A VET has warned aspiring pet owners to avoid paying thousands for a designer dog breed.
They explained that the popular pooches tend to come with some problems and can be hit or miss.
Redditor FarmBredIntellectual shared their pet tips in a post.
They explained that aspiring pet parents, in their eagerness, often make disastrous mistakes.
While they encouraged adopting mixed breeds, they urged people to do their due diligence if they insisted on having a purebred.
“If you HAVE to have a purebred animal, research the breed thoroughly before buying,” they wrote.
Another mistake, they added, is paying large sums of money for the popular doodle breed.
“Doodles are mixed breed dogs. Don’t pay 2k for one,” they said.
On top of that, they warned those who are allergy-prone to stay away from doodles for their own sake.
“Hypoallergenic/non-shedding is NOT guaranteed with a doodle, it’s a genetic lottery,” they said.
The vet revealed other breeds that they personally would never adopt.
“Don’t buy a smushy face/brachycephalic dog!” they said.
Brachycephalic breeds include bulldogs, pugs, and boxers.
The breed is notorious for having a variety of health problems, including increased rates of skin disease.
Other conditions that are common in brachycephalic breeds include heat intolerance, digestive disorders, urinary tract infection, dental disease, pneumonia, and intervertebral disk disease.
Lastly, the vet urged potential pet parents to thoroughly consider their lifestyle and budgets before making a decision.
Hypoallergenic/non-shedding is NOT guaranteed with a doodle, it’s a genetic lottery.
Redditor FarmBredIntellectual
“Pets cost money. Don’t get a pet if you aren’t prepared to invest in it,” they said.
Other vets seconded their sentiments, especially their take on brachycephalic breeds.
“Never touch a dog without asking and never buy a squished face breed,” added one.
The vet explained that the breed’s exacerbated health problems are a deal breaker for them as well.
Signs your dog could turn dangerous
Espert advice from Dr. Sara Ochoa, who has been practicing veterinary medicine for over five years.
Ochoa told The U.S. Sun observing a dog’s behavior can provide clues that they might act out.
“A dog that looks tense all over with its fur sticking up or teeth showing is more likely to snap,” she said.
“Staring real hard without blinking could mean trouble too.
“Growling is also a warning the dog is getting mad.”
She said dogs may tuck their tail between their legs when they feel scared or threatened.
“Staying calm and keeping space may help things not to escalate if a dog seems on edge,” she said.
They listed off their issues, saying they struggle with “breathing, stenosis of the spine, seizures, elongated soft [palate], just [off] the top of my head.”
A third vet added their thoughts on what it takes to ethically adopt a purebred dog.
“If you feel the need to buy a purebred dog, please do some research first into the temperament, lifestyle needs, and breed-related diseases of that breed to make sure you can provide what they need,” they said.
“And if you are buying a breed with a high chance of many complicated health issues, please get insurance.”
“But really… adopt, don’t shop whenever possible.
“People have a misconception that dogs at the shelter are bad or damaged in some way. That may be true for some but most are amazing pets.”