I heard something recently that was really interesting and rather profound. A canine behaviorist speaking on the radio said that it doesn’t matter what breed/breeds your dog is…all dogs are “pure dog.” I don’t know why that struck me as being a very wise thing to say to the many dog owners who were listening to this program. But I think it’s because he’s absolutely right. Of course varying breeds of dogs will have different characteristics, different shapes and sizes, different temperaments, will perform different jobs and will respond to their people in all kinds of differing manners. But the bottom line is that a dog is a dog is a dog…no matter which way you look at it.
Dogs don’t know what breed they are or if they’re a pure bred dog or ‘a many-layered’ dog. Of course when dogs hear their humans using words such as ‘German Shepherd’ or ‘Beagle’ when referring to them, they do start to think of themselves in these terms. But they still don’t know what it means to be a ‘German Shepherd’ or a ‘Beagle.’ And it doesn’t really matter to them. All they care about is being with their families, going for walks and car rides, playing at the dog park and of course waiting for their next meal or treat.
I have a very pretty French Bulldog name Charlotte. She is blonde with some white markings. Lots of people comment on how cute she is and how well proportioned her body is for her breed. To me she’s my ‘Piggy’ who snorts and passes gas at inappropriate times. She picks me up when I’ve had a bad day and brings a smile to my face when I can’t seem to find one. I love her not because she’s my beautiful French Bulldog. I love her because she’s my faithful dog who has made me a better person for having lived with her these last eight years.
No matter what ‘flavors’ of dogs we happen to live with and love, they are all still dogs whose history can be traced back thousands of years. How fortunate we humans are to be able to call these dogs our loving friends and companions.
Blessings to you and your furry friends.
Liz