For many, a dog is more than just a pet; they're a loving member of the family. However, much like any long-term relationship, compatibility matters. When it comes to choosing the perfect canine companion, selecting the right breed for your family's unique dynamics is paramount. The breed characteristics outlined in this Blog Post are characteristics that are commonly expressed in the breed, but please note that every dog is an individual and there may be some exceptions to the rule. Let's explore why making the right choice is so critical.
Understanding Breed Characteristics
Every dog breed boasts a distinct set of characteristics, temperaments, and needs. Historically, breeds were cultivated with specific purposes in mind, be it herding, hunting, guarding, or companionship. What these dogs were bred for plays a vital role in the dog's behaviour, energy levels, and adaptability. I have added a few examples below of why breed, and even breed group matters.
A Malinois, for example, is going to be bitey. These dogs love using their teeth, and the Military put this to good use. This often intensifies around a year, when they become teenagers.
A Border Collie stands a good chance of being sight and sound sensitive. This can manifest in various ways, such as herding cats/kids/other family members, chasing cars, chasing shadows, obsessively catching flies, fear and dislike of loud noises and busy situations.
A German Shepherd, and most other guardian breeds are going to have an issue with unknown people and/or dogs. They need extensive socialisation as puppies, and even with this, will be the first ones to bark at a stranger at the door, and will often exhibit barking and/or aggression to people who enter your property who they are not familiar with. My German Shepherd still barks every time my husband comes home, until he is close enough to greet him, for example, whereas my Collie gets excited when she hears the familiar car.
Terriers were bred to chase small animals, ridding barns and fields of 'pest animals' such as rats, mice, shrews and rabbits. As a result, these dogs tend not to be good around small furries (and often cats), they tend to be pretty high energy and also generally aren't very good at consistently taking directions. But as a dog who was bred to be out running in the field all day, making their own decisions on what to chase and where to go, this is hardly surprising.
Choosing the Right Energy
The first thing that you need to look at is what kind of Energy Levels would suit your family.
An Australian Shepherd is a beautiful dog, for example, but they are exceptionally high energy and become disruptive and destructive if these needs aren't met.
On the flip side, a calm and reserved breed might not be able to keep up with a highly active family. If your family likes to go hiking on the weekends, to the beach, out camping, etc, then a French Bulldog or a Pug is likely not the breed for you either.
Aligning your family's energy with that of your furry friend ensures that neither party feels overwhelmed or neglected. A highly active breed, such as a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever, might be best suited for families with an energetic lifestyle, while a Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu might be more compatible with apartment living and shorter walks.
Space Considerations
Although the size of the dog is important, it is more important that the space available to the dog aligns well to their energy levels. While many large breeds are surprisingly adaptable to apartment living (provided they get adequate exercise), they do need more space to move around. On the other hand, although small breeds may be compact, they may also have higher energy levels that require rigorous exercise routines in small spaces.
Kids in the Mix
Children and dogs often forge deep bonds, but not every breed is naturally child-friendly. Some dogs are more tolerant and patient with the energy and noise levels of children, while others might be better suited for homes with older children or adults only.
Generally dogs in the retriever group are a good choice with children, as they have been bred to have soft mouths, although these dogs do tend to have higher energy levels. Dogs like German Shepherds and Staffordshire Terriers, who forge deep bonds with their families can also make amazing choices for families with kids.
Dogs like Collies can be challenging in family environments with small children, as they tend to be sensitive to the noise of the small children, and averse to the amount of movement that children bring into the mix, either avoiding them or trying to control them by herding.
Allergies, Grooming and Health Needs
Some dogs, like the Doodles and Bichon Frise require extensive grooming routines, while others like the Vizla and Labrador are low-maintenance. Some dogs, like Collies, Samoyeds and German Shepherds shed excessively and may blow their coat every spring and autumn, causing a spray of fur to cover all visible surfaces.
If Allergies are an issue, certain breeds shed significantly less dander than others. Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, people with allergies tend to be significantly less affected by dogs like Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers and Bichon Frise.
Similarly, certain breeds are predisposed to specific health issues or weight gain. Some lines of Labradors, for example, are actually genetically predisposed to have poor appetite control, which makes maintaining their ideal weight difficult. This is also what gives them such great food drive for training and makes them awesome service dogs. It's essential to consider your capacity and willingness to meet these medical needs before making a choice on your ideal breed.
Lifestyle and Training Needs
If you travel frequently or have long working hours, breeds known for their independence might be a good fit. Conversely, some dogs like crave companionship and might suffer from separation anxiety.
Also, while some breeds are quick learners, others require persistent training efforts. Dogs that top the intelligence scales, such as Collie, Poodles and German Shepherds can also be challenging in that if their mental and physical stimulation needs are not met, they are very good at thinking up other ways to keep themselves occupied. However, these are often activities that we find undesirable, such as digging, chewing, barking, etc.
Longevity and Commitment
Different breeds have varying lifespans. While a smaller breed might be around for 15-20 years, larger breeds often have shorter lifespans, with breeds like Great Danes often only living around 6 years. It's essential to consider the long-term commitment you're making.
Working Line vs Show Line
Most working breeds of dogs tend to have a working line and show line. These different lines come from generations of breeding the same breed for different purposes.
Working line dogs are bred to complete the job that they were bred for in the best way possible, while not putting their main focus on adhering to the breed standard on how the dog is meant to look. These dogs are bred for function rather than form and tend to be higher energy with high drive. Working line Labradors and Spaniels, for example still go hunting with their owners and retrieve birds. Working Line German Shepherds are bred to compete in high level sports. Working line Border Collies herd sheep and cattles on farms around the world.
Show line dogs are bred to adhere to the breed standard on appearance. These dogs would have been bred for the breed show ring, and would be geared to meet the height, colour and shape requirements outlined in these standards. These dogs are often more docile and better suited for family living than their working line relatives.
These different lines can differ subtly in size and shape, energy levels, drive and can even come in different colours. In German Shepherds, for example, most working line dogs are sable, black or bicoloured, whereas nearly all show line dogs are the usual black and tan.
In Conclusion
While it's easy to fall in love with a particular look or breed reputation, the key to a successful and harmonious relationship with your new pet lies in the research and understanding of the breed's needs and characteristics. When a dog's natural tendencies align with a family's lifestyle, it ensures a loving and fulfilling relationship for years to come. Before you make a decision, spend time with the breed, talk to breeders, and consult with other owners to gain a comprehensive understanding. Remember, it's a long-term commitment that goes beyond the initial cuddles and cute antics and physical appearance that first draws you in.
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