Vet settles debate on the 5 best dog breeds you should own as a pet

A vet has settled the debate on the best dog breeds to own by revealing which ones he would consider owning himself. Veterinarian Dr Alex Crow posted a video on his TikTok account @alex_thevet, where he regularly shares advice for dog owners on topics from dog health to behavioural issues.

In one video, Dr Crow shared the five types of pups he would consider owning, including one that he already has. He did note that no dog breed is perfect, and the ones he picked are not necessarily the healthiest breeds. However, they’re the ones that seem to have fewer issues than others and that he just personally likes.

Earning the number one spot is the Jack Russell Terrier, which he described as “pretty solid health-wise” and says he “doesn’t see them that often in the clinic.”

“When I do, they’re often really old, so that’s got to be a good sign,” he added.

Dr Crow did, however, mention that the breed “can suffer from some eye problems like a lens luxation” and patellar luxation, a joint issue that affects their knees. Though overall, the vet says that “they’re really hardy dogs”.

The next breed he mentions is the sighthound, which includes Greyhounds, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds. According to the vet, the breeds are generally “robust” and “not plagued with a ton of issues”. However, they do suffer from dental issues, especially Greyhounds.

He also added that their thin skin can make them vulnerable to cuts and scrapes, and they’ll probably need a coat in the colder months, but “overall, they’re great dogs”.

At number three, Dr Crow chose Labradors, a breed which he already owns. The vet, who has a black lab, says Labradors make “such great family dogs”, are “easy to train and always want to please you”.

He added that the dogs are “generally healthier than a lot of other breeds,” though they do suffer from joint issues, including ones that affect their hips.

He advises against getting them from a breeder who has had the dog’s parents’ hips scored to reduce the risk of them suffering from hip dysplasia.

Schnauzers also got a mention in the vet’s video. The “pretty unique looking” dogs that have “so much character” are generally healthy, though, just like other dogs, Schaunzers can experience various issues, with the most common being dental problems, heart disease, and obesity, although it’s “no more than any other dog breed”.

The final breed Dr Crow mentions is Rhodesian Ridgebacks, the “stunning dogs” that “often have really gentle temperaments”, came a close second to labs.

Dr Crow does mention that the dogs are also prone to joint problems, and similar to labradors, he recommends getting a hip score before buying one. But overall, they’re also “great dogs”.

The vet made clear that the list isn’t exhaustive, and there are other breeds he’d consider owning.