Which dog really suits you? The 10 biggest mistakes when choosing a dog | Episode 16

Mistake 1: Choosing by appearance

Many people choose a dog based on first impressions - big cuddly fur, blue eyes or an unusual coat colour like Merle are attractive. But the choice based on appearance is often the biggest mistake when it comes to the question "Which dog is right for me?". This is because fashionable features often conceal serious health and behavioural problems. Short muzzles and large eyes reminiscent of a baby are particularly popular. However, research shows that brachycephalic breeds in particular (e.g. French Bulldogs, Pugs) suffer from breathing difficulties, misaligned teeth and eye diseases. Extreme coat colours such as merle or strongly lightened white are now also viewed critically: Genetic studies show that these fashionable colours are increasingly associated with deafness, eye malformations and skin diseases. Choosing a dog just to follow the trend often means paying a high vet bill - and the animal is expected to live with avoidable suffering. What's more, dogs have been bred for specific tasks for centuries. Herding dogs react sensitively to movement stimuli, terriers are tenacious hunters and molossers are more vigilant than many others. These genetic programmes can only be changed to a limited extent through training. 

From a canine point of view, it makes more sense to consider the dog's requirements first: What activity does the breed need? How strong is the hunting or protective instinct? Does the animal need a lot of grooming or can it easily cope with urban noise? Only when these questions match your own living situation should you decide on a dog - regardless of whether the colour matches the current trend. Mixed breeds can also be wonderful companions, but they bring with them a mixture of genes whose characteristics cannot be accurately assessed in advance.

Mistake 2: Ignoring predispositions

A dog that is not orientated towards its human will instinctively take the lead itself. This often happens unconsciously: if you constantly look around for your dog or allow him to determine the path, the dog sees this as an invitation to take the lead.

Dogs orientate themselves by clear structures and signals. Without these structures, your dog will decide on its own where it wants to go and pull on the Leash. This behaviour is additionally reinforced by the environment - for example by exciting smells or stimuli that distract the dog.

The situation is similar with hunting dogs: Whether pointing dogs, retrievers or hounds - their senses, stamina and hunting sequences are deeply rooted in their genes. These impulses can be managed, but never completely untrained. Anyone who thinks they can "train away" a Weimaraner's passion for hunting will fail in the long term and possibly restrict the dog's quality of life.

Molossers and other guard or protection dog breeds are bred for stimulus filtering, territorial behaviour and a certain degree of independence. They often make decisions independently, react sensitively to external stimuli and need a clear, secure framework from the outset in order to cope in a modern society.

From a cynological point of view, these characteristics are not "faults" of the dog, but a reflection of its selection. Psychologically, frustration often arises in the owner when he has expectations that contradict the dog's genetic reality. Those who respect and channel their dog's predispositions create the basis for a harmonious relationship - those who ignore them create stress on both sides.

Mistake 3: Underestimating the time required

One of the biggest and most often overlooked factors when choosing a dog is the actual amount of time a dog requires. Many people imagine a romanticised life with a dog - walks together, cuddles on the sofa, the occasional training session. The reality is often different: A dog needs reliable routines, daily physical exercise, mental activity and sufficient periods of rest that need to be planned into everyday life.

Especially if you work eight to ten hours a day and also have hobbies, sports or an active social life, you should honestly consider how much time you realistically have for walks, training, grooming and relaxing together. Dogs are not "break fillers" that can be slipped in between appointments - they are living creatures with their own needs that cannot adapt to our tightly scheduled calendars.

From a cynological point of view, underchallenging is just as problematic as overchallenging: an underchallenged working dog can develop behavioural problems, while a dog without sufficient rest and opportunities to retreat becomes permanently stressed. Both extremes not only put a strain on the dog, but also on living together.

The stage of life also plays a role: a young, active dog makes very different demands on you than a senior. Then there are holidays, business trips or illness - who will look after the dog during this time?

TipBefore getting a dog, keep a "test protocol" for a week: plan as much time each day for walks, training and rest periods as would be necessary later with a dog. This will help you to realise whether your current lifestyle and the needs of a dog really fit together.

Mistake 4: Long-term planning ignored

A dog is not a short-term purchase, but a commitment over 10 to 15 years - sometimes even longer. During this time, your life can change massively: a new relationship, a separation, a job change with longer working hours, a move to a smaller flat or another country, new additions to the family or health restrictions. All of these factors can have a fundamental impact on living with a dog.

This aspect is often completely ignored before the purchase because the anticipation of the dog prevails. However, dogs are heavily dependent on continuity and reliability for their well-being. Constant changes of carers, long periods of neglect or even being handed over to an animal shelter are highly stressful for them - and in many cases can be avoided if you plan realistically right from the start.

From a cynological point of view, a secure bond with a constant attachment figure is crucial for a dog's mental stability. Changes in the social environment, especially the loss of the main caregiver, can lead to ongoing stress and promote behavioural problems.

Psychologically speaking, people tend to underestimate future challenges - a phenomenon known in behavioural research as "optimism bias". This leads us to gloss over potential problems or simply ignore them until they materialise.

Important to knowThink about who will look after the dog before you buy it if you fall ill, separate or are very busy at work. Ideally, set up a network of family, friends or dog sitters that you can fall back on in an emergency.

Mistake 5: Projecting social needs

Many people want a dog because they are looking for company, closeness and emotional warmth. And yes - dogs can fulfil these needs in an impressive way: They are loyal, non-judgemental, always present and give affection without reservation. But this is precisely where the danger lies: anyone who sees a dog as the primary substitute for human bonds runs the risk of distorting its role and overburdening it.

From a cynological point of view, dogs live in a social structure that requires clear structures and species-appropriate communication. If a dog is forced into a human partner, child or friend role, conflicts often arise between its needs and the expectations of humans. For example, a dog can react with stress if it is constantly expected to provide closeness, even though it needs to withdraw, or if it is treated like a "therapist", even though it needs to process its own experiences.

Psychologically, this projection is often a form of emotional compensation. In the absence of stable social contact with other people, the dog fills this gap - which can have a stabilising effect in the short term, but creates emotional dependency in the long term. This can affect both the human's independence and the dog's well-being.

Ethics play a decisive role here: dogs are sentient beings with their own needs, not "emotional tools". They deserve to be respected as dogs - with freedoms that go beyond their function as a source of comfort.

Mistake 6: Underestimating costs

Many future dog owners think primarily of the purchase price or the adoption fee when calculating the costs. However, the real expenses only start after the dog has moved in - and they quickly add up to a considerable amount over the years.

Fixed costs include food, routine veterinary examinations, vaccinations, worming and flea/tick protection. Variable and often unexpected costs arise from illnesses, operations, dental treatment or physiotherapy. Especially in old age, veterinary costs can rise sharply if chronic illnesses occur.

The dog's training is also a factor: dog school, individual training or specialised trainers, for example for behavioural problems, are not only useful in the early days. Additional services such as dog day care centres, dog sitters or holiday care can quickly add up to three-figure sums per month.

Important to knowAccording to statistics, the average cost of keeping a dog in Germany is €1,000-2,000 per year - excluding major veterinary interventions. A single emergency can cost several thousand euros. A reserve or insurance is therefore highly recommended.

Mistake 7: Maintenance effort & illness

Many prospective dog owners fall in love with a breed without paying sufficient attention to its health characteristics and the associated care requirements. However, in addition to typical behavioural traits, every breed also has a genetic predisposition to certain diseases. Those who ignore these risks not only risk high veterinary costs, but also a great deal of suffering for the dog.

Large breeds & joint problems
Large and heavy dogs such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, St Bernards, Great Danes and Labrador Retrievers are particularly susceptible to hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED) and osteoarthritis. This is due to the high strain on the musculoskeletal system, which is exacerbated by rapid growth in the young dog phase. Many of these breeds are also prone to spondylosis and cruciate ligament ruptures.

Heart problems in certain breeds
The Doberman is known for its genetic predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a life-threatening heart muscle disease. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also frequently suffer from mitral endocardiosis (heart valve insufficiency), which can occur at a young age.

Breathing problems in short-nosed breeds
Dogs such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzu and Pekingese have severely restricted airways due to brachycephalic syndrome. This can lead to respiratory distress, overheating and an increased risk of anaesthesia - and often means costly operations.

Hereditary deafness and eye problems
Breeds such as Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds (especially merle carriers), Bull Terriers and Catahoula Leopard Dogs have an increased risk of congenital deafness. Double merle matings can also cause blindness. Huskies, Cocker Spaniels and Retrievers are prone to cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness.

Skin and coat problems
Dogs with colour dilutions such as blue or lilac (e.g. Weimaraner, French Bulldog, Chihuahua) are often affected by colour dilution alopecia - a skin condition that can lead to hair loss, skin inflammation and infections. Shar-Pei have a high risk of pyoderma, yeast infestation and irritation due to their skin folds, while Poodles, Bichon Frisé and Maltese require intensive grooming to prevent matting and skin problems.

Special nutritional and husbandry requirements

• Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Sheltie - often genetic MDR1 mutation that makes them sensitive to certain medications.

• Dachshunds - are prone to slipped discs (dachshund paralysis) due to their long backs.

• Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute - very high exercise requirements, psychological problems if underchallenged.

• Newfoundland - sensitive to heat, high tendency to stomach torsion.

Don't forget the care required
In addition to health risks, the time required for care should not be underestimated:

• Long-haired breeds (e.g. Afghan Hound, Bearded Collie, Shih Tzu) require daily brushing.

• Double-coated breeds (e.g. Husky, Akita, Malamute) shed extremely heavily during the season and require intensive brushing.

• Skin fold breeds (e.g. Shar-Pei, English Bulldog) need regular cleaning of the skin folds to prevent inflammation.

Mistake 8: Trying to solve everything with training

Many dog people believe that any behaviour can be "trained away" with consistent upbringing and enough training. This idea is understandable - after all, there are videos circulating on social media of dogs that work perfectly, obey every signal immediately and appear to be completely free of "problems". However, the reality is far more complex.

Many dog people believe that any behaviour can be "trained away" with consistent upbringing and enough training. This idea is understandable - after all, there are videos circulating on social media of dogs that work perfectly, obey every signal immediately and appear to be completely free of "problems". However, the reality is far more complex.

From a canine point of view, there are behavioural patterns that are deeply rooted in a dog's genetic make-up. Breeding history means selection - certain characteristics have been deliberately reinforced over generations. These include not only the hunting instinct in greyhounds, but also the herding instinct in border collies, the vigilance of guard dogs and the protective instinct in molossers. Even a pronounced sensitivity to the environment, as is often found in herding dogs, is not a "fault" but part of their genetic make-up.

Although these predispositions can be modulated, directed and controlled by training, they cannot be completely eliminated.

• A greyhound can learn to stay calm on the Leash - but its nervous system will always react if a rabbit runs off.

• A guard dog can learn to accept visitors - but its inner "alarm mode" will never disappear with strangers.

• A terrier can practise impulse control, but his urge to dig holes or seek out small animals will always remain part of his personality.

Psychologically, overestimating parenting often leads to frustration on both sides:

• The human is disappointed because the dog does not work "perfectly" despite "correct training".

• The dog comes under pressure because it cannot fulfil expectations that contradict its nature. This can lead to stress, learned helplessness or problematic behaviour.

This is an ethical sticking point: dogs are not mouldable objects that can be "programmed" as desired through training. They are sentient beings with genetic dispositions, needs and individual boundaries. Accepting them also means adopting management strategies - i.e. a Leash, muzzle, controlled encounters and clear structures in everyday life.

Important to know: Some behaviours are not "faults", but breed characteristics. They cannot simply be trained away. In many cases, training does not mean "relearning", but learning how to deal with behaviour - for humans and dogs alike. A realistic view of what is genetically ingrained protects against disappointment and creates fairer conditions for the dog.

Mistake 9: Impulsive purchases & surprise dogs

The idea of bringing a dog as a surprise gift - be it for Christmas, a birthday or "just because" - may seem romantic at first. But in reality, this decision often leads to massive problems. A dog is not a gift, but a living being with decades of responsibility.

From a psychological point of view, a surprise dog can immediately trigger conflicts in the family or partnership. If not everyone involved - partner, children, flatmates - agrees in advance and declares their willingness to take responsibility, tensions can quickly arise:

• Who will take the walks in bad weather?

• Who pays vet and feed costs?

• Who looks after the dog when work, school or leisure demands?

There is often a familiar pattern, especially with children: the initial euphoria only lasts for a short time, after which the responsibility remains with the parents. The dog then suffers from inconsistent upbringing, lack of attention and possibly also neglect.

Impulse buying is also a common mistake. A dog bought out of an emotional situation - e.g. because you see a "poor coat" in a photo or can't resist a puppy at a motorway service station - is rarely well thought out. These dogs often end up in an animal shelter after a short time because neither time, money nor knowledge are available.

From a canine point of view, the problem is exacerbated if the dog is a breed or mix that makes high demands. An impulsively adopted Border Collie that is never allowed to work, or a "rescued" guard dog from abroad that suddenly finds itself living in a big city, can quickly become overwhelmed - and suffers massively from this discrepancy.

Ethically, it is clear that a dog is a family member, not a surprise object. Anyone who acquires one is responsible for a sentient being for many years to come. Surprise gifts devalue this responsibility and disregard what dogs need: stability, reliability and planning.

Dog as a gift?

• A dog is not a surprise - it's a life decision.

• Impulse purchases and "rescues out of pity" overwhelm owners and often end up in an animal shelter.

• All family members should give their consent before the purchase and a clear division of roles should be established.

Mistake 10: Dubious source

When it comes to getting a dog, many people are faced with the question: Breeder or animal welfare? Both options can make sense - but both also harbour risks.

Dubious breeders and multipliers
You can find countless "breeders" on the internet or on classified ad portals who are in fact mass breeders. These dogs often come from illegal imports or are bred under catastrophic conditions. Puppies are not socialised, grow up without environmental influences and are separated from their mothers far too early. The consequences: health problems, behavioural problems, anxiety and aggression.

Reputable breeders, on the other hand, work transparently. They allow visits to the home, show the mother and breeding conditions and answer all questions openly. They breed according to health standards, have genetic tests carried out and ensure that the puppies are suitable for their future owners. But here too, not every registered breeder is automatically good. There are also black sheep in associations who place more value on appearance or profit than on character and health.

Not all animal welfare is the same
Many people opt for a dog from an animal welfare organisation abroad, often out of sympathy for pictures of dogs behind bars. But here too, not every organisation is reputable. Some organisations randomly import dogs to Germany, Austria or Switzerland without preparing the animals sufficiently for their future life.

What's more: Not every dog from abroad fits into a Central European living environment. They are often terrier mixes or livestock guarding mixes that have been bred over generations for very specific tasks. A livestock guarding dog that has independently guarded livestock in Romania does not automatically become a "family dog" in a German city flat. Its genetic disposition brings with it a high protective instinct, territorial behaviour and independence - characteristics that can quickly become a challenge.

Psychologically, this often leads to excessive demands: dog people expect a grateful "rescued" dog, but then encounter fear, insecurity or aggression. Without previous experience, this can be a stressful situation for both the dog and the people.

Ethically, it is important to note: Animal welfare is sensible and important - but it must not mean importing dogs without thinking or overburdening people with dogs that do not fit into their living conditions. Genuine animal welfare means having the dog's long-term welfare in mind - and not just a quick "rescue".