Before you decide
to get a breed of dog based on its look or image, you need to think about what
it was originally bred for. For instance, can you handle a terrier digging in
your garden, or an Australian Cattle Dog chasing other animals? This article
gives you some guidance. When choosing a dog, there are several questions any
future owners must ask themselves: "Do I have time in my busy schedule for
daily walks?" or "Will my new dog get along with the children?" The next step
usually involves looking for the type of dog you'd like to own. But how many
people, when looking for a particular breed, ask why a dog was bred and what
genetic traits that breed will inherit. These important questions are often
neglected until the dog develops behaviour we humans would class as
undesirable. Take Megan, for example, a purebred Australian Cattle Dog who at
12 years of age was taken to an animal shelter because her behaviour was
completely unacceptable. She was on "death row" for the "crime" of chasing
livestock-a task that she was genetically designed to do. In the world of
canines, this scenario is common. Many dogs are unfairly classified as
behavioural "misfits" when they reveal the qualities they were designed to
carry out. Terriers that dig holes, Beagles that howl at the moon, and
Retrievers that catch birds are all good examples of dogs that are condemned
for displaying perfectly normal, but often unacceptable, behaviour.
Prized and despised
Ironically, most of these behaviours are prized and despised by humans. A
terrier, living on a farm, that kills small animals is highly valued, while the
same breed of dog, living in the city, embracing the same actions, may be
branded as "vicious." Beagles whose howling can be heard for miles earn praise
for a hunter and a criminal citation for the urban pet owner. Though simple
ignorance is usually blamed for this paradox, the facts do not support that
assumption. A person who buys an Alaskan Malamute invariably brags about the
fact that they are used as sled dogs. This claim is usually left unfinished as
their dog drags them briskly down the street like a sack of potatoes.
Fantasy
The real culprit in this dilemma is probably not ignorance, but fantasy. A
common reason for choosing a particular breed is not the reality of the
animal's behavioural traits, but the image it will project to others. Books
about various breeds and species of pets cater to this process. Giant breeds
are often described in terms such as, "powerful" and "fiercely loyal". Border
Collies are reputed to be "intelligent" and "obedient." The animal is selected
because of the slogans attached to it, not because of any actual knowledge of
the breed. Most often, basing the selection of a dog based on reputation leads
to problems. The regal looking Mastiff may eventually weigh in the region of
170 pounds, and splatter long tendrils of drool on the walls and sofas while
casually eyeing the neighbour's cat as his next meal. The Border Collie,
without daily opportunities to chase sheep, may keep himself amused with
irregular activities such as chasing shadows or nipping the heels of small
children. Each animal will offer perfectly normal behaviour that represents the
reality behind its image. The unprepared owner will be frustrated and
disappointed that the dog does not live up to unrealistic expectations.
Factors to consider
Selecting a dog based on real, rather than imagined, qualities is the first
step toward building a successful relationship. There are factors that every
owner should consider, such as matching the breed of dog to your lifestyle.
Think about your lifestyle objectively, considering physical aspects such as
space, and emotional aspects such as how you will keep your dog mentally
stimulated. Research the type of pet you want before you buy or adopt. Speak to
other owners and breeders rather than automatically trusting books or magazines
that are written by enthusiasts. Even the most objective person may
unintentionally exaggerate a dog's good points while minimizing the bad. Go
back to the history books and study the purpose of the breed to understand the
genetic traits you may have to put up with in the future. If there is a local
club or organization for the breed you want, see if you can attend a meeting or
get to know some of the members.
It's all about awareness
Owning a pet is all about awareness, so as a future pet owner it is your duty
to find out about the dog you are going to own. This does not mean you should
put up with dangerous behaviour from your dog, but it does mean that by being
aware of their breeding and personality traits, you can keep them on the
straight and narrow. So next time you find your Terrier digging a hole in your
garden, don't punish him-find something else to occupy his mind, and remember
it's in his genes