A highly experienced dog trainer with two decades of professional work has publicly identified three specific dog breeds he strongly advises against for family ownership. Garret Wing, the founder of American Standard Dog Training, shared his insights in a YouTube video that has garnered significant attention, drawing from his extensive background training police dogs for both operational duties and competitive events.
Three Breeds Deemed Unsuitable for Most Households
Garret Wing, whose YouTube channel boasts an impressive 2.5 million subscribers, outlined his professional perspective on breeds that present considerable challenges for typical owners. In a video originally posted in 2023, he highlighted three extra-large dog varieties that potential pet owners should carefully reconsider before bringing into their homes.
The Tibetan Mastiff: A Stubborn and Powerful Animal
Garret placed the Tibetan Mastiff as the third breed on his list of dogs he would never recommend from a professional standpoint. He described this massive canine as "a monster of a dog that is capable of killing an entire pack of wolves," raising serious questions about its suitability for domestic environments with small children.
Beyond its formidable physical capabilities, the Tibetan Mastiff presents significant training difficulties according to the expert. "They're also known for being very stubborn and difficult to train," Garret explained. While acknowledging their beauty as animals, he emphasized that their temperament and requirements make them inappropriate for the majority of prospective dog owners.
The Great Dane: Lifestyle-Altering Companions
The second breed highlighted was the Great Dane, which Garret acknowledged can be "sweet dogs" that develop into wonderful companions under the right circumstances. However, he issued a strong warning about the substantial lifestyle adjustments required for proper Great Dane ownership.
Prospective owners must be prepared to completely reorganize their living spaces, invest in oversized crates, and carefully reconsider furniture arrangements and outdoor areas where these giant dogs can exercise. "We're talking about a dog that is just too big for most homes," Garret stated, emphasizing the practical challenges that accompany these gentle giants.
The Cane Corso: Too Much Dog for Suburban Life
Topping Garret's list as the breed he would least recommend for families was the Cane Corso, an Italian mastiff historically utilized for livestock guarding, cattle herding, and large game hunting. Garret offered particularly strong caution about this breed's suitability for typical family environments.
"That is too much dog for about 99.9% of folks," he asserted, noting that this assessment comes not only from his professional training experience but also from personal ownership of the breed. He described Cane Corsos as "absolute battle tanks" and questioned their appropriateness for suburban neighborhoods where most families reside.
The trainer's comprehensive evaluation stems from his extensive work with various breeds over twenty years, particularly his specialization in preparing police dogs for demanding operational scenarios. His recommendations emphasize the importance of matching dog breeds to appropriate living situations and owner capabilities, rather than simply choosing based on appearance or historical reputation.
