Does the Pekingese suit your lifestyle? (Pekingese dog jogging on a dirt trail)
If you love dogs, you may have enjoyed watching the 145th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last weekend.
Watching this show is a great way to become acquainted with many different dog breeds. Have you ever heard of a Biewer terrier? How about a Dogo Argentino?
Before you adopt a Dogo Argentino (or any other type of dog,) research the breed (Photo: Dogo Argentino puppy standing on a sidewalk)
The announcers also provide information about breed need (what each breed requires in terms of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and training) so people can learn whether or not these breeds will fit in well with their current lifestyle.
If you’re interested in playing fetch, going on long hikes every day, obedience (and other dog sports,) hunting, and swimming, check out the sporting group. You’ll find dogs like the Golden Retriever, the Brittany, and this year’s sporting group winner, the German shorthaired pointer.
If your lifestyle is better suited to a dog who requires shorter daily walks, indoor play, and likes doing tricks, the toy group may be more your cup of tea. Does this mean that the toys can’t participate in dog sports, like agility, obedience, and rally? Absolutely not. These little dogs are smart and capable, so long as they have a willing teacher.
This year’s Best In Show was the winner of the toy group, Wasabi the Pekingese. For those of you who have never seen a Pekingese, picture an Ewok who has been taken into hair and makeup for several hours. Adorable!
(Photo: Pekingese dog jogging on a dirt trail)
Pekingese are very calm dogs. They are known to be very independent and can also be very alert little watchdogs.
It’s so important to research all of the breeds you are interested in before rushing out and adopting a puppy. I have worked with many clients who have adopted dogs whose energy requirements did not match their lifestyle. If you choose to adopt a breed who has very high energy and fail to meet their exercise needs, the result is a laundry list of behaviours you will not enjoy (like barking out the window all day, pulling on the leash, herding your children, counter surfing, and/or chewing baseboards, carpets, couches, and walls, just to name a few.
If you do not provide enough exercise, training, and supervision this will become your reality (Photo: Weimaraner puppy gnawing on a couch)
Tips to help you find a dog who suits your lifestyle:
-be honest with yourself about how much time you are willing to spend every day to exercise, train, and teach your dog right from wrong,
-narrow down the breeds you are interested in who will suit your lifestyle —ask people who own them what they are really like to live with on a day-to-day basis; ask them who their breeder was,
-after finding a reputable breeder, interview them (and several others,)
-select puppies from a litter based on the guidance of your breeder, as opposed to choosing the largest one, the runt (because you feel sorry for her,) the one with the nicest coat-colour, or the one you think chose you (biting you isn’t choosing you, it’s a sign you’re about to adopt a dog who will become your leader,)
-find a rescue who specializes in the breed you are looking for, volunteer with them so you get to know if the breed is really for you before you adopt one (it’s a 12-15 year commitment, people — spend as much time on this decision as you did picking your life partner)
Remember that some dog breeds you may be interested in in terms of activities you can enjoy together have grooming requirements you may not wish to undertake.
For example, the Komondor’s coat can require up to seven hours to wash, rinse, and squeeze with towels…some breeders even use a shop vac to remove the excess water. After that, they have to lie in front of a fan for hours (think overnight!) to fully dry.
There’s lots to consider when finding your perfect match. (Photo: a Pomeranian wearing a pink towel on her head is getting groomed)
What’s your favourite dog breed? Why do they suit your lifestyle?
Post it in the comments below!
Need help narrowing down your options? We love nothing more than helping responsible future dog owners like you! Let us help you figure out which breeds are best suited to your lifestyle.
Click the Take Action button and schedule your FREE phone call today.
Have a wonderful weekend, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by:Vianney CAHEN @number313 (Pekingese dog jogging on a dirt trail,) sultan esra şahin @sultanesra (Dogo Argentino puppy standing on a sidewalk,) Vianney CAHEN
@number313 (Pekingese dog jogging on a dirt trail,) Upsplash Image (Weimaraner puppy gnawing on a couch,) Henar Langa @henarlanga (a Pomeranian wearing a pink towel on her head is getting groomed.)