Dog trainer lists breed that don’t ‘make good pets’ — shouldn’t be around kids

Not all dogs are naturally suited to family life, and some breeds are more patient, tolerant and eager to please, which can make them a better fit for busy households with children, noise and unpredictable routines. Others may be more independent, highly strung or have strong guarding or herding instincts, meaning they thrive better in quieter homes or with experienced owners who understand their needs.

Choosing the right dog for a family is less about looks or popularity and more about finding a personality that matches everyday life. Dog trainer Will Atherton has cautioned against keeping certain breeds as pets, despite Britain boasting an impressive 223 purebred varieties. One breed he highlights is the Caucasian Shepherd — a huge, powerful guarding dog bred to protect livestock, known for its strong instincts, independence and need for experienced handling, which makes it unsuitable for most households.

“The Caucasian Shepherd [is] absolutely beautiful, regal [and] powerful,” he said.

“But [the dog breed] belongs out in the wilderness, protecting flocks from extreme predators, like bears and wolves. They very rarely make good pets, and that is not the kind of energy that I would bring into my family with young children.”

Will’s concerns didn’t end there. Will raised eyebrows by expressing doubts about Cocker and Springer Spaniels, despite their widespread appeal amongst British families.

He explained: “I absolutely love watching them work out in the field when I’m with my Labrador, or out hunting.”

However, having one at home? That’s a different matter entirely.

He continued: “However, bringing that energy into the home is not a good fit for me because I want a dog that can settle down and switch off.”

Gesturing towards his relaxed Labrador on TikTok, he implied such laid-back behaviour wouldn’t be typical of the more lively Spaniels.

The Siberian Husky also featured on Will’s list of breeds to avoid, though he admitted, “I’ve had one before. Never again.”

His forthright views have stirred controversy on social media, igniting passionate discussions amongst dog enthusiasts across the country. One owner defended the breed, stating: “I have had eight Springer Spaniels over the years and just couldn’t disagree more! They are wonderful dogs to work with as well as having a pet. It is all about training and enrichment.”

Meanwhile, another dog enthusiast observed: “My Cocker Spaniel is crazy chasing everything when he is outside. But, in the house, he is very calm.”

Regarding Siberian Huskies, one first-time owner cautioned: “As a first-time dog owner we stepped in deep with two huskies… it’s crazy, don’t do it people.”

Sharing similar views, another remarked: “Had a husky at one point. It’s a no for me.”