Matching Dog Breeds with People

Finding the right dog for your family is a job that needs time and commitment. Deciding if a dog is even right for your family is important. Having a dog 'For the kids' is a poor excuse for taking on a life commitment. Children should not be responsible for the care of a pet. They can assist the parent, BUT the parent must clearly understand it will be their job. The busy lifestyle of many people is not conducive to having a dog, who by his very nature is a social animal. One hour a day of time and attention is not enough for a dogs social nature. REMEMBER, CHEWING, DIGGING, BARKING ARE NORMAL DOG BEHAVIORS. The dog does not understand why he cannot do these things, and must be shown what we expect of him and he must be shown it over and over again, without anger like a child. Dogs drool, spill water, get in the trash, shed, smell and certainly complicate our lives. They also bring laughter, tears, joy and comfort. Dogs want to be with their human family, they have no other, and different breeds require varying amounts of time and energy.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Ask the breeder about the temperament and personality traits of the breed. If a person has a monetary interest in the breed, be careful. Ask the rescue organizations of the breeds you are interested in, as they deal with the results of poorly matched dogs and owners. Most breed websites have a rescue link or their national organization has phone numbers available. Dogs were bred to perform certain functions; herding, guarding, hunting. Find out what these functions are and DO NOT try and change them. They are instinctive in the breed. Hounds hunt and bay, working dogs will find a job, if you don't provide them with one, herding dogs will often herd and nip children, terriers can be snappy and yappy etc. Yet all these groups of dogs can make wonderful companions provided we give them the lifestyle and attention they need. Certain breeds require high maintenance of their coats or ears, shedding can be an ongoing problem and the Florida heat and humidity require more coat attention. Fleas and ticks need to be treated vigilantly. The Florida heat is no place for an outside dog, and many behavior problems originate with being chained or kenneled away from their "pack". Think of what kind of time and attention you are willing to spend for the next 10-15 years, as a pet should be a lifetime commitment. There is a good test available on the internet site of Purina. Go to www.purina.com then click on dogs and follow the directions. Take the time to make an informed decision so you and your dog will have a wonderful lifetime together. Consider a shelter dog, often the adult dogs require less exercise and time. Some of TV's brightest stars were taken from a shelter. Wonderful dogs await you there, some dropped off because of 'moving', but many are there because the owners did not have enough time to spend. Please don't impulse buy either from an ad or pet store, many dogs are euthanized in this country because people were swayed by a cute puppy. Each breed has characteristics that you need to evaluate and see how they will fit in your family's lifestyle. The dog, full of life and fun will bring us joy and happiness if we understand his needs. Provided by Conni Borwick, Animal Behaviorist at 941-745-2054.

Updated Wednesday, March 2, 2005