A veterinarian has caused a stir online after revealing her five most and least favorite dog breeds, basing her list on personality, health issues and behaviors.
Whitney Terrell, who has more than 74,000 followers on TikTok, explained why she was and was not a fan of each dog in two separate videos that together received more than nine million views.
Topping their list of least favored dog breeds are dogs that are an “oodle,” particularly goldendoodles, as they are high-maintenance dogs, require expensive care, and are prone to ear infections.
@dr.terrellpetvet #5thingschallenge #vet #dogs #fypシ
♬ original sound – Pentecost
“Some of these dogs are very sweet, but a lot of them are crazy, hyper, they can’t sit still for two seconds. We’ve also had some really aggressive ones,” Alabama’s Terrell said.
In second place were Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds. Dr. Terrell said that while they are excellent protection dogs that do well in rescue scenarios, they are not suitable for pets unless their owner has enough time to train them.
“The ones we see in the clinic want to bite your face off because they are not properly trained,” he said.
“If you’re thinking of getting one of these dogs, don’t do it lightly because they need a lot of training, a lot of attention.”
Taking up the remaining spots on her list of “five breeds I wouldn’t have (because) I’m a veterinarian,” were several small dog breeds.
As cute as they can be, Terrell cautioned against owning short-nosed dogs like French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, and shih tzus due to their likelihood of respiratory problems.
Flat-faced dogs are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome due to the structure of their face, which could create other problems later in life, such as overloading the heart.
Next on their list are Chihuahuas due to their “ankle-biting” nature, followed by Chinese Crested and Hairless Dogs.
“Dogs are fine, I don’t like animals without hair. They (are) zitty, they are a bit greasy, same with cats. It’s a no from me,” said Dr. Terrell.
The vet, who works at the Connolly Animal Clinic, sparked a heated debate on the social media platform with more than 24,000 TikTokkers commenting on her video of the breeds they dislike.
“I can’t believe the golden doodle is your #1! I am shocked!” commented an owner of the breed.
“Our doodle is amazing too! we love it Sometimes we think that he is too good to be true. I feel so lucky to have him,” posted another.
But it wasn’t just ‘oodle’ lovers who raved about it with German Shepherd (GSD) owners also protesting why the breed shouldn’t have been on the list.
“Pretty surprised 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 a Belgian Malinois a few years ago and never had a problem with wanting to bite someone,” said another.
But not everyone disputed the vet’s list, and industry insiders agreed with Dr. Terrell’s lineup.
“100 percent agree with all of this as a previous vet tech,” one commenter said.
“I have been a hairdresser for 30 years and the doodles make me question my entire career path,” another posted.
“I appreciate your entire list, replicate my list as a dog trainer,” said a third.
While Dr. Terrell has stated dogs she wouldn’t own, she has also made a list of breeds she likes with her own dog’s breed at number one.
Basset hounds, or any type of hound in general, take the top spot despite some of their health issues.
“They are smelly, they have a very loud and deep bark, they can have hearing problems, back problems and weight problems,” said Dr. Terrell.
“Sometimes they can be a bit cantankerous at the vet, but I love them, they are so sweet. Mine is the best dog in the world, he comes to work with me every day.”
A stray or mongrel dog was second on Terrell’s list due to the lack of hereditary problems that pure breeds typically inherit, followed by the golden retriever for its good temperament.
“This is a good first dog, especially for families. Good temperament, easy to train, I love them,” said Dr. Terrell.
Finally, the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Great Pyrenees ranked fourth and fifth respectively, due to their energetic character.
Tyrell has been in the animal health industry since graduating from college in 2016. He said his lists are based on personal opinions and he shared his thoughts “for fun.”