USA TODAY trending reporter Gabe Hauari with his dog, Lola, a 2-year-old chocolate lab.
Personalities and connections over breeds
Around 88% of the dog parents that were surveyed said understanding their dog’s mix of breeds would help them better understand their dogs, and 56% said knowing more about their dogs’ genetic makeup would help “strengthen their bond.”
Another 62% of those surveyed said that breed was also an important factor for them when considering which dog to add to their family.
While a dog’s breed is important when deciding if a dog would fit into a person’s lifestyle, it’s also essential to get to know the dog’s personality, Tedeschi, who is also a Rover Pet People Panelist, said.
The breed can give you clues as to what environments dogs thrive in, but it doesn’t give you the whole picture.
USA TODAY National Trending Desk Editor Jay Cannon’s dog, Ella, a 4-year-old Siberian husky.
National Dog Day is a great day to get to know your pup
It’s essential to get to know the individual dog and their personality instead of stereotyping them by their breed.
Yes, dog breeds are unique from one another, but individual dogs have their own characteristics and needs.
“So often, these are companions that [we] spend some of our most high-quality recreational time,” said Tedeschi. This bonding time often takes place when people are just able to relax.
Building a relationship with a companion animal, whether it be a dog or cat, whose company you enjoy, is responsive to your moods and emotions, and that helps you feel a connection plays out frequently in the “human-animal connection.”
USA TODAY data and graphics reporter Sara Chernikoff’s dogs Frankie, a 3-year-old Mini Sheepadoodle, and Walter, 2-year-old Mini Bernedoodle.
“There’s this level of connection, social support, and enthusiasm that really kind of transcends or maybe even defines healthy relationships,” said Tedeschi. “And people really noticed this during the pandemic [when] people who were feeling isolated and had lost aspects of their social support system were really finding these [connections] to be very important.”
Pictured are USA TODAY senior reporter Natalie Neysa Alund’s “nephew and third ‘niece,'” Dobermans, Leo and Lettie Lopez.
Which dogs are more likely to have separation anxiety?
There are obstacles dog parents might have to overcome, and separation anxiety is one of them.
Around 42% of dog parents said their dog’s separation anxiety is a challenge.
Breeds that were most likely to have separation anxiety were:
Dachshunds
Yorkshire Terriers
USA TODAY Trending Reporter Julia Gomez’s dog, Penny Lane, 5, a Belgian Malanois/American Bull Dog mix.
While these dogs are more likely to have separation anxiety, any dog can get anxious when they’re away from their owners.
It can lead to dogs barking and crying, showing destructive behaviors or soiling the the house as their owner is leaving or shortly after they leave, according to American Humane.
What are the most loyal dog breeds?
The most loyal dog breeds, according to the survey, are:
Kimmy Bavuso of San Francisco, USA TODAY senior reporter Natalie Neysa Alund’s dog, who was adopted during the pandemic.
German shepherds are big, usually have a lot of energy, and are constantly looking for something to do, according to the Golden State German Shepherd Rescue.
Meanwhile, pit bulls are also high-energy, and according to Dogster, daily exercise is crucial to ensuring they stay healthy. Still, due to a controversial past, pit bulls can be stigmatized and are banned in certain counties or cities.
For example, after a 7-year-old girl was attacked by a pit bull in 1989, a ban made it illegal to own pit bulls in Miami-Dade County, according to the Miami Herald.
In 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that barred local governments and public housing officials from banning dogs of a specific breed, weight, or size.
So, what dog should you get?
Sorry to complicate it, but there isn’t a single correct answer that applies to everyone.
Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, and each breed was created to do a different task, according to the study.
People should think about the survey as more of a guide than a shopping list, said Tedeschi.
Just because mixed dogs and Labradors are the most popular doggy companions doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best dogs for everyone.
Hypothetically, a chihuahua might be the best companion for a single woman who lives on the 19th floor of a 20-story building, while a 5-year-old mixed rescue from a shelter is an older gentleman’s best pal, and a goldendoodle is the perfect playmate for a young family with three kids.
Everyone’s situation is different, so it will take some research and time to figure out which dog would fit best in your life.
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz
Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected] or 805-437-0232.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Dog Day 2024: Here are the best dog breeds in California
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Publish date : 2024-08-26 10:59:00
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