Dr Will Maginness was seeing up to 15 dogs a day at the peak of his work in a Geelong animal hospital, so it’s fair to say the vet knows his pups.
The former footy star-turned-veterinarian has built a loyal following over the past 10 years thanks to his practical advice, adorable animal clips and blunt yet refreshing warnings for Australian pet owners.
And true to form, he was more than happy to share his unfiltered views on dog breeds, bad habits and owner mistakes with the Daily Mail – offering plenty of food for thought for anyone considering adding a four-legged friend to the family.
What are your top five dog breeds?
I always say this first… it’s never just about the breed, it’s about the match. But there are some dogs that generally cope better with modern life.
1. Golden Retrievers
Honestly, they’re hard to beat, my favourite breed by a country mile.
They’re emotionally steady, deeply bonded to their people and just want to be part of the family. Most of the health issues I see in Goldens aren’t ‘bad genetics’, they’re lifestyle and food related.
Dr Will Maginnesswas seeing up to 15 dogs a day at the peak of his work in a Geelong animal hospital, so it’s fair to say the vet knows his pups
‘Honestly, they’re hard to beat, my favourite breed by a country mile,’ he said of Golden Retrievers
2. Labrador Retrievers
Very similar story. Incredible family dogs and fantastic with kids, but they’re food obsessed and that’s where people get caught out.
If you keep them lean and feed them real food, they age far better than most people expect.
I hate seeing overweight Labradors, it’s unfair and completely preventable.
They have no self-control, so owners have to be the adults in the room.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Beautiful little dogs with beautiful temperaments. I say this carefully because breeding matters enormously here.
Our little Odi (Cocker × King Charles) is the best. I’d remove the Cocker in him if I could… haha.
Dr Will described Greyhounds as ‘one of the most underrated breeds out there’
4. Greyhounds
One of the most underrated breeds out there. People think they need endless exercise, they don’t. Most are professional couch potatoes.
They’re gentle, quiet, and surprisingly great for apartment living. Retired racers, in particular, can be incredibly calm and grateful dogs once they decompress.
5. Well-matched rescue dogs
Some of the healthiest, most resilient dogs I see are mixed-breed rescues.
When you match the dog to the lifestyle, you get some of the most special bonds.
Are there any breeds you wouldn’t recommend?
I struggle to recommend dogs that are bred purely for how they look… especially when that look compromises breathing, movement or temperature control.
If a dog struggles to breathe on a warm day, can’t run properly or is set up for chronic disease from birth, that’s something I find very hard to advocate for.
I’m talking about the brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers).
Join the debate
What’s your favourite dog breed?
‘I struggle to recommend dogs that are bred purely for how they look… especially when that look compromises breathing, movement or temperature control,’ Dr Will said of brachycephalic breeds like Pugs (pictured)
Is there one type of dog you’d personally never have at home?
I’m actually obsessed with big dogs. I’m a giant-breed person through and through… think Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Wolfhounds… I love them all.
But here’s the honest part: if I weren’t a veterinarian, and if I didn’t run my own fresh food company 5 Hounds and have access to species-appropriate food at cost price, I’d think twice before bringing a giant breed into my home.
Not because they aren’t incredible dogs, but because they’re expensive to do properly.
Giant breeds need a huge volume of high-quality, real food every single day.
Especially now when cost of living pressures push owners toward ultra-processed, inflammatory kibble, that’s when we see joint disease, gut issues, chronic inflammation and shortened life spans far earlier than we should.
People need to go into giant-breed ownership with their eyes wide open… not just thinking about the puppy stage, but what it costs to nourish a 60-80kg dog well for 10+ years.
I love these breeds. I just want people to be able to support them properly.
If I weren’t a veterinarian, and if I didn’t run my own fresh food company and have access to species-appropriate food at cost price, I’d think twice before bringing a giant breed into my home,’ Dr Will warned (Bernese Mountain Dog pictured)
What are some mistakes dog owners make without realising it?
Every owner wants the best for their dog, but a few things have been normalised that probably shouldn’t be.
Feeding them ultra-processed food every day for life is number one for me. The idea that this is what dogs require has been pushed very hard by the industry… and it deserves to be questioned.
So does thinking a slightly overweight dog is ‘normal’ or ‘cute’.
Are there hidden dangers for dogs that people don’t think about?
Absolutely.
Highly processed food. Repeated chemical parasite treatments without individual assessment. Environmental toxins like lawn sprays and cleaning products.
None of these cause problems overnight, but they stack up.
Dr Will warned against stick-throwing: ‘I’ve seen horrific injuries from it… sticks perforating mouths and throats can be life-threatening’
Are there innocent play activities that are actually harmful?
Yes and people are always shocked by this.
Stick throwing is a classic. I’ve seen horrific injuries from it… sticks perforating mouths and throats can be life-threatening.
When I was at university, I scrubbed in on a young Australian Shepherd with a stick puncture injury that was millimetres from its carotid artery.
Obsessive ball throwing can also drive anxiety rather than calm it, and it can wear joints down over time.
I’d choose controlled, sniff-based walks all day, every day.
When dogs are left home alone do they get lonely?
They can, yes.
Dogs are social animals, and loneliness isn’t just emotional, it’s physiological. Stress hormones rise, gut health suffers, and behaviour follows.
Things that help:
– Routine
– Enrichment
– Predictability
– Proper nutrition, because a well-nourished nervous system copes far better with stress
We underestimate how connected all of this is.
