We all see it on Facebook — the “I hate do to this but I need to rehome my dog” post. It’s usually accompanied by an explanation about how the dog is “too hyper” and is “tearing things up.” These owners often state that they “just don’t have time.”
According to an ASPCA survey, 47 percent of people who rehome their dogs cite “pet problems” as the main cause of getting rid of their pup. Many “pet problems” are likely the cause of pent-up energy that isn’t being released by the dog. Exercising your dog is a vital task of being a pet owner, but it requires time and work. Of course, if you don’t have time for a dog, the best thing would be to not get a dog. But I’ve also noticed that often people get the wrong dog for them. Not all breeds are created equal.
Some of the top breeds found in shelters according to the ASPCA include Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, and Australian Cattle Dogs.
One possible explanation for Pit Bulls, Boxers, and American Bulldogs (which are often mistaken for Pit Bulls) seeing such high rates in shelters is due to over breeding and BSL. BSL or breed-specific legislation targets Pit Bull dogs and dogs that “look like” Pit Bulls. Sometimes Pit Bulls are dumped in shelters because owners do not do their homework before brining one home. A city can seize a dog that is targeted under BSL.
Admittedly, I am not a “small dog” person so I can’t speak in depth about why Chihuahuas and Dachshunds end up in shelters so often. However, according to Canine Journal, Chihuahuas account for the most bites of any breed per year, which may help to explain why they end up at the pound.
Interestingly, all of the breeds listed above, all require “above average” exercise according to the American Kennel Club, which likely helps to explain another reason they end up in shelters.
Being a lover of big dogs, and having two mixed-breed dogs that are made up of American Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Australian Cattle Dog, I can speak more in-depth about why these breeds may not be for you.
Jeter, whose main breeds are Lab, American Bulldog, and Rottweiler, is large, powerful, and has medium energy. When I say Jeter is powerful, I mean he is very, very strong. He would not make for a good walking dog if you are not able to maintain control.
Caesar’s main breeds are German Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog, both of which made the list for top dogs to be rehomed. Caesar, even at age 9, is very, very active.
In their younger days, both Caesar and Jeter spent a lot of time destroying my furniture and house. Under some owners, they easily could have become another rehoming statistic.
You can not simply get any dog, put it in your home, and expect a well-behaved pet. It’s vital that people take the time to consider what kind of breed they are getting. In my late teens/early 20s, when I got my dogs, I didn’t realize how important it was to find a breed that fit my lifestyle. At the time, I was young and didn’t want a ton of responsibility. Thinking back, getting two “working” dogs probably wasn’t the grandest idea. Thankfully, my activity levels changed because I was forced to change to adapt to my dogs.
If you’re not wanting to increase your activity level, it may be a good idea to find a low-drive dog.
Many times I see a person who isn’t active get a German Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Boarder Collie, or an Australian Shepherd, and then become frustrated when their dog presents “bad behaviors.” If your dog is tearing things up, getting in the trash, or jumping on people, they are likely restless, bored, and in need of activity to stimulate their minds. These dogs are herding dogs. They are not meant to sit in a house all day. They need miles of walking, chores, and play time.
Don’t feel guilty if I just described your situation. I also just described by own situation until four years ago. By far, Caesar is my more hyper dog. For years, people would come over and I’d have to put Caesar away so he didn’t tear them up. He would jump on people when they came in, get into trash, get on the counter, and tear up his toys.
Early in 2016, I had a lifestyle change. I discovered a love of hiking and wanted my dog to go with me. Caesar and I began walking miles upon miles a day, and then everything changed.
Caesar no longer jumps on people when they came over, and he no longer “misbehaves” when home alone. There is a major difference in his behavior when we skip even a day of walking. Dogs like Caesar must have their energy released or they will redirect that energy into undesirable behaviors.
Now when people see Caesar they say, “Wow! He’s such a good boy!” We get many compliments on his behavior, but many of these people didn’t know the work it took to get there.
A bored mind creates destruction and a tired dog is a good dog.
If high activity isn’t for you, avoid getting a working dog (Labs and American Bulldogs are also working dogs). I know German Shepherds are beautiful (and ranked the 2nd most popular dog according to AKC), but you will both be miserable if you’re not willing to give your dog work.
If you’re a low activity person, get a low activity, calm dog. According to AKC, some of the calmest dogs include Basset Hounds, French Bulldogs, Clumber Spaniels, Pekingese, and Saint Bernardes.
Keep in mind, no matter what dog you get, ALL dogs need exercise to maintain a good mental state and apt physical health. However, you can avoid possibly having to rehome your dog by carefully choosing the right breed for you.
I highly suggest visiting the American Kennel Club website, which gives many details on all AKC recognized breeds. There, you can see the energy level of each dog and how you can meet their needs. It’s a great starting point when considering what dog may be best for you. Even if you’re like me and have mutts, looking at the breeds that make up your mutt can be very helpful.