‘I’m not bothered about the breed, so long as it’s small, big, or under six months’ — and so on.
We see comments like this constantly, and they always make us wince.
The truth is, the breed or breed mix of the dog joining your family really does matter. Picking the right breed is vital if the match is to work and if you, your family and the dog are all to be happy.
Before you even start searching for a dog, one of the most important steps is reading up on breed traits and choosing one that suits your lifestyle and the home you can offer.
Plenty of people choose a dog purely on appearance — a pretty colour, an especially fluffy coat, an extra-tiny size or whatever is currently fashionable — without realising just how different each breed can be. That is when things begin to unravel, and owners are left puzzled as to why.
Certain breeds are naturally friendlier than others. Some require far more grooming. Some cope better with children. Some enjoy being handled more than others. Some are stronger. Some carry terrier instincts — digging, for instance. Some are brighter and need a job to stay content. Some need plenty of physical exercise. Some are more inclined to guard. Some generally get on better with other dogs. And some breeds are more prone to health issues.
Every breed comes with its own set of needs. A dog is not simply a dog. Lots of people underestimate how much time a puppy demands. A high-energy breed needs more mental and physical stimulation, yet many end up with full-time workers, busy families or people who cannot walk far — and the dog becomes bored and frustrated, chews the sofa and develops obsessive behaviours.
Then the dog gets rehomed.
Many people buy whatever breed is trending, unaware that these dogs often come with health problems — and because the breed has become popular, more irresponsible breeders produce dogs with health issues. The result is heartbroken owners who cannot afford the vet bills.
Then the dog gets rehomed.
Others may take on a terrier and think the dog is being naughty for digging up a prized rose bush, when it is simply natural behaviour — but because they do not understand the breed traits, they neither redirect the behaviour nor ask for advice.
Then the dog gets rehomed.
Sometimes very small dogs are bought and carried about constantly, including by children, until the dog becomes fearful and snaps. A dog wants to be a dog, not a toy.
Then the dog gets rehomed.
Some breeds are more likely to suffer separation anxiety, yet owners still leave them to go to work without any training in place to prevent it — or without having considered it at all. Neighbours complain, and the dog is rehomed.
Some crossbreeds need more grooming because their coats knot more easily. Owners have not thought this through and do not brush them or visit a groomer as often as required. The dog becomes distressed.
Our advice is simple: before you take on any puppy or adult dog, research the breed traits thoroughly.
Can you honestly provide the right kind of home for the puppy or dog you have seen advertised?
If the answer is no, choose a breed that genuinely suits you. Otherwise you risk failing as an owner, a devastated family and a dog left with possible behavioural problems and the trauma of being rehomed.
It is about matching the right breed to the right home. Not just any dog will do — they are not all the same simply because you treat them well.
Absolutely spot on. If this advice was taken more often by prospective adopters it would result in more dogs would being happily rehomed. It’s heartbreaking to see dogs being rehomed unsuccessfully, for the dogs it’s already double or treble the heartbreak.
when people ask what breed are my fogs I reply “rescue” the only breed I would ever consider
This is absolutely spot on! People should educate themselves before getting a dog as it’s not a light choice to make and it’s the poor dog that suffers in the end.
Well said, the problem is if you don’t know enough about a certain breed of dog then you run the risk of having to return the dog which again unsettles the dog. Please make sure if you see a dog on the site you read up about the breed and don’t just go for looks of trendy fads. Thank BARNEYS for Oscar our Pommeranian.
Really important and well-written post. I spent a year dog-sitting and dog-walking and learnt so much about different breed behaviours before I started looking to rescue a dog. I knew what I could and couldn’t accommodate and the type of dog that I could really offer the most appropriate home and lifestyle. When I saw Teddy the cavapoochon up for adoption I felt so strongly that we were a right fit for him and him for us, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that out of all the dogs I applied to rescue over the months I was searching, Teddy is the only dog I was selected to re-home. I have to admit that I did apply to re-home a few dogs which were a breed a did not have much experience with and looking back this could have gone very wrong. I am so grateful that Barney’s and other rescues make really careful and detailed decisions to choose the right adopter. It makes all the difference to ensure these dogs have the best chance of settling in to a stable home life. Carly
Absolutely true, but I think the main point you are trying to make is people buying a puppy from a breeder.There are a lot of very responsible breeders that would give truthful information about the breed and check that the potential owner is a good match.But unfortunately especially in the last year there are lots of people breeding dogs mainly to make money,no proper health or temperament checks,no proper early puppy socialisation and no checks on potential owners.There are now lots of adolescent puppies with behavioural problems,not cute any more and with the family about to go back to work and school.A lot of these will either be handed over to rescue or worse sold on again with again no proper checks.At least in a good rescue the dogs get fully assessed for both health and temperament and also neutered.They are then carefully matched with a suitable adopter who has a much better chance of being suitable.A good rescue will also be there for help and advice.If a good rescue considers that you are not the right match for that dog,then it’s probably correct.The dog must come first,but I think there are a lot of bitter people out there who won’t accept this.
Very well said. Just wish more would consider your advice. And being a rescue if you refuse some one they should take note to why and listen to your advice.