7 Dog Breeds I’d Never Let in My House

Summary

Dog trainer Tom Davis explains that the breeds on his list aren’t “bad dogs.” Their instincts, needs, or health risks simply make them a poor fit for him—and potentially for owners who haven’t researched them carefully.

Breeds

1. Shiba Inu: Independent and aloof, Shibas may not be motivated to respond to their owners. Davis says training one takes patience, consistency, and flexibility.

2. French Bulldog: Their flat faces and narrowed airways can cause breathing and heat-tolerance problems. Davis also points to spinal, eye, and skin concerns, and says the breed often carries a substantial medical burden.

3. Beagle: Bred to track scents for long periods, Beagles need substantial activity and may follow a trail instead of responding to a recall. Davis also cautions that their loud baying can be difficult for neighbors.

4. Pug: Davis highlights breathing and cooling difficulties, spinal problems, eye ulcers, skin-fold infections, and the risk of pug encephalitis. He also says their stubbornness can make training challenging.

5. Chow Chow: Loyal but often wary of strangers, Chow Chows have strong guarding instincts. Davis says owners need experience reading canine body language and managing territorial behavior.

6. Border Collie: Their intelligence and intense herding drive require extensive physical and mental work. Without a suitable outlet, they may develop obsessive behaviors or try to herd children, cars, and other moving things. Davis says he wouldn’t choose one without a job or farm-like work for it.

7. Siberian Husky: Bred for endurance, Huskies need substantial exercise and may howl, dig, and shed heavily. Davis warns that their independence can make off-leash recall unreliable, that they may escape or run into danger, and that their prey drive could be a problem in a home with cats.

Main Takeaway

Research a breed’s genetics, health considerations, instincts, and everyday needs before bringing a dog home. Choose a dog whose requirements you can realistically meet. Davis also promotes his dog-training courses for owners seeking help with training.

Notable References

• People and speakers: Tom Davis; Stanley Coren, whose dog-intelligence study is referenced
• Location: Montana, where Davis says he watched Border Collies work cattle
• Other references: Davis’s professional dog-training courses; the No Bad Dogs podcast