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A veterinarian has ended the discussion about which dog breeds make the best pets by sharing which ones he would actually choose to own.
Dr. Alex Crow, who posts veterinary advice on TikTok under the handle @alex_thevet, regularly offers guidance to dog owners on everything from health concerns to behavior problems. In a recent video, Crow revealed the five types of dogs he would think about owning, including one he already has.
He clarified that no breed is without flaws, and his selections aren't necessarily the healthiest options available. Still, these are the breeds that appear to have fewer problems than most and that he simply enjoys. It comes as dog owners are warned to 'go straight to the vet' if they spot this sign after walking their pet in winter.
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Jack Russell Terrier
Taking the top position is the Jack Russell Terrier, which he characterized as "pretty solid health-wise" and noted 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.
Crow did acknowledge that the breed "can suffer from some eye problems like a lens luxation" and patellar luxation, a joint condition affecting their knees. Overall though, the veterinarian maintains that "they're really hardy dogs."
Greyhounds
The second breed he highlighted is the sighthound category, which encompasses Greyhounds, Whippets, and Italian Greyhounds.
Based on the vet's experience, these breeds are typically "robust" and "not plagued with a ton of issues."
That said, they do experience dental problems, particularly Greyhounds. He also noted that their thin skin can leave them susceptible to cuts and scrapes, and they'll likely require a coat during colder months, but "overall, they're great dogs."
Labrador
Coming in at number three, Crow selected Labradors, a breed he currently owns himself.
The vet, who has a black lab, describes Labradors as "such great family dogs" that are "easy to train and always want to please you."
He noted that the dogs are "generally healthier than a lot of other breeds," although they do experience joint issues, including ones that impact their hips.
He recommends avoiding breeders who haven't had the dog's parents' hips scored to minimize the risk of hip dysplasia.
Schnauzers
Schnauzers also earned a spot in the vet's video.
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The "pretty unique looking" dogs that possess "so much character" are typically healthy, though, like other dogs, Schnauzers can face various issues, with the most frequent being dental problems, heart disease, and obesity, although it's "no more than any other dog breed."
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The final breed Crow highlights is Rhodesian Ridgebacks, the "stunning dogs" that "often have really gentle temperaments," which came a close second to labs.
Crow does point out that the dogs are also vulnerable to joint problems, and similar to labradors, he suggests getting a hip score before purchasing one. But overall, they're also "great dogs."
The vet clarified that the list isn't complete, and there are other breeds he'd think about owning.
