Whether we read it on the Internet or hear it from a friend, dog breed myths are inescapable and can easily steer us in the wrong direction. American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson helped us debunk some common breed legends and gave us the truth about our favorite four-legged friends.
Fact: Sighthound breeds, like Afghan Hounds and Afghan Borzoi, actually have a high level of intelligence. They're also very independent, which some people confuse with ignorance, says Peterson. (Their ability to rely on themselves stems from their origins as hunter dogs, which were taught to perform jobs when their masters were away.) Sighthounds' physical looks can also cause misconceptions. "They look like blondes, with their flowing hair and aloof stares. People often put human characteristics onto dogs."
Dog Breed Myths
Myth: Sighthounds are dumb
Fact: Sighthound breeds, like Afghan Hounds and Afghan Borzoi, actually have a high level of intelligence. They're also very independent, which some people confuse with ignorance, says Peterson. (Their ability to rely on themselves stems from their origins as hunter dogs, which were taught to perform jobs when their masters were away.) Sighthounds' physical looks can also cause misconceptions. "They look like blondes, with their flowing hair and aloof stares. People often put human characteristics onto dogs."
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Myth: You can calculate your dog's human age by adding seven years for every dog year
Fact: If only it were that easy! To determine a dog's human age, you need to factor in their breed and weight. "The larger the dog, the shorter they live," says Peterson. For example, a small breed (under 21 pounds) who is two years old would be 24 years old. However, a two-year-old large breed (over 90 pounds) would be 20 years old. Small dogs under 20 pounds will live the longest, while big dogs, like Great Danes, will only live seven years.
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Myth: Greyhounds need a lot of exercise
Fact: Many people believe that Greyhounds are strictly racing dogs that run around a horse track all day. "Greyhounds are actually couch potatoes who love to curl up with you and watch TV," says Peterson. While Greyhounds require about 30 minutes of exercise a day, it can be as simple as a leisurely walk.
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Myth: You need to shave down heavy-coated breeds in the summer to keep them cool
Fact: Shaving heavy-coated breeds like Siberian Huskies or Malamutes will actually make your pooch hotter in the summertime, says Peterson. In addition to preventing sunburn, the protective coat insulates their bodies in both hot and cold weather. Peterson relates this to the way humans respond to a chill by trapping the air closer to their body for warmth.
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Myth: Dobermans, Rottweilers and Bully Breeds are aggressive
Fact: No dog is aggressive based on its breed alone, says Peterson. Dangerous dogs are created by owners through irresponsible socialization or illegal dog fighting. "Any dog is capable of fighting," says Peterson. "It's the deed not the breed."
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Myth: You can't housetrain toy breeds
Fact: Breeds like Poodles, Yorkies, Chihuahuas and other little dogs are often babied by owners who aren't as persistent about housetraining as they might be with a larger dog. Since it's more noticeable if a larger dog has an accident on the rug, there's more of a motivation for people to train them right away, says Peterson. Little breeds can be trained -- just be patient and let them prove that they can do it.
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Myth: Pugs are lazy
Fact: Because pugs don't require a lot of exercise, they're often thought to be lazy, like other traditional lap dogs. Pugs are bred as companion dogs -- they're ready to sit on your lap or join you go for a walk. But despite the fact that they're not going to run several miles with you, they are far from lazy. "A dog doesn't sit around and think 'I don't feel like getting up to get that bone,' explains Peterson. "They don't even have the thought process to be lazy."
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Myth: Pit Bulls don't feel pain
Fact: Like humans, all dogs will feel pain when they're injured. Unfortunately, illegal dog fighting brings along misconceptions about dogs like Pit Bulls, who were abused in order to engage in the activity, says Peterson.
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Myth: Shelties are miniature Collies
Fact: While Shelties do look like mini Collies, they are, in fact, different from the Collie, confirms Peterson. While both were farm dogs used to herd sheep, Shelties stem from the Shetland Islands and Collies come from Scotland, where they each developed differently.
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Myth: Saint Bernards can't live indoors
Fact: Saint Bernards were originally bred as avalanche dogs who rescued travelers during snowstorms in the Swiss Alps. With their physical strength and heavy coats, Saint Bernards still thrive outdoors today, but they also make great family dogs indoors, says Peterson.
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Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.
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I own sighthounds (greyhounds) and I will tell anyone they are not dumb. They actively practice "selective" listening and weigh out whether or not it is worth it for them to bother obeying you. People often mistake this for stupidity. After all not many humans can tollerate a dog with a "cat" attitude. Greyhounds can be loving but they seem to be aloof with humans because they simply can take us or leave us. They are not a mushy fluff pot like some other breeds. Greys are loyal and some do suffer terrible separation anxiety when their owner is away. They are not watch dogs by any means and are very found of long naps....on your couch. Sighthounds may not win a beauty pagent (that's a matter of opinion) but they definately have it where it counts....brains.
I adore any and all sighthounds and am a greyhound fanatic!!! They are the most amazing dogs ever and love their personalities and attitudes. I couldn't live without them.
Dogs, gotta love 'em! But 2 things I don't understand: If you blow air in a dog's face he doesn't like it and turns away. But put him in a car, the first thing he does is stick his head out the window! Go figure! And, what do dogs do on their day off? They can't just lay around, lazy, that's their job!
Gary,,,You hit that one on the nail...It is so true.All dogs hate air blown in there face ,but cant resist a car ride with there head out the window to the point there lips are blowing backwards. laurel
The blowing in the face gives the dogs a strong scent of human (yours). Maybe some dogs think of it as "bad breath" and turn away in disgust. But then to dogs there's nothing more refreshing than a cool breeze from the window of the car....not only does it feel good but it must be loaded with non-human scents.
Not true about large breed dogs. I had tw Great Danes. One lived to be 13 and one lived to be 11 ( I got both when they were 6 wks old( I had a boxer who lived to be 12 also.
First of all, it's just Borzoi (not Afghan Borzoi), until mid 1930's known as the Russian Wolfhound. Then the issue of large breeds living until about 7. Wrong again. Especially with careful breeding focusing on more longevity. I breed show quality Hungarian & German Rotties, and they have been averaging 13+ yrs. I used to have Meistersinger harlequin Danes, and even 20+ yrs ago, they averaged 11-12 with good care. And one more thing, for those of you that let your dogs hang their heads out the car windows while driving, it's one of the WORST things you can do to your so-called beloved baby primarily regarding their eyes. You try driving at 45mph+ with your head out the window, and no glasses on, and see how your eyes like it. It's dangerous as far as something flying into the eyes, and it dries them out with each drive, to where eventually the dog winds up with opthalmic conditions of some kind or other depending on the dog. STOP LETTING YOUR DOG DRIVE WITH THEIR HEADS OUT THE WINDOWS...SAVE THEIR SIGHT!
Cat.....you are 100% correct about the car windows. I never let my dogs "hang" out the window. I keep the window open just enough where they can stick their nose out....and I shut my windows if I go faster than 25mph. When I stop at a light I let them have a "sniff" of the air and it seems to calm some of the anxious dogs down.
.....I meant to mention there are "doggie goggles" you can buy to help protect your pups eyes. They work good for swims as well. Though you should avoid letting your dog swim in chlorinated water. Its rough on their skin, coat and especially eyes If you do like to let your dog swim off a boat you would be wise to even get them a floatation vest. After all you need to protect those you love !!
Excuse me? you've got a typo or something on the 2d picture - the myth about calculating a dog's human age by seven human years to each one of the dog's life. You said a small dog at 2 would be 24 while a large breed at 2 would be 20 years old - and that the large breed would only live 7 years while the little dog would live to 20. PROOFREAD, folks. Without proofing, you're just going to muddle up the whole thing for those who are trying to learn.
What the heck does THIS mean? Who's is writing the blurbs for these photos? Refering to their comment about the dogs using their long hair and thick coat to insulate their bodies, the blurb under the 3d myth says, "Peterson relates this to the way humans respond to a chill by trapping the air closer to the body for warmth." I never knew we could trap air. I think it's called wearing a coat. That might trap the air around our bodies. But we don't DO that in the summer to stay cool. This analogy makes no sense what so ever. None at all. CLEARLY this writer (ahem using that word lightly) be challenged in the English language. Or maybe it's a Mercury/Neptune conjuction.
I too disagree with the myth that large dogs don't usually make it past seven or eight. My German Shepard mix was a Christmas gift from my mother. I was three months away from my second birthday and Dia was between six to eight weeks old, this was in 1988 i believe, she lived until i made the decision to put her down in 2006, due to severe hip dysplasia and arthritis. It's amazing what common sense and good consistent care can do.
It's very hard to measure intelligence.
Best to just look at what that dogs are good at.
I just found out that dogs have OCD. I just adopted a lovely dog who urinates outside and indoors. He drinks too much water. It goes in one end and out the other. The vet tested him for diabetes, bladder and kidney disorders. He is normal......This is a bad habit that is out of control. I take the water away and he finds the bird bath flower pots and also I must keep the lid down on my toilet. My other dog drinks and urinates normally and he suffers because I have to remove the water bowl.
I for one am anazed that no one seems aware of the adorable, loveable Japanese Chin. These little dogs are exceptional pets.
they are intelligent, alert, energetic, loving and at times demanding.
They are not for children as they are somewhat delicate...but love
to run and be chased. When they are happy they run in little
circles or simply "spin". The little ones 4 lbs or so, really do not
even bark and communicate by using their little
paws to pat your arm or whatever is closer to them at the time.
Our little dog lets us know whe she is hungry. Chins are very
clean and do not have doggy breath. Our little girl loves
vegetables and we have to hide all salty snacks. All in all, a wonderful addition to our family....until we found her, I had always
been a cat person. She has converted me.
I just lost my two standard poodles and my heart is broken. One was 13 yrs. and the other 12. I was told that after a certain age a dog does not need most vaccinations. I was also told that the Rabies shot I got for my dog probably killed her by harming her immune system!
DD
All my sighthounds have lived into their mid teens.I have had Afghans, Salukis, Borzoi, Whippets,and Standard Poodles...all were brilliant especially the Afghans...but none of them ever came close to the uncanny intelligence of my Japanese Chin.
Chin are the great secret of the dog world...just be sure you buy from a reputable breeder who belongs to at least one Jap Chin organization (like the parent club) or adopt from Jap Chin rescue. Puppy millers and backyard breeders don't breed for intelligence or good health...they just want your money.
I am a Cavalier King Charles girl. Macey and Piper are my children. This breed is intelligent, always happy. They are the epitome of companion dogs. My dogs sleep with me, go on trips, and everything else in-between. Loves everyone from kids to adults and older adults. They are not the easiest to find, and can be really expensive, but if you love this kind of breed I suggest that you do some investigation. You will not be disappointed.