WASHINGTON - Dogs in films and on television can capture your heart. The adorable "101 Dalmatians," the irresistible Saint Bernard "Beethoven," the beloved Collie "Lassie," and Frasier's charming Terrier "Eddie" are just a few famous canines who triggered a large consumer demand for dogs of specific breeds. With the release of the Disney film Eight Below on Feb 17, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) anticipates a renewed popularity of Huskies and Malamutes. And, with the popular Westminster Dog Show last week, all eyes are on purebreds.
According to Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals at The HSUS, "We applaud films that present the bond between dogs and their people. Rich storytelling about animals and people who care about each other is great entertainment and a true promotion for the benefits of having a dog. The downside is that people become so enamored by the character portrayed on screen that they want THAT dog in their own home. They assume the breed is great without examining if it is the right match for their lifestyle." And unfortunately, Shain continues, "Too often it doesn't work out and the dog is given up at an animal shelter, adding to the approximately 4 million homeless dogs already living in shelters, half of whom are euthanized because no one comes to adopt them."
History is proof of this cycle: within six months of the release of the 1996 film 101 Dalmatians, relinquishment of the breed to shelters and rescue groups had increased by at least 25 percent, according to The HSUS. People went crazy for how the breed looked and they wanted spotted puppies just like the adorable ones in the movie. They did not take into consideration the specific needs and personality of the breed, which of course was not portrayed on screen. The result: thousands of adolescent homeless Dalmatians.
If a specific breed is attractive to you, The HSUS offers simple advice: First research the breed to learn if the physical and mental needs match your lifestyle. Do not go on looks alone. For example, Huskies are high energy and require considerable exercise and training, and need constant companionship. Leaving them home all day with nothing to do will backfire. Shain recommends, "Think it through before making a mistake that may break your heart, lead to behavior and health issues for the dog and possibly cost him his home."
If you believe the match can work, go to your local animal shelter. It is a fact that 1 out of 4 shelter dogs ARE purebred and you may find just the dog you want. If the shelter does not have the breed, they can direct you to a "purebred rescue group." Breed rescue experts can provide detailed information on the specific needs each breed has, and help you find a dog of a particular breed who is in need of a home.
If adopting does not work for you, there are ways to help you identify a reputable breeder, and keep you away from puppy mill dogs. Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers and sell them to pet stores, or directly to consumers through the internet or via newspaper ads – often posing as a "reputable breeder." Mills are only looking to make a profit, and commonly disregard the physical and emotional health of the dogs, resulting in puppies who can suffer from physical and emotional ailments, or even die. You should never buy a dog unless you can personally visit where that puppy was born and raised. A reputable breeder would NEVER sell a dog to anyone who they did not personally meet and interview to ensure a new owner can provide the right home environment; is knowledgeable in the genetic problems for which the breed is predisposed; and would welcome your questions and encourage visiting the puppies and parents in their home. That information would save many people a great deal of frustration and heartache and help stop the abuse that happens in puppy mills.
In an effort to make successful matches between people and animals and to place pets in lifelong homes, many shelters provide counseling and follow-up assistance, such as pet parenting and dog-training classes. In addition, The HSUS provides extensive information at www.hsus.org, including tips on preparing for the arrival of your new pet.
Expect an adjustment period as you and your new companion get to know each other. All relationships take time — even between pets and people. Should a behavior problem arise, contact your local shelter for advice, or go to www.PetsForLife.org and search among the more than 50 tip sheets in English and Spanish for help.
-30-
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at hsus.org.
