CNBNews

Uh-Oh! It’s Dog Show Time!

    The Westminster Dog Show was a big event a couple of weeks ago. To some folks, this is the Super Bowl of the dog-loving community. And, while it was entertaining, it also signals the beginning of the inevitable purchase of puppies belonging to the winning breeds.

   Think you’ve seen everything? Just wait until six months from now, when the owners of all those Scottish Elkhounds decide that McTavish needs too much attention and they send him packing to the nearest McShelter.

   Different breeds of dogs were bred for different purposes. If you choose to purchase a pure-breed, please look into that breed’s original purpose and characteristics. If you decide to purchase or adopt a mixed-breed or designer breed dog, make sure you know the traits of the combined breeds so you aren’t in for a big surprise a couple of months down the line! For example, a Beagle seems to howl at everything that moves, a Pug can raise the roof with his snorting, and you just might be dismayed when your Puggle begins sounding like he needs a new transmission!

   It’s also important to note that dogs that compete in shows are on their best behavior and have been groomed for hours to look that good. Unless you have eight hours a day to invest in training and grooming, think about adopting a dog with fewer requirements. 

   Next week’s topic will be entitled, “Spring Has Sprung”. As always Cleary’s notebook encourages dialogue so your comments are welcome! 

Wado, udohiyu, (thank you very much, in the Cherokee language)

Dawn Watson

Brother of the Wolf, LLC

700 Market St, Gloucester City NJ 08030