Your best breed

DOING THE RESEARCH

TEXT: SARAH WANLESS

When you decide to welcome a new dog into your heart and home, it can be an exciting and somewhat stressful experience. Whether you are a first-time dog owner or a seasoned hand, we recommend doing your due diligence when it comes to researching the breed, or mixture of breeds, you will be welcoming into your home. There are hundreds of dog breeds available, so doing your research in advance can not only open your eyes in terms of what's out there but also help you to choose a breed that is best suited to your lifestyle.

A COMMON TRAP

Many of us fall into the common traps of either selecting a dog based entirely on appearance or thinking of our friends and family's dogs and unquestioningly opting for the same breed. We strongly advise that you don't go based on appearance or restrict your decision based on interactions with dogs and dog breeds of friends - just because your neighbour has a quiet Husky doesn't mean that Huskies are generally the 'quiet type'. There are pros and cons to every type of dog, and doing a bit of reading and asking around can save you a lot of heartache in the long run.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BREED

Due to centuries of selective breeding, all dog breeds have been bred for a specific purpose, from working dogs to companion dogs. Because of this, each breed has a unique set of genetic traits that are hardwired into them. Knowing your preferred breed's purpose goes a long way towards determining whether this kind of dog will fit into your lifestyle. It also gives you an idea of the time required to train them, their exercise requirements, any health concerns, and any behavioural characteristics you can expect to experience.

Mixed breed dogs may take on characteristics from either side of their lineage, which makes it tricky to know what you're getting (other than a lifetime of love, of course). If you have concerns, we recommend asking the rescue centre or breeder any questions you may have; they should be able to give you an indication of the specific dog's nature and characteristics.

DISCLAIMER

It is also important to remember that, whilst research is essential, there are no guarantees about an individual dog's personality. The probability is high that your dog will express specific breed traits, but there are no hard and fast rules. Dogs are individuals, and you need to take the time to get to know the particular dog – especially as you are embarking on a 10-15 year commitment.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you already have a dog but are unsure as to their breed origins, some companies allow you to do a DNA test on your dog that will give you more insight into their breeding and, therefore, a better understanding of how best to meet their needs.

A KEY FIRST STEP

The first step to getting a dog that fits into your lifestyle is to start by writing out a list of what you are looking for in a dog and what you have to offer. While you may love a companion breed, such as a Pekingese, they aren't going to be the best running and hiking partner (that's not to say they won't manage) due to their brachycephalic facial structures. In this case, you should rather look for a sportier breed to better suit your active lifestyle.

MATCHMAKING

Once you have done some general reading on the breeds available and spoken to any relevant parties, you can compare your findings against your list to see where the best fit lies. Making a decision based purely on emotion, rather than facts, is risky so whilst it may seem a bit overboard to sit and compare traits against lists of your requirements, we'd almost guarantee that by doing this you'll get a dog that is better suited to your lifestyle and, most importantly, a dog that is happy in the environment you provide for him!

WHERE TO FIND YOUR DOG

If you want a specific breed, please bear in mind that general rescue shelters often do have purebred dogs. There are also many breed-specific rescue organisations with dogs looking for homes. However, rescuing isn’t for everyone; if you choose to buy, please just do so responsibly by buying from an ethical and registered breeder. Ethical, registered breeders ensure that your dog is healthy and as 'true to type' as possible. Breeders registered with a regulatory body (such as the Kennel Union of South Africa) are required to do a range of breedspecific health tests to be registered. They should also temperament check the puppy to best match them to your family and lifestyle.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

There will always be a dog that is the exception to the rule - a Border Collie who doesn't herd or a mountain climbing Pug – but, irrespective of the anomalies, research is an important step when it comes to preparing for, and understanding, your potential new canine family member.