Give Rare Breeds a Chance
By: Nixi C
Tags: Dogs, Dog Lover, Pupp, Puppies, Dog Breeds

Give Rare Breeds a Chance

When looking for a dog there are some lovely breeds that are vulnerable

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

You have decided you are ready for a dog. You go to the Kennel club’s website and scroll through a gigantic list of breeds. (A very good place to start, each breed has a contact number for advice.) You may have met numerous dogs of one breed and that’s the dog for me. Scrolling through this long list, you discover all these breeds that you had no idea existed. And there are some real gems in those vulnerable categories. So why are they vulnerable? Should you really bother when you’ve met countless doodles and decided that they are the one for you?

When I got my English toy terrier, it was love at first sight, a match made in heaven, I absolutely worship the ground she and my other dog walk on. I had been in love with a breed for a long time, while I was looking for my rescue dog. I discovered them while researching dog breeds. This turned into joining fan groups, meeting local owners and speaking to breeders. Good breeders, the sort that will give you everything you need to be aware of about the breed, health problems, warts and all.

This breed is just so awesome, I’m not being biased, I have fallen in love with a lot of dog breeds, before realising that certain breeds are not right for me. Its a wonder to me that this breed is so rare. But is this such a bad thing? Maybe it's not so bad that not everyone has one. I have spoken to experts and lovers of the breed and what they had to say was fascinating.

How is this delightful little breed not more popular?

My English toy terrier doesn’t smell, doesn’t drool, doesn’t chew. She is extremely affectionate, cuddly and loyal. She is good with my other dog, my rescue crossbreed and a lot more polite to my guests than he is! Not to mention she is adorable and I think the best looking girl in the world! Not biased at all!

Does the name put people off? The word ‘toy.’ The toy breeds, in particular, the smallest breed of dog, the chihuahua are often stereotyped as ‘handbag dogs’ and thought of as an accessory rather than a dog and yappy and snappy with it. This is unfair. If the dog is not bought up in the correct way with no training plan in place, if the dog is plonked in a handbag and carried everywhere and if the dog is dressed up, then yes, you can guarantee that they won’t behave like the dogs that actually walk. Being smaller, yes the world is more terrifying but that is no reason to write the toy category off.

As with any breed, you should have a training plan in place, seeking advice from a positive, reward-based dog trainer, seeking out puppy classes if you're getting a puppy and focus on building their confidence and gaining their trust as you would whatever breed of dog you have.

Are they too high maintenance? There are traits to be aware of with every breed. In the case of the English toy terrier, the need to be with their owner and they can be noisy. They can be clingy and needy which can mean leaving them alone takes consideration. No dog should be left alone all day. With all my dogs I have put a plan in place of leaving them for a few minutes and going around the corner each day leaving them with a kong stuffed full of treats and the radio on. While my miniature schnauzer and my rescue crossbreed lapped this up, thought it was wonderful and have even been disappointed at times when they’re coming with me rather than being left with a treat party, my English toy terrier has definitely found this harder. Separation anxiety could definitely be a real issue if plans aren’t put in place from the start.

Could it have anything to do with the black and tan colouring? Studies have shown black dogs and cats have been harder to rehome in rescue shelters. The chihuahua is a much more popular breed of dog and very similar traits and they come in lots of different colour varieties as well as a long-haired variety. And you’re interested in showing any faults can’t be hidden with long hair if the breed is smooth-haired!

Some breeds only fit certain households

Lots of rare breeds it's clear to see why they are not more popular. As well as my dog grooming business, I have worked in busy grooming salons, pets shops…I’ve been around a lot of places where there are a lot of dogs. I think the only time I have ever seen a Bloodhound has been at Discover dogs where is a section for every breed. Bloodhounds have a very strong scent drive, they need to put their noses to work. A lot of modern lifestyles just don’t fit the needs of a breed like this. As well as needing high levels of stimulation and exercise, they are a large breed. They have skin folds which need regular attention to prevent skin infections as well as the long ears.

Despite this I regularly see Siberian Huskies and Border collies, another two breeds with very high stimulation levels. I have heard people say they don’t believe these breeds should be pets because of their need to work- it results in dogs becoming ‘self-employed’ as I have mentioned in a previous article. I think this is a bit extreme- I have met lots of lovely huskies and collies- but I think they have a point. I have also met lots of huskies and collies with behaviour problems, such as anxiety.

Is it all to do with looks? Without a doubt, there are only certain households suitable for a Siberian husky and yet I see a lot of them about. Their love for running can make recall hard and some experts insist that they cannot be let off-lead. They can be vocal, they shed a lot. They are very strong. They need to be kept occupied, active households only!

But they are very striking dogs, it's not a matter of opinion, huskies are beautiful. Some breeds are an acquired taste.

Is being an unpopular breed such a bad thing?

As soon as a breed increases in popularity, so do the inconsiderate breeders- the puppy farmers. Breeders that are only in it for the money and as a result produce puppies in poor health and behaviour problems, not doing the breed or the gene pool any favours.

The French bulldog is currently a very popular breed and puppy farmers have cottoned on, breeding dogs with exaggerated features that sadly people desire because they think they are cute, but this results in health problems. In the case of the French bulldog its the flat nose causing breathing problems that is one worry, it is so important to find a good breeder that is dedicated to breeding the healthiest dogs possible.

This makes me glad that my chosen breed isn’t more popular! With a small number of breeders and rescue contacts, everyone knows everyone and works together as a team helping each other if one comes into rescue and needs a home or foster care fast. This would be impossible with popular breeds.

To conclude

What breeders and owners of rare breeds have had to say has been fascinating. But there is no clear answer as to why certain breeds are rare. Looks, breed-specific health conditions- there’s lots more to be said on the subject, I’m sure. When it comes to the gorgeous English toy terriers, as a breed I now feel I know more than others I would love there to be an increase as it would be a tragedy for such a kind, affectionate breed to go extinct but not in the same numbers of the French Bulldog- puppy farmers keep your hands off!