Favourite pets...

The Brits are a nation of animal lovers. Most had childhood pets of hamsters or guinea-pigs, even rabbits in the garden, but as adults, tend to gravitate towards the slightly larger cats or dogs.

Which is most popular? We think of ourselves as a nation of dog lovers.

And if you think that too, then you will be right! Recent research tells us that there are 12 million cats in the UK and 13 million dogs. So the dogs just squeak it past the cats.

Why should that be? Well, perhaps it is because although easier as more self sufficient to look after (a cat apparently has at the very least, two homes that feed it), dogs are perceived as loyal companions. Plus they can come to the pub and seem to be more intent listeners. A cat just wanders off.

A question often mused over is why domestic cats all look quite similar in terms of size and shape (wheras the colourings and fur types can be quite different) yet the domestic dog can be so incredibly different. Compare a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. It boils down to usefulness. A cat is really only good for mousing and for the most part, modern cats aren’t even good for that. That is not perhaps all their fault. After all, cats in flats don’t get the chance to stalk crumbly Victorian skirting boards and gaps where pipes exit the walls plus the supermarket aisles are full of tins of goodies for Tiddles. There is little incentive these days for a cat to go on a good old traditional mouse hunt.

Dogs on the other hand, have been bred for all kinds of uses. Yes, even ratting dogs (cat’s move over) are known to have a sharp killer instinct, they don’t play with the prey. And other dogs have been developed over the years for speed (hunting), stamina (sledding), size (guarding) and intelligence (guide dogs for the blind). Alsations or German Shepherds are the police dog of choice for their strength, speed, bravery and because they are easily trained.

Dogs are social creatures, after all, their ancestor the wolf lives in packs and a dog either insists on being a ‘top dog’ and can be quite aggressive in that aim with any other canines that cross its path, or can be the most devoted companion to its human pack leader. A dog left in isolation does not usually fare well, and they can be susceptible to loneliness and boredom. This can give way, as with humans, to anxiety and depression. In fact, it is even possible to give a dog the human equivalent of Prozac to lift its mood. This drug that most people would never imagine even exists, is called Reconcile and according to the manufacturer, exists to help with separation anxiety:

https://www.reconcile.com/
https://www.drugs.com/pro/reconcile.html

Dogs generally are thought of as being quite upbeat animals and this is probably due to their trusting nature. We have all heard of pet dogs who have been abused, who have been rescued by the RSPCA and gone on to lead a new life with a new owner and learned to readjust and trust such that one might never even realise.

So, dogs make great pets and there is a huge array of breeds to choose from, as well as mongrels. Small, medium or large, short haired or long haired, a show animal or a pet – the choice is there and it is always worth speaking to breeders or owners before making a decision.

Small Dogs

One might imagine that the term ‘small’ is quite subjective, but no, there are parameters. A small dog is considered to be one that weighs no more than 10 kilos / 22 pounds and stands no more than 16 inches tall. There are approximately 65 small dog breeds. The smallest is the Chihuahua that typically is no more than 3.5 kilos / 8 pounds and stands 8 inches tall, when not residing in a handbag. These dogs are sometimes called ‘toy’ dogs or sometimes more unkindly, rats on leads.

A tall small dog that not many people have heard of, is the Basenji. These animals can acquire the lofty heights of 17 inches. They are elegant, calm and collected. They are not afflicted by small dog syndrome. They don’t bark, they yodel.

A very popular small dog, is the pug and the similar in appearance, French bulldog. However, these two breeds have been so overbred that most of them suffer from a host of health problems such as eye disease, respiratory obstructions and spinal deformities. Much loved lap dogs often thought to be originally bred by the Japanese, in fact they were first bred by the Chinese and hark back to 400BC.

However, despite their cute, wrinkly appearance and fat little waddle, it seems their days are numbered. The Blue Cross charity is petitioning for legislative change to stamp out breeding that brings about deformities in dogs. This is common in many breeds however. Alsations have been bred for longer hind legs and King Charles spaniels for their domed heads that can cause the developing brain to be restricted.

The Bichon Frise is a small white fluffball that resembles a snowball. That is, until it encounters a puddle. Then it mysteriously transforms into tumbleweed and nothing but a bath and blow drier will restore its former glory. Despite their fluffy coats however, they are in the main, hypoallergenic, which makes them very good pets for those who have fur allergies. Apart from being a trip hazard, they will get on with just about anyone.

Medium Dogs

The definition of a medium dog is one that stands up to 2 feet tall and weighs up to 30 kilos / 65 pounds. There are approximately 45 breeds of medium dog. This is the category with the fewest number of breeds as compared to the small and large ones.

Whilst perhaps not suited to apartment living, a Basset hound is not suited to a house. Their short legs, as with Dachshunds, make staircases uncomfortable and sometimes impossible. The Basset is a short medium dog, but is stocky, long body makes up a muscular and heavy breed. A calm and dignified dog, they have a fine sense of smell akin to that of bloodhounds and the only drawback is that they often try to be lapdogs.
Perhaps the opposite of the Basset hound, the Border Collie is the stereotypical sheep dog with the boundless energy and stamina that make it the perfect working dog. These dogs like to race around for sometimes up to 50 miles in a day, so you’ll only find them creeping onto your lap after their twice-marathon. It’ll be good for your step count too.

The best known medium dog in Britain is the British Bulldog, with its resolute wrinkly face, muscular shoulders and unmistakable waddle . These dogs were used back in Roman times to drive cattle to market and also for the sport of bullbaiting. A sturdy dog of up to 24 kilos, they snore and wheeze, make wonderful family pets and reliable watchdogs. Despite their macho image, they do need their skincare routine and facial wrinkles need to be regularly cleaned to avoid skin infections.

Winston Churchill in his older years was considered to resemble a bulldog. Bulldogs were already making appearances on WW1 posters to reflect the ‘British Bulldog Spirit’ so coupled with Churchill’s perseverance and fighting spirit, this comparison is well earned. With its vice-like jaw, the bulldog does not let go. In general, an adult bulldog needs about 1,000 calories per day.

Big Dogs

Big dogs are wonderful watchdogs and companions. The definition again is not completely definitive, however a general consensus is that the weight would be anywhere between 27-45 kilos / 60-100 pounds. Not a beast to curl up on your lap, well, not easily unless you allow them onto the sofa. Not that you would have much to say about that.

Afghan hounds easily spring to mind. They stand a little over 2 feet tall and are distinctive with their long fur that flows as they sprint. They are very nimble, extremely loyal and hardy, with their thick coats. Although they appear dignified and aloof, Afghan owners often report they have a comical side. They need frequent brushing to keep them at their best and a lot of walking, so time to spend on your hound is key.

A pair of extremely elegant Borzois - Russian sighthounds that resemble Afghan hounds

The Japanese Akita is a large, solid dog standing at around 28 inches and weighing up to 60 kilos / 130 pounds. They are wonderful to look at, quite wolfy but with thick, springy fur, that makes them look stockier than they really are. Muscular dogs, they need good training as they can be aggressive around smaller dogs and need socialisation from a pup. Majestic and dignified beasts (until a Pomeranian piffles past), these will always turn heads.

The Great Dane is known as the ‘Apollo of Dogs’ and stands a good 32 inches at the shoulder. Given their imposing size, strength and weight, they need to be well obedience trained as when standing on their hind legs, they are easily taller than most people. With a baritone bark, they are wonderful guard dogs but also make excellent family pets as they have a gentle disposition. These gentle giants don’t fare well on foods with a high fat content as the principal killer of the breed is bloat, where the stomach twists and distends. They don’t need frequent bathing (thank goodness) and don’t shed much, but given their large surface area you might find you collect more fur than you think. Majestic and imposing, it is always a treat to see a Great Dane on its travels.

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The wonderful wolf!