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DON'T BUY A DOG


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.  

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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. 

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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.

Read more about dogs and housekeeping.....