November 30, 1997, Sunday
Westchester Weekly Desk
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PETS; Breed Considerations
By SARAH HODGSON
Before selecting the pet that is right for you, look at the word
"breed." Although it can relate to physical appearance of the animal, the
look does not describe the package. Metaphorically "breed" can be
described as a category or grouping of personality traits. Stereotypical
in some sense, the common characteristics can be used as a guideline when
choosing a pet to match your lifestyle. Remember: Breed, in most cases,
assures predictability.
Dogs
Currently, there are 144 breeds of dogs in the United States; over
400
worldwide. Theirs is a species more diversified than any on the planet.
Dogs can weigh two or two hundred pounds. Dogs can have silky flowing
coat or no hair at all.
The term "mixed breed" denotes a dog whose genes have been pooled
from
two or more breeds. Learning what a breed or mix of breeds was
traditionally bred for gives insight into its personality. A dog
originally bred to guard property or sheep, for example, will be more
defensive when the doorbell rings or stranger's approach. Untrained, these
breeds may regress into an aggressive stance. On the other hand dogs bred
for sporting and hunting purposes are less concerned about turf, focusing
instead on interaction and involvement.
If you're thinking of adding a dog to your household, consult a
listing
put out by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This registry subdivides the
breeds into seven groups: Working, Sporting, Herding, Hound, Non-
Sporting, Terrier and Toy. The breeds within each group share common
characteristics. For instance, while Toy dogs are bred to be companions,
Working dogs are bred to pull sleds and do other laborious tasks.
With some exceptions, the tasks each was bred for are no longer
necessary to our survival. But don't tell this to a dog. Each dog still
takes its genetic instincts seriously. Their drive to perform won't let
them slack off for lack of work. No poachers to drive from the grazing
lands? The mail carrier will have to stand in. No ducks to retrieve? A
tennis ball will do. No sheep to herd? No problem. The dog will settle
for kids or joggers.
Of course there are exceptions. If a breeder is consciously mating
protection dogs that are more comfortable with visitors, their puppies may
have a similar mind-set. When you speak with breeders, determine their
focus. Is it to produce dogs to win shows or to have a stable
temperament. Perhaps it is both. The best way to judge is to know the
parents of your future puppy. If you see what you're looking for in them,
it's likely the puppy will posses the same characteristics.
Cats
To some, considering a breed of cat might seem like an anomaly.
Although cats have evolved with us through the ages, the definition of
cats by "breed" was only acknowledged in the late 1800's. Unlike dogs,
the difference in cat breeds is subtle. They tend to focus more on
aesthetic quality and energy level than instinctual traits. However this
is not to say that cats lack character. Anyone who has ever owned a cat
would argue to the contrary. Unlike dogs, which are consciously bred for
varying tasks, the cat has always remained at heart a free spirit.
Although there are 42 registered cat breeds in the United States,
only
5% of the cat owning population has a designated breed. That leaves the
rest of the cat fanciers sharing their space with cats of mixed heritage.
Though their pedigree cannot be traced back four generations, they are
loved all the same.
Pure breed cats are not as dissimilar as dog breeds. The basic
shape,
weight and instinct to hunt small rodents is common throughout. So what
can be said in favor of the pure breed? To some, a given breed is artform
and a sign of prestige. More importantly, however, there is the
predictability factor. Anyone purchasing an oriental breed can count on a
short-coated, active cat with a propensity to vocalize-- a lot! The
Persian and Himilayan, on the other hand, are long haired, more relaxed
and heavy set cats that require at least 15 minutes of grooming a day. If
the thought of purchasing a pure bred cat captures your imagination, take
time to study and know each breed.
Adding a pet to a household can seem intimidating. It certainly
demands
serious thought: lifestyle, commitment, scheduling, cooperation, etc. In
the event that other pets or children are sharing your home, they too must
be given a great deal of consideration. Mixing a kid-tested breed with a
house full of children can produce memories to last a lifetime.
Purchasing an aloof or defensive breed of cat or dog can cause friction.
Owning any pet demands involvement. Certain pets however need more of
your time and attention for specific activities, such as grooming,
exercise and training.
Think it through. You and your pet will be glad you did.
