A dog blog with great tips for dog enthusiasts

I have two dogs—Tina, who is slightly more than a year old and Gypsy, who is just a two-month-old pup. I had no time to bother about the breed of these dogs. Neither I nor the animal shelter that rescued Tina knows what breed she belongs to. All I know is that Tina is a hyperactive mutt, good-looking, and absolutely brainless, though lovable. She chews anything she can get her paws on, including her owner. As for Gypsy, I found her abandoned in the bushes. She belongs to a breed of dogs commonly known as “country dogs.” As far as I know, “country dogs” are smart, alert, resistant to diseases, and make great watchdogs.

I adopted my pups on impulse. Of course, I am glad I adopted them; but many times I wonder what I would have done if I had stopped to think. Would I have carefully selected a particular breed?

I have mixed feelings about breeds. I seriously feel that you cannot attribute a set of qualities to a dog just because he/she belongs to a particular breed. In other words, all dogs of a particular breed do not share the same characteristics. The German Shepherd, for instance, is believed to be a very intelligent dog; but don’t be surprised if you discover that your pup isn’t as intelligent as you hoped he would be. Each dog has a particular character of his/her own, irrespective of breed. I also feel that a dog learns a lot from his/her family.

At the same time, people ought to consider certain important facts about breeds before bringing home their new pets. For example, a border collie is not the best dog for a family of little children. Border collies have a strong herding instinct. In an attempt to herd your kids, your border collie might nip at your child’s butt, a harmless, well-meant action that might scare your kid silly. Large dogs such as German Shepherds are not for you if you are a quiet person disinclined to physical activities or if you own a small apartment. Your German Shepherd needs a lot of space and plenty of exercise. A breed that sheds a lot of hair is the wrong choice for a person prone to allergies.

So, studying various breeds well is of great importance. Having a chat with a professional dog trainer, a pet shop owner, a veterinarian, or a dog lover who knows lots about dogs is a great idea before you select the best breed for your little family.

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