Month: July 2023

By Savannah Admire

Oleksii Syrotkin / Stocksy
Every dog is unique and requires understanding and patience from their pet parents, but a dog’s breed can often give new pet parents a bit of clarity about how to raise and take care of their pup. Working dog breeds — like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Rottweilers — come with plenty of training and care challenges, but they can be incredibly loving and devoted family dogs.

“Working dogs are usually very beautiful and incredibly intelligent,” says Robert Haussmann, CPDT-KA, Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and Co-founder of Dogboy NYC. “This can draw people in when selecting their next dog. However, it is often overlooked that working dogs need to be engaged both mentally and physically for much of their day.”

Learn all about working dog breeds, their characteristics, and what to expect if you bring an energetic working dog into your home and family.

What is considered a working breed dog?

So, what is a working dog? Working breeds may have been bred for a specific task, like herding or hunting, or they may have adapted over time to work with and for humans. Many working dogs still engage in jobs or activities like herding, tracking, retrieving, agility, and obedience. Some even work with the military or law enforcement or assist individuals as service dogs.

What are the characteristics of a working dog breed?

These breeds tend to be very focused and driven to complete their tasks and make their handlers or trainers happy. Working dogs are usually calm and confident and remain so even under high-pressure situations, enabling them to perform their jobs without becoming distracted or spooked. Physically, these breeds are usually medium to large with strong, powerful bodies and are some of the heaviest dog breeds.

Common working dog breeds

There are many breeds that fall under the working dog category, but some of the most popular types of working dogs include Retrievers, German Shepherds, Hounds, Siberian Huskies, Great Pyrenees, Boxers, Australian Shepherds, Collies, Sheepdogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Rottweilers.

What to know before adopting a working breed dog:

These high-energy breeds often aren’t content to laze around the house and have a number of other specific needs that will require your time and attention, so if you have more of a sedentary or busy lifestyle, a working dog breed may not be the best choice for you.

Temperament

While working dog breeds tend to be very focused and intelligent, they can also have an independent streak. Parents of these breeds need to know how to raise a working puppy, as well as how to train and command them to curb any unwanted behaviors.

Trainability

Working dogs are highly intelligent and quickly learn new tasks, from basic commands to more advanced tricks. They’re eager to please and happy to listen and take direction, making them good companions with the right obedience training.

“Start training ASAP,” Haussmann says. “An eight-week-old puppy can learn basic cues, and you can start setting some house rules. You should also find a well-run puppy socialization play group conducted by a CCPDT or IAABC certified trainer.”

Socialization

Like most dogs, working breeds need to be exposed to the people, environments, and other animals they will encounter on a regular basis. Puppy training classes can be a fantastic way to socialize your working breed dog from a young age. You may also want to spend time at local dog parks or invest in doggy daycare.

Care

Because of their high levels of intelligence and athleticism, working dog breeds require regular daily exercise to become and remain healthy, strong dogs. This can include playtime, such as fetch or training, or exercising with you by going on a run or for a swim. These breeds also require mental stimulation, so invest in puzzles and chew toys to keep their busy minds occupied.

Many working breed dogs have long coats that require frequent grooming to prevent matting. Talk to your veterinarian about the grooming needs specific to your dog’s breed, and consider hiring the services of a professional groomer to keep them clean and healthy.

You’ll also want to make sure your working dog breed gets all the nutrition they need through high-quality dog food. Many active dogs need a high-fat, high-protein diet, so ask your vet about the best food for your dog.

Common health issues

Large breeds are more prone to orthopedic disease and joint issues such as hip dysplasia, so you may want to give your working breed dog a joint supplement as they age. Working dogs can also be more prone to injury because of their high levels of activity.

Training a working breed dog

Working breeds often require extensive training to perform at their best level in their jobs, and obedience skills have to be kept up throughout their life. Working breeds need a job to do to keep both their minds and bodies occupied, so it’s a good idea to start training when they’re puppies.

“Training will need to be front and center in your relationship,” Haussmann says. “These busy dogs need guidance and clear communication. This goes beyond teaching basic training cues and playing fetch in the park a few days a week. This may range from regular, consistent training and exercise, to being passionate about training and spending weekends engaged in a dog sport that engages your dog’s natural skills.”

Basic commands

Fortunately, working breeds are very trainable dogs. Obedience classes are one of the best ways to reduce herding behaviors like chasing and nipping, and satisfy the dog’s need for both physical and mental stimulation. Most working dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training and are usually happy to take commands and do the requested tasks well. Consider investing time and money in obedience classes into your dog’s adulthood to continue working on commands and socialization.

Advanced obedience

Because of their intelligence, working dog breeds can learn more advanced commands and tricks, such as gathering laundry off the floor and bringing it to you, cleaning up their toys, or even bringing their human parents their house slippers. Once your dog has mastered the basics, you may want to continue their training with more advanced obedience classes.

Agility

Dog sports such as agility events are a great way to entertain working breeds, keep them mentally stimulated, and strengthen the bond between dog and parent. Other competitive activities, like herding competitions and dock diving, may also be options.

Regardless of the type of training or exercise you choose, it’s important to understand your working dog’s personality and physical needs. “When a dog’s needs are not met, they develop bad habits,” Haussmann says. “This stresses the need to evaluate your lifestyle and determine if a working dog is right for you.”

FAQ (People Also Ask):

Can a working dog be a family pet?

Many families have working dogs because they can be very loyal and loving pets. Just make sure to invest time in training to eliminate any unwanted behaviors.

What is the difference between a service dog and a working dog?

Service dogs go through extensive training to perform specific service tasks. Working dogs can be service dogs, but are more often involved in herding or other work.

What are the cons of working dogs?

Working dogs must be properly trained and require a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, so they aren’t a good choice for more sedentary pet parents.

Can working dogs live with other dogs?

Working dogs can get along well with other dogs, but they need to be socialized as early as possible and should go through training to eliminate unwanted behaviors, like herding and nipping.

What are the characteristics of a working dog breed?

These breeds are often highly intelligent, physically strong, active, and very observant.

What does it mean if a dog is a working breed?

Working breeds were originally bred to assist humans in some way, whether guarding the home or working on a farm.

Can a working dog be a family pet?

Working dogs can make loving and devoted family pets as long as they go through basic training to eliminate any unwanted or unnecessary behaviors.

What is considered a working breed dog?

Working breed dogs were bred to have the physical ability to perform specific tasks, such as herding livestock, guarding, and pulling sleds.

How are working dogs trained?

Begin training a working dog breed puppy as soon as possible, preferably by working with a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement.

What is the difference between a service dog and a working dog?

A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks to assist a human with a physical or mental illness. A working dog is a dog that has a job, such as herding livestock.

Is an Australian Shepherd a working dog?

Australian Shepherds were originally bred to work on farms and ranches herding livestock, and some Aussies still do that job today.

Are Australian Shepherds easy to train?

Australian Shepherds are eager to please and easy to train, but can also be stubborn at times, so it’s important to begin training an Aussie as early as possible.

What is the strongest dog breed?

Saint Bernards are generally considered the strongest dog breed because of their huge size (up to 180 pounds) and muscular bodies.

References

Australian Shepherds

Pelger-Huet Anomaly

Australian Shepherd: How to Select, Train and Raise a Healthy and Happy

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings, Volume 12

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

By Savannah Admire

Jaki Portolese / Stocksy
If you’ve fantasized about having a wild cat as a pet (just like Jasmine in Aladdin), you may have heard of domesticated wild cat breeds. Created by crossing a domestic cat with a small wild feline species, these cats were bred to look exotic but act as tame as any other house cat. These breeds, also known as “cat hybrids,” still have wild traits, however, and require a lot more care and attention than most domestic cats. 

Here’s everything you need to know about wild domestic cat breeds.

Domesticated wild cats

Cats have not been domesticated nearly as long as dogs, which is why they retain some of their more wild traits, like their stealthiness and hunting instincts. Jungle cat hybrids are even less tame than traditional house cats because they are more recently descended from wild cats.

What is a domesticated wild cat?

Domesticated wild cat breeds are a cross between a wild cat, like a Serval or Asian Leopard, and a domestic cat. These cats were bred to create tame cats with the personalities of typical house cats mixed with the exotic and stunning appearances of wild cats.  

Can domesticated wild cats be kept as pets?

These cats are specifically bred to be sold as pets, often for thousands of dollars. Breeders often promise that these wild house cats are tame, but they have no way of knowing what traits or qualities have been bred out of each generation. 

Later generations of domesticated wild cat breeds tend to have fewer traits of their wild ancestors, but they often still have more wild qualities than most domestic cats. While these cats can be kept as pets, they require significantly more care, exercise, and attention than the average house cat, so think twice before adopting one of these breeds unless you have the time to commit to their care.  

How are domesticated wild cats different from regular house cats?

Domesticated wild cats can have many of the same traits as regular house cats, like being affectionate and loyal to their human parents, but these cats also retain more of the wild traits of their exotic ancestors. 

Origin

Hybrid cat breeders mark each generation with F followed by a number; the number indicates how far removed the cat is from their wild ancestor. For example, an F1 cat is from the first generation and will likely still require a diet of raw meat and be much wilder than later generations. Generations labeled F4 or later are considered domesticated jungle cats, but they often still possess many of the traits and behavioral issues associated with previous generations.  

Appearance

Domestic wild cats are bred to have the unique coloring and appearance of their wild ancestors, which can include spots or mottling similar to that of a leopard or cheetah.

Temperament

While domestic wild cat breeds can still have wild instincts and be very mischievous, these cats can also be loving and cuddly with their human parents. These breeds tend to be highly intelligent and can be trained to learn tricks — and, in fact, investing time and energy in training your domestic wild cat as a pet can help reduce destructive behaviors. 

Care requirements

Unlike most cats who are content to laze around the house each day and entertain themselves, domestic wild breeds need attention, mental stimulation, and enrichment. Invest in puzzles, games, and new toys in a variety of textures and shapes to keep them occupied. 

Because of their active and athletic nature, wild house cats also need regular exercise. These breeds can benefit from leash training so they can accompany you on daily walks. Make sure to have plenty of places in your home for them to climb, scratch, and play. If your domestic wild cat doesn’t have these designated spaces, they may turn their attention to destroying your furniture and other items in your home. 

What are some popular domesticated cat breeds with a wild appearance?

There are domesticated wild cat breeds that you can adopt from a rescue or shelter if you are ready to commit to their care. But if you want a cat with a wild appearance that is still fully domesticated, consider other breeds that look wild but have the temperament of a traditional domestic cat.

Caleb Woods / Unsplash

Bengal

One of the most popular domesticated wild cat breeds is the Bengal, which is a cross between an Asian Leopard and a domestic cat (usually an Egyptian Mau). The Asian Leopard is one of the smallest wild cats, and this hybrid is incredibly energetic and intelligent. Like most domesticated wild cats, Bengals benefit from training, tons of exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation. They retain the Asian Leopard’s coat pattern, which features spots and marbling, and enjoy playing in water and climbing.

Gennadiy Naumov / Shutterstock

Savannah

A combination of the Serval and a domestic cat, the Savannah is the second most popular wild hybrid cat breed. With their stunning coat, this cat looks much like their wild ancestor, a spotted, long-legged wild cat from sub-Saharan Africa. The Savannah is extremely adventurous and enjoys exploring but can also be very affectionate and loyal to their human parents. Their coats can be brown, silver, snow, or charcoal, and unlike the similar fully-domestic Ocicat, these cats tend to be on the larger side, weighing up to 25 pounds. 

Like the Bengal, the Savannah is a wild cat hybrid, which means they may retain many wild traits and require extra care and attention. Some states and cities have laws against owning these wild cats as pets, so be sure to check your local regulations before adopting a Savannah.

Norwegian Forest Cat

If you want a cat with a wild — even fairytale-like — appearance but all the cuddly traits of a traditional domestic cat, consider the Norwegian Forest Cat. Unlike the Bengal and Savannah, this breed is fully domesticated and originated in Norway, where they lived in the forests for hundreds of years. With their large, muscular bodies and coats in a variety of colors and patterns, the Norwegian Forest Cat makes for the perfect snuggly companion, friendly and gentle with other people and animals. Instead of wild cats, pets like the Norwegian Forest Cat are a great choice for first-time pet parents or those with children.

Wellington Silva / Pexels

Maine Coon

Another domestic cat breed with a wild appearance is the massive Maine Coon. These large cats are very graceful despite their size, and their tufted ears, fluffy tails, and luxurious coats are reminiscent of wild felines. Known as the “dogs of the cat world,” the Maine Coon is a gentle giant, affectionate toward their human parents and other pets in the house, making them a fantastic choice for families with children. Instead of wild cat breeds, domestic cats like the Maine Coon give the appearance of wildness with the cuddly temperament of a tame house cat. 

What are the pros and cons of domesticated wild cats?

Domesticated wild cats are beautiful pets, but they generally require more care than most traditional house cats, making them a poor choice for most cat parents. Be sure to consider your lifestyle and whether you have the time and space to devote to a domesticated wild cat breed before adopting one.  

Pros

Nearly wild cat breeds are often very intelligent and affectionate, capable of learning tricks and adapting well to training. These breeds can also be very playful and active, which can make them great companions for people who lead active lifestyles. With the right amount of leash training, they can join you on walks and hikes. Domesticated wild cats also have gorgeous coloring, thanks to their exotic ancestry, giving them the elegant appearance of wild cats. 

Cons

Nearly wild cat breeds can be incredibly expensive, often costing several thousand dollars from breeders. They also require a lot of attention and exercise and may exhibit destructive and even dangerous behaviors if not properly trained and physically and mentally stimulated. 

These cats also tend to have costly diets, as they often require high-quality cat food and raw meat. They also have a propensity to develop health issues that may require expensive surgery or treatment. In addition, not all vets care for domesticated wild cats, so it may be challenging to find proper healthcare for your cat. There are also no rabies vaccines approved for use in hybrids. 

Some nearly wild cat breeds can also be quite territorial and aggressive, so if you have other pets in the home or small children, these cats are likely not for you, as they have been known to “hunt” and even hurt others in the home who they view as prey. In addition, these breeds can be very destructive, and many never adapt to using a litter box, resulting in constant cleanup. 

Where do I find and adopt domesticated cat breeds with a wild appearance?

Breeding domesticated wild cat breeds is often unethical, especially because there is little to no oversight for these breeding facilities. If you feel prepared to bring one of these cats into your home, find a rescue that specializes in domesticated wild cat breeds. It’s always best to adopt a cat in need.

Domesticated wild cat breeds are stunningly beautiful pets, but they require a significant amount of extra care and attention making them not ideal pets for most pet parents. Before adopting a Bengal or Savannah cat, be sure to consider whether you have the time and budget for their unique diet, veterinary care, and physical and mental exercise. 

If you wish to adopt a cat with a wild appearance that is fully domesticated, consider other breeds like the Norwegian Forest Cat and Maine Coon, both of which will be easier to care for and will do better with other humans and animals in the home.

FAQ (People Also Ask):

How do domesticated wild cats differ from regular domestic cats?

Domesticated wild cats often retain wild behaviors of their exotic ancestors, including a raw meat diet, not using a litter box, and being more vocal than house cats. 

Can domesticated wild cats be kept as pets?

They can be pets, but are very challenging to care for, requiring a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, frequent vet visits, and training to reduce destructive behavior. 

Do domesticated wild cats require special care or accommodations?

Domesticated wild cats need a lot of exercise, both physical and mental, as well as plenty of room to run and play, extra veterinary care, and a specialized diet.  

Are domesticated wild cats more challenging to train or socialize?

Yes, wild cat hybrids can be more challenging to train and keep as pets. These breeds have wild personalities compared to most domestic cats, but are intelligent and can be trained. They can be challenging to socialize with other pets.

What are the potential challenges of owning a domesticated wild cat?

Challenges include their tendency to urinate outside a litter box. They’re also known to bite, even while playing, and may attempt to attack other pets in the home.  

References

Domesticated: Evolution in a Manmade World

Importing wild or hybrid cat species

Domestic Cats: Their History, Breeds and Other Facts

Who’s behind that mask and cape? The Asian Leopard cat’s Agouti (ASIP) allele likely affects coat colour and phenotype in the Bengal cat breed

Behavior and health issues in Bengal cats as perceived by their owners: A descriptive study

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.