The dog expert, of Will Atherton Canine Training, said: “My job is helping fix dogs when they’ve gone terribly wrong.”
Any family member may want to “steer well clear of” one of these dog breeds that Will claims are the “worst”.
“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.”
Mr Atherton elaborated: “They bite children, they herd children, [and] they have no off switch.”
The next dog breed Mr Atherton regards as highly unsuitable for families is the Caucasian Shepherd.
“Or, for that matter, any of the giant livestock guardian breeds,” said Mr Atherton.
He explained: “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.”
The final dog breed Mr Atherton is strongly against having in a family home 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.”
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.
