Not the Breed You Expected? Dog Expert Reveals How To Avoid Lasting Regret
Summary
Many people who adopt puppies imagine what the dog will be like when it grows up. However, dogs, especially mixed breeds, often change in size, looks, and personality. Experts say it is important for owners to accept the dog they have, not the dog they expected.Key Facts
- An adopter named Cassandra believed she had a dachshund puppy, Ollie, but he grew to look more like a Chihuahua.
- Dogs' breed labels are not always accurate, especially for mixed breeds, making it hard to predict their adult traits.
- Mixed-breed dogs inherit different traits from various breeds, which can affect their size, personality, and needs.
- Janice Costa, a pet expert, says owners should "parent the dog in front of you," meaning they should focus on who their dog actually is.
- Costa shared her experience with a dog she expected to be a collie mix but turned out to be a working-line Belgian Malinois mix with very different needs.
- Owners might need to adjust their expectations, routines, and supplies as their dogs grow and develop unexpected traits.
- Some dogs may need more exercise, training, or socialization than owners first expected, which can improve their behavior and happiness.
- Accepting the real dog and learning about its needs helps build a stronger relationship between owners and their pets.
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