What breed is best for me?
When I first started writing this blog it looked very different. I typed out the different breed categories, and the characteristics that could be expected within those.
The truth is - there’s an abundance of information on this for people to look up, readily available. So rather than me repeating and regurgitating the information in my own way, I’m going to put a different spin on it.
RESEARCH DIFFERENT BREEDS.
Realistically when choosing a dog most people don’t do enough research, they don’t know what behaviours to expect. Behaviours hat are as built into the dog as breathing is. They then also don’t know how to overcome the undesirable behaviours that occur because of this.
For example; most people think a Husky can’t be let off lead because they will be off, or that you can’t get them to follow cues, or walk nicely on on lead, NONE of which is true.
To be honest, I can’t blame people either. When you’re putting that much money, time and effort into buying a dog - you want to get one that you actually want. What makes me sad is the amount of dogs that get acquired, and then within the first year of their lives they are given up on. Mainly because there was little training and consistency for the dog, which led to undesirable behaviours, natural breed type behaviours, occurring. Lets be honest life happens and training the dog will often be the first thing to go out the window.
PICTURE WHAT YOU NEED A DOG TO BE ABLE TO COPE WITH.
My advice when considering what breed would best suit your life - picture what you want your dog to be able to cope with as an adult dog. If you want a dog to go on massive hikes with you, a toy breed isn’t necessarily going to be the best choice. If you want a coach potato, a breed from the companion category is more likely to be what suits you. If you have little ones at home, large, high energy breeds are unlikely to be a natural fit at this time for you - herding breeds will herd EVERYTHING!
Whatever breed you decide on, add plenty of enrichment into their lives. Get their brains and noses going, don’t make the mistake of assuming that because you chose a small breed you don’t have to do put in as much time to entertaining them.
MY CHOICES.
Dogs will CONSUME your free time. Each persons situation is unique, and even amongst the same breeds they will behave differently depending on their environment and training. I know that for me, just now, large energetic breeds suit my lifestyle. Having had 2 German Shepherd’s, a Siberian Husky and a Cocker Spaniel - I enjoy living with the independent thinkers. I love figuring out what makes them individually tick. As I get older and less able to walk 10+ miles a day, I fully intend on changing the breeds I live with to those that need less physical activity.
I’m 39 now, and would love a Belgian Malinois. I know that when the time comes to get another dog if that isn’t the breed I get then I will unlikely ever own one - it’s not a breed for the feint hearted.
Until next time
Gem
XOXO