A veterinary expert has lifted the lid on five dog breeds he adores but would never own himself.
Speaking on his TikTok channel, Dr Alex Crow revealed that while he has a great fondness for these breeds and takes pleasure in treating them at the clinic, they are frequently linked some serious health complaints. Acknowledging his reasons may be “hard to hear”, he made clear that his concerns are not aimed at the dogs themselves or their owners.
Dr Alex Crow, who also serves as a veterinary adviser for Pooch & Mutt, says his opinions are rooted in concerns about the selective breeding practices associated with these breeds, which have led to a number of inherited health and welfare issues.
These opinions are Alex’s only, not those of Pooch and Mutt.
In his video’s caption, he writes: “As a vet, there are five breeds I genuinely love but wouldn’t take home myself, and it comes down to what I see on the table week after week. Before anyone gets upset, this isn’t a go at the dogs or the people who own them. It’s about how we’ve bred them.”
5. Daschund. Their long spine carries real risks. About one in four develops IVDD, a spinal disc disease that can cause severe pain and, in some cases, paralysis.
4. Pug. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure often leads to significant breathing problems because their airways are narrowed. Their protruding eyes are also more prone to ulcers, and many suffer from spinal abnormalities. According to the vet, these conditions can make even routine activities difficult for the breed.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is the breed he finds particularly difficult to mention because he’s so fond of them. Unfortunately, many develop syringomyelia, a condition caused by a skull that is too small for the brain, which can place pressure on the spinal cord. Many are likely to develop mitral valve disease by the age of 10, meaning serious health issues are common throughout the breed.
2. French Bulldog. As the UK’s most popular dog breed, it has been identified by the Royal Veterinary College as having higher rates of multiple chronic health conditions than nearly any other breed, according to Alex. Common problems include breathing difficulties, slipped discs, eye disorders, and skin conditions.
1. English Bulldog. Taking the top spot, he points out that the breed’s physical traits have become so extreme that some are unable to give birth naturally. They also struggle with exercise, overheat easily, and their skin folds make them prone to skin infections. Alex adds that the breed was effectively banned in Norway in 2022 due to animal welfare concerns.
In fact, the Independent noted that Norway banned the breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels in the country.
In his caption, he added: “None of this means these dogs can’t have a lovely life, and if you own one you can give them a brilliant one. The real issue is that we’ve put looks ahead of health for generations. If you’ve got your heart set on one of these breeds, buy from health-tested parents and go in knowing what you’re taking on.”
View 2 ImagesRemember to take poo bags on your walk!(Image: Getty)
Speaking on the official Pooch and Mutt TikTok channel in a separate video, Alex warned that bad breath in dogs can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. He explained: “Most of the time, bad breath in dogs is a sign of dental disease. Plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth, harden into tartar and start to irritate the gums.
“Over time, that can lead to infection, pain, loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss if not managed.” Sharing some “good news” he said, brushing your dog’s teeth at home can help prevent this. In fact, “it’s the most effective thing you can do”.
And it’s not surprising, considering we brush our teeth twice a day to help prevent dental problems and tooth loss. Alex says that even brushing a few times a week can make a big difference.
The expert added that if “the smell is really strong, suddenly worse than usual or you notice red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating or your dog going off hard food, then that’s your sign to see the vet because they may already need treatment.”
Article continues below
Stressing that “bad breath isn’t just a mouth problem”, Alex said that “in some cases it can be linked to digestive issues or even heart and kidney disease.” Ending his video, he said that “if your dog’s breath could clear a room, don’t ignore it. Prevention is always better than a cure.”