Fun Fact: Did you know that popular new movies featuring a canine co-star often lead to a popularity spike for that breed? For example, the demand for dalmatians following Disney's Cruella (2021) skyrocketed compared to recent years! The only problem was...not every household was suitable for this highly-energetic breed, and dogs with a lot of energy and no way to release it often tend to get into trouble. Consequently, shelters often see an influx of owner surrenders in the following months after the credits roll.
While it is easy to fall in love with a breed on the big screen, it is important to remember that these dogs are trained actors and might not be a true representative of the breed's temperament and behaviors, so we recommend doing thorough research on a breed before deciding to bring a new dog home. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating whether a breed fits in with your lifestyle.
Size
Sure, they're cute and relatively easy to contain when they're puppies, but what about when they are bigger? Even with training, larger dogs may be able to do things smaller dogs can't, like get up on the counters, knock small children over while playing, or jerk you around while out for a walk. On the flipside, some of the gentlest breeds tend to be on the larger side - remember Nana for Peter Pan? Newfoundlands ("Newfie" for short) can be so good with children that they've earned the nickname "The Nanny Dog!"
There are pros and cons to dogs or all sizes, but here are some scenarios where size might be a factor:
Travel - If you travel frequently and are wanting to take your pet with you when you go, small dogs (small enough to fit in a carry-on sized pet carrier, for example) are far more portable and a better option for frequent flyers.
Housing - While most apartments require additional fees for tenants with pets, sometimes these fees can be weight-specific and larger dogs may incur higher monthly fees.
Cost - In general, large dogs cost more than small dogs. They eat more, weigh more, and long-haired breeds have a lot more fur for a groomer to manage than small dogs. Things like medication and surgeries are usually less expensive for smaller dogs because they just requite less.
Exercise Requirements
This is a big one! Dogs with a lot of excess energy will usually find ways of burning it off and entertaining themselves. When dogs are unable to release that energy through physical activity, this might result in destructive or bothersome behaviors such as destroying furniture, separation anxiety, or excessive barking. Before considering any breed, ask yourself: how much time do I want to dedicate to exercising my dog per day? Are you a runner looking for a buddy to accompany you on your daily runs, or are you looking for a daytime companion who is content sleeping at your feet while you work?
A common misconception is that large dogs have higher energy requirements than small dogs, meaning small dogs need to be walked or exercised less. The truth is that exercise requirements vary from breed to breed, regardless of size. For example, greyhounds are notorious for being big couch potatoes in spite of being among the fastest running breeds in the world! Meanwhile, small dogs like Jack Russel Terriers could fetch a ball for hours and hours without showing any signs of wearing out.
The good news is that whether you prefer small, medium, or large dogs, there are breeds of all sizes that are compatible with all lifestyles - it's up to you to be realistic about how much time you are willing to spend helping your pup work off that excess energy!
Trainability
Another important factor that goes hand-in-hand with size and exercise requirements is trainability. So what is trainability? This refers to how easy it is to train housebreaking, leash etiquette, obedience commands, recall commands, and even things like agility training or hunting. Some questions to ask include "Is this breed known as being relatively easy to train and submissive, or do they tend to be more stubborn with a dominating personality?" "Does the dog understand their place within the household?"
Dogs are pack animals by nature. They thrive in family units where there is a clearly established hierarchy - many dogs recognize that their humans are at the top of the pyramid. However, some breeds may try to push these boundaries and assert themselves as leader of the pack. It is important to identify your comfort-level in asserting dominance over your dog and accept responsibility in making sure the entire family is consistent in maintaining these boundaries. This is especially important to consider in homes with children.
Intelligent, happy-go-lucky breeds like Golden Retrievers or Poodles make great family pets because they can be easy to train and aren't typically the type to be domineering, even if some family members (such as young kids) aren't as consistent with maintaining a clear family hierarchy. While dogs like Belgian Malinois can make perfect pets for experienced dog owners with active lifestyles and lots of time to dedicate to physical and mentally stimulating their Mas, this type of breed might not be best suited for busy homes with small kids.
Grooming/ Shedding
One of the most common questions asked when inquiring about a specific breed: "Do they shed a lot? While "a lot" can be subjective, excessive shedding can be a dealbreaker for a lot of folks, so it's important to do thorough research on the breed if this is important to you.
One thing to note is that short (including shaved) fur does not necessarily mean less shedding. The amount of fur a dog sheds can be impacted by many different factors, including diet, genetics, medical conditions, and seasonal/ weather conditions. While some dogs shed consistently year-round, some breeds might experience a heavier shedding season during the Spring and Fall months. Additionally, dogs eating an unbalanced diet or suffering from medical conditions such as chronic allergies or a skin infection may experience more hair loss than the average dog. Speak with your veterinarian if you have suddenly noticed a significant change in the amount of hair you dog is shedding or changes to your pet's coat.
Aside from shedding, there is also the grooming aspect to consider. Dogs with short, smooth coats can often get by with occasional baths, whereas long-haired breeds such as Shetland Sheepdogs, or Afghan Hounds will require more frequent attention such as brushing up to several times a week to prevent matting. Matted fur refers to a deep tangle or knot that pulls on the skin and becomes near impossible to remove without shaving or cutting out the clump, as attempting to detangle the mat is very painful to the pet.
Would you prefer to be able to take care of most of your pet's grooming needs at home, or leave it up to a professional groomer? If the breed you are interested in has a coat that requires more upkeep, be sure to look into what a routine grooming appointment might run you, as well as the recommended schedule - for example, if you love the Schnauzer's trademark look, plan to visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks.
Health Issues
The topic no one wants to talk about: what health issues might my dog be predisposed to? Certain health conditions have been known to pop up more in some breeds than others, but it's not a definitive diagnosis, nor an exclusive list. While we always hope for the best, it's good to know what the most commonly associated illnesses or conditions are as this can help in early detection and prevention.
Don't Forget About Mixed Breeds!
There is a lot to be said about the benefits of owning a mixed breed dog. If you can't decide on a particular breed, why not get the best of two (or more!) breeds in once awesome dog? In addition to getting a unique personality as a result of different lineages, mixed breeds also have the added benefit of being at lower risk for certain health conditions associated with purebred dogs.
If you have questions on what dog breed fits your lifestyle contact us at 972-347-6100.
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