Fashion Dogs – Problems Pre-Programmed?

The very term fashion dog rubs many dog owners up the wrong way. Yet it is, to a certain extent, entirely normal that, depending on certain fashionable trends, some dog breeds are kept far more often than others. For the term fashion dog by no means refers merely to the handbag dogs degraded to accessories, but rather to all dog breeds that are temporarily more strongly represented. But let us take things one step at a time.

What Makes a Breed a Fashion Dog

Whether Chihuahua, Dalmatian or another breed. The real question is actually rather why some dog breeds become fashion dogs and others do not. This question is not entirely easy to answer, because the phenomenon of the fashion dog has existed for a very long time. In the 1920s, for example, elegant greyhounds were particularly fashionable. Today it is rather the miniature breeds such as the Chihuahua and the Prague Ratter. Presumably it depends above all on whether the appearance of the respective dog breed matches the mood of the times.

Today, however, the greatest influence on the emergence of a trend in dog ownership is probably also the mass media. Dogs that are preferentially shown in film, television and advertising always enjoy the greatest popularity. Be it the pretty Border Collie from the dog food advert, the smart Dalmatian from the film 101 Dalmatians or indeed the Chihuahua. Dog breeds that are present have a large fan base and correspondingly many potential owners.

Challenges for the Animals Affected

A problem of dog breeds that have been chosen as fashion dogs is quickly described. It is money. Because a dog breed that is popular can logically also be sold well. In other words: alongside reputable breeders, increasingly irresponsible propagators are also called onto the scene, who sense their chance of easy money.

• Neglect of important health examinations for more profit
• Misuse of bitches as mere breeding machines
• Focus on visual features instead of character and health
• Genetically caused limitations through uncontrolled selection

On top of this, in rapid breeding more value is often placed on looks than on health or character. While in reputable breeding the breed-typical character of the parent animals always plays a role too, a propagator usually only ensures that the visual aspects are right. Thus, within a few decades, the Dachshund, which was specialised in hunting in badger and fox dens, has become a dog susceptible to health problems, whose short legs have lost their actual purpose when kept as a family dog.

A further point is the problem of overbreeding. Breed features such as the short muzzle of the Pug or the large eyes of the Chihuahua are exaggeratedly reinforced through selective breeding. Bred-in health problems and overly crowded teeth are the result. The Pug often can hardly breathe normally any more, while the Chihuahua struggles with conjunctivitis, eye injuries and a patellar luxation.

Problems for the Owners

Not only the dogs themselves suffer from being a fashion dog. Often the dream of a pedigree dog also takes an unexpected turn for the owners. Anyone who buys a dog cheaply from propagators runs the risk of acquiring a sick animal or one with a health predisposition. These cause high vet costs for a lifetime. But even someone who chooses their dog at a breeding establishment may under certain circumstances not be happy with their choice.

Because it is precisely people who follow the trend who do not always take the time to inform themselves thoroughly about the keeping conditions beforehand. Thus it is not uncommon for a Border Collie puppy in a household with two earners to quickly become under-challenged and to begin redecorating the home. Then uninformed owners are quickly overwhelmed and drop the dog off at the animal shelter or sell it via classified ads. Particularly intelligent breeds such as the Australian Shepherd or protection dogs such as the Malinois quickly become unpredictable tyrants without appropriate occupation and training.

When Fashionable Trends Become Risky

At times such a trend can also become really dangerous. A good example here is provided by the Molossers. Because alongside small toy dogs, these massive dog breeds currently also have a large influx of fans. The problem is not the breed itself. Whether Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux or Kangal. No dog breed is fundamentally evil. However, it cannot be denied that a Cane Corso, for example, causes considerably more damage when it bites than a Chihuahua.

On top of this, many of these breeds need consistent, strict training that requires a good deal of experience. If such a powerful dog gets into the wrong hands, it can become a danger. Anyone who cannot or will not provide one hundred per cent training should keep their hands off Molossers, even if they are often romanticised as gentle giants.

Away from the Trend and Towards a Healthy Friend

Even if small fashion dogs look cute at first glance and a Weimaraner embodies elegance, such visual features should never be the sole deciding factor. Certain breedings should, in our view, not be supported. These definitely include the so-called toy dogs. Too many illnesses and physical peculiarities that nature did not intend torment such breeds. We should simply let dogs be dogs and keep them as close as possible to their ancestors.

There are wonderful old breeds that are stable in health and mind. Why must humans always have a hand in things and give so many dogs an ailing existence? You should never lose sight of the compatibility between the dog and you, as well as the fact that this is a living being with needs.

This article serves as general information and caring education about responsible dog ownership.