A DOG expert has lifted the lid on the worst breeds for first time owners – and warned against the spike of people getting them as guard dogs.
Will Atherton is a Canine Behaviourist and has saved thousands of dogs from shelters and the euthanasia table.
The 32-year-old’s mission is to educate people on breeds so that they choose appropriate dog breeds they are able to handle properly.
However, there has been a recent spike in first time owners purchasing large and intimidating breeds – which require an abundance of skill, time and experience – to act as guard dogs for their homes.
These include Belgian Malinois, Turkish Kangals, Tibetan Mastiffs and Caucasian Shepherds
Will warned that guard dogs are never suitable for first time owners – and very rarely necessary in the UK where a dog's bark could be enough to scare off burglars or other threats.
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He said: “It’s simply due to the nature of the beast that is a guard dog.
“The drives, confidence, independence and then, quite frankly, sometimes the aggression that is bred into those breeds.
"It's very difficult to manage for anyone without experience.
“What I classify as more traditional guard dogs – especially a natural guarding breed which doesn’t need to be trained to have high guarding instincts – is Turkish Kangals, Tibetan Mastiffs and Caucasian Shepherds.
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“They are so visually striking and they are the dogs that are in certain countries where there are predator problems.
“They are the breeds that are fighting with wolves and bears.
“People hear that story and that those dogs are capable of that and then think it might be good to get them guarding a small, suburban home in the UK.
“It’s very, very rarely a good idea.”
Will noted that there is also an issue with first-time owners purchasing “personal protection dogs” that they don’t have the experience, skill or time to train effectively.
He said: “It’s easy to package dogs into guard dog breeds but people in the profession might classify some more as personal protection dogs.
“And they are very rarely suited to a first time owner.”
These include Belgian Malinois’, working line German Shepherds, Dutch Herders, Dobermans and some Giant Schnauzers.
Will explained: “Especially if they’re bred from working lines for working purposes, that is very often a recipe for disaster if a first time owner is getting those breeds.
“For the Belgian Malinois, what they are capable of is absolutely ludicrous.
“They are amazing animals and when they are paired with skilled handlers with the amount of time every day that is required for a breed like that, they are capable of incredible feats.”
RSPCA scientific officer Esme Wheeler urged people to remember that “every dog deserves a good home where they can be healthy and happy”.
She said “All dogs are individuals and independent needs can vary from animal to animal.
“It’s also a good idea to have a chat with your vet about your dog’s welfare needs, particularly if you are a first time dog-owner.”
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Ms Wheeler outlined that first-time owners should think about pooches having somewhere to rest undisturbed and a safe space to escape from things that scare them.
They also require an easily accessible and appropriate toilet area, as well as plenty of exercise and toys to keep their intelligent brains occupied.
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