There is something to be said for every breed of dog or cat. Each carries its own special traits and was bred to specific standards. However, when selecting a pet there is more to be considered than registration.
First, you must be sure that the pet will fit with your lifestyle. Or perhaps , taken another way, do you fit the animals norm? Lets consider, for example, a person that has a great admiration for the Beagle. Its a beautiful breed and we all love Snoopy. But this person has a very ‘couch potato’ lifestyle and has not done any research about the breed other than the cartoons and films where the dog appears perfect. The prospective pet owner is thinking of a quiet little guy that will do exactly as he/she wants and proceeds to adopt a Beagle puppy.
The Beagle is a dog of boundless energy and can become so engrossed when following a scent that they will trail it directly onto a busy street without regard for traffic. Of course, the puppy also comes without training but with a boundless supply of energy. Our prospective owner hasn’t taken this energetic aspect into consideration and will be completely taken by surprise with the dogs behaviour. Our sweet little Beagle will probably end up back at the shelter or worse. and the adopter may just give up on having a pet.
Now let’s consider that our prospective owner had done a little research. The decision is made that, although they really like the Beagle breed, it is not the right dog for them and they have no desire to spend the time training and exercising the dog. But looking a little further they find an adult dog of mixed parentage that looks a lot like a Lab. The dog already knows house manners and understands the all important outside for potty rule. He will still need exercise, but it will be in an amount that our prospective owner can manage. An adoption is made and both dog and owner end up spending time together on the couch, taking walks, playing fetch and generally getting out a little more.
In the meantime, our beautiful little Beagle goes home with a family that includes children. They play with the little guy until he and they are worn out. Arrangements are made for dog training classes and the Beagle grows into a happy, healthy, well mannered adult. He is cherished by his family and is considered another member of the clan.
Our prospective owner and the Lab mix grow a bond that is unbreakable and seem to be spending less time on the couch. All in all, everyone ends up happy.
The point of all this is that you do not need to have a purebred or a puppy to enjoy the bond that develops between dog and owner. There are many dogs of mixed lineage that are in shelters awaiting a person to take them home. If, as a prospective owner your heart set on a certain breed there are rescues that specialize in the type of dog you are looking for. Take time to make an educated decision before you act.
Both dogs and cats are sentient creatures with feelings every bit as strong as a humans and they deserve respect. They are not a possession or a fashion accessory and should not be treated as such. If you get a pet just to match your eyes and to dress it like a little you, it says far more about you than you might suspect and what it says is not good. You diminish both the animal and yourself.
