Top five dog breeds to avoid according to a vet
Image: Pexels
Of course, vets love all animals, but South African veterinarian Amir Anwary has some brutally honest advice for anyone thinking about getting a dog because not every breed is a good fit for every home.
While the dog you're considering might be undeniably cute, Anwary warns that some breeds can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding.
One breed he says he would never own is the Siberian Husky.
Siberian Huskies are very hairy and shed a lot.
Image: Albina ChamonixDeus / Pexels
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
'They have so much energy that they need to be walked regularly. If they don't, they can become destructive. They are escape artists. And they are super hairy, so they shed a lot,' says Anwary.
He adds that they are very noisy and vocal and describes them as a 'big stubborn toddler.'
He also avoids owning a white Bull Terrier, even though he acknowledges it's a lovely breed.
'They are very strong-willed and have a strong prey drive,' he explains.
These dogs are prone to deafness.
Image: Kenny Fotos CR / Pexels
'Most of the time, when I see dog fights, it's usually started by a Bull Terrier. They are also prone to deafness and suffer from chronic skin issues. So you can imagine that you are going to have to treat the skin for the rest of their lives,' he adds.
Despite their tiny size and big personality, the Chihuahua also makes his no-go list.
'They are prone to fear-based aggression. They are very tiny dogs with a huge dog's personality, and they get very attached to one owner,' says the vet.
Because of this intense attachment, he says, 'it makes it difficult for the owner to leave to go on holiday.'
Another dog he wouldn't choose to own is the English Bulldog, even though he loves their temperament.
Unfortunately, he says, their unique physical structure leads to major health problems.
'Because of their squished noses, they suffer respiratory diseases as well as being exercise and heat-intolerant.'
He adds that they are also prone to allergies, which require chronic treatment, which means expensive vet bills.
Their unique physical structure leads to major health problems.
Image: Creative Workshop / Pexels
Last on his list is the Belgian Malinois, a breed he feels is completely misunderstood by many.
'This is not a pet, guys. This is a machine. They need constant physical and mental stimulation,' he says.
Anwary stresses that they require a particular kind of owner. 'They don't need an owner but a leader, and if not given that, they become destructive and can make your life a living hell.'
The Belgian Malinois need constant physical and mental stimulation.
Image: wirestock / Freepik
So, next time you're thinking about adding a dog to your family, consider more than just how cute the breed is.
IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Daily Maverick
The rolex gang goes gourmet — appetising, affordable east African eggs
Ever eaten a rolex? No, not the super-smart Swiss timepiece. The rolex of which I speak is Uganda's omelette and chapati bread signature sandwich. Devoured rather than worn, this nutritious and delicious street food is a play of words, referencing the cooking method whereby omelette and bread are laid one on top of the other and then rolled up to create a high-protein, portable pleasure. Still confused? Try saying 'rolled eggs' fast and frequently. The words will soon slide together into 'rolex'. Chapati, one of modern east Africa's staple starches, resembles a South African-style roti bread. It probably arrived in Uganda with Indian indentured labourers in the late 19th century. How, when and by whose hand eggs landed on top is a bitterly disputed regional food fight about which consensus cannot be reached. Fortunately, everyone agrees that this filling culinary combo is a national taste treasure. Eggs and chapatis are the only essential ingredients in a Rolex. Vendors and customers all have their own embellishments. Finely chopped onion, cabbage, tomato, chilli and coriander leaves are popular choices. As are hearty helpings of mango chutney and/or mayonnaise. Rolex is not only a cheap and cheerful street food sensation. It is also a beautifully balanced meal. In addition to being packed with protein, eggs contain choline (for brain health and cellular function), bone- and immune-boosting vitamin D and a rich, generous supply of healthy fats to support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. In recent years, bread has had a bad rap (wrap?) from carbohydrate-phobic foodies, but Ugandan chapatis are generally made with stone-ground, wholewheat, high-fibre atta flour, making them low-GI providers of digestion-supporting, blood sugar-stable and steady energy. The classic onion, tomato, chili and coriander combo is packed with antioxidants, and the tart tingle of vitamin C. While mayonnaise and chutney are not advisable in large quantities, a little bit goes a long way. The taste treat below is adapted from Ugandan chef Sophie Musoki's fabulous recipe. It includes lean beef mince, but I have made it without meat and the result is still deeply delicious. She also adds what she calls 'simsim' (protein- and vitamin-laden sesame seeds) and 'dodo' (which South Africans generally refer to as 'thepe' or 'imbuya'. In English dodo is amaranth and is, among other things, Gwyneth Paltrow's current favourite superfood. Healthy, appetising, portable, affordable and endlessly customisable, isn't it time you became a member of the rolex gang? Rolex Yield: 2 rolex (each can be cut in two, so for non-greedy people this will feed 4) 4 large eggs Salt and black pepper to taste 2 medium chapatis, homemade or store-bought (a South African-style roti, available in the freezer section of most Indian shops and many supermarkets, will do) 1 Tablespoon sunflower oil ¼ cup finely chopped onion ¼ cup chopped fresh tomato 1 chili, finely chopped (or more to taste) 200g lean beef mince (optional) 1 small bunch of dodo leaves, washed and finely sliced (if you have no dodo, thepe or imbuya you can use thinly sliced cabbage leaves) 1 small handful of toasted simsim sesame seeds Mayonnaise and/or mango chutney (optional) Method For each omelette, crack 2 eggs into a bowl, season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk to combine and set aside. Heat a chapati (or roti) on both sides in a non-stick pan for about a minute. You are aiming to make the bread warm and flexible. Slide it onto a plate and cover with another plate or a tea towel to retain heat. Repeat with the second chapati. Add to the first chapati and cover again. Fry half the onion over medium heat in a little oil until it is translucent and soft, about 2 minutes. Add half the mince and cook until browned. Then add half of the tomatoes, half the chopped chili, simsim and half of the leaves. Cook until the leaves wilt, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the cracked eggs and swirl the pan to distribute evenly over the surface. Once the eggs are set on the bottom, flip with a spatula so that the other side cooks, about 1 minute. Move one chapati to a plate and top with the omelette. Starting with the edge closest to you, roll the chapati tightly over the eggs to create a log shape. This is your first rolex. Keep it warm while you speedily use the remaining ingredients and repeat the method to create the second rolex. Serve hot. DM
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Criselda Kananda leads the charge as ambassador for the Tribute To Women concert
Known for her unwavering commitment to empowering women and simplifying public health through media, Dr. Kananda now brings her leadership to the arts and culture space. Image: Supplied Broadcaster, global health advocate, and social entrepreneur Dr. Criselda Kananda has been appointed Ambassador of the Tribute To Women concert and Chairperson of the Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation. The Tribute To Women concert, long known for its soulful homage to feminine excellence, has entered a bold new chapter, one underscored by vision, resilience, and transformative purpose. For years, Dr. Kananda has dedicated her life to building platforms for women's advancement across various sectors, including health, education, media, leadership, and beyond. Her lived experience as a health and wellness champion, including over a decade on South African airwaves simplifying health for the masses, makes her a fitting steward for a festival that exists to celebrate and empower. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In conversation with IOL, Kananda shared plans to expand the concert's impact beyond the event through year-round workshops on financial management and mental health for artists, extending to rural villages to discover and empower women. 'I love the fact that what is infused this time around with my involvement is that we're not just going to celebrate and have fun on August 24. 'We're putting together workshops that empower women, and we're going to do storytelling. We're going to empower artists in areas ranging from financial management to mental health because that is an area of our society that is often neglected." Kananda shared that the initiatives will reach deep into rural villages to discover and celebrate women with creative genius, ensuring that empowerment is not limited to urban areas. The Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation's commitment to creating lasting legacies for women in the creative sector. Kananda detailed that the workshops are aimed at educating artists and DJs about royalties and needle time, emphasizing the business aspect of entertainment to prevent artists from facing financial struggles later in their careers. 'We need to empower artists on how to look after their brands, how to look after their money, and how to have a lasting legacy and lasting impression,' said Kananda. Kananda shared a vision for fostering women leaders by showcasing multiple positive characteristics from various influential women rather than relying on single role models. She emphasized the importance of challenging societal perceptions that confine women to traditional roles and promoting self-love and wisdom-seeking among young women. 'I'm hoping that through these partnerships, as we showcase and build this longevity, we begin to showcase a quality of a human being.' For years, Kananda has dedicated her life to building platforms for women's advancement across various sectors, including health, education, media, leadership, and beyond. She is a strong advocate for diabetes awareness, aiming to change the public perception by renaming it from "sugar disease" to emphasize its dangers. Her lived experience as a health and wellness champion, including over a decade on South African airwaves simplifying health for the masses, makes her a fitting steward for a festival that exists to celebrate and empower. She holds an executive role at 360 Global Solutions, an investment company owned by NUMSA. She does work in advocating for the recognition of traditional African medicines and the development of South African-based vaccines. Kananda is committed to living a life of purpose, with her goal being to be a symbol of hope and to bring value through their various endeavors. The Tribute to Women concert takes place at Marks Park in Emmarentia on August 26. Makhadzi, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mi Casa, The Soil, Lloyiso, Ami Faku, and Makhadzi. IOL Entertainment
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Celebrate International Beer Day with a home-made draught
GET IT MAGAZINE I'm an experienced writer, sub-editor, and media & public relations specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry – across digital, print, TV, and radio. I earned a diploma in Journalism and Print Media from leading institution, Damelin College, with distinctions (Journalism And Print Media, Media Studies, Technical English And Communications, South African Studies, African & International Studies, Technology in Journalism, Journalism II & Practical Journalism). I also hold a qualification in Investigative Journalism from Print Media SA, First Aid Training from St John's Ambulance, as well as certificates in Learning to Write Marketing Copy, Planning a Career in User Experience, and Writing a Compelling Blog Post.
