Well I went the easy way- both my current and my previous dogs I got as adults (my previous dog was a senior when I got her). Not only I spared myself the house training, I was able to select the specific dog individual personality and match to my life, rather then relying on breed generalizations.

Ah yeah, and by adopting otherwise "non-attractive" dogs (a senior boxer and a large black scarred mixed breed) I saved two lives from "euthanasia for space".

A win-win.

Xslf April 29th, 2009 11:55:52 AM

Xslf: Yeah, when I give advice on selecting a dog, I tend to stick to rule outs. No this, no that. And consider that mixed breeds are usually healthier in the long run. 

Dr. Patty Khuly April 29th, 2009 11:59:51 AM

This is another one of my pet peeves... folks who opt for a particular breed with little or no idea of what they're getting themselves into.  That's fine if you truly do have NO preconceived ideas or requirements - but realistically, how many people have this kind of flexibility in their personalities and daily lives?

My two cattle dog mixes both come to work with me every day.  And every day, several dozen times a day, myself and my co-workers find ourselves saying "She's a cattle dog - yes, she's pretty, thank you.  Yes, she's well behaved, thank you.  NO, you DON'T want one, thank you very much."

Some people are offended.  How dare you assume I am not "worthy" of this beautiful breed!

Others are infinitely grateful... Really?  Two hours of exercise a day, minimum?  Another hour or two of training, and constantly having to be around to entertain, provide work and stimulation, prevent troublemaking and boredom - not for me, thanks!!

To those who are offended, I have literally offered my dogs for a day.  Take them for 24 hours, and see if you can direct their energy in an appropriate fashion without wanting to pull your hair out or shut yourself in a dark room for just ONE minute of peace.  ;O)

I'm not tooting my own horn - there are plenty of breeds that I couldn't live with in my own home, particularly in the city.  And yes, terriers fit into that group for me (I prefer dogs with a higher level of responsiveness, personally).  But I happen to be in the unique situation of being able to take my dogs to work with me to get a much needed break. During my eight or nine hours at work my dogs are entertained by my clients coming and going, my client's dogs visiting for playdates, and the general goings-on outside the building (the whole front is made of glass and is much more entertaining than your average front window).

I also want to mention the issue of people purchasing breeds based on looks and personality - with no concern for health issues.  People are always coming in, shocked that their large dog has hip issues, their bulldog can't jog, their basset has ear/spine issues, their cocker has cherry eye, their golden has thyroid issues or epilepsy, their toy dog has dental issues... and I just look at them and say "But that's what you CHOSE."  Yes, dogs from reputable breeders are going to be less likely to have these issues, but let's face it - the people who are surprised by these issues cropping up are also the people who are NOT seeking out reputable breeders.  What?  Your dalmation has urinary issues?  You don't say...

Kim April 29th, 2009 12:09:06 PM

Yes, yes and yes again! Misconceptions, irrational conclusions and just downright fantasies! Can I tell you how many inquiries our rescue had on a female Great Dane puppy (recovering from HOD no less) from folks who said "been looking for one to grow up with my child!" Child ages ranged from 18 months to 6 years. Are these people INSANE? Skyler is a fantastic puppy but she is a PUPPY. An over 50 pound puppy with joint issues at that. She is clumsy, high energy and made worse by the fact that her activity levels had to be controlled for several weeks as she recuperated. She will walk ALL over your child till they are a grease spot in the grass and never realize she stepped on them, LOL! OK, that rant over! At least they weren't looking for an easy to housebreak, never needs exercise and doesn't shed teacup anything... .which is what we apparently should supply in abundance. I think I went off-topic, sorry! One great thing about doing rescue is the ability to match folks up with dogs that actually fit the families lifestyles...if they would only let us. The hard part is dealing with the 'baggage' that comes with people jumping to conclusions based on what the dog looks like it 'might' be. We actually had two returns of dogs to the rescue because people decided that the dog was a particular breed or mix and that they did not want that type of animal. They suddenly reinterpreted the dog's behaviors in the past based on their own biases or judgements of this supposed breed and therefore the dog MUST be returned. One dog had blue tongue spots so MUST be a Chow. (It was a Rottie/Shepard mix, parents were known) and the other had her dog DNA'd and was upset that the results were mostly Rottweiler. Sigh

Beth Patterson April 29th, 2009 12:16:38 PM

PS. Sorry for no paragraph breaks... I better do a search on how to make those happen...

Beth Patterson April 29th, 2009 12:18:10 PM

We used to run into the worst breed misconceptions when we were volunteering in rescue.  The most visible example was a wonderful fluffy orange dog, with a tail lying on her back like a Keeshond.  This dog had been rescued in horrible condition.  They decided not to euthanize based on her overwhelmingly sweet temperament.

When she was fully rehabbed (6 months later) and going to adoptions, parents would grab their kids and pull them away so they couldn't get near her pen.  People would walk by, look at her, and say, "Oh, a Chow.  We can't have a Chow, they're vicious."  Riiiight.  Orange and fluffy = Chow and Chow = aggressive.  Of *course*.

We also saw people absolutely convinced that small/medium dogs made better low energy pets, which wasn't our observation at all; the big dogs dealt much better with lower energy lifstyles.  But people weren't interested in hearing it.

People have some weird ideas about what makes up a breed, and what breeds are like, and aren't at all interested in hearing anything different--ie, "that dog is not a Pit (or a Chow, or a Rottie, or....)," and "X breed isn't like [some stereotype]" and so on.  Where DO they get these ideas?  I have no clue.

Galadriel April 29th, 2009 12:34:13 PM

Wow. I want to kiss this study['s extract].

I share my life with Shiba Inus, and have been involved in Shiba Inu rescue for the last year and a half. I would guess that 99.9% of all relinquished rescue and shelter shibas were given up because the buyer had NO idea what they were getting into!! Its a sad reality, human ignorance definitely equates to the dog paying the price.

I think if you own a breed or a particular breed mix, it is your job to be that dog's advocate, as well as advocate to the breed/mix. Public education will save many cases of mismatched families and dogs ending up sour and dogs shelter or backyard bound.

I often resort to answering questions like "Whoa, that dog looks like a fox, what is it?" with "Its an ancient, difficult, fiery Japanese hunting breed. They shed quite a bit, are picky, have selective hearing, can never be off leash, have killed small animals and are certainly not for everyone!". If they continue to ask, I give them website addresses.

Great article, Dr. K! I hope many, many, many people read and analyze it and their choice of canine companion!

Jen April 29th, 2009 12:39:51 PM

I grew up in a family that made a poor choice of dog breed (and I think my parents would admit that now) but stuck with the dogs, like good owners are supposed to.  This experience made me realize that I really should do my research before picking my own dog.  I also knew that I couldn't deal with a puppy, so rescue was the way to go.

It amuses me no end that my mother thought my dogs were hideous when I brought them home.  =)  She was won over pretty quickly, however, by their temperament and biddability.

When my sister decided to get a dog, I insisted she do her research, but she decided a Lab puppy was the way to go.  As a result, she's had to change her lifestyle (probably not a bad thing) & the dog is a good example of what a Lab should be in terms of personality (sweet) & conformation (adult bitch under 60 pounds, do you believe it?!?) IMO, but the dog goes to the vet at least 6x a year, and she's still very young.  Can't say I didn't warn her...

Julie in OH April 29th, 2009 12:50:19 PM

I had Shar-Pei for over 25 years, and tried to talk everyone who asked out of getting one.

I'm curious what breeds Dr. Khuly and others would recommend for the "average pet owner (APO)" -- the ones who think that having a yard gives their dog enough exercise, who may want a dog that will be OK with their kids (and their kids' friends), and who aren't prepared to do a lot of grooming or training, or to deal with serious health problems.

I know that Labs and Goldens are considered great family dogs, but they're prone to particular health problems (particularly hip dysplasia) and they're bred to need a lot of exercise. I used to think that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a good choice, before learning about the horrendous health problems in that breed.

I recently acquired a Norwich Terrier (retired female who turns five years old today) -- I wanted a terrier but knew I wasn't equipped to handle the higher-energy breeds such as JRT and Wire Fox. I felt that the Norwich, even though bred to work, is one of the easiest of the terriers, and I was right, she's very easy to live with. These dogs are difficult to breed, however, and therefore hard to come by and expensive, so probably not an option for most people.

Any other breed suggestions for the APO?

Mary Straus April 29th, 2009 01:22:00 PM

Jen - I'm happy to hear this from a Shiba owner  :O)

For some reason, both Shibas and Jindos are both growing in popularity in my area.

My overwhelming response to anyone coming in to ask me my opinion is a "HECK, no!"

Neither breed is really very dog-like at all.  They are incredible creatures to live with, but not for someone who wants a "dog."  They are predators in the truest sense, and both are almost cat-like.

I have one client who has a Jindo, and he's a wonderful pet parent - his dog is on leash 100% of the time, and he has NO illusions about what his dog is capable of.  He loves the dog for what he IS, not what he wants him to be.  He has trained the dog to the best of his abilities, keeps the dog well-exercised, mentally stimulated and away from potentially problematic situations.

Galadriel - I also agree with you... the vague resemblance of a breed with a negative reputation has damned many a shelter/rescue dog.  We currently have in a "doberman mix" who I believe is most likely a black and tan smooth collie mix.  She's too short, too long, her ears stick up, and her personality is that of a collie.  However, people see black and tan and instantly see Rottweiler.

On the other hand, one of our cattle dog mixes is part Rott - some days people will be literally rolling around on the ground with her, loving her up, and they'll ask what breed she is.  I tell them she's part cattle dog, part Rott - and they jump back as if I just said she was covered in Lyme-infected hungry ticks.  <sigh>.

I think what both examples point out is that there is a fine line between breed descrimination and breed HONESTY.  I think that so far Bad Rap is one of the few groups out there who really gets it right.  Protecting the good name of their bully breeds, while being up front and honest about the personality quirks they truly do deal with.  Seperating the truth from the media fiction.

The problem is, from the perspective of a clueless individual looking for a dog, who do you believe when everyone is telling you something different?  Some of the most incorrect breed claims (Large dogs are inappropriate for apartments, terriers are fine left alone all day/in apartments, rottweilers/dobermans are all aggressive) that my clients have reported to me have come from "professionals."  Trainers, vets, techs, groomers...  So while on one hand when a couple walk in and tell me they live in a tiny apartment and just got their first dog, a lab/mastiff puppy - oh, and they both are full time students AND work - and I slap myself in the forehead... I also wonder where they could have gone and been SURE they were getting appropriate advice?  For example, I would have told them to start with a senior rescue dog with few or no behavioural problems - just a rehoming case.  A dog used to being alone all day, so that they could get used to having to feed, walk, clean and take care of something every single day for 5-8 years before making a 10-15 year commitment to the complete rearing and development of a young, active working breed.  BUT - I'll bet my left leg there's someone on this list who would likely have given them different advice.  Perhaps not advice that I would DISagree with, but different than the advice that I would have given them.  So who is right?  Is anyone wrong?  How is a newbie to decide if even us "dog people" can't agree?

Kim April 29th, 2009 01:30:05 PM

Mary: The LBJ is my favorite (stands for "little brown job", but medium ones work, too). These dingo-esque mixes can be had at rescues far and wide. (Locally, I also refer to them as Miami-Dade County Dingoes.") My parents adopted a female 40-pounder a couple of years ago (their first mixed breed ever after a lifetime of dogs) and they've never been happier. She's so appropriate. Gets her own exercise in the yard. No grooming (she never even gets bathed and she really doesn't need it). Great with kids. No serious health issues (except some effects from the broken leg she showed up with). 

Dr. Patty Khuly April 29th, 2009 01:32:14 PM

It happens all the time. People who would be perfectly good dog owners of SOME TYPE of dog, get the wrong breed of dog, and heartbreakingly, the dog ends up given back to the shelter or in breed rescue.

Locally, there was a non-profit founded to help prevent this phenomena.

Stefani April 29th, 2009 01:58:32 PM

trying to put in URL of nonprofit: http://www.gooddogz.org www.gooddogz.org

Stefani April 29th, 2009 01:59:44 PM

Thanks Kim! I love my shibas, but because they are true to form, nothing that most people who want a 'dog' would appreciate! You are spot on!

They are, unfortunately, gaining quite a bit of notoriety lately...

Jindos fascinate me, too!

I think you make a good point, where does this incorrect breed info come from? I know of a large scale commercial breeding facility who claims to have the 'right puppy' for everyone... they breed shibas for crying out loud! So not the right dog for everyone!! And yet this profit driven misinformation spreads and reaches misinformed ears...

Jen April 29th, 2009 02:06:47 PM

I'm somewhat guilty of this...my very first dog, Bandit, was a sheltie/border collie mix. He was the best. dog. ever. He died before his time from a nasty dog attack, and I vowed that I'd one day have another herding breed. I'm not yet in a position to actively acquire another dog, but I've since decided (after being exposed to so many different breeds at work) that a herding dog is probably NOT for me, unless I have the time and energy to devote to it. So for now, all I can do is fantasize about one day having enough property and free time to have a couple of Aussies or border collies to entertain. But it's definitely been ingrained into my head that Bandit =ed awesome, so any dog that looks like Bandit did must = awesome too...even though I now know better! Funny enough, too, he was killed by the neighbor's roaming, aggressive Pit, so for a long time I held a grudge (think I was warranted there). But now Pits are one of my favorites!

anna April 29th, 2009 02:40:43 PM

Why even stop there? Someone(s) may not be suitable for dogs at all, but more in tune with a cat, bird, ferret, or other pets.

The advantage of purebred, is the predictability of temperament & personality overall, with slight variations. I love all dogs & all cats, and have had a variety through the years, including large mix-bred. But have always adored the Scottish Terrier.

Breed descriptions, whether books, magazines or web sites will usually describe pretty well, to narrow choices down for suitability. Calls to long-time owners/breeders help, because the goal is to make a good match, whether placing a rescue or puppy.

I become annoyed when someone opts for a "high maintenance" breed and really doesn't have the :time, money, or inclination , to keep it well-kept/groomed.

Barbara A./NH

Pocket's Story from N April 29th, 2009 02:56:59 PM

Pit Bulls Make The World Go 'Round

Liz April 29th, 2009 04:05:10 PM

My husband and I have a Jack Russell.  He is amazing, cute, funny, (reasonably) well behaved, (reasonably) calm,  and people ask us all the time where they can buy a dog like him. I always tell them that they can't.  He acts calm and well behaved because we put in the time to train him to act that way.  If he is calm in public, it is partly because he knows that is how he suppose to act and partly because one of us probably spent time trying to wear him out before we left (I say trying, I am not sure we have ever actually worn him out in the two years we've had him, but he has worn me out plenty of times!). We spend hours every day playing, working on commands, going for walks, anything to wear off some energy... people only see the end result.  I tell people all the time what our daily schdule is like and most just smile politely and nod, I can usually tell that they are thinking, "Yeah right, this little guy can't take up that much time and he is soooo cute!" 

I seriously thought about printing up a "living with a JRT" worse case senario sheet complete with pictures to hand people whenever they say "cute dog!" I think it is super important that owners take the time educate other people about their dogs. Even if someone is just commenting about how well behaved the dog is, take a moment to tell them about the time you have spent getting the dog to behave that way.  Sorry if I sound preach-y, I am just starting to work more within the breed and I am constantly frustrated with the comments I get from other owners, "He dug up my yard!"  "He spends all his time in the back yard barking constantly at squirrils and things!"  Well, duh, that is what JRTs do!

Dani April 29th, 2009 04:06:12 PM

Doing rescue with greyhounds is fun - trying to explain, over and over, "No, they don't need a huge yard, but no, you can't let them run in an unfenced area" can get discouraging. Along with, "Like any dog, they can chase things. That's doesn't mean they will, but if they do, they'll probably catch it, which can be a problem, just like it could be with any dog that catches a cat/squirrel/whatever." (And politely giving the frozen smile to everyone who says, as they walk by, "I lost a lot of money on this guy" - yeah, almost 100% assuredly not the same dog, buddy, but whatever, thankyoumovealong.)

The problem is that even with breeds, every dog is an individual, who may behave differently than 'normal' or maybe just on this particular day, or in this particular place. My female grey is easy as pie in getting along with kids of all ages (as long as their not throwing things right near her). She's good in noisy, crowded places (I just took her to a big bowling alley for a fundraiser - 150+ people, loud music, 9 tweener girls petting her constantly, and she spent most of the time lying on the dogbed, with people stepping over her frequently), but she was the 'replacement, because the other person's male grey went into a 'frozen stasis' state after getting ten feet into the building (after having been just fine at a high school football game this fall). My girl is scared of little dogs and cats, edging away from them all the time and yet, a squirrel used to turn her into Cujo (she doesn't care and can ignore them more now - but seeing deer in the county park, she thinks she's a Scottish deerhound). She's 11 now, and a fifteen minute walk tires her out, while my 9 yr old male can walk for an hour or more - but only with his 'big brother' (my Shep-Rott mix) because cars scared him stupid. He's terrified of balls of all kinds, even the sound of a basketball bouncing freaks him out, yet he'd chase, catch, and kill a cat/rabbit/squirrel in a heartbeat. He lets a toddler dress him with blankets, beads and hair bows while just laying on the couch, but he wouldn't realize he's knocking her down if he was greeting her at the door.

However, that being said, I think more people would be able to get along with a greyhound's temperment than would ever consider having them. That doesn't mean I would recommend them to most people, but...I always say, if you want a dog as nice as a Lab, or a Golden, with less energy and less fur, then a greyhound MIGHT be something you want to consider.

And sorry to go on so long, but it really is funny about people's ideas of 'scary' dogs. A client has an absolutely lovely, petite and slender fawn and white pit bull. However, the rescue didn't want to label her as such, and said she was a boxer mix. The dog is now 1, and weighs all of 38#, so the woman has convinced herself that it's a whippet-beagle mix. Yes, it has rose ears, and a definite tuck-up, and short fur in a whippet way, and yes, beagles have more squared heads, so while I bit my tongue not to ruin her fantasy, I was happy yet sad inside, because this dog will be a great friend, it could also be a great advocate to help others see that not all pits are scary monsters.

KateH April 29th, 2009 04:31:45 PM

Of course, when you are talking about breed preferences, you have to keep in mind the reverse problem. My little mutt is a mystery mix, but I think he is JRT and Chihuahua and maybe daschund in there, too. He is weird-looking, in the nicest possible way, and is so cute that I can't walk two blocks without two strangers swooping down to pet him and coo at him. People waiting at traffic lights yell to me to ask what he is. He is well-trained and better-socialized every day. He's finally learned to play well with other dogs! Basically, he is the perfect dog... out of sheer luck. Neither of the breeds he is most likely to be are really that calm, quiet, attentive, patient, or friendly. They can be great dogs, but those just aren't the traits of the JRTs I have known, and my neighbor's chihuahua is a vicious little rat with anyone but her,as are several others I have met. So let's say my dog meets 4 new people a day when the weather is nice. That's 4 people a day who lead off with, "What is he? He is adorable! Where did you get him?" For the first few weeks I answered honestly, and about half the people turned to their companions and announced that they HAD to get the same mix, and what is the mix called, to which I would politely say something about his personality being a really lucky break for me, and it not being a really good idea. I was worried about helping to create a demand for a new designer dog- on looks alone, if you COULD replicate my dog, and give it a cute breed name, people would be all over it. And they would not all be as lucky as I am. Especially since a good portion of my luck came from months of obedience training and careful socialization.

Caro April 29th, 2009 05:01:18 PM

Caro, I had the same thing with my first mix. As far as we could tell, she was a lovely combo of American Eskimo and Lab (size, color, fur textures, barking, behavior comparisons, but hey, she could have been something else). However, she looked as if someone had successfully created a minature white/cream German Shepherd, which is what many people thought she was. I'm pretty sure no one has done that (yet), and I got tired of trying to discuss this with so many 'experts' so eventually I said, with a perfectly straight face and just enough enthusiasm, that she was an Artic coyote. At least half of the people said, "Really? Where did you get her from?" as if they wanted to run right out to that special place with cash in hand.

Of course, having known a few Eskies and too many Labs (including my Lab-Rott mix, who I do love, but...), I'd never want a purebred of either - no offense intended, really.

KateH April 29th, 2009 05:13:23 PM

Shiba Inus have exploded in popularity, in part due to "The Puppy Cam".  For me, it was wonderful to watch that extraordinary litter but way too many just saw "cute" and "small" (apartment size) and thought "gotta get one" and "one" is way different from a pack of Shibas; "high energy" doesn't begin to describe them.  Ditto what Jen said above.  Shibas ARE cat like and they totally AREN'T cat like.  Mine will kill kittens if given the opportunity.  Queen Sheba, my Shiba, had me in tears more times than I want to count during her "teen" months and, it turns out, I have one of the EASY Shibas.  I'll do back flips to accomodate my critters but this Shiba was tough to adapt to.  If I'd been told the truth before getting her, I wouldn't have.  Of course, now I don't know what life would be without Shiba love and I would and probably will do it all over again.  Some breeds shouldn't be acquired unless you're the "dog with a bone, not ever giving up" type and the Shiba Inu is one of those.

PJBoosinger April 29th, 2009 05:23:24 PM

I read comments on blogs like this and hear people say how hard they have worked to get their dog to stop chasing this or that and I can't help thinking "I would have loved that dog, before they 'fixed' it". I love the prey drive in dogs. When I see a spanial working cover, or a beagle circling a rabbit all afternoon, or a sight hound running it's quary with all it's heart, it makes me smile like nothing else. This is what a dog IS to me. The only thing my mini dach would rather do than curl up on my wife's lap is to work a rabbit or squirrel out of cover for me and my hawk. That dog is never as happy as when he is on a scent, his whole body becomes electrifid and the twinkle in his eyes has to be seen to be believed. If you want to see what total focus, perfect zen, looks like, watch a good hunting dog work. The only thing that is more impressive is to watch a good hawk fly it's quary. I know that most of the people who do it are excelent pet owners and their dogs are happier and safer for learning to live with them but I can't help feeling sorry for the loss of the purest part of a dog. Most of you will probably be horrified to read that but I am one of those people who want all the prey drive in my dogs, it is what makes them dogs to me.

Jacob L'Etoile April 29th, 2009 05:44:11 PM

My boy is a GS mix(probably GS and Lab) and I've gotten a lot of people tell me how GS's are mean, unpredictable, etc. It's really funny when they realize that the moment they opened their mouth my "big, scary, German Shepherd" ran behind Mommy because he's scared of the new person he doesn't know. And then I tell them all about how it's been 7 months and he's finally able to use the doggy door because we've convinced him it's not some sort of medieval torture device. And it's doubly fun when my cute, adoring, loveable, bouncy Chessie growls at unknown people who get too close. Yeah, breed perceptions are always fun at our house!

Kara April 29th, 2009 05:49:40 PM

Jacob, one huge problem, besides not knowing what to do with the dead critter afterwards, that most people have, is that it isn't safe to let a greyhound chase quarry in most places, because trying to get them back is a problem. Also, if more than one dog is doing it, fights can ensue, leading to injuries among the dogs. If it happens in my back yard, I'm not too upset, because, yes, it's what dogs do (my Shep-Rott is very serious about catching, killing, and eating bunnies and squirrels, so this happens several times a summer), but that doesn't mean I want it to happen when the neighbor kids on either side of me are there to see and hear it. Thank dogness I've been able to take the bodies to the big field a few miles away for the turkey vultures, but still...

KateH April 29th, 2009 06:02:38 PM

I went to the URL for the journal, but couldn't find the abstract. Could someone give the full citation for the article, please.

Linda H April 29th, 2009 06:23:54 PM

KateH
I understand your concern about having the neighbor kids see the carnage, I am lucky enough to live places where my dogs can run. I also have places for them to do what they do best in semi private. I keep them controlled during the off season, hunting is hunting weather it is the dogs, hawks or me. My dogs generaly get some of what we catch, either the head or a leg. If it is a squirrel the hawk gets her dinner from the rest and the remainder goes in the freezer. If it is a rabbit and is still in reasonable condition, I get the rest:) Rabbit is not a good matienence diet for hawks anyway. Give your dog what he catches. Clean the intestines out of any animal and check the liver in rabbits for spots.

Jacob L'Etoile April 29th, 2009 06:26:38 PM

@KateH -- my next dog will be an NGA grey.  I tried to convince my sister that a grey would be perfect for her sitch but she got the Lab.  Now I want the grey.  =D

@Jacob L'Etoile -- big thumbs up from me. =D Lure coursing got me hooked with sighthounds (watching the dam of my whippet bitch lure course gave me the shivers), and open field coursing is something every sighthound owner should be able to do with their dog.  When I decide to venture outside the sighthound world, I'll make sure the dog's from working lines.  Folks who want non-dogs can have their pocket-pups, I'll stick with the real thing.  =7

Julie in OH April 29th, 2009 06:30:49 PM

Jacob, I love the prey dog in my Shiba and Lab but a good hunting dog also has to learn there's a proper time and place for hunting and appropriate and inappropriate prey.  Go after squirrels and possums, even feral cats at the farm?  Oh, yeah.  At the condos?  Best not to go after the neighbors' pet kitties even if I disapprove of them running loose.  Kill the possum in front of the neighbor kids?  Not so much.

PJBoosinger April 29th, 2009 06:32:37 PM

Jacob, do you mind saying what state you live in? I used to work with BOP in education, and would have an interest in seeing actual working birds. ('Helped raise bald eagle chicks for fledging in the wild, did rehab with a Cooper that I also got to release, along with the SOP for non-releasable education birds from tiny to big owls, hawks, eagles and TVs, so I'm not just an "ooh, what a pretty bird" chick.)

KateH April 29th, 2009 06:36:31 PM

Julie, do you course with LARK? If so, what do you think of Eddie's Azawahk?

KateH April 29th, 2009 06:40:55 PM

Jacob:  I am so with you... That is why I get frustrated when JRT owners want to find a new home for their dog because it: digs, barks, chases things, disappears down holes, etc. I always ask, did you reseach the breed?  I typically get the followings answers:

"Yes, but they are not all like that, right?"

"Yes, I watched Wishbone all the time!" (*Head to desk*) I have heard this one more than once

"I just thought they were really cute"

"My kids wanted a dog just like _____________."

Dani April 29th, 2009 06:56:18 PM

@KateH -- I haven't coursed at LARK for over year now, so I can't comment on the Azawakh.  Racing takes precedence over coursing in my household.  Anyway, these days, the pack's aging has limited our outings quite a bit.  Interestingly, coursing seems to take less out of my whippet bitch than racing as far as her orthopedic issues go.  Completely counterintuitive.

Julie in OH April 29th, 2009 08:00:26 PM

I think it's perfectly reasonable for people to know their limits, their environment and what they can handle for dog responsibilities. But that should be the extent of the bias. I think it's ridiculous that people perpetually badmouth entire breeds. It's one thing to discuss and research breed attributes or exercise/grooming requirements, but too often people shrivel up their noses and the very mention of a particular dog. To each their own, I say, no point in contributing to that, especially when the stereotype has nothing to do with the dog, and everything to do with the type of owner.

Additionally, there's no. such. thing. as a "teacup" variety. To validate that, since it is based on irresponsible breeding practices, is - well- irresponsible.

CreatureofHabit April 29th, 2009 08:06:48 PM

KateH
I am in MA. I just moved here from RI and relesed my bird, but I will be getting a new one this fall as soon as trapping season starts. If you are interested my email is jal4470 at yahoo dot com. Sorry for spelling it out, it helps keep the email off the bots.
Julie in OH, I don't think I have the country where I am to course, but what I have seen of other people's dogs is breathtaking and if I ever end up out on the plains I will defenately have a sighthound.
PJ I totaly understand not wanting your dog to kill things in inapropriate places, I live in MA, and there are many many people here who don't understand hunting at all. If you have trained them not to hunt when they are not supposed to, while keeping their drive I applaude that, you are a much better trainer than I am. I would be afraid of diminishing their drive I just keep my dogs on a leash when they shouldn't be hunting.

Jacob L'Etoile April 29th, 2009 09:04:21 PM

I have to laugh at the shiba comments. I have had akitas for 16 years now and thought about downsizing to the shiba once. I researched the breed and decided they were to much for me. I like my dogs abit more laid back. How are they when they are seniors??VBG. There are many breeds I would consider owning, to many for me to ever have in a lifetime. Not to mention great mixes at local shelters. There are just alot of great dogs out there! Tail wags, Marie http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com

Marie April 29th, 2009 09:17:48 PM

I don't care what breed a dog is.  I love them all.  I have only had dogs that no one wanted (friends of friends, strays, etc.) and they are all different even if they are the same breed.

On a sad note, I lost my German Shepherd to bloat today.  I got him to the vet but he died during surgery.  I sure loved that dog.

Jan April 29th, 2009 10:58:28 PM

Whenever anyone comments on Winnie's cuteness or politeness I bring out all her bad traits- she BARKS and she SHEDS and OH THE SEPARATION ANXIETY! I love my corgi but honestly she is a ton of work and every other corgi I've ever met has been slightly unbalanced in one way or another. She happens to be the perfect dog for us right now, but I'm not sure I'd ever get another corgi.

Megan April 29th, 2009 11:12:02 PM

I've got two GSDs, and due to the number of bybs and just numbers in general, I can usually find anyone a GSD that will fit in their household from rescue. But that's individual matching, not breed standard or puppies. That being said, a 'good' GSD is not for Joe Petowner. I too get the 'your dogs are so pretty, I want one like it' all the f*ing time. Mine are both lean, well muscled and socialized. They are very handsome, drivey dogs. They're also run, in obediance, and work agility. They've got allergy issues and others problems that cost $$. My female can run 10 miles and want to keep going.  I speak with people who are terrified of my breed and people who adore them daily, and there's so much misinformation on both ends that I want to cry. Now I just point out that both mine were rescued as adults, I've spent literally hundreds of dollars and hundreds of hours on training, and ask how far they run daily. When people look at me blankly, I respond with, "Oh, you don't run? Well, how much hiking or biking do you do? You've got to be able to keep up with these guys." (not that you've got to run x miles to be a good owner, but you do have to have the dedication to remodel your life to keep them stimulated)

lindabcs April 29th, 2009 11:19:21 PM

I've had the good fortune to have lived most of my life with both mutts and pure bred dogs although most of my dogs were mutts. In the last four years, I lived in a nursing home where several therapy dogs also resided and were cared for by the residents. I was lucky enough to be primary caretaker for several of them including a pug, cocker spaniel and an Akita/German Shepherd mix. The Akita mix, Murray, is one of the best natured dogs I've ever come across. He loves being around people and is very calm and well mannered. He was adopted from a rescue group and whoever had him before the nursing home got him obviously took very good care of him and loved him. Murray is perfect for the nursing home because although his size can be a bit intimidating, his personality and calm demeanor attract people to him. Both the residents and staff love having him around. He is wonderful around the kids that visit - he lets them hug him and make a fuss over him and takes it all as his due. The only downside is his reaction to other animals on the nursing home grounds. Although he gets along well with other dogs, especially the nursing home's other dog Angel, a miniature poodle and some golden retrievers who come for play dates with him, Murray does not like the cats that live outside and will chase them if allowed off leash (which is never). He is also very interested in the geese and squirrels on the property. Needless to say, any resident taking him for a walk needs to be very alert while outside with Murray. I now live with my sister's family and am aunt to their two dogs, an American Staffordshire Terrier and a pitbull mix. Both are terrific dogs but the Amstaff, Petey has no loyalty - he will go home with anybody. His sister, Roxy, is a bit of a brat, always picking on him. I am hoping to adopt a dog of my own later this year and will hopefully find one as nice as Murray (I really fell in love with him).

Mary April 30th, 2009 07:53:59 AM

Jan: So sorry for your loss. I think I can speak for everyone here on that point.

Back to the breeds: After yesterday's three-beagle day, I couldn't help adding them to my list of "owners must be worthy" list. They need soooo much exercise! And yet, owners seem to love them for their "cute and easy" factor. Really? Cute YES, easy, NO! And if you stop exercising them? Porkers, all!

Dr. Patty Khuly April 30th, 2009 09:01:04 AM

@Jacob -- You know about hunting with whippets & hawks, right?  http://stephenbodio.blogspot.com/2007/03/hawk-and-dog-photo.html

Julie in OH April 30th, 2009 09:42:34 AM

I grew up in a home with very naive parents and after my dogs would misbehave, they'd be banished to the backyard even though I'd beg and plead to just let them come back in and I'd work with them. Eventually, all but one wound up at the shelter because of my parents' inability to train or let me train. The one that stayed was allowed in when it was really cold out, and ultimately killed two of my cats. I was turned off by dogs and afraid of them for years because I thought they were all not capable of listening or were cat killers. <br/>

Then a few years ago I decided I wanted a dog. Had to be small to medium size because we have a townhouse and had to get along with children, adults and cats (I have 6 cats). I did my homework and researched for months and months. I finally settled on a French Bulldog and he is the best choice I could have made. Then it took me even longer to find a reputable breeder who I trusted and who I still speak with even now. She is truly a blessing when I have questions that no one else knows how to answer. <br/>

My boy is medium energy (fabulous), loves my cats, loves the kids, has been trained by me through obedience classes, and knows that his bully/stubborn streak isn't going to get him anywhere because I won't have it. Yes, he comes to work with me a few days a week and yes he sleeps in my bed, and he is absolutely by far the best dog I've ever met. We've been to the vet several times to work on allergies and such, but I'm willing to go the extra  mile and do whatever it takes for my little man. I knew when I brought him home he could have allergies, back issues and breathing issues, but I also knew that I could deal with it. 

I've also been involved with cat rescue for years and now recently Frenchie rescue, and it still amazes me how many people don't know what they're getting, what puppy mills are, and why you shouldn't let your dogs do this or that. Sigh. 

RHz April 30th, 2009 10:03:58 AM

(Oooooh.  I can see formatting buttons.  Does these mean no more manual html?) :-)

Over the years, I've found it helpful to teach people appropriate terminology, and how to limit those discussions to issues that are relevant to those specific terms.

One of the first things I explain to potential dog buyers/adopters, is the concept of "temperament".  All dog breeds come in all temperament types.  Temperament is the innate personality the dog is born with, such as being dominant, submissive, or one of the many shades of grey in-between.  Temperament will not significantly change with environment.  More importantly, you don't train a dominant dog the same way you train a submissive dog.  There are other aspects to temperament besides the dominance/submissiveness spectrum.  Issues like reactivity, diffidence/confidence and generalized insecurity or fearfulness may also play roles.

I remind potential dog buyers/adopters that from the same two parents, a litter can present an array of temperament types.  Most litters have at least one puppy that is more dominant and/or one puppy that is more submissive.  Some litters, from the same two parents, present the entire gamut of temperament types.

After that discussion, I would strongly emphasize that every temperament type is perfectly trainable.  There is no such thing as a "good" or a "bad" temperament.  You simply have to recognize a dog's individual temperament type, and tailor the training in ways that will motivate that individual dog. 

However, I would also caution novices that extreme temperament types are probably not best as a first dog.  Just as very dominant dogs have there own set of drawbacks, so do very submissive dogs.  Extremely reactive, diffident, or fearful dogs can also be a handful, even for experienced folks.  This is where a good breeder or adoption agent can be of tremendous help in avoiding pairing an unsuitable owner with a dog that will overmatch his/her abilities.

Energy level is another area where generalizations prevail.  And, for the most part, rightly so.  (I mean, I've met some Bulldogs that are clearly higher-energy than most.  But I don't think I've ever seen any Bulldog rival the highest-energy dogs, at least past the puppy stage.)  But, again, there is tremendous variation in energy level within any breed.  Some will be more at the higher end of the spectrum, others will be at the lower end.  Know what is considered "normal" for the breed, but know that individual dogs come with individual energy levels.  One shouldn't assume the breed stereotype will determine what any individual dog will be like, in this regard.

I don't disregard generalizations.  I would say to potential dog buyers/adopters, by all means, read-up-on the various breed stereotypes, and select one or two that seem right for you and your lifestyle.  But once that decision is made, the selection of an individual dog should take into consideration that individual dog's temperament, energy level, etc.  And those things simply can't be predicted based on breed alone.

Marjorie April 30th, 2009 11:49:23 AM

Give me a shelter dog any day!  They make the best pets.  I have owned several pure-breds and have been happy with most.  Like the shelter variety, the pure-breds I have owned have been just as unwanted as the shelter mutts.  What I find interesting is that most people assume that all pure-breds are alike.  If they once had a pure-bred dog of a certain breed, they expect the new pure-bred (same breed) to be just like the one they had before.  Unfortunately, dogs (or any animal for that matter) are individuals and despite the fact that the breed may be known for certain traits (active, couch potato, barker, digger), they have their own personality and may not be at all like the dog of the same breed they once owned.  I had two Dobermans and they could not be more different if they had been specifically designed that way.  These are not toasters or coffee pots we are talking about, they are living beings. 

I don't have dogs right now.  I have three domestic shorthaired cats.  Yes, they too are shelter rescues.  Each has their personality.  In  many ways, they are very different from each other and yes, they have their similarities.  But, each is an individual.  If you accept the pet (dog, cat, turtle, whatever) for who and what they are, don't try to change it or mold it to fit some unrealistic ideal, you will be happy and your pet will be happy. 

MariaL April 30th, 2009 01:30:33 PM

While I strongly agree that you're always going to get individuals within a breed that do not conform to the breed standard as far as temperament, personality and habits go, I am bothered by the term "breed stereotype." 

A stereotype is an idea perpetuated upon members of a class or group that has little scientific backing and is generally negative in nature.

However, we are not talking about stereotypes such as "blondes are less intelligent" or "brunettes are less fun" or "asians do well at math." 

We are talking about traits that have specifically been bred into these animals over hundreds of years to produce an animal capable of perfoming a task or filling a role.

These are "characteristics" not "stereotypes." 

While it is certainly untrue to assume that all blondes are less intelligent, and the smart ones are the exception to the rule, the opposite can be said for say, retrievers.  Retrievers love to retrieve, and enjoy water.  The exceptions are few and far between.  Border collies herd, period.  If their natural herding behaviour has not been nurtured correctly or, sadly, even discouraged, these behaviours can develop into prey drive and obsessive issues.  Hound dogs sniff, and are likely to be untrustworthy off lead in an open area.  Training may overcome this, but no one who has been around hounds will argue that calling a hound off a scent is easier than calling a lab off a retrieve.  Pointers point even in their juvenile stages - these behaviours are ingrained, innate, and not learned.  They need training to polish, to direct in the proper direction and method - however to argue that these behaviours are simply "stereotypes" is denying these breeds their heritage.

Certain breeds have a propensity towards higher levels of activity, excessive behaviours such as barking or digging (after all, a terrier who does not dig or bark is not much use as a terrier at all), chasing, hunting, herding, aloofness, guarding, even aggression towards strangers outside the family (a great example is the Fila - who regardless of socialization will always be wary of any new individual presented).

Are there exceptions to the rule?  Yep.  I have a JRT in the house right now who is quite mellow physically.  He wants to cuddle all the time, and is not nearly as active as most JRTs you've met.  HOWEVER, he still barks, digs, has a high prey drive, is a danger to small animals (birds, rabbits, mice, etc) and displays some of that JRT quirkiness.

Where we both firmly agree is that every selection should take into account the individual, regardless of how sure you are that the breed in question is a great fit for you.  Every individual, regardless of age, comes with his or her own unique baggage.  Some of it can be altered, some of it is simply personality and is there to be accepted and managed.  One can't purchase a border collie pup and automatically assume they are going to have an agility star on their hands.  After all, the dog may not be comfortable in crowds, with other dogs, have phobia issues, whatever.  On the other hand, it's much more likely that an individual is going to purchase a border collie because they want a pretty, smart dog of medium size and is not going to be prepared in the SLIGHTEST for the sheer amount of work, work, exercise and WORK that this dog is going to require on a daily basis.

However, to term the breed's characteristics as "stereotypes" is the kind of thing that convinces first time owners that they can bring a pit bull into their multi-pet home with no concerns, or a cattle dog into a house with four screaming children, or a malinois into a sendentary household - because we won't get one of "those" dogs.  We'll train "our" dog to be "another way."

Kim April 30th, 2009 01:32:26 PM

Very nice comment, Kim and I agree 100%. I get frustrated very frequently with the "it's all in how you raise them" mindset I run into so frequently, especially regarding pit bulls and dog aggression. Yes, partially it's in how you raise them. But it's also in their genetics. Pit bulls were, as a breed, largely bred for dog-to-dog combat. All of them? No. But many of them. And many of them show higher than usual levels of dog aggression. It's not a stereotype; it's a breed characteristic. Pit bulls (and by this I mean the American Pit Bull Terrier for those who would say that there's no such thing as a pit bull) are certainly not the only breed with this characteristic, but as I'm a pit bull owner, these are the people I so frequently interact with.

Just like my Border Collie puppy exhibits certain characteristics of his breed -- he crouches and stalks and is very motion-reactive. Nobody taught him that. He didn't crouch or stalk when he came home as a tiny baby and he certainly didn't learn it from me or from the pit bulls in the house. It's part of the way he was made, and I find it fascinating. I also find fascinating the number of strangers who come up to me to make sure I know that Border Collies Really Need Jobs. Uh huh. That's the whole point.

I do wish more people would learn about their breeds before bringing them home. We've had a large number of clients come into the vet clinic where I work with new puppies who are just inappropriate. Senior couples with wild sporting breed puppies that they can hardly control. I genuinely worry about people breaking hips. It's not good and I worry about what's going to happen to those pups when they get a bit bigger.

Katie April 30th, 2009 03:37:04 PM

"All dog breeds come in all temperament types." "The selection of an individual dog should take into consideration that individual dog's temperament, energy level, etc. And those things simply can't be predicted based on breed alone."

See? You get it, Marjorie. Most don't.

thedogtrainer April 30th, 2009 03:50:50 PM

"However, to term the breed's characteristics as "stereotypes" is the kind of thing that convinces first time owners that they can bring a pit bull into their multi-pet home with no concerns..."

Kim- I SOOO agree here. I work on the adoption team for a pit bull rescue group. We have lots of dogs that do great with other dogs, many that can live with some other dogs, depending on sex or temperment, and some that want to keep their human household to themselves. We get sooo many folks that think if they just get a pit bull PUPPY and "train it right," it will never develop dog aggression. Sorry, that just isn't how it works! We have had wonderful dogs who went to playgroups as a puppy, then hit adolescence and decided other dogs were the enemy. Did the owners do anything wrong? Nope. They have a pit bull. When you sign up for life with a pit bull, you sign up for never-ending love, affection, dedication, and the chance that your dog will never like to be around other dogs.

This is why we also really push our adults. We can tell you that they love other dogs (or if they don't!), if they will want to eat your cat or if they just want to cover your toddler with kisses.

We talk to EVERY adopter about dog aggression, and it still amazes me the folks that say "Well, I don't want to ever live with that." Time to find a new breed, then.

http://spbr.org/

Meg April 30th, 2009 04:59:00 PM

"you are a much better trainer..."  Now I'm rolling on the floor.  Not a chance.  The Lab is leashed within the complex.  The Shiba I can usually call off from prey, under threat of leashing.  Given the propensities of these two breeds, it should be the other way around but this is how it is for now.

Marie, I thought my Shiba was "getting on in years" only to find our she had a torn ACL and knee problems.  ACL and one knee repaired and she's nearly recovered and running me into the ground.  From what I've heard, she won't slow down or change much until very nearly the end.

We had a Beagle in the complex for about a year.  Young couple, both grad students, NEVER home, upstairs condo and they get a single Beagle pup as their sole pet and he was lucky to get three quick walks a day.  We could hear him howling in loneliness most of the time.  I wanted to strangle them both.

PJBoosinger April 30th, 2009 05:12:14 PM

I just wanted to point out (although my comment does seem to have been taken in context, thankfully) that I was not intentionally singling out pit bulls.

However, they are the breed most likely to be misrepresented in some way, by both their haters and their fans.  To their haters, they are mindless killing machines, just waiting for the opportunity to kill something; a dog, a cat, a child, YOU when you're sleeping... whatever tickles their fancy.

To *some* of their fans, they're the perfect dog, with no issues, trustworthy around kids, cats, dogs and all other things that move.  They would NEVER bite, unless of course some drug dealer had raised them to "be that way."

The truth lies somewhere in between.  They ARE a breed with a propensity towards canine aggression.  They're not the only breed like this, just the most well-known.  They are not, generally, aggressive towards people, however individual dogs are going to have their own temperament and personality quirks, and even with the best socialization some dogs still develop behavioural issues as they mature.  Sometimes the cause can be pinpointed, sometimes it can not.

Unfortunately, those of us who own ANY breed over 50lbs has to be willing to accept the fact that our dogs are DOGS, and all dogs are capable of biting in the right (or wrong) circumstances.  Sadly, the same personality traits that make some breeds so cherished in their families - loyalty, bravery, tenacity - also make those aggressive individuals all the more dangerous.

Along with knowing what you're getting into, both good and bad with every breed, I think it's also imperative to remember that with EVERY dog comes the potential for a bite.  A truly responsible dog owner takes this seriously, and takes active measures to ensure that not only are individuals protected from their dog, but also that their dog is protected from ever being put into a situation that may cause him/her to react in a negative fashion.

The Yes!Biscuit blog has a great form of reporting in this regard (again, as it pertains to pit bulls).  She takes a look at pit bull and other dog bites reported in the media, and dissects each incidence to show that with a little common sense not only could the bit have been predicted, it could easily have been prevented.

I have less sympathy for the people who end up with dogs they can't handle than I do for the dogs who end up with people who can't handle them.  As a rescuer my first goal is always to keep the dog in its original home whenever possible.  Sometimes its just a matter of providing information.  Unfortunately, there are situations where after a full assessment, I have been the one begging the owners to relinquish the dog.  Many times I can then find them a dog who suits their lives rather than clashing with it - I sometimes think we've made it SO taboo to give up an animal for re-adoption that even those who really should be rehomed end up staying in terrible situations far longer than is healthy.

Case in point, last year I rescued a cocker who was supposedly aggressive.  He had nipped one of the family's children after she reefed on his extremely infected ear and caused him severe pain.  No skin was broken.  Instead of saying "good dog!" - not many dogs would have held back from giving her a much deserved FULL correction - they then proceeded to lock the dog in the basement for two years.  You know, because they loved him sooooo much and didn't want to "give up on him."  That dog lives in an apartment now, and recently visited a home with a basement.  He found himself downstairs before he realized where he was, and when he finally did, he pooped himself in his panic to get back to the first floor.  Poor boy... :O(

Now I'm thinking about a "dog aggressive" doodle I met a few weeks ago... and had him playing with three dogs in under ten minutes.  I haven't seen his owner since.  The dog is five, and redirects his aggression towards the owner, who has scars on his legs from the bites.  The dog is not the problem though - the handler is.  He had quite the revelation watching me work his dog, and I was hoping he would come back and take me up on my offer for free lessons or even placement for the dog.  So far no word.  <sigh>  Some days people just make me want to hug my dogs that much harder.

Kim April 30th, 2009 07:31:40 PM

Annoys me no end that people with small backyards buy working dog breeds - border collies, kelpies, and blue heelers - and expect them to behave. Poor dogs need an outlet for all that energy, and instinct to herd and chase. And it turns into bad behaviour - digging, barking, running away. They are frustrated with the same four fences every day and no view of the world. I see it too often.

It may be macho to own such a dog, but owners need to take responsibility too - you cannot lock them up in a backyard 24 hours a day and expect them to behave.

Robin April 30th, 2009 08:52:00 PM

Robin - I used to agree with you - however we now live in a home that has a postage stamp sized patch of lawn, we have two cattle dog mixes (one rottX, one aussieX), and currently live with a pekingese, a JRT and a doberman mix.

The size of our lawn has nothing to do with it.

Of course, we are also not those people who claim that their dogs get lots of exercise "running around outside all day."

My dogs don't dig, bark or run away.  They are not aggressive, anxious or frustrated.  They are well-exercised, trained daily, and kept busy.

In fact, it's been my experience that people with large yards tend to use those yards as a crutch - an excuse to not have to actively run their dog on a daily basis.  While I covet a large enough yard to allow me to set up our own full sized agility course, or agriculturally zoned property that would allow us to house a few sheep or goats, or even just something long enough to get a good fetch or frisbee in, I do appreciate that my small yard ensures that I HAVE TO run my dogs in small groups several times a day.  Some are walked, some are biked, some are rollerbladed, and the two cattle dogs who are trustworthy off lead get exercised in local greenspace.

Say what you will about folks without property, but it's been my experience, having lived in the country and now in the city, that city dogs on average are far more socialized and spend more one on one time outdoors with their people than country dogs do.

What annoys me is people who buy working breeds of any variety and then fail to provide them an outlet for that energy, regardless of their living circumstances.  Or even those who buy non-working breeds and fail to provide them an outlet for their energies, believing that because they are not a working breed they don't require such upkeep.  Even the most sedentary breeds (and individuals) need appropriate physical and psychological outlets.

Kim April 30th, 2009 10:32:49 PM

First, Jan, I'm very sorry about your loss.

What I'm trying to figure out is this whole "choosing a dog" concept. I've never in my life had to do that.  Granted we did adopt one of ours, but that was more of a her choosing us deal. (Our eyes met across the room, key the music, and it was all over.) The other three we have now were all rescued, in the true sense of the word, not adopted. One was dumped from a moving car, one was found at a reststop by friends of friend and one showed up in our front yard. We tried to place two of the three true rescues. Our bc was returned (health reasons that 50$ at our vet fixed) and the other no one else wanted.

And considering that we're talking about four VERY different dogs (beagle/basset mix, pit bull, border collie and what might be a really poorly bred ridgeless ridgeback) it's a miracle they all get along and live well. However, as the mom to a pit bull, who did go to training, and then as she aged from 7mos when found to a year old, decided she hates other dogs, I know what its like to live w/ a dog aggressive dog. I have come to the conclusion she can hate other dogs all she wants as long as she's good with the ones she has to live with, and she is. (She's not insane on leash, but I've sat in the vet's waiting room and seen the look in her eyes at the crate full of poodle puppies, and seen her attack a full grown GSD at the park...thankfully I was RIGHT THERE and she wasn't giving it her 100% so no physical damage was done.) She's not left unattended with our other three, just for safety's sake, but she's a love in every other respect. I wish I could do more w/ our BC, but he's the calmest bc I've ever met so in that respect I'm lucky. We actually can't let him overexert himself because an old leg injury (we suspect he was HBC in his previous life), but he's a wonderful, happy muppet of a dog.

The only reason I'd ever give up a dog is if we were in a circumstance where that was the best thing for the dog, not for me. And considering the time I spent in rescue, that situation would be so horrid I prefer not to envision it. I can live with housebreaking issues, shedding, drooling, dog aggressiveness, resource guarding, etc. I could not live with a dog that was truly human aggressive (and I mean TRULY, not the dog that bites because you've forced it to and it had no other choice.) But then I don't feel that re-homing a human aggressive dog is the right thing for the dog, either.

There are a few breeds I'd probably never choose, (not a big fan of the chihuahua, but have met a few that were sweet), but I've never had to choose at all. I don't know what my point was now that I'm rambling, but while not every dog is right for every person, sometimes we just get darn lucky. :)

Brooke April 30th, 2009 11:09:54 PM

Dr. Khuly, I agree with you  100% about beagles!  We've had two of them, and I honestly don't think I have the oomph in me to ever have another one.   The one we have now is absolutely the cutest thing you'll ever see and we love him to pieces, but he is also the most food-obsessed, enslaved-to-his-nose dog I've ever met.  He's figured out how to open doors to access trash cans and food cabinets, and when we have him out for walks he'll catch some beguiling scent and POOF -- his ears turn off. (Selective deafness :) ) Needless to say, it takes a lot of patience and work to stay ahead of this hound.

We also have a retired racing greyhound, and adding him to our family was the easiest thing ever.  He was 10 when we got him, and fit into our low-energy household seamlessly.  Exercise-wise, he is happy with a gentle daily walk.  The rest of the time, he is content to luxuriate on his fluffy dog beds, only getting up to accompany me when I go into a different room.  He is a giant cuddler.

I LOVE seeing both these dogs exhibit their unique breed characteristics.  It's so cool when our beagle picks up a fresh scent and launches into his yodeling "I FOUND SOMETHING!" bay, nose to the ground and zig-zagging to follow the trail.  Likewise, the look of intense, locked-in concentration in our greyhound's eyes when he spies a squirrel waaaay down the block is amazing.  He zeroes in on his prey and actually begins to walk in an almost catlike manner, ready to spring into action and chase down the squirrel (if I'd only let him off leash :) ).

Elliemae May 1st, 2009 07:18:26 PM

As you mentioned- there are always the exception to the rule.  Snappiness, which I assume is what you refer to when you mention yorkies, maltese, and chihuahuas I believe is in part the innate personality of the dog, but mostly has to do with socialization.  I have 5 yorkies, and I do not believe each dog is the exception to the rule regarding snappiness or their ability to tolerate children.  They are not an exception because it was not by chance that it came to be- I carefully socialized all of them and made sure they had only positive experiences in public and around children.

There are certain things that I would consider an exception to the rule, for example a low-energy JRT.  However, the appearance fo a low-energy JRt can be had with training and enough exercise.  I have two dogs that are .25 JRT and .25 sheltie.  VERY high energy, yet I have taken one to work and the other is asked along to many social events because of her polite manners.  She has five fenced acres and a lot of exercise- daily games of fetch, frisbee, keep-away (with her sibling), etc.  Her brother, although higher energy, is also quite calm after his daily exercise.

The media has the potential to color our perception of many things- from our choice of beverage, our views on candidates, race, inequality, and animals.  Think of Lassie and Collies, 101 dalmations, benji, Edie, etc etc etc.  Problem is, all the choices above that were real dogs were well trained- which is a far cry from the majority of dogs in America.

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I did six months of research before adopting a one-year old pit bull. That research included volunteering for a local pit bull rescue group so I could experience the breed first-hand. I highly recommend doing this if you can. Bad Rap's wonderful website offered a wealth of information about this breed--both the good and the drawbacks--but I'd never owned a dog before and wanted to put my expectations to the test. The other cool thing about volunteering was that, as an animal lover, I fell in love with every dog I interacted with, but when I met my dog, I just knew that she was "the one."

Before I even decided to research pit bulls in earnest, though, I made a list of traits I knew I absolutely could not handle in a dog (such as barking, a long coat, aloofness) and traits that were a requirement (sweetness, goofiness, and intelligence, to name a few). To my surprise, these traits led me to a type of dog I once feared and now can't live without.

But! She's been a handfull. In the first six months I had her, she cost nearly $2000 in damages; there was nothing that dog wouldn't chew. She destroyed my beloved couch. She chewed the window blinds. Shoes, makeup ... she couldn't keep her mouth off of it. Her high activity level could be challenging at times. It sucked having to walk her when I was sick with the flu, but otherwise I couldn't get any peace. But I expected these things because I'd done my research. I also knew it would get better when she turned two, and it has. Had she ended up with someone unprepared for an adolscent pit bull's shenanigans, it would've been a disaster for all involved.

I encourage people to give pit bulls a try when they're dog-shopping. It may not end up being the right breed for some of them, but many more are pleasantly surprised by a loveable, lugheaded clown at their local shelter.

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