Choosing the right dog isn’t always straightforward. With more than 200 recognised breeds in the UK, finding the perfect match goes far beyond picking the cutest puppy. Whether you’ve owned dogs for years or you’re thinking about bringing home your first, it’s important to look ahead. Some breeds may be hugely popular or undeniably adorable, but they can come with long-term challenges that not every household is prepared for.
One expert who has seen this firsthand is Dr Bronte, an Australian-qualified veterinarian and co-founder of the 24/7 online vet, Vetly. With a background in veterinary bioscience and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, she has worked extensively in small animal practices. In a TikTok video, Dr Bronte has shared the five dog breeds she personally wouldn’t choose to own.
The caption to her TikTok video reads: “Top dog breeds I would NOT get as a vet WITH explanations. All these breeds are lovely companions just are prone to very serious health issues.”
1. Shar Pei
Dr Bronte explained that Shar Peis are especially vulnerable to severe skin infections and ear infections due to their small, tightly set ears. Their narrow ear canals (stenotic canals) and deep skin folds can easily trap moisture, creating ideal conditions for yeast and bacteria to grow.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The expert said that these dogs are “very susceptible to heart issues.” She added: “They get a condition called mitral valve disease, which is super common in this breed.”
Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart condition in small breed dogs, with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels being particularly predisposed.
Almost all Cavaliers develop this condition by the age of 10, and in many cases, the disease begins much earlier, according to a review published in the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest biomedical library.
Dr Bronte said they also get other neurological issues that go “hand in hand with their skull size.”
3. Dachshund
Next, we have the Dachshund. The vet said that, unfortunately, these dogs are “very susceptible to spinal disease.”
According to Dachshund IVDD UK, Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is “by far the most common health problem in UK Dachshunds: around 1 in 4 may be affected at some stage in their lives.” While many dogs recover, permanent damage and complications can still occur.
She added: “These guys can end up paralysed and having lots of complications.”
4. Bulldog
Dr Bronte said that Bulldogs are very susceptible to skin and ear infections, breathing issues, and spinal issues as they get older.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) previously stated that the breed is particularly prone to ear infections, skin infections and obesity, according to the largest ever study of British bulldogs treated in first opinion veterinary practices.
The research led by the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) VetCompass™ programme revealed that due to breeding trends, 12.7% of British bulldogs suffer from ear infections, 8.8% from skin infections and 8.7% from obesity.
5. Pug
The final dog breed the vet would not own is the Pug. This breed is known for its distinctive features, with its wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. Dr Bronte explained that because these dogs have shorter bones in their face and nose, this can lead to breathing and airway issues. These issues can be “life-threatening if serious enough,” she added.