The #1 Big Dog Breed a Vet Wouldn't Own and Why

Parade Pets ^ | Oct 18, 2025 • Updated 6mo ago | Dr. Mark dos Anjos

[libstripper]

Bringing a dog into your life is a big commitment, especially when it comes to large dog breeds. While they can be loyal, loving companions, they also come with unique challenges that aren’t always obvious at first glance. Size, strength, temperament and health needs all play a major role in whether a big dog is the right fit for your lifestyle. That's why for new or even experienced pet parents, it's important to think beyond a pet's appearances and popularity. Just because a giant dog is well-known or beautiful doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your home.

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Although they have a great history and have been one of the most popular breeds of dogs over the years, most vets I know would not want to own a German Shepherd. This is a large dog breeds to avoid for a few reasons. One of those has to do with their behavior, with the most common trait being aggression, which is usually caused by them not being socialized at an early age.

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TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: dogs; germanshepherd; germanshepherds; gsd; ownership; shepherd

[libstripper]

So true. Only breed ever to bite me was a GSD and I've never met one that was really friendly. Contrasts sharply with Dobermans, Rotties, and bully breeds, all of which I've had very positive experiences with.

[kosciusko51]

Loved my Boxers. They were silly, but loyal guard dogs.

Now, we have a French bulldog.

[Twotone]

I volunteer at a local humane society. The German Shepards we’ve had come thru our facility have been pretty uniformly lovely, sweet dogs. Several I’d have been happy to take home, if my cats would’ve let me.

[Tanniker Smith]

I had two German shepherds, and I miss them both. Sweet as anything.

[Resolute Conservative]

They shed like crazy too.

[packrat35]

I love Labs but I would never have one as a house pet. Too much energy and they will eat your furniture when bored.

[kawhill]

If you decide a Labrador Retriever is the right fit for you, labs are crazy.

[Spacetrucker]

Don’t know much about GSDs but wife and I have an atypical Belgian Malinois; incredibly protective, apprehensive around strangers until she gets to know them - then she’s a slobbering fool.

[shadeaud]

Growing up we had either Collies or German Shepherds. The trick was training. Not just house training, but obedience and discipline ( with tons of love and playtime). A completely different approach in the military. Back in the day( way back) I was selected to train and be trained with a wonderful attentive GS. His shortcomings were his fear of loud noises. No matter how we tried he was finally dropped from the program

[randomwalk]

and our vets here bill by the pound, apparently, along with the docs.

[steve8714]

The farts can be a bit much.

[AppyPappy]

GS’s are prone to hip problems. A friend trains dogs and she got rid of her GS pretty quickly.

[kosciusko51]

For both Boxers and Frenchies. Lol

[Boardwalk]

2 German Shepards and no one will ever mess with your property!

[chief lee runamok]

"If you decide a Labrador Retriever is the right fit for you, labs are crazy."
    
          Who, me?

[Hot Tabasco]

Only dog that ever bit me was a roommate’s doberman. I don’t like them and don’t trust them.

[Wuli]

When I was growing up we had a really great female German Shepherd in our neighborhood. He name was Queenie. Her human family let her run free and Queenie was known far and wide around the neighborhood. She never let any bully dogs have their way, even protecting little kids from strays that seemed aggressive. She was the gentlest large dog I ever knew. She sought friendship always with everyone.

At one time no one had seen Queenie for some days and everyone was inquiring about her. By evening of the second day of a neighborhood hunt for her Queenie was found. She had apparently gotten pregnant and had made herself a small cave in a flower bed next to the front of a house. The whole neighborhood had been looking together than evening and showed up at the house Queenie was found. Without Queenie’s object a small guy was chosen to get far enough into the little case to rescue Queenie’s pups. Some one brought a kiddie pool lined with blankets where Queenie lie down as one by one her pups were brought out to her.

Although Queenie lived across the street from me, I could go out late and nite, lay on the driveway and just look at the stars. Queenie would invariably lay down next to me.

I think ALL dogs are aggressive or not based on their upbringing, not their breed.

[cymbeline]

I wish the visible excerpt had mentioned the breed.

[Nifty]

I have a Doberman, French bulldog and two chihuahuas.

The frenchie is the most friendly dog I’ve ever had. The chi’s you have to give space to. I wouldn’t say they are aggressive but if they will snap if their personal space is violated by a stranger. The dobie works as a therapy dog through the local hospital. I take her through and she hangs out with staff and patients. I spent a lot of time with her as a puppy so she was raised well. They tested her temperament before she got in the program.

But I would avoid, and I avoid today, the bully breeds, aka the “pit bull”. I’ve seen too many things happen at dog parks and read way to many news stories. I look at them like sharks. Once they bite and reach that point of frenzy, they don’t let go. There is a difference in a dog bit and a bite from one of these things.

[Frank Drebin]

Title should be, “Vets Recommend Big Dogs for Committed Owners Only”