This has been adapted from: DON'T BUY A
BOUVIER!
by Pam Green (c.1992)
This
article, written many years ago, has become a classic
in Bouvier circles. It has been reprinted many times
by clubs to use for the education of prospective
Bouvier owners. She gives her permission freely to all
who wish to reprint and distribute it in hopes of
saving innocent dogs from neglect and abandonment by
those who should never have acquired them in the first
place.
Interested in buying a dog? You must be
or you wouldn't be reading this. You've already heard
how marvelous dogs are. Well, I think you should know, before it's too late, that dogs are not the
perfect pet for everyone.
Every breed of dog
possesses a few characteristics that some people find
charming while others find the same trait mildly
unpleasant, and still others find downright
intolerable.
There
are different breeds for different needs.
There are over 200 breeds of dogs in the world.
All
require human companionship, training and care.
Many require extensive grooming and exercise.
Maybe you'd be better off with some other pet
like
a cat
a
goldfish
a
parakeet
a hamster,
or
maybe some house-plants would be the best choice
for you.
There's
nothing wrong with you if you decide that dog
ownership is not for you.
DON'T BUY ANY BREED OF DOG IF
YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO THE BREED SOLELY BY
ITS APPEARANCE.
The appearance of the dogs you have
seen in the show ring or on TV is the product of many hours of
bathing and grooming. This carefully constructed
beauty is fleeting: a few minutes of freedom, romping
through the fields or strolling in the rain restores
the natural look. The true beauty of the dog lies in
his character, not in his appearance.
DON'T BUY A DOG IF YOU ARE UNWILLING
TO SHARE YOUR HOUSE AND YOUR LIFE.
Most dogs were bred to
share in the work of the family (fishing, pulling
carts, herding, etc.) and to spend most of their
waking hours working with the family. They thrive on
companionship and they want to be wherever you are.
They are happiest living with you in your house and
going with you when you go out. While they usually
tolerate being left at home by themselves (preferably
with a dog-door giving access to the fenced yard),
they should not be relegated to the backyard or
kennel.
A puppy exiled from the house is likely to
grow up to be unsociable, unruly, and unhappy. He may
well develop pastimes such as digging or barking that will displease you and/or your neighbors.
An
adult dog so exiled will be miserable too. If you don't
strongly prefer to have your dog's companionship as
much as possible, enjoying having him share many of your activities
by day, you should choose a pet less oriented to human
companionship.
You
should consider another pet
if your job or other obligations prevent you from
spending much time with your dog. No dog is really
happy without companionship.
While pack hounds, for
example, are more tolerant of being kenneled or yarded,
it's preferable that it be done in groups of 2 or more.
Again, some breeds just need companionship, it doesn't
necessarily mean human companionship. If your
time with your pet is limited, a better
choice would be a cat, as they are solitary by nature.