Some years ago we decided to adopt a dog from the RSPCA. We wanted a young female dog, and were lucky to find Momo (then called Daisy). Momo bonded well with our other dog and quickly became a valued family member — we wouldn't be without her, although she does have some behavioural ‘issues’ which some could consider difficult.
Momo takes an instant dislike to some people — there doesn't seem to be any trait she particularly dislikes, although men with hats on seem to be high on the list. She's not fond of certain other dogs – chocolate Labradors in particular. Momo was a cruelty case and there has clearly been an incident in her past that has had a deep impact on her — we will never know what happened because she was abandoned beside a busy road, but we do know that we have to deal with her insecurities in a way that puts her under least stress and brings her greatest joy. This means walking in secluded woods where other people and dogs are absent, and often at unsociable times of the day!
Momo is a Staffie cross. We have often wondered what she is crossed with — I have noticed the advertisements online for DNA checks that show you the genetic heritage of your pet, and have wondered whether it would be interesting to know what other breeds make up Momo; but while it might be interesting to know I don't consider this would be a key to her character. Momo is a product of her early years.
I do believe that when people want to get a pet they should consider looking at rehoming — there are many wonderful rescue centres around that spend time matching animals with prospective owners to ensure that people get the pet that suits their situation. While the dog we adopted is not ‘easy’ we are happy to adapt to her needs. However, not all dogs in rescue centres have problems, and not all dogs from breeders are free from issues! A friend recently recounted the story of her family's first dog, a German Shepherd, which came from a breeder. A good breeder will provide a stable environment in which the puppies will stay with their mother until they are weaned — my friend's dog turned up in the boot of a car with two other puppies, did not appear to know how to eat or drink from a bowl and also already had certain dislikes, particularly of men.
Veterinary practices play a vital role in advising people about the type of pet that would suit them best. Prospective dog owners can research the breed they are considering — will it need long walks, dribble copiously, and shed lots of hair — but they should also follow some simple guidelines such as visiting the puppy in its home environment and seeing it with its mother. Both owners and breeders can be strongly advised to use a puppy contract. For breeders and sellers the contract is a record of the thought and attention they have devoted to their puppies' breeding and care. And, puppy buyers can use the information provided by the breeder or seller to make a decision on whether they want to buy the puppy they have seen. The contract empowers the buyer helping them to avoid the problems that might arise from an irresponsible breeder. The puppy contract can be found online.
If environment rather than genetics are the main influence of the dog's character then this makes a mockery of Breed Specific Legislation. This month's comment piece (p412) explains why you should join the end BSL campaign. There is no evidence to support the fact that the breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act are any more aggressive than other dogs.