"_____" breed is not like other dogs!

[BostonBanker]

That's a legit concern. And that's a group of dogs not just a pomeranian that can't receive a rabies vaccine because their breeder said so.

Ah, gotcha. It is weird, I have no worries ever about dealing with my horse vet or any one of their staff, partially because I know them so well and partially because I know my stuff with that.

I live in paranoia that my small animal vets hate me. I am dreading going back for Gusto's next heartworm test, because I'm going to have to be very firm that no tech or anyone can try pulling blood on him. I don't like being hated.

 

[AdrianneIsabel]

Btw that's totally in a side note "interestingly enough" not a side of the discussion.

 

[AdrianneIsabel]

I live in paranoia that my small animal vets hate me. I am dreading going back for Gusto's next heartworm test, because I'm going to have to be very firm that no tech or anyone can try pulling blood on him. I don't like being hated.

My vet techs hate me and think I have an air of superiority but I will not allow them to man handle my Malinois out of my sight. "We just muzzle them & restrain" is not an acceptable answer when I say these dogs are not good at nor comfortable with strangers touching, poking, prodding. Denis both dreads and appreciates my reactions.

 

[Lyzelle]

It is common in Dachshunds, CdT, Great Danes, some Aussies, Boxers...many breeds. And if you KNOW it is common in your breed, and know the possible reactions to it: seizures, paralysis, fever, etc, then why chance it?

"But to refuse a vaccine because the BREED can't have it is not a legit excuse."

In my opinion, it is a very legit excuse. I do not play with the health of my dogs, and I'm not going to potentially risk their health because a vet doesn't think that it is a valid reason...especially when I KNOW the chances are high that they will react to said vaccine/medication.

As far as rabies vaccine being law...many places now accept titers.

 

[SaraB]

We have several dachshunds that can't and their vets have signed off on it. I'm not sure why but it's caused reactions and paralysis, temp, in a few.

I don't however know if it's breed wide or what, it just seems to happen a lot here since we check all vet records at my work.

Weird. Ya, individuals having reactions is one thing... but to bring in your brand new dachshund pup and refusing the vaccine because you heard dachshunds can't have it is bull-honky.

 

[Aleron]

I'm well aware of that. I'm talking specifically about the people who refuse treatment because their breed absolutely cannot have xyz. Not a "well they are sensitive to anesthesia", well right, we are careful with certain breeds and use different sedatives with those breeds. But to refuse to put their dog under for a necessary procedure because of it? Or refusing to give a necessary vaccine because their breed can't have it?

I don't see anything wrong with people being aware of what could be an issue in their breed of choice and informing their vet of it. Health and how dogs respond to certain things can absolutely have a genetic basis and in fact, often does.

For years many vets scoffed at the idea that Collies were prone to having issues with ivermectin, acting like Collie people were just being weird thinking their dogs are "so different". Well then it comes out that Collies and related breeds actually can be different in how they handle certain drugs, including ivermectin. The Weim Club of America has vaccine protocols for Weims due to increased risk of autoimmune related vaccine problems noticed in the breed: http://weimaranerclubofamerica.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=151&lang=en. Vaccine research has shown that dilute colored dogs are more prone to vaccine reactions, so the Weim club doesn't seem too off base with their information. Sighthounds and Belgians absolutely can be "different" when it comes to anesthesia and sedation.Looking through old Belgian yearbooks, collection of books with pictures and pedigrees of just about all titled Belgians from the 70s, 80s and early 90s. I was shocked to see how many young dogs died from routine procedures (OFAs, dentals, etc) due to anesthesia. Really heartbreaking. Anesthesia is definitely safer now than it was then but it is a legitimate concern for owners of certain breeds. There is nothing wrong with them mentioning it to their vet or being hesitant to put a dog under for something they don't really need.

To me it's sort of sad that vets and techs would look at an educated owner voicing concerns about health tendencies in their breed as someone who just thinks their breed is "so different and so unique". It is possible that they are actually voicing legitimate concerns with their breed that a vet or tech may not be aware of.

 

[SaraB]

As far as rabies vaccine being law...many places now accept titers.

Titers are only used AFTER the dog has received at least one vaccine.

 

[SaraB]

To me it's sort of sad that vets and techs would look at an educated owner voicing concerns about health tendencies in their breed as someone who just thinks their breed is "so different and so unique". It is possible that they are actually voicing legitimate concerns with their breed that a vet or tech may not be aware of.

I don't have a problem with this.. I have a problem with the uneducated pet owners who hear something from one source and then automatically assume that it's a legit concern. If they want to research then do it! But do not claim that your pomeranian can't get something just because it's a pomeranian, give me the facts, the genetic abnormalities that appear in the breed, the special color dilutions that impair the immune systems, something other than just because it's XYZ breed.

 

[sassafras]

Weird. Ya, individuals having reactions is one thing... but to bring in your brand new dachshund pup and refusing the vaccine because you heard dachshunds can't have it is bull-honky.

My personal favorite is "Oh, breed X can't get heartworm." :/

 

[Aleron]

I don't have a problem with this.. I have a problem with the uneducated pet owners who hear something from one source and then automatically assume that it's a legit concern. If they want to research then do it! But do not claim that your pomeranian can't get something just because it's a pomeranian, give me the facts, the genetic abnormalities that appear in the breed, the special color dilutions that impair the immune systems, something other than just because it's XYZ breed.

I think I see what you're saying - everyone's an internet expert these days. That isn't just in reference to breeds though, people have all kinds of weird ideas about their dogs because they "read it on the internet". On one hand, a lot more people are a lot more informed these days. On the other hand, a lot of people just think they're more informed

 

[SaraB]

I think I see what you're saying - everyone's an internet expert these days. That isn't just in reference to breeds though, people have all kinds of weird ideas about their dogs because they "read it on the internet". On one hand, a lot more people are a lot more informed these days. On the other hand, a lot of people just think they're more informed

Exactly!! But this was a thread about how special every breed is, hence my choice of internet-expert situations.

 

[Lyzelle]

I don't have a problem with this.. I have a problem with the uneducated pet owners who hear something from one source and then automatically assume that it's a legit concern. If they want to research then do it! But do not claim that your pomeranian can't get something just because it's a pomeranian, give me the facts, the genetic abnormalities that appear in the breed, the special color dilutions that impair the immune systems, something other than just because it's XYZ breed.

I can see what you are saying, here. But I would still prefer the vet to be willing to do the legwork if I bring up the concern, not just blow me off and give it to my pet anyway. It is their job, after all.

 

[Upendi&Mina]

Aussies are the best, end of story. on a more serious note I did have an issue with a vet in pa that caused me to stop going to them, I had taken cara in for something or other and had taken in a list of drugs that mdr1 positive dogs can be sensitive to. They refused to attach it to her file and more or less told me it was something I shouldn't be concerned about. Granted I have since had her tested and she is normal/normal but at that point her status was unknown it didn't sit well with me at all

 

[ihartgonzo]

I feel it's naive to think that some dogs aren't extremes in the dog world. I don't think it's the owners of these breeds who tend to be so intense who are haughty... I think it's the owners of easier breeds who want to say "hey, my dog's special, too!" Of course they are. But I feel like it's not arguable that some dogs require exponentially more effort than hundreds of other breeds, which makes them "not like other dogs". There are also individuals in breeds that aren't like their breed, or are on the same difficulty level as much more intense breeds of dogs... just like there are super easy individuals in breeds that are normally not your average dog. Can anyone argue that a Fila is just like any other dog? Or a Malinois? Or a CAO? Or a game-bred Pit Bull? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Pls don't. I have witnessed first hand how much WORK and RESEARCH and PASSION owners of those breeds, and other difficult breeds, put into their dogs and I don't think I could hang. I give them endless props & I find that I glorify their breed often more than they do. I have so much respect for owners of those three breeds... and here I have a super insanely high drive BC who was raised to be a fear aggressive psycho! I know the reality of owning a dog who isn't like other dogs and having owned many other breeds, no, he is not like any other dog I've owned. Even though I know he's much easier and softer than a the aforementioned breeds and many others, the average dog owner who appreciates the average dog would have dumped him long ago.

After working hands on with thousands of dogs, most of them average, there is an average in dogs! Generally passive to people and other dogs, fairly eager to please & dependent, tolerant of handling, satiated with a good half hour of light exercise, happy to get a little pat on the head, not requiring a job to do, not requiring any special socialization, ok with the standard compulsive training techniques, and so on. 95% of breeds pretty much fall under all of these specifications ime. And I feel like my experience is pretty vast.

 

[Panzerotti]

After working hands on with thousands of dogs, most of them average, there is an average in dogs! Generally passive to people and other dogs, fairly eager to please & dependent, tolerant of handling, satiated with a good half hour of light exercise, happy to get a little pat on the head, not requiring a job to do, not requiring any special socialization, ok with the standard compulsive training techniques, and so on. 95% of breeds pretty much fall under all of these specifications ime. And I feel like my experience is pretty vast.

Exactly! After working as a vet tech and in a boarding kennel, I have also become well-acquainted with the "average dog." And there most definitely are a few breeds out there that require much more effort and vigilance than the average dog.

 

[AdrianneIsabel]

Very good post Gonzo.

 

[sassafras]

Hrm, my experience working in a vet clinic has led me to the opposite opinion over the (more than I'd like to admit) years: There are individual dogs who are easier or harder to handle, and there may be breed trends, but dogs are pretty much dogs and owners of all kinds have dogs of all kinds successfully. *shrug*

 

[Cthulhu7]

Lol I've never seen that, and would never believe it. Cthulhu is most definitely a dog.

 

[JacksonsMom]

I feel it's naive to think that some dogs aren't extremes in the dog world. I don't think it's the owners of these breeds who tend to be so intense who are haughty... I think it's the owners of easier breeds who want to say "hey, my dog's special, too!" Of course they are. But I feel like it's not arguable that some dogs require exponentially more effort than hundreds of other breeds, which makes them "not like other dogs". There are also individuals in breeds that aren't like their breed, or are on the same difficulty level as much more intense breeds of dogs... just like there are super easy individuals in breeds that are normally not your average dog. Can anyone argue that a Fila is just like any other dog? Or a Malinois? Or a CAO? Or a game-bred Pit Bull? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Pls don't. I have witnessed first hand how much WORK and RESEARCH and PASSION owners of those breeds, and other difficult breeds, put into their dogs and I don't think I could hang. I give them endless props & I find that I glorify their breed often more than they do. I have so much respect for owners of those three breeds... and here I have a super insanely high drive BC who was raised to be a fear aggressive psycho! I know the reality of owning a dog who isn't like other dogs and having owned many other breeds, no, he is not like any other dog I've owned. Even though I know he's much easier and softer than a the aforementioned breeds and many others, the average dog owner who appreciates the average dog would have dumped him long ago.

After working hands on with thousands of dogs, most of them average, there is an average in dogs! Generally passive to people and other dogs, fairly eager to please & dependent, tolerant of handling, satiated with a good half hour of light exercise, happy to get a little pat on the head, not requiring a job to do, not requiring any special socialization, ok with the standard compulsive training techniques, and so on. 95% of breeds pretty much fall under all of these specifications ime. And I feel like my experience is pretty vast.

Good post, definitely excellent points. I would agree with you that any person who is expecting a dog to be left loose in the house, alone for 8 hours, and come home and be able to just crash on the couch, etc, should NOT get a Maliniois. But honestly, I don't think any dog should be like that either, but most family pets are, and I've known people with Aussies, German Shepherds, Boxers, Dobermans, who ALL adapt to this lifestyle of some cuddling on the couch, being let out in the backyard, and maybe a car ride or two. It may not be ideal but at least they are in a loving home, and not sitting in a shelter or something. But I would definitely agree that there are some breeds not necessarily for the faint of heart, and there is nothing wrong with telling people what they may require or what it entails owning them, and the pros/cons, etc. Obviously certain people enjoy certain breeds, and that's great. They appeal to us for a variety of reasons.

I used to feel different... I always felt bad for dogs who did not get to lead as good lives as most of our dog here on Chaz, and be sad that they basically just sit around the house all day and get let out in the yard a few times a day. But they're all pretty happy, and they won't know any different. Most that I know get proper vet care, fed and taken care of.

In an ideal world, every pet/family dog would get the chance to have lots of exercise, and experiences, but it's just not always possible. Are a lot of people not suited for dogs of any breed? Yes... absolutely. A lot of times I wonder why a person even HAS a dog at all.

I'm not saying that it's not important to research your breeds. Of course it is. And there a lot of idiots who DO get themselves into "trouble" when they adopt a high-energy breed and don't give enough outlets. I think breed choice is something that shouldn't be taken lightly if you are going in to get a purebred dog. I mean, someone who is a lazy couch potato should not adopt a high energy breed and expect them to lay around the couch with them all day.

But like I said, my main point was that deep down, they ARE all dogs. And what I was basing my OP off of was that I hate when people think their dog is "above" a certain activity just because they are x breed... e.g. "a 5lb Yorkie can't just start walking 4 miles - it could kill them!" (I don't mean like... being careful with brachellaic (sp?) breeds in the summer, or being more cautious with bulldogs around water, Collies with ivermetcin, etc). Of course there are legitimate concerns from breed to breed and they DO differ in that sense. Humans have manipulated dogs so much throughout the years, and of course certain health problems are going to be more common in different breeds. Again, that wasn't really my point (but definitely interesting conversation and topics brought up in this thread!)

 

[JacksonsMom]

Every parent thinks their kid is a special genius little future super star and that every phrase they udder is the work of a tiny prophet comedic angelic messiah.

and every dog owner kind of thinks their dog is superior to everyone else's in some way or another lol
They think their bond is stronger then the one other people have with their dogs... Their dogs are cuddlier, more understanding, smarter, funnier, more energetic etc..etc.. and by proxy, the entire breed is of course, also superior.

The truth of the matter is.. of COURSE we feel that way. We interact with our own dogs every. single. day.

You look at your friend Carol you see sometimes at work. You are asked to describe her, "She has red hair, she is nice I guess, her birthday was last week"
You ask Carol's husband to describe her and he describes her sparkling green eyes, how impossible she is when she doesn't get her coffee in the morning, her love of dogs, how kind she is and how she always shares her breakfast with the neighborhood birds, how cold her hands always are, how she tells the best jokes and does the best oprah impression etc..

Pfft.. what makes this girl Carol so special?! She's a girl isn't she.. It's kind of rude for him to speak of her like she is some kind of unique snowflake! Girls are girls are girls. You see Carol all the time and **** she SEEMS pretty normal. You had lunch with her.. nothing that fantastic there.

You guys get where I'm going here.
Brace yourselves.
It's gonna get sappy.

We think the things we love are super special because we LOVE them enough to see more than what is at the surface.

That's right.
It's all about love bitches.
Love for your dog and by extension, your dogs breedly counterparts.

BOOM.
LAWYERED.

:hail::hail::hail:

Fran, your posts are always so amazing.