Almost all dog owners know that they must provide at least an adequate quality of life for their dogs. That includes food, shelter, health and safety needs. Responsible owners add training and affection, as they are responsible for their dog’s actions and behavior. They also know that they are responsible for their dog’s happiness and well-being.
The forgotten or lost item is often the cause of many dogs being given up or abandoned. It is knowing and providing for the inherent needs of the animal. Specific breeds have specific needs. In order to peacefully coexist with a dog, those needs must be met. A dog that is not allowed to comply with its DNA will become frustrated, neurotic, rude, distant, aggressive, depressed and/or destructive.
They are not a happy dog.
Ideally, before acquiring a puppy or dog, one should do their homework and thoroughly research their chosen breed. If it is a mixed breed, all known breeds in the mix should be investigated.
Know the instincts of the dog. Learn its origin. Understand and respect the dog’s inherent behaviors. Something as simple as that can be a deciding factor. Don’t think the dog will change your lifestyle… usually he won’t and the dog is the one who suffers for it. Be honest with yourself about how much time and energy he’s willing to put in before, not after, having a puppy or dog.
To help balance a dog’s mental and physical well-being, it’s imperative that his breed’s exact needs be met as much as possible. Sporting, Working, Hounds, Terriers and Herding breeds normally require a lot of physical and mental exercise. If those needs are not met, you will have behavior problems.
Dogs love to work. By attending to their instincts, they are working.
If you decide on a Terrier, expect to dig. Be prepared to provide a designated spot and teach them that this is the only place they can dig. If you have a sporting or herding dog, expect to take him somewhere where he can run off-leash. If you have a herding dog, expect it to herd you, if you can’t find something for it to herd. Dog parks are a dream come true for herding dogs. Even sitting on your lap is the “job” lapdogs were bred to do.
Know what you’re getting yourself into before you regret it. Learn all you can about the breed.
Breed groups recognized by the American Kennel Club include:
1. Sporty: generally agile, active, vigorous, alert, active. Breeds include: German Shorthaired Pointer, Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Golden Retrieves, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Curley Coated Retriever.
2. Hound – Usually amazing sense of smell and sight, strong prey drive, active, stamina, speed, agility, active, runners, noise (barking and howling). Breeds include: Beagle, Basset Basenji, Greyhound, Dachshund, Wolfhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Whippet, Afghan hound, Saluki, Borzoi.
3. Work: Traditionally bred for guards, police/military, rescue and couriers. Runners, agile, active, assertive/aggressive, independent, breeds include: Boxer, Alaskan Malamute, Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Siberian Husky, Rotteweiler, Giant/Standard Schnauzer, Great Pyrenees, Great Dane, Saint Bernardo, Doberman Pinscher, Newfoundland.
4. Terrier – Bred to hunt vermin. Stamina, active, loud, assertive/aggressive, fearless, digger. Breeds include: Airedale Terrier, Australian Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Scottish Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Skye Terrier.
5. Toy – Based on tradition. Most commonly found as companion pets today. Usually smaller dogs, either lap dogs or working dogs. It can range from affectionate to independent. Alert to calm. Friendly to aggressive/protective. Smooth to rough. Breeds include: Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, Pomeranian, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Japanese Chin, Havanese, Papillion, Pomeranian, Poodle, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, Pekingese.
6. Non-Sporting – Originally bred for a specific need, including fighting and protection. It can range from affectionate to independent. Friendly to aggressive/protective. Smooth to rough. Alert to calm. Breeds include: American Eskimo Dog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Dalmatian, Lhaso Apso, Shar Pei, Finnish Spitz, Shiba Inu, Bichon Frize, Keeshound, Poodle, Chow Chow, Standard Poodle.
7. Grazing – Raised for ear cattle – cows, goats, reindeer, sheep. Smart, agile, resilient, assertive/aggressive, loud, independent runners. Breeds include: Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, Collie, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Shetland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, Puli.
Bottom line: Being aware of your pet’s inherent needs, as well as providing them with an outlet, is fundamentally important. At the very least, enroll in no-punishment, positive reinforcement basic obedience classes. You will be amazed at what you will learn about your dog’s potential. Recognize that the strength of the relationship that develops between you and your puppy or dog rests not only on your commitment of time, attention, leadership, and affection, but also on your knowledge of his breed.