Who is Whitney Terrell? Vet's TikTok advice on top 5 dog breeds to NEVER own as pets goes viral
FLORENCE, ALABAMA: Dr Whitney Terrell, in a viral TikTok video, revealed the five dog breeds she would happily own and five she wouldn’t ever own. In the video that came out on Sunday August 7, the veterinarian said that the popular Goldendoodle or 'oodle' breeds were her least favourite. She added that German shepherds and the Belgian malinois shouldn't be brought home without a proper training program in place — the pet owner has to invest time and resources in these breeds. The list also included her most-liked dogs including golden retrievers, mixed-breed pups and basset hounds.
She said that any breed that is brachycephalic, meaning they have shortened or ‘squished’ snouts, like pugs, Boston terriers, French bulldogs or Shih Tzus, are not recommended. She recommends getting a mixed-breed dog or a mutt as they have fewer underlying health issues as well as golden retrievers as their calm temperament makes them a great family pet.
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Here are Dr Terrell's TOP FIVE "least-favourite" dog breeds:
1. Goldendoodles and Poodle mixes
"Some of these dogs are really sweet but a lot of them are crazy, crazy hyper, can’t sit still for two seconds. We’ve had some really aggressive ones as well. Ear infections out the wazoo, so expensive grooming, they are mixed breed. Too high maintenance for me," said Dr Terrell.
2. German shepherd and Belgian malinois
(Getty Images/Andrea Konyri / EyeEm)"They have the potential to be really great dogs, good police dogs and good in rescue types scenarios but 95 per cent of the ones that we see in clinic want to bite your face off because they’re not properly trained. I know I would not be able to properly train them because I have no time. If you’re thinking about getting one of these dogs, don’t do it lightly because they need lots of training, lots of attention," the doctor said.
3. Brachycephalic or short-snouted dogs
Some popular breeds with short snouts are French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers and Shih Tzus. "Some of them are so cute and so sweet but they can’t breathe, literally cannot breathe. They snore, I’ve already got a husband that snores, I don’t need anything else. Skin fold dermatitis, allergies, yeasty, smelly, gassy, it’s a no from me," the veterinarian said.
4. Chihuahua
"Not my cup of tea. Afraid I’m going to step on them, will more than likely be bit if I had one. They’re usually a one person dog. We’ve got a few that are super sweet, the rest of them are ankle biters," she said.
5. Chinese crested and hairless dogs
"The dogs are fine. I don’t like hairless animals. They are zitty, they’re kind of greasy, same with cats. It’s a no from me," she said.
Dr Terrell also shared her most-liked dogs including golden retrievers, mixed-breed pups and even basset hounds. "Facts, Sorry doodle owners, your dogs are not the best dogs!" the vet said.
Dr Terrell's TOP FIVE "favourite" dog breeds are:
1. Basset Hound or any hound breed
"They’re smelly, they have a really deep loud bark, they can have ear, back, weight problems. They can sometimes be a little crotchety at the vet but I love them. They’re so sweet. Mine is the best dog ever. He comes to work with me every day," Dr Terrell said.
2. Mutt/mixed breed/strays
"For number two, I don’t have a picture because it is a mutt — they can look like anything. They are fantastic dogs. They usually don’t have as many genetic or hereditary problems like pure breeds do. They are thankful they have a home. Highly recommend a mutt," the doctor said.
3. Golden retriever
"Love this breed, they are so beautiful, so kind great family dog, this is a good first dog, especially for families. Good temperament, easy to train, love them," said the doctor.
4. German shorthair pointer
"These are beautiful super athletic happy dogs. I honestly can’t think of one I have seen that was not happy. Definitely high energy though — you do not want to own these if you are sedentary, if you do not like adventure, if you do not like taking them for walks every day. These are athletic dogs, they need to be exercised or they will destroy stuff. Love them, great dogs beautiful dogs," she said.
5. Great Pyrenees
"They are herding dogs. They are out there with the goats, sheep, farm animals, if they’re actually doing a job so a lot of them aren’t used to being inside or around people. They’re not necessarily the best at the vet but I love them. I’ve had several. They’ve been the best dogs, I love them so much," said the veterinarian.