I’m a dog expert – the 3 breeds I would never get, they’re...

I’m a dog expert – the 3 breeds I would never get, they’re far too hard to train even for me

Published on March 25, 2025 at 01:35 PM

PICKING the right dog to fit into your lifestyle is no easy task.

There is plenty to think about, from working out how much exercise your favourite dog breed needs to whether it can be around kids.

Man in plaid shirt discussing dog breeds. — Will Atherton revealed the dog breeds he would never own

A Sivas Kangal dog on a chain. — The Kengal was one of his favourites but he refused to own one

Fortunately, a dog trainer has offered his advice on which dog breeds he would and wouldn't own.

Will Atherton, from the UK, took to social media to reveal three breeds he loves but would never take home.

In the clip, he said: “These are the three breeds that I want, but I'll never have.

“Even as a canine behaviourist with the skill and experience to manage pretty much any dog.”

So if you have a soft spot for these breeds, you might want to think twice.

The first dog Will said he would never own was the Turkish Kengal despite them being one of his favourite pooches.

“I truly think they're one of the most beautiful dogs on the planet,” he said.

“However, they are a serious dog and they don't mix well with a normal family life.”

The dog trainer added that the same could be said for the Caucasian Shepherd, who was twice as hard to train.

“The challenge of being able to raise a really good one is something that whispers at the back of my mind every now and again,2 he continued.

Caucasian Shepherd dog lying down outdoors. — The Caucasian Shepherd can be difficult to train

I was stunned when I got my dog back from the groomer - I think he might have been switched in the shop

“However, I take my own advice and understand that it would just be a terrible choice for my lifestyle.”

Last but not least, Will said he would never get an English Mastiff.

He said he had previously owned one and would be tempted to get one again if it wasn't for their health issues.

The dog expert explained: “I would be desperate to have another one because they're an amazing pick for my family, but just how prone they are to serious health issues is just something that I'm not sure I can take the risk with again.”

English Mastiff sitting in a park. — The English Mastiff was great but had lots of health problems

Britain’s favourite dog breeds

I'm a dog expert – the 3 breeds I would never get, they're far too hard to train even for me 2

HERE are the top ten dog breeds in the UK....

Labrador Retriever
- Renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature.
- Popular as both family pets and working dogs.
French Bulldog
- Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate temperament.
- Ideal for city living due to their small size.
Cocker Spaniel
- Beloved for their playful and loyal disposition.
- Excellent companions for active families.
Pug
- Recognised for their charming wrinkled faces and sociable nature.
- Adaptable to various living environments.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Valued for their courageous and loving character.
- Strong and muscular build, yet gentle with children.
Dachshund
- Adored for their distinctive long bodies and lively personality.
- Comes in a variety of coat types: smooth, wire, and long-haired.
Border Collie
- Celebrated for their intelligence and energy.
- Excellent working dogs, especially in herding.
Golden Retriever
- Known for their friendly and tolerant attitude.
- Great family pets and skilled in various service roles.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature.
- Small size makes them perfect for lap dogs.
German Shepherd
- Admired for their loyalty and versatility.
- Commonly used in police and military roles due to their trainability.

The clip posted to his TikTok account @iamwillatherton soon went viral with over 900k views and 37k likes.

People quickly took to the comments to share their thoughts.

One person wrote: “Turkish kangals are a tough, stubborn dog… Having said that they do fit in with everyday family life! Ours dotes on our kids.”

Another commented: “Any lifestock guardian breeds should be reserved for farms and other working environments! Should be banned in any kind of towns/cities!”

“I’m a Caucasian Shepherd owner… amazing breed and I’d never not have one but definitely not for the faint-hearted,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “We have Turkish Kangals and they are absolutely one of the best breeds I have ever owned. They are incredibly intelligent and loyal.”

“Yes, I love big dogs too but my bank account says otherwise,”; claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “I love my English Mastiffs.”

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.