Posts tagged "pit bulls"

Common Dog Breed Myths

Whether we read it on the Internet or hear it from a friend, dog breed myths are all around 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.

Myth: Sighthounds are dumb
Fact: Sighthound breeds, like Afghan Hounds and Afghan Borzoi, are far from dumb! Actually, they have a high level of independence and intelligence. Their ability to rely on themselves stems from their origins as hunter dogs, who were taught to get jobs done themselves when their masters were away. Many people confuse Sighthounds' independence as ignorance to everything around them, says Peterson. Sighthounds' physical looks also can confuse cause misconceptions. "Sighthounds look like dumb blondes, with their flowing hair and aloof stares. People often take human characteristics onto dogs."

Common Dog Breed Myths

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 how much they weigh and their breed. "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. A giant breed (over 90 pounds), who is also two years old, would be 20 years old. The first two years of a dog's life are when they grow the most, it then slows down with age. Small dogs under 20 pounds will live the longest, while big dogs, like Great Danes, will only live seven years.

Common Dog Breed Myths

Myth: Greyhounds need a lot of exercise
Fact: Many people have a vision that Greyhounds are strictly a racing dogs who 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, this can be as simple as a leisurely walk.

Common Dog Breed Myths

Myth: You need to shave down heavy-coated breeds in the summer to stay cool
Fact: Shaving down 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 ability to the way humans respond to a chill by trapping the air closer to their body for warmth.

Common Dog Breed Myths

Myth: Dobermans, Rottweilers and Bully Breeds are aggressive
Fact: No dog is aggressive based on its breed, says Peterson. Instead, a dangerous dog is something that's created by owners through socialization or illegal dog fighting. "Any dog is capable of fighting," says Peterson. "It's the deed not the breed."

Common Dog Breed Myths

Myth: You can't housetrain toy breeds
Fact: Breeds like Poodles, Yorkies and Chihuahuas and other little dogs are often babied by their 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.

Common Dog Breed Myths

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. While 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."

Common Dog Breed Myths

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.

Common Dog Breed Myths

Myth: Shelties are Mini Collies
Fact: While Shelties do look like Mini Collies, there 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.

Common Dog Breed Myths

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.

Common Dog Breed Myths