Bring Back the Classics!
For a while there, “rare” and “exotic” breeds of dogs, like the Chinese Red Dog, the Thai Ridgeback, the Coton de Tulear, Lagottos, Malinois (wait are they even rare anymore?), Tibetan Mastiffs, Ovcharkas and Gamprs… they were all turning into too much of a known breed name. They’re rare for a reason! They don’t always make easy pets in our normal chaotic, busy lifestyles. They could be naturally defensive, need a lot of space, or just a lot more structured breed specific work than the average dog lover could reasonably offer. And it was causing chaos. A lot of grief to these well intentioned homes, and the humans and dogs were suffering.
What we as dog trainers are LOVING right now, is the trend to return to classics! Bring back the super common, but for great reason, family friendly breeds! The fat chunky labradors, the ever happy golden retrievers, the absolutely delicious companion shih tzus. Bred for generations to be loyal, loving companions - they’re totally tried and true!
These classic breeds are the total “Yes, Chef” dogs. They’re eager to please, motivated by a lot, and don’t hold grudges. Their issues are typically annoying or naughty at best, but not usually unsafe to the general public or dangerous. Pair them with some private lesson training or a full immersion training and you’ve got a rock star that everyone is enamored by and jealous of!
One of the biggest problems of the rare breed trend was simply that most people chose them for the rarity, or wow factor alone, without knowing full well what they were truly getting into. The truth is, some of those breeds were never meant to be pets. They were meant to guard country borders, hunt lions or protect large castles. Which - those tasks just aren’t that common here in Portland?! So folks are getting these rare, exotic breeds and thinking if they just raise them right, as a puppy, they’ll be just fine. Spoiler alert - no.
Go with a good ol’ classic breed from a reputable dog breeder, and you’ve got it made. I’m not saying Labrador puppies aren’t going to test your patience, they will. But they are predisposed to want to work with you. Not the other way around. A golden retriever puppy started in private puppy training lessons or enrolled in our Puppy Jumpstart Program will have learned sit, down and shake before you can finish hand grinding your local sourced coffee beans for your pour over.
If you’ve recently welcomed one of these classic breeds into your home and need help with puppy training, basic manners, or just making sure they don’t develop a taste for your dirty socks, we’re here to help. Our immersion board and train program and private lessons are tailored to set you and your dog up for success.
Because at the end of the day, I’m just glad we’re all back to appreciating the OG good boys and girls. Truly, it’s way easier to make a Good Dog Gooder than a Bad Dog Less Terrible.
Blog Post by Karin at So Fetch Consulting.
