Post by Baglady on Jul 24, 2012 23:13:36 GMT
Vis a vis the interesting discussion on Samson & Delilah's thread, the following article was posted on the Blue Cross website - yesterday!
News
Number of abandoned wolflike dogs is on the rise
23 Jul 2012
The number of abandoned and unwanted wolflike dogs, including huskies and malamutes, ending up at Blue Cross is on the rise.
We only used to see a handful of these types of dogs but in the first six months of this year there was a five-fold increase in Alaskan malamutes handed into Blue Cross compared to the same period last year.
At the same time, the number of Siberian huskies needing new homes more than doubled, from 13 to 30.
And while no utonagans – another wolflike breed – came to Blue Cross in the first half of 2011, this year three of these breeds have already needed our help.
Why are numbers rising?
We believe that part of the reason is down to people making snap decisions to take on such dogs without thinking about how their lifestyle fits in with their needs.
Claire Stallard, Blue Cross animal behaviourist, says: “These beautiful and distinctive breeds have become fashionable over the years but unfortunately they may be chosen because of their looks alone.
“They require a considerable amount of exercise and, if you’re not able to offer this, then you may find that you have one unhappy, bored and frustrated dog.”
Many of these breeds have lots of energy and stamina because of the jobs they were selected to do – for example huskies can pull sleds across miles of icy terrain.
Choosing the right dog
Claire adds: “An active lifestyle is a must if you own a dog like this to ensure that their needs are met and, providing the weather is not too hot, we recommend owners cycle or run with their dog regularly.
“If not given enough exercise, these dogs can become extremely frustrated which may manifest in all manner of problem behaviours.
“This is why we urge people to do lots of research before taking on any dog, to find a breed that is suitable to your living conditions and lifestyle.”
Are you thinking of getting a dog? Read our advice about choosing the right breed.
News
Number of abandoned wolflike dogs is on the rise
23 Jul 2012
The number of abandoned and unwanted wolflike dogs, including huskies and malamutes, ending up at Blue Cross is on the rise.
We only used to see a handful of these types of dogs but in the first six months of this year there was a five-fold increase in Alaskan malamutes handed into Blue Cross compared to the same period last year.
At the same time, the number of Siberian huskies needing new homes more than doubled, from 13 to 30.
And while no utonagans – another wolflike breed – came to Blue Cross in the first half of 2011, this year three of these breeds have already needed our help.
Why are numbers rising?
We believe that part of the reason is down to people making snap decisions to take on such dogs without thinking about how their lifestyle fits in with their needs.
Claire Stallard, Blue Cross animal behaviourist, says: “These beautiful and distinctive breeds have become fashionable over the years but unfortunately they may be chosen because of their looks alone.
“They require a considerable amount of exercise and, if you’re not able to offer this, then you may find that you have one unhappy, bored and frustrated dog.”
Many of these breeds have lots of energy and stamina because of the jobs they were selected to do – for example huskies can pull sleds across miles of icy terrain.
Choosing the right dog
Claire adds: “An active lifestyle is a must if you own a dog like this to ensure that their needs are met and, providing the weather is not too hot, we recommend owners cycle or run with their dog regularly.
“If not given enough exercise, these dogs can become extremely frustrated which may manifest in all manner of problem behaviours.
“This is why we urge people to do lots of research before taking on any dog, to find a breed that is suitable to your living conditions and lifestyle.”
Are you thinking of getting a dog? Read our advice about choosing the right breed.