Watching Crufts this year was a needed escape from the horrors of recent news stories, what better than to sit and watch dogs. It is more than just a dog show, watching the athleticism in the agility and flyball and the work of the service dogs is incredible and worth celebrating.
As a vet treating the different breeds of dogs certainly adds variety to work. I remember in my first job operating on a Great Dane on the floor because it was just too big for the table! There is such variation in the breeds, we have bred them for different working behaviours and different physical stature, and I would urge anyone who is looking to get a dog to do lots of research, there will be the perfect breed or cross out there for you.
Considerations when looking for a dog include typical behaviour – ability to let them off the lead to exercise, will they get on with other pets, health problems, exercise requirements, size – this does make a difference for cost of feeding, medication and insurance. Dogs that are very food orientated are easier to train, dogs that suffer fewer medical problems are cheaper to insure – there is lots to think about.
I have had the great pleasure of meeting many dogs over my career as a Vet, I have met very few that I don’t understand and respect. Dogs are amazing, such loyal, trusting creatures and they certainly make my job very rewarding.
Lucy Travers BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Highfields Vets