‘I’m a professional dog trainer, these 5 breeds aren’t what they seem’

A professional dog trainer has listed the five breeds he believes to be the most “overrated”. Trends come and go in most areas of life, from fashion and makeup to entertainment, consumer habits, media consumption and more. 

Unsurprisingly, this can translate to pets, where certain animals and breeds of dog become more desirable and popular, leading to more demand and the potential for over-breeding. Everyone has a favourite when it comes to dog breeds but research is essential before choosing to welcome a dog into your home.

This is where content creator and “dog behaviour expert” Casey Ray comes in. Boasting more than 30 years of experience with dogs, the expert is popular on social media thanks to his no-nonsense approach to training advice and breed insight. 

In a recent YouTube video, he unveiled a list of five breeds he believes are “overrated”.

5. Dalmatian

The instantly recognisable Dalmatian, which originated in the historical region of Dalmatia in Croatia, is famed for its white coat and black spots. They’re typically friendly, intelligent, energetic and playful but Casey warns their popularity could be having a detrimental effect on the breed.

The coach said: “This breed has become very popular through movies – 101 Dalmatians. And when these things happen, unfortunately, the quality of what you are going to get is going to decline just because, you know, it’s backyard breeders.

“Everyone is breeding because the popularity is through the roof because these movies take off as they do.”

Casey added: “These dogs are prone to deafness, super high-strung, and they need more exercise than most families can deal with.” They also shed fur all year.

Chihuahua 

This diminutive breed is one of the smallest in the world. They’re popular thanks to their assertive, lively and devoted natures.

But Casey said they’re being “ruined” by the way most owners handle them. He pointed out how they still have the same “pack mentality” as all other dog breeds yet a lot of their negative behaviour is reinforced.

He said: “When you start treating chihuahua with K9 psychology instead of human psychology, you’re going to see a difference. 

“Until then, they’re overrated because these are not children, they’re dogs, and we need to treat them as such.”

German shepherd

Casey has mentioned this “very popular” breed in numerous videos. Known for their protective instincts and loyalty, German shepherds are strong, intelligent, confident, courageous – and stubborn. 

Despite being a “huge German shepherd fan”, Casey lamented the breed “got way out of control in popularity” which has had a detrimental effect as they can be overbred and unwanted traits may become standard.

In a text box displayed on screen, Casey highlighted their health issues – like hip dysplasia – and added: “Demand has led to poor breeding and unstable temperaments.”

French bulldog

A small but solid breed, the French bulldog’s popularity is undeniable.

Known for their playful, friendly, affectionate and lively natures, the breed is a hit with a variety of owners.

Casey believes this is another breed suffering from over-popularity which is leading to excessive breeding that moves the dog further away from the breed standard.

He believes any reputable breeder should strive to “maintain the breed standard” as per the American Kennel Club and other reputable sources.

The expert also pointed out their health issues – the dog’s trademark flat face leads to breathing problems while “spinal issues and skin allergies are common”. 

He also said: “Many can’t breed or give birth naturally, raising ethical issues.”

Doodles

In first place, Casey put all doodle breeds. There’s a vast range of different doodles from the cockapoo (a cocker spaniel poodle cross) to the goldendoodle (a golden retriever poodle cross) and more.

All of these breeds are bred with a poodle for their desirable traits like their intelligence and hypoallergenic, non-shedding coats.

Casey is a big fan of the poodle and advises people to get a purebred poodle instead of an “overrated” doodle. 

He said: “Every dog is breeding to the poodle because they like what the poodle represents. They’re just trying to offer it in different wrapping.”

The expert then highlighted their high grooming requirements and how some owners don’t realise the amount of work and effort a doodle needs.