Golly Mrs. Cleaver, Which Dog is Right for Me?

Posted on Oct 16 in Types of Small Dogsby Jeff K.Print

There are a lot of books on the shelves and quite a few websites that profess great knowledge about the differences between various dog breeds. These sources also believe you can find your ideal dog mate by cross-referencing such categories as “trainability,” “ease of care,” “need for exercise,” etc. After watching small dogs come and go with their owners at Kelsey’s Dog House for years, I have come to believe that it’s a shame dogs can’t read. Those books and websites should really be written for the dogs so they could determine “Which owner is right for me?” I know that sounds ridiculous, but it has a kernel of truth.

As political candidates say during debates, “Make no mistake. There are clear differences between my opponent and me.” There are differences between dogs when it comes to:

• Grooming needs
• Susceptibility to diseases and disorders
• Agility and overall ruggedness
• Natural trainability, (although I contend every dog is trainable.)

What most people want to know is, which breed of dog will have the right temperament for me?

It turns out there are well-mannered Shih Tzu’s and there are ill-mannered Shih Tzu’s. There are calm, adjusted Schnauzers, and there are hyperactive, neurotic Schnauzers. There are laid back Maltese’s, and there are wall-bouncing, piddle-on-the-carpet-whenever-you-approach, quivering Maltese’s. There are friendly Yorkshire Terriers and there are Yorkshire Terriers who would just as soon take a chunk out of your foot than say hello.

The AKC says this about a Poodle’s temperament: “Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.” At Kelsey’s Dog House, we care for a few Poodles that seem likely candidates for a mental ward. How could this be?

Two reasons: 1. Bad breeding. 2. Well-intentioned but un-informed or mis-guided dog owners.

You can see why I believe dogs sometimes get the raw end of the deal. Fortunately, there is good news in this story.

First, as a prospective dog owner, know that all dogs have their good points. You really cannot go wrong with any dog you choose as long as:

1. You either buy from a knowledgeable and highly ethical breeder; or, you take great care in selecting an adoptable dog with an unknown origin.
2. You do the things necessary to teach your dog to be calm, submissive and well-mannered.

Do these two items without compromise, and I swear it will absolutely not matter whether you acquire a blue-blooded champion Bichon Frise, or a dog with a mix of Dachshund, Poodle, Brussels Griffon, Beagle, and Japanese Chin.

I know this article raises more questions than it answers. For instance, what is “bad breeding?” How does a new dog owner become “mis-guided?” What constitutes a “knowledgeable and highly ethical” dog breeder? How do you “take great care” in selecting an adoptable dog? What do you have to do to teach your dog to be calm, submissive and well-mannered?

The answers to these questions can be found by clicking on their links. For now, here is my point: Some authorities would have you believe you can discover the perfect dog for yourself simply by cross-referencing a table of breed characteristics as though you were researching car reliability at Consumer Reports. I say, it is not that easy. To put a finer point on it. I would say if you do take the menu approach, as in “Give me a breed that is easy to groom; incredibly intelligent; rugged and healthy; naturally friendly; and has low exercise needs,” you are going to be sorely disappointed. Everything is a compromise and depends on so many variables. Dogs, like people are highly variable. Breeding can give you some clue as to what you are in for, but it is not the whole story. The larger part of that story is you. The real question to ask is not, which dog is right for me. The real question to ask is:

Am I ready to do what it takes to properly train, care for, and lead a dog so we can live a good life together?

The answer to that is coming right up. Read on.

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