Dog Advice Topic: Breeds That Need Jobs (and Exercise!)

Bella,
I'm looking into getting a dog and in my research I've seen that some dogs require a little more training and exercise than others. Could you tell me about some of these breeds so I don't get in over my head?
-Research in Rosemont

RiR,
All dogs need some form of training to live happily in the human world. But some dogs have been bred to be such hard workers that they need "jobs" to happily live in the human world.

I've compiled a list of "working" dogs. With the hundreds of breeds out there, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but these are the more common breeds. If a breed is listed here, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be bouncing off the walls without something to do. Each dog is different, just like each human is different.

Take me, for example. Most of the time I'm a total couch potato, but that's because my mom trains me a lot in agility, which I love. And also uses my natural herding instincts to herd sheep when we can.

But bottom line is that potential dog owners who are interested in these breeds should do even more research than normally done to determine if they will fit into your lifestyle. Again, having a "job" does not mean going to the dog park for an hour or going for a five mile jog every day - these dogs need mental exercise in addition to physical exercise and most likely will need an outlet for their natural instincts.

Dog Breeds Needing Jobs and Exercise
Airedale
Akita
American Bulldog
Australian Cattle Dog
Beagle
Border Collie
Boxer
Dalmation
Doberman
Flat Coated or Curly Coated Retrievers
German Pointer
Portugese Water Dog
Rottweiler
Staffordshire Terrier
Vizsla
Weimeraner

All potential dog owners should do thorough research on each breed and look at their traits objectively. Sometimes what seems like a positive trait really isn't something you want in a family pet. For example, to some people having a dog that is protective would sound like a good thing, but when your dog becomes "protective" of you when your guests come over or "defends" the family against every person walking down the street by barking incessantly out the window, it doesn't work out very well.

Don't only go by our cute, furry faces - think realistically about this decision!

And that's the bark on the street!
Bark up!
Bella

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