Are You Talking Your Breed Into Extinction?

Click here to read the complete article
108 – April, 2026

By Caroline Coile

“This breed isn’t for everyone.”

Of course not. No breed is. I’ve written literally thousands of breed profiles for websites, magazines, and books, interviewed hundreds of breeders, and I can almost predict what breeders will say about their breed–no matter the breed:

• “This breed isn’t for everyone!”

• “You have to be a special kind of person to own this breed!”

• “You don’t own them; they own you.”

• “They can be extremely destructive.”

• “They’re too smart to be obedient!”

• “They can’t be left alone for long periods.”

• “They need lots and lots of mental and physical exercise!”

• This is a breed that needs a LOT of socialization!”

So basically, they’re dogs.

Of course, no breed is for everyone. Not a single one. If it slobbers, shuffles, sheds, or snorts, it’s not for me, for example. Others find those traits endearing. And any owner who is interviewed about their breed should always mention any caveats associated with it. But maybe it’s time we quit trying to talk prospective owners out of our breed, or out of dogs in general.

I cannot count the number of times, even at Meet the Breeds, when the presenters have proudly proclaimed they talked X number of people, who thought they wanted their breed, out of it. Because, you know, “It takes a special person…”

Click here to read the complete article
108 – April, 2026

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=354485

Posted by AnthonyA on Apr 7 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.