Vet goes viral after revealing the best and worst dog breeds based on their features

After analysing behaviour, temperament and health issues of common breeds, a vet has determined her top five most and least favoured dog breeds.

A vet has caused a stir online after she revealed her top five most and least favourite dog breeds, basing her list on personality, health issues and behaviours.

Dr Whitney Terrell, who has over 74 thousand followers on TikTok, explained why she was and wasn’t a fan of each dog across two separate videos which collectively received more than nine million views.

Topping her list of least favoured dog breeds are any dogs that are an “oodle”, particularly goldendoodles as they’re high-maintenance dogs, require expensive grooming and are prone to ear infections.

“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,” Dr Terrell, from Alabama, said.

In second place came Belgian malinois and German shepherds. Dr Terrell said while they make great protective dogs who work well in rescue-type scenarios, they’re not suitable for pets unless their owner has enough time to train them.

“The ones that we see in the clinic want to bite your face off because they’re not properly trained,” she said.

“If you’re thinking about getting one of these dogs, don’t do it lightly because they need lots of training, lots of attention.”

Taking up the remaining spots on her list of “five breeds I wouldn’t own (because) I’m a veterinarian”, were a number of small dog breeds.

@dr.terrellpetvet#5thingschallenge#veterinarian#dogs#fypシ♬ original sound - Whit

As cute as they can be, Dr Terrell warned against owning short-snouted dogs like French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers and shih tzus due to their likelihood of suffering breathing issues.

Flat-faced dogs are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome due to their face structure, which could create other problems later on in life such as straining the heart.

Next on her list are chihuahuas due to their “ankle biting” nature, followed by 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,” Dr Terrell said.

The vet, who works at Connolly Animal Clinic, triggered a heated debate on the social media platform with more than 24 thousand TikTokkers commenting on her least-liked breeds video.

“I can’t believe the golden doodle is your #1! I’m shocked!” commented one owner of the breed.

“Our doodle is awesome too! We adore him. We sometimes think he’s too good to be true. Feel so lucky to have him,” posted another.

But it wasn’t just ‘oodle’ lovers getting fired up with german shepherd (GSD) owners also protesting about why the breed shouldn’t have made the list.

“Pretty shocked she had this on her list. I grew up (with a) GSD. So loyal and protective,” read one comment.

“I have three GSDs now and had one Belgian malinois a few years ago and never had a problem with wanting to bite someone,” said another.

But not everyone was contesting the vet’s list, with those in the industry agreeing with Dr Terrell’s line-up.

“100 per cent agree with all of this as a previous vet tech,” one commenter said.

“I have been a groomer for 30 years and the doodles have me questioning my entire career path,” posted another.

“I appreciate your entire list, it replicates my list being a dog trainer,” a third said.

While Dr Terrell has stated dogs she wouldn’t own, she has also made a list of breeds she does like with her own dog’s breed featuring at number one.

Basset hounds, or generally any type of hound, take out the top spot despite some of their health issues.

“They’re smelly, they have a really deep loud bark, they can have ear, back (and) weight problems,” Dr Terrell said.

“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's basset hound made the top of the list for dogs she would own as a vet. Picture: TikTok / @dr.terrellpetvet

A mutt, or mixed-breed dog came in second place on Dr Terrell’s list due to their lack of hereditary problems which pure breeds typically inherit, followed by the golden retriever for their good temperament.

“This is a good first dog, especially for families. Good temperament, easy to train, love them,” Dr Terrell said.

Finally German shorthair pointers and great pyrenees took fourth and fifth place respectively, due to their energetic nature.

Dr Tyrell has been in the animal healthcare sector since graduating university in 2016. She said her lists are based on personal opinion and she shared her thoughts “for fun”.

Originally published as Vet goes viral after revealing the best and worst dog breeds based on their features