Dog/Choosing a dog

When it comes to choosing a dog, the best is a fit between the animal and the owner. Beyond that, advice on dog selection really comes down to opinion. This article reviews the advice that has been repeatedly given by experts, such as dog breeders, kennel club officials, and veterinarians, in publications and lectures. That advice is discussed in a critical fashion, and links for finding a dog and for further education about making a choice are included in the last sections.

Despite best efforts, none of what is written here can be taken as a sure-fire prescription for success. People who are knowledgeable about domestic canines uniformly advise against choosing a sick dog, for example; and yet there are those dogs who have been nursed back to health by owners who swear that the special bond they have with the animal came about for just that reason. Of course, the usual outcome of choosing a diseased animal is expensive and time-consuming at best. At worst, the dog is not helped despite the most dedicated efforts, and the experience compromises the new owner's physical and emotional health. Yet, all would agree that at least knowing the signs of a sick puppy would be helpful for the person looking around for a dog, and knowing the traits and requirements of the major breeds of dogs couldn't hurt in making an informed decision.

Labrador retrievers, like this yellow female, are very popular companion dogs. Lack of aggression is written into the breed standard.

This article aims to examine the pros and cons of each choice of companion dog in detail. Hunters and herders, and others who are interested in choosing a proper working dog are best off consulting their peers rather than following any of the guidelines for pet dogs.

Where do you best find a dog? What should you pay?

Dogs and puppies are available at a great range of prices, from free to thousands of dollars, and from a great variety of places, from a next-door neighbors' accidental litter to a show hall in an exhibition center. Generally, purebred breed puppies are sold by stores and breeders, purebred adult dogs are adopted out by breeders and purebred rescue groups, and mixedbreed dogs are available from shelters and neighbors.

Although many puppies and dogs are given away, the "gift dog" may be as problematic to its recipient as the "gift horse" was to the Trojans. Mongrels (from shelters), and purebred dogs (from many sources), most often come with a purchase price or adoption fee that covers the cost of worming, vaccinations and a basic health evaluation. Oftentimes, that price also covers and spaying or castration (de-sexing surgery) and microchipping (a reliable means of pet identification). Taking on a "free" dog usually means that the new owner pays for services on an itemized basis.

So, in fact, adopting at no initial cost can turn out to be more expensive than otherwise. Has the dog had veterinary care? Is that documented? A problem like heartworm infestation can be extraordinarily expensive to eradicate. The cost of vaccinations and neutering at a private vet's office is most often more costly than the adoption fee from a rescue group or shelter, in which these services are likely included.

Shelters and Rescue Groups

There are animal shelters and rescue groups in many regions of the world that have dogs and puppies available for adoption. Many people who have taken in these animals have greatly benefited, and there may be some truth to the notion that the rescued dog appreciates its good fortune and makes the very best of all pets. There are certain aspects of adopting from a shelter, however, that must be acknowledged as risks.

Some shelters house dogs together in groups without first insuring that parasites and infectious diseases are not present. This can lead to adopting a dog or puppy who is in the early stages of an infestation or infection (caught while at the shelter) and not becoming aware of it until there is an obvious problem much later. By that time, some conditions (like the fungal infection known as ringworm) can be passed to members of the human family, and other conditions, that affect only canines, can have been passed to the resident family pets. Other shelters are very careful to avoid such "cross-contamination" of the healthy by the sick or parasitized, and the wise adopter checks on the policies carefully.

Socialization is another issue. Shelters (and breeders) who take pains to see that puppies are handled sufficiently to be socialized are the best places to find pups.

Want a dog that can join in the fun? Choose a puppy that has been well-socialized with litter mates!

Most of the dogs and puppies that are in a shelter are there because of deficiencies in their previous owner's commitment to pet care - and through no fault of their own. However, although many dogs are abandoned by owners who were neglectful, some dogs are delivered to shelters because they have such stiff requirements for training and care that they can not fit into any average household. Either way, abandoned dogs will often pose challenges to the adopter.

For example, dogs who are adults but have not had boundaries of proper behavior imposed as they grew up can be very difficult to live with, particularly if they are large and active or have not been housebroken successfully. Such dogs can make wonderful companions, if trained, but are best adopted by a person who is very experienced with dogs, and both able and willing to provide that training.

Additionally, dogs that are more difficult to train or that are more aggressive or rambunctious are more likely to be left at shelters than easy-going dogs. It is said by some that "there are no bad dogs", it is said by others that some individual dogs have either inherited tendencies towards aggressiveness ("turning" on people without clear cause or warning), or neurological damage, such that they are not safe for adoption. Many shelter workers and volunteers are skilled at evaluating dogs and can help steer the would-be adopter to an animal that is appropriate and likely to succeed in its new home. Other shelters are willing to adopt out any dog, no matter what its past behavior, and do not perform evaluations.

Rescue groups that care for giant breeds (like Great Danes) and large, potentially aggressive dogs (like Rottweilers) often insist that obedience training is mandatory after any adoption. Rescue groups and breeders who are sophisticated about the larger and more aggressive dogs know that an owner who can take over the dominant role with such a dog is likely to do very well, but that an owner who gets shy, nervous, or giddy around a bounding (or growling) dog weighing more than a hundred pounds is not a good choice for the dog. Placing such a dog with the wrong owner, from the point of view of the dog's welfare, is a poor decision. This is also true of breeds known for mischievousness and high energy, like a Jack Russell terrier or a Border Collie. These dogs are known to thrive on constant exercise and the physical work of herding or ratting. Placing a typical member of either breed in a home where it will be confined indoors and spend long periods alone is a recipe for disaster. The same dog, in a different environment, might do well with the same set of owners.

Mixed breed dogs are in the majority at shelters, and offer all the same qualities as purebred dogs but one. In young mixed breed dogs and puppies (those that are still growing), the adult height and weight, and to some degree temperament, are not as predictable as in the purebred dog. Often, this is of no concern, but for people who live in a small apartment who have other constraints, adopting an adult mixed breed dog or a purebred puppy of a suitable breed is probably a better choice.

Pet Stores

According to published sources by breed associations, and kennel clubs, stores that sell puppies are usually a problematic source for a new dog. Unless the store has special arrangements with breeders, and is staffed by knowledgeable people who are trained in proper care, purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder is considered much more reliable. How can a customer judge the quality of a pet store and its stock?

Healthy young puppies are generally either very active, or sleeping soundly. A puppy who lies in a cage for long periods without doing either is probably sick. If the pet store being examined is full of racks of puppies laying in repose, this is a sign of real trouble. Similarly, although some breeds of dogs drool or tend to have some discoloration of fur around their eyes, when many puppies of several different breeds are dirty with excrement around their bottoms and/or discharge around their eyes, this is good evidence of poor hygiene. Those findings also suggest that diseases such as infectious diarrhea and conjunctivitis (eye irritation) are present. Both can also be signs of parasites.

The best thing to do is walk out the door, without buying a puppy. A health guarantee is not enough to make up for purchasing a sick puppy. You may be entitled to another puppy, but that is no compensation for the heartbreak and expense that comes with dealing with the first one.

Breeders

The very best place to buy a purebred dog or puppy is from a reputable breeder. That said, finding a reputable breeder requires both work and luck. Most developed countries of the world have kennel clubs that register purebred dogs and sponsor dog shows and trials in which a purebred can win points towards a championship title. These clubs generally maintain lists of breeders who are "in good standing". Although those lists are a place to start, the fact that a breeder is on such a list does not mean that there may not be hygiene or health problems with the operation. The very organizations that maintain such lists ordinarily warn that they cannot vouch for the quality of the puppies offered. At best, they can vouch that the breeders have broken no rules and are dues paying members.

Reputable and responsible breeders

Among breeders, there are certain criteria that are universally accepted as showing proper responsibility to the breed. Puppies are guaranteed against certain hereditary defects known to occur in the breed. Puppies are not sold before the age of 8-12 weeks under any circumstances. Applications are taken from prospective purchasers and restrictions are imposed. The most common restriction is that the puppy must be neutered, unless being sold as a breeder dog or showdog. If the dog is being sold as a breeder dog or showdog, the responsible breeder will generally insist that the adopter already runs a recognized breeding operation, has a track record in the showring, or allows the breeder who is selling the puppy to either be a co-owner or to have the final say, once the pup is grown, if it is to be bred or neutered, and if bred, which crosses are permissible.

These features of the responsible breeder all arise from a policy of breeding to "improve the breed" as a primary goal of their operation, rather than to run a profit-making business.

Given all that, it's easy to see why pet stores have to have special relationships with breeders. Responsible breeders will not sell their puppies to pet stores if the purchasers are not fully screened. The breeders that do regularly sell their puppies to pet stores almost always fall under the category of "puppy mills".

The two pejorative terms used by canine experts to denigrate particular breeding operation are "backyard breeders" and "puppy mills". Of course, people being people, these terms are also used, on occasion, by rival kennels or unscrupulous competitors.

Backyard breeders

At home: a long-haired dachshund with her puppies.

Although this term is always used as an insult, it actually describes some of the best, as well as worst, of all dog breeders. Backyard breeders, taken in a literal sense, are people who do not have elaborate separate housing for their dogs, and who breed on a small scale, often producing litters only once or twice a year (or so). This certainly includes people who have purebred dogs living in squalor in tiny enclosures in their yard or garden, but it also, strictly, includes people who are 'boutique' breeders of purebred dogs that share their homes. In the latter case, the puppies that are 'raised underfoot' are the most reliably socialized of any dog available for purchase. Such breeders usually are quite concerned for their puppies welfare and, depending on the breed of dog, will insist that certain requirements are met before they will sell one of their pups.

Poor quality 'backyard breeders' are not motivated by dedication to the dog fancy and do not carefully study pedigrees in choosing mates for planned breedings. Profit is a major motive, and so the quality of food and medical attention given to the animals is not in the same class as that provided by 'reputable' breeders. Not only are puppies liable to suffer from parasites and poor nutrition, but there is a greater chance of genetic disease as a result of in-breeding. Puppies are sold as a retail product, and therefore little is asked of the purchaser outside of the purchase price.

Any small breeding operation that is home-based is vulnerable to being called a backyard breeding operation, but is easily distinguished from the poor quality business that the term implies. A visit to the breeder is required in order to tell.

Puppy mills

Puppy mill is another insulting term, this one aimed at larger scale operations. The difference between a puppy mill and a large-scale reputable breeder is in quality and care. Animal husbandry exists in farms throughout the world for the production of livestock, in large scale commercial breeding operation, a similar attitude is brought to the production of puppies for the "companion dog" market. These are the puppies that are most often found in chain petstores, and the puppies themselves may be of good quality. However, all large scale commercial breeding operations keep the parents of these puppies in enclosures where they live very much like any farm animal that is used to reproduce its kind.

Ordinarily, large scale breeding operations either euthanize, or place their adult (parent) dogs in animal shelters to be adopted out or euthanized, once the animals are no longer fertile.

What age is best?

Few of us can resist a puppy, but most of us are probably better off (on a practical level) with an older animal. Puppies require house breaking, and all go through a stage where chewing can be tremendously destructive. Managing puppies can be done by anyone with the time and inclination, and is certainly worth the effort - but usually involves the sacrifice of at least a couple of pairs of shoes! When a grown dog is available who is reliably housebroken, and who clearly responds to the new owner, an equally strong bond can develop between them without that kind of loss and aggravation.

How old a puppy?

"The best time to acquire a puppy is at 8-12 weeks of age." That's because a puppy younger than that age may not be completely weaned, and may not have had time to adequately socialize with its littermates and mother. It is also at this age that the first series of vaccinations can be given.

"The first 12 weeks of life are extremely important and determine, to a great extent, a puppy's personality and sociability" Pediatric . page 460. Human handling of puppies, done gently, beginning at 3 weeks of age and becoming regular by 5 weeks of age, helps make that puppy accustomed to people.

What breed?

Most breed organizations list not only the most common attributes of the breed, but also common genetic problems and special characteristics that require special care.

Aggressiveness

Dogs that have been bred for generations to guard homes and livestock, or to fight each other, are ordinarily capable of aggression towards people. When well-trained, well bred dogs of these breeds are perfectly wonderful companion dogs.

Barking

The Basenji breed is noted to have few members who are frequent or continuous barkers. Many are relatively silent.

Activity level

Dogs that can do this sort of thing several times a week are healthier and calmer than dogs that are always confined. Large "high-energy" breeds may need hours of intense exercise on a daily basis.

Dogs need physical exercise and mental stimulation to be healthy and well-behaved. The amount of each varies according to the individual and changes over the life of that individual. When making choices about adopting a companion dog, there are general guidelines about age and breed that can be helpful.

Most dogs, when young adults, need more intensive exercise than they can get while leashed to a human being. When let out in a large area, single dogs often do not burn off energy the way they will if accompanied by a person and other dogs in that same area. For those people who do not have several dogs and a large securely fenced yard (meaning most of us!), outings with fellow dog owners can provide healthful activities for both dogs and people.

If those sorts of outings are not practical on a regular and frequent basis, then the choice of a dog that has a lower activity requirement, or that is small enough to wear itself out running around in an indoor space, is wise.

Coat and Grooming, Allergy

Poodles are one of the few breeds of dogs that do not shed their hair. This trait makes them a better choice if allergy is a consideration.

Poodles come in three sizes. This is the largest: a standard poodle. All poodles, including the toy and miniature types, are non-shedding.

Wet dogs will ordinarily shake themselves quite vigorously until dry, unless physically restrained by being completely wrapped in a towel. For those who'd rather not shower themselves after washing their dog, a small dog is a very good choice.

Further reading

Types of Dogs (Breeds)

The Complete Dog Book (Official Publication of the American Kennel Club) 20th Edition ISBN 0-345-47626-3

The Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs Second Revised Edition ISBN 0-888-50205-2

External Sites

Adopting a rescued dog or puppy:

Australia

Happy Paws' list of adoptable dogs and puppies in Australia.[1]

Canada

Pet Rescue and Adoption. This website maintains lists of rescue groups for domestic animals, including dogs, in Canada. [2]

UK

UK Animal Rescuers maintains a website that acts as a public posting site for available animals. The following links to the "dogs" section. [3]

USA

Petfinder.com is a portal to a great number of combined rescue groups and shelters. Searchable database (with pictures) of domestic animals that are available for adoption. [4]