Veterinarian Issues Stern Warning to First-Time Dog Owners About Popular Breeds
Deciding to bring a dog into your home involves numerous considerations, from financial planning for ongoing expenses to establishing routines for daily care like early morning walks. One of the most critical decisions, whether adopting from a rescue organization or purchasing from a breeder, is selecting an appropriate breed. Tom Rhind-Tutt, an experienced veterinarian, has observed countless novice owners struggling with their new pets after the initial excitement fades, a situation he largely attributes to poor breed selection.
While Tom emphasizes that no breed is inherently bad, he stresses that many are simply unsuitable for inexperienced owners. "There's a significant difference between personally loving a breed and recommending it to someone who has never owned a dog before," he explains. The in-house veterinarian at Perfect Pet Insurance warns that the gap between the pets people desire and what they're actually equipped to handle has never been wider.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Growing Problem
This disconnect is reflected in troubling statistics. The RSPCA reports record numbers of dogs in its care, with figures increasing by more than 50% since 2020. Simultaneously, pet insurance claims are skyrocketing, with the breeds topping the claims tables being the same ones trending on social media platforms like TikTok. "We're making decisions based on 15-second videos and then facing 15 years of consequences," Tom tells Metro. "Choose the dog that fits your actual lifestyle, not the one that looks good on your social media feed."
Here, Tom shares the five breeds he strongly recommends first-time owners avoid, at least until they gain more experience with canine care.
1. French Bulldog: The Costly Clown
"French Bulldogs are absolute clowns with brilliant personalities, and I completely understand why people fall in love with them," says Tom. "However, nearly half of all BOAS surgeries—procedures to open compressed airways so animals can breathe without distress—are performed on French Bulldogs. The Royal Veterinary College documented a staggering 2,075% increase in these surgeries over a single decade."
Despite consistently ranking among the UK's most registered breeds, French Bulldogs come with substantial veterinary costs. Tom estimates their annual vet bills range between £800 and £2,000, with breathing surgery alone costing £2,000 to £4,000. Additionally, Frenchies often struggle with exercise, overheat easily in summer, and frequently cannot mate or give birth naturally. "The level of medical management they require is something a first-time owner really needs to be prepared for," Tom argues.
2. Siberian Husky: The Escape Artist
Tom describes Huskies as "magnificent animals" that are "incredibly athletic, full of character, and properly devoted to their people." However, he cautions: "They were bred to run 100 miles daily in sub-zero conditions. When under-exercised, they will create their own entertainment, and you will not enjoy what they devise."
These dogs require a minimum of two hours of vigorous daily exercise with a confident handler and ideally need access to "a garden with a fence they cannot jump over, dig under, or think their way through." Tom summarizes: "Stunning dogs, but definitely not starter dogs."
3. Border Collie: The Genius That Needs Work
"The Border Collie is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed on the planet," Tom explains. "Their intelligence is a joy to work with if you can match it. They learn commands in under five repetitions and read body language better than most humans."
This brilliance comes with demands: Border Collies essentially need to be put to work consistently. Otherwise, they risk becoming under-stimulated and developing compulsive behaviors like chasing shadows, nipping heels, and spinning. "For an experienced owner with an active lifestyle, they are genuinely the perfect dog," Tom adds. "For someone who works full-time and is new to dog ownership, their intelligence can lead to frustration on both sides."
4. Cocker Spaniel: The Misunderstood Family Dog
Many perceive Cocker Spaniels as perfect easy family dogs, but statistics tell a different story. Spaniels now constitute 22.2% of all Dogs Trust intakes, up dramatically from just 4.9% in 2021. Tom believes this surge results from people underestimating the breed.
"They are a working breed with serious energy levels, and they bond incredibly deeply," he explains. "This is lovely until you have to leave them alone. Most first-time owners aren't quite prepared for how much time and attention a Spaniel genuinely needs—though if you can provide that, they will give you everything in return."
5. Dachshund: The Deceptively Demanding
Miniature Dachshunds have skyrocketed in popularity recently, with over 11,000 Kennel Club registrations recorded in 2024 alone. However, look beyond their cute appearance and amusing personality, and you'll understand why Dachshund Rescue UK is experiencing unprecedented surrender numbers.
"One in four Dachshunds will develop intervertebral disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause paralysis, with surgery costing £5,000 to £10,000," Tom reveals. "They are also surprisingly strong-willed. House-training a Dachshund is an exercise in patience that would test a monk. This combination of expensive health risks and a temperament that doesn't yield to beginners makes them a breed to grow into, not start with."
Essential Questions Before Getting Any Dog
Before committing to any breed, Tom recommends answering these questions honestly:
- Can you provide two-plus hours of exercise every day for the next 12 to 15 years?
- Can you afford a £5,000 emergency vet bill at 2am on a Sunday?
- Do you have a plan for when you go on holiday, work late, or get ill?
- Have you met the breed in person—not just watched them on TikTok?
"If you hesitated on any of those, start with a breed that forgives mistakes," he advises. "Then work your way up."
Recommended Breeds for First-Time Owners
When pressed for recommendations, Tom responds: "I get asked this constantly. The honest answer is that preparation matters more than breed. But if you're pushing me, I'd steer a first-time owner toward a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Labrador from show lines (calmer than working lines), a Whippet (surprisingly low-maintenance), or—the answer nobody wants to hear—a rescue mutt over 18 months old whose personality is already established."
He particularly advocates for rescue dogs: "A young adult rescue dog is the cheat code nobody uses. The puppy phase is over, their temperament is what you see, and rescue staff will match you with a dog that fits your lifestyle."
