It’s A Dog’s Life—

When Owners And Dogs Are Mismatched

By Mary Jane Anderson

Approximately 60 percent of the animals that are brought to pounds and shelters are destroyed in the United States annually. Many of these deaths could have been avoided if the owner had matched their personality, life style, and personal preferences with the dog’s temperament, size, and the characteristics of the breed.

Steve and his dog, Rex, are a good example of mismatching. Steve, living alone, wanted a dog for protection and companionship; there had been an increasing number or robberies in the neighborhood in the past months. Steve, hearing that Doberman Pinschers are good protectors, went to a pet store and bought Rex. Both had great expectations of a good life together.

Now, Steve is not an outdoor person. His relaxation is listening to music while curled up with a good book. Steve had lived a quiet life before Rex came. But after six months, Steve said that Rex had destroyed rugs, chewed up shoes, socks, and chair legs, besides destroying the door, constantly scratching to go out. Finally, Rex ended up in the pound.

What went wrong? Well, a Doberman Pinscher is a guard dog that needs plenty of room and exercise. Because they are alert and intelligent, they will take advantage of situations when the owner is not a strict disciplinarian. All working dogs are strong, active, and bred for work. They are happier and healthier with something to do. Doberman Pinscher might be one of the more popular breeds in the United States, but ironically, they are also becoming increasing popular in the dog pounds and shelters.

Dogs come in a wide variety of color, shape, size, and temperament. The American Kennel Club has divided various breeds of dogs with the same characteristics into groups. The information can match a dog’s disposition with your personality and lifestyle.

The sporting breeds are bird dogs. They are intelligent and adaptable. They can become good household pets but are primarily outdoor animals at heart. They need lots of exercise.

The hound breeds are dogs that hunt animals rather than birds. These dogs are bred to do a job and they also are happiest at work. They can adapt to quiet confinement but they do like room to roam.

Terriers are aggressive by nature. This disadvantage must be understood. Many terriers are high-strung and require a great deal of activity. They are also not the type to curl up constantly at your feet; they require exercise and attention, otherwise their restless energy can lead to mischief or yapping.

The dogs in the toy group are bred and shaped to be companions to man. Their courage and loyal devotion to their masters is unsurpassed. They are independent and extremely sensitive to moods of their owners. Most of them are too small and fragile to be suitable pets for children. They toys are ideal for people who want something to pamper and pet.

The non-sporting breeds are pets not longer bred for work. They include the individualistic and most popular dogs such as the poodle.

The herding group was originally breeds in the working group such as the German shepherd, collie, and the Shetland sheepdog. The herding dogs have a marked tendency to head off their prey but without the desire to kill. It is important to know that the instinct to herd has never been entirely bred out of these dogs, and keeping them under control is done by training.

Carefully selecting the best dog for you will ensure compatibility and a lasting relationship.

The dog’s temperament is just as important as a dog’s physical characteristics since the temperament decides the relationship between you and your dog.