Advice for choosing a dog.
So you want to adopt a dog? There is a lot to consider……..
- Rescue dog or puppy? Often “rescue dogs” get a poor reputation as it is sometimes presumed they all have issues or come with problems. This is most certainly NOT the case. The difference between a rescue dog and a regular family pet is 3 seconds. Yup, 3 seconds. That is the time it takes for an owner to sign the dog over to a rescue organisation, or for the family pet to escape a garden and subsequently end up in the local dog pound – 3 seconds. The dog hasn’t changed – simply its status.
- Breed: dogs are genetically hard-wired to their breed characteristics and these vary enormously. For example, if you wanted a dog to herd sheep then the breed of choice would be border collie and not pomeranian.
- Size: it is a misconception to think that a small dog is easier to walk/control than a larger dog. It all depends on training and breed. Also, small dogs are often “trip hazards” so anybody slightly unsteady on their feet MAY be better with a calm, medium sized dog.
- Prey drive: all dogs have prey drive, it is in their genetic makeup. However, different breeds have different levels. Lurchers and terriers generally have a very high prey drive and are not safe around small furry animals, cats etc.
- Exercise: how much will the dog need? Will you be able to cater for the dogs’ requirements? If you have a spaniel or a husky it will need more than a gentle 20 minutes each day whereas a bulldog or a shih tzu is more likely to enjoy a potter along the road followed by a few hours on the couch! If you want to go hill climbing or cani-cross then a chihuahua may not be the best bet.
- Obedience: what level of obedience will you be happy with? How dedicated to training are you? If you want to compete then you will need a dog suited to that discipline. For example, if you want to take part in obedience/agility/flyball competitions etc you would probably veer towards an athletic breed such as a border collie. However, if you want a lazier, less demanding breed you may choose a retired greyhound – who are renowned for their couch potato impressions!
- Grooming: are you committed to lots of grooming or are you prepared to pay a professional groomer on a regular basis. Double coated dogs such as huskies/GSDs can require copious amounts of grooming, shih tzu/lhasa apso etc require regular visits to the groomer. Shorter coated dogs such as greyhounds, Staffordshire bull terriers etc do not require the same attention.
- Brachycephalic dogs: the technical term for breeds like pugs, French bulldogs (“Frenchies”), Boxers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Shih Tzus and others is “brachycephalic.” The structure of their bodies means that these breeds often suffer from health problems like breathing issues, skin fold infections, eye issues, back and joint issues. These issues can be distressing for the dog and expensive for the owner!
- Crossbreeds: mixed breeds such as cockapoo, jackadoodle, etc should be approached with caution and a healthy interest taken in their actual breeds. Whilst most of these dogs are wonderful it should be noted that, for example the cockapoo, is a mix of two, high energy working breeds (cocker spaniel and poodle). Whilst they look absolutely adorable, the amount of exercise and training these dogs need should be paramount in your mind if you are considering adopting one.
- Children: certain breeds of dogs are generally considered to be more tolerant of children than others. Labradors, Staffordshire bull terriers and poodles are some examples of breeds good with children. Weimeraners, akitas and malamutes are generally thought not suitable for children.
- Life span of the dog: more often than not the small sized dogs live longer than the larger dogs.
- General costs: often veterinary treatment is based upon the weight of the dog therefore the heavier the dog, the more expensive the treatment. Feeding and parasite treatments are also more expensive for larger dogs.
- Foreign dog or UK dog? Generally speaking foreign dogs (street dogs specifically) can be nervous and in particular scared of men. However, this is not the case for all of them but it is something that should be considered should you have an interest in adopting a foreign dog. Each month hundreds of dogs are imported to the UK and delivered straight to their new homes and each month hundreds of new owners are asking rescues to take these dogs because they cannot cope. If you wish to adopt a foreign dog it is wise to adopt via a reputable rescue who has the dog IN THIS COUNTRY, has COMPLETED AN ASSESSMENT, will INSIST YOU VISIT ON AT LEAST A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS and OFFERS RESCUE BACK UP FOR LIFE.
The above are very general guidelines and should be taken as such.