‘Heartbroken’ dog trainer reveals popular breed he will ‘never own again’

Renowned dog trainer, Will Atherton, with a vast following on TikTok and YouTube, has disclosed the breed he will never own again. Atherton, who provides dog training tips and advice, recently shared in a YouTube video his heartbreaking decision following the passing of his English mastiff, Eileen, earlier this year. Having lost several mastiffs to health issues before, including a Bullmastiff and a Cane Corso, Atherton expressed the pain of losing Eileen at a young age due to aggressive cancer. This series of losses has led Atherton to vow never to own a mastiff breed again due to the inherent health complications they face.

Atherton, who currently owns a mastiff mix, acknowledged the challenges of dealing with health problems in mastiffs, even from reputable breeders. He highlighted the prevalence of canine cancer and gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat) as leading causes of death in mastiffs. Expressing his reluctance to go through the heartbreak of losing dogs at a young age, Atherton mentioned the appeal of healthier and sturdier breeds like Labradors.

According to Atherton, his experiences have shaped his decision to steer clear of mastiff breeds in the future, prioritizing the well-being and longevity of his dogs. While he appreciates the unique qualities of mastiffs, the emotional toll of repeated losses has led him to seek out healthier alternatives for his family.

In the world of dog ownership, making decisions based on past experiences and prioritising the welfare of pets are crucial aspects to consider. Atherton’s candid revelation sheds light on the emotional journey of a dog trainer navigating the complexities of breed-specific health concerns while striving to provide a loving and stable environment for his canine companions.