned that families may want to “steer well clear of” a certain dog breed if you have small children in the house.
While the Belgian Malinois is “capable of crazy feats of obedience and training”, they are not suitable for family households. Mr Atherton said: “They bite children, they herd children, [and] they have no off switch.” Another breed Mr Atherton deems highly unsuitable for families is the Caucasian Shepherd.
“Or, for that matter, any of the giant livestock guardian breeds,” Mr Atherton added. He clarified: “Yes, they can be protective of the family, but they’re much better suited to live outside on a farm.”
Mr Atherton elaborated: “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.”
The final breed Mr Atherton strongly advises against having in a family home is the Dogo Argentino. “I love Mastiff breeds,” Mr Atherton affirmed. “But of all the Mastiff breeds, this is the one that I hear going wrong with children the most.”
Three dog breeds not to have in the family home
- Belgian Malinois
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Dogo Argentino
For families, Mr Atherton recommends three breeds that are most suited to family life. The best family dogs include the Labrador, the Golden Retriever and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Of course, as with any dog breed, the temperament is only one factor to consider when bringing home a pet.
Additional considerations would include how readily you could meet the dog’s needs, such as satisfying its requirement for nutrition and exercise.
Owning a pet pooch comes with additional expenses, such as vet bills, toys, toilet training pads (if bringing home a puppy), and food.