A South African vet’s TikTok video has ignited heated discussions by cautioning families against five trendy dog breeds. Dr. Amir Anwary’s short clip, which racked up more than 153,000 likes, shines a light on the steep veterinary bills that could hit $30,000 over a dog’s lifetime.
These breeds fill millions of homes across the U.S., but hidden health woes and behavior challenges often catch owners off guard. Major news sites like The Express UK and The Mirror have amplified the message, prompting pet lovers to rethink if fame beats fitness in choosing a four-legged friend.
The Five Breeds Under Fire
Dr. Anwary points to French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies, and Labrador Retrievers as breeds that demand a second thought from families. These dogs make up a huge chunk of the U.S. pet population, somewhere between 8 million and 12 million in total. American Kennel Club numbers back this up: French Bulldogs led 2024 registrations with 74,500, Labs came in strong at 58,500, and Dachshunds held the sixth spot.
Each breed carries specific risks that pile on expenses. French Bulldogs battle Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome from their squished faces, which sparks breathing troubles and surgeries costing $1,000 to $7,000. They also deal with joint issues, back problems, and skin infections that run $2,000 to $5,000 a year. Add in puppy prices of $3,000 to $8,000, and a 10-year life easily tops high costs.
Dachshunds suffer Intervertebral Disc Disease in 19% to 24% of cases, where back surgeries can hit $3,000 to $10,000 apiece, sometimes totaling $25,000 to $30,000 over time. Their separation anxiety, excessive barking, and willful streaks call for pricey training too.
Hidden Costs Over a Dog’s Life
These popular picks can rack up $15,000 to $50,000 in total expenses, blending emergency fixes, ongoing treatments, home repairs from bad behavior, and training on top of everyday care. French Bulldogs stand out as a prime example of health-driven spending, while Labs sap wallets through weight-related woes. With 68 million U.S. households owning dogs, even a small share hitting these snags spells big financial headaches nationwide.
Belgian Malinois, built for herding and protection work, crave 2 to 3 hours of daily exercise. Skip that, and they turn destructive, causing $500 to $2,000 in damage and $2,000 to $5,000 in pro training, often ending in rehoming. Border Collies need constant brain games; ignore it, and anxiety leads to chewed furniture and bills for toys or even doggy therapy totaling $2,500 to $7,000 lifetime.
Labs top the charts for obesity, which fuels joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. Managing it costs $1,000 to $5,000 yearly, building to $15,000 to $20,000 across 10 to 12 years. Dr. Anwary stresses these aren’t rare flukes, vets handle them routinely.
Why These Breeds Stay Popular
Good looks, small-space appeal, and social media hype keep demand roaring. French Bulldogs squeeze into apartments, Labs project that perfect family vibe, and Dachshunds win hearts with their quirky sausage shape. Breeders push “designer” features without always flagging health red flags, as buyers zero in on the sticker price.
Media and influencers play a role too, showcasing glossy images over gritty realities. Families chase the Instagram dream, overlooking how energy levels or genetic quirks clash with busy lives. This mismatch fuels the cycle of surprise bills and stressed pets.
Dr. Anwary’s Advice and Better Paths Ahead
Dr. Anwary urges matching dogs to real lifestyles, steering clear of breeds tweaked for jobs or style, like guard-dog Malinois, workaholic Collies, or snub-nosed Frenchies. Factor in genetics, activity needs, time commitment, and budget from the start. Vets witness the fallout daily from poor fits, and his straightforward video fills a gap left by rosy breeder pitches and filtered posts.
Pet insurance helps at $50 to $150 a month, but it skips pre-existing issues, hitting low-income folks with debt or shelter drop-offs hardest. Top breeders vet buyers and back pups with health guarantees, yet puppy mills dodge rules for quick cash.
He pushes mixed-breed shelter dogs at $50 to $200 adoption fees, they often boast stronger health and save $5,000 to $10,000 long-term. Solid picks like Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, or Poodles offer family-friendly traits without the extremes. As videos like this spread, calls grow for tighter breeding rules, Europe already curbs flat-faced dogs, and the U.S. weighs welfare against old habits. These voices could spark changes in licensing or insurance, helping owners build bonds that last without the regret.
Sources:
American Kennel Club (AKC) Most Popular Dog Breeds, 2024 Rankings, published March 17, 2025.
Veterinary Medical Association Analysis of Breed-Specific Health Predispositions and Lifetime Care Costs, compiled through multiple veterinary clinic databases, 2024-2025.
The Express UK. “5 Dog Breeds You Shouldn’t Own,” August-September 2025.
The Mirror UK. “Five Dog Breeds Vet Would Never Own,” August-September 2025.
CDC/AAHA Data on Pet Ownership Demographics and Household Statistics, United States, 2024-2025.
IVDD Support Group Studies and Veterinary Cost Analysis Database, Reddit Community Research, March 2025.