So you’ve decided to bring an adorable, loyal canine into your home for the first time to be your new BFF – Congratulations! You are in for some of the purest and true-blue lovin’ you have ever experienced.
Owning a dog is not always a walk in the (dog) park. While you may envision you and your precious pooch creating some “aww”-inducing, Instagram-worthy memories, there is always more than meets the eye behind the scenes.
All pedigrees have their redeeming qualities and adorable quirks, but not all breeds are created equal. If you are a first-time dog owner, you may want to reconsider these specific breeds:
Beagles
Hey, remember the story about the obedient beagle? No? Neither do I. Much like America’s most beloved beagle, Snoopy, this breed of dog is notoriously stubborn, thus making them difficult to train. Certainly not known for their obedient tendencies, they are inclined to do what they want, when they want (not unlike some humans we all know).
Beagles also tend to experience high levels of separation anxiety if they are not given proper attention. As a result, they are known for rummaging around, scratching, and chewing up anything they can get their paws on. What a way to wind up in the dog house!
Border Collies
Border Collies have a solid reputation in the pedigree world for being some of the cleverest and most affectionate dogs around! Spunky, agile, and oh-so-smart, indeed, but this does not mean you can (or should) let all that unique potential go unnoticed or unattended.
Lassie needs attention, stimulation, and an outlet for all of her energy. A LOT of it. Like, constantly. If left to their own devices, these dogs are known to find their own means of entertaining themselves, usually by getting into anything and everything and becoming destructive. Naughty, naughty!
Oh, Border Collie! If only you used your powers and superior intelligence for good!
Pembroke Welsh Corgis
The late Queen Elizabeth II had excellent taste in dogs, indeed; she kept a number of Pembroke Welsh Corgis as her loyal companions throughout her life in the public eye. Alas, we can’t all be queens.
Along with this particularly coveted pedigree comes a potential plethora of costly health problems. Corgis are infamous for being prone to issues ranging anywhere from constant skin allergies to hip dysplasia. For obvious reasons, this may not be an ideal pedigree if you are not fairly well-off.
And then there’s the barking…can we PLEASE talk about the barking? It’s not their fault – Before becoming synonymous with pampered pets fit for royalty, Corgis were originally bred for herding purposes, hence their high-pitched, piercing barks – great for a home on the range (not so much for a home in a small apartment building).
Pit Bulls
Pit bulls generally have a bum rap, but is it truly justified? Quite possibly. Once upon a time, these strong, muscular canines were sadly bred for dog fighting purposes. While times have changed, their genetic predispositions for being exceptionally strong, energetic, and tenacious have not.
Pit bulls are frequently in the media, but for all the wrong reasons – the culprits for attacks on children or other animals, so much so that a number of city-wide bans in a number of states have been put in place.
Unsurprisingly, purebred pit bulls are considered physically challenging to handle for first-time or inexperienced dog owners. Hence, this particular pedigree unfortunately experiences higher rates of neglect or abandonment.
If you are considering bringing a pit bull into your home, ensure that you are fully knowledgeable regarding their needs and are prepared to put in the work necessary to socialize them and train them properly.
Chinese Cresteds
Chinese Cresteds make a fairly lively and loving type of pedigree. They get along well with other dogs in addition to other types of pets and are suitable for families (including those with small children). Sure, they may look a little funny (especially the hairless variety), but what’s not to love about this distinctive-looking dog? Quite a few things, apparently.
Despite being known as affectionate and adaptable, this purebred is prone to a variety of significant health issues. To start with, they have delicate digestive systems that are easily upset; hence, Chinese Cresteds often require a special and costly diet that consists of top-quality ingredients.
Try as you might, their stomach issues can still inevitably lead to complications like malabsorption or inflammatory bowel disease (read: perpetual diarrhea and vomiting. Ick.). Moreover, whether or not they have hair, they are highly susceptible to cold.
On the other hand, they are equally vulnerable to overheating when exposed to harsh sunlight in the summer. Not to mention genetic eye issues, epilepsy, dental diseases… you get the idea.
Whether you are considering one of these aforementioned pedigrees, a different breed, or a mutt, take the time you need to think it over; owning any type of dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
It truly is a privilege. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds will have unique needs, but know that taking in the right pedigree pooch that fits in with your energy level and lifestyle can very well be the final step in transforming your house into a home!