When you’re choosing a dog, there are many different factors that come into play. One of the main factors that people often fixate on is breed. While your new dog’s breed isn’t the be-all-and-end-all, it is an important indicator of your dog’s future temperament, size and behaviour traits.
If you’re considering welcoming another dog into your home but want to find a breed you’ve not had before, then this can be an incredibly exciting experience for you! It’s also daunting because it’s a major change that can impact your whole life.
Whether you want to find a new favourite breed or you’ve seen a gorgeous shelter dog in a breed you’ve not encountered before, it’s important you do your research. Here are some of the things you need to know and where to find them.
The Breed’s Purpose
Every breed was created for a specific reason, and that purpose can shape their personalities. For example, dogs bred for herding and retrieving are often high-energy, while smaller companion dogs might not need as much exercise and mental stimulation. The breed’s purpose can also affect other aspects of their lives, such as their grooming needs. Dogs bred to spend time in water often have thick, waterproof coats that require more maintenance than dogs with shorter coats. So, explore the history of the dog by reading on group club pages and get a feel for what their purpose was when doing your research.
Personality
Linked to their purpose, every breed also has certain personality traits, so you need to look into the breed’s typical temperament and energy level. It’s important to make sure it will fit your lifestyle because some breeds need more exercise or mental stimulation than others. Some dogs also naturally enjoy spending more time with other dogs, animals and people, while others are more independent, so if you have a large, close family, an independent dog won’t be a good choice for you. Explore all the common traits in the breed you’re considering, such as whether they tend to be friendly, aloof, eager to please, independent, etc. Once you figure that out, you can narrow down your search for a new favourite breed.
Common Health Conditions
Because each breed of dog was created for a specific purpose, they often develop specific health traits that can lead to an increased risk of certain diseases. So, you need to research any common health issues associated with the breed. You’ll then know what to watch out for and how you can manage them. For example, if your dog is prone to stomach problems and has a sensitive digestive system, then you might want to think more closely about their diet.
Many breeds thrive on raw food, and providers like Southend Dog Training offer a range of options that can help keep them healthy and happy.
Trainability
Another key factor you need to look into is trainability. Every dog breed varies when it comes to how easy they are to train. More intelligent and eager-to-please dogs are simpler to teach basic obedience, whereas stubborn or less intelligent dogs can be harder to train. Trainability also relates back to their purpose, as dogs that were bred to herd or run will be easier to train in these disciplines. Personality and motivation also come into play here: if the dog is food motivated, for example, a labrador, then they will be easier to train than a dog that is motivated by other factors you might struggle to control.
To Finish: Where To Find Accurate Information
While each dog breed shares specific characteristics, every dog is different, and specific traits can vary depending on lineage, environment and other factors. A lot of generic breed guidelines are just that- generalisations not rooted in actual experience. To begin your research properly, start by finding the breed club. This will put you in touch with a group of members who are dedicated to preserving their specific breed, including breeders, dog enthusiasts and others. You can then start to visit dog shows and meet examples of the breed to see if they’d be a good fit for your home. Remember: once you know the breed, you’ve got to find the right dog! There are plenty of breed-specific rescues out there, so try to rehome if you can to help take a dog out of the system and change their life for the better.