Westminster Introduces 3 New Dogs: the Norwegian Buhund, the Red and White Setter and the Pyrenean Shepherd

Every year around Westminster, I'm cringing because the American Kennel Club introduces new breeds, alongside the winner of the Westminster Dog Show. It's not the breeds I'm concerned about, but peoples' reaction to those breeds. Like stylish accessories, people start flocking to pet stores, puppy mills and backyard breeders to get the latest and greatest new dog.

As a dog expert, I've seen this trend before. Chinese Shar-Peis were huge in the '80s. Doodle dogs such as Labradoodles and Goldendoodles appeared in the '90s and are still going strong, although Puggles seem to be more popular now. With each Westminster win, different breeds get showcased and people rush right out to buy the latest and greatest dog, while people like me groan and hope that a decent breed rescue is in place.

It's not Westminster's or the AKC's fault. It's human nature and no matter how much the AKC, Westminster and the Clubs try to educate the public, there are always people quick to purchase a dog that is the flavor du joir.

What's Wrong with Buying a New Dog?

Actually, nothing. And in my not so humble opinion, I think the world would be a better place if everyone owned a dog. But the reality falls far short of my ideal world and not everyone should own a dog. While there are true miscreants and idiots who should not be responsible for anything, the vast majority of people who fail to be good pet owners simply have a romanticized version of how a dog should behave, or don't have the time or energy to care for a dog. These folks tend to remember their pet Labrador Retriever they owned as a child and with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, they've forgotten just how much work a dog, let alone a puppy, is. When you consider that most people have day jobs that last at least eight hours, social lives, and very little time spent at home, it's hard to imagine that those people have time for a dog. Owning a dog requires a 10 to 15 year commitment and not the type of commitment where you can call all the shots.

The Puppy Disease

Puppies are the worst because they sucker you in with their adorable eyes, fluffy coats and big paws. If you get a puppy, you may be thinking I said "committed" above instead of "commitment" above. Just about everyone who I try to talk out of getting a puppy ends up calling me up and complaining about just how hard this or that puppy is. "He's chewing everything up!" or "She's still piddling on the floor!" or "When is he going to sleep through the night?" are common complaints I hear. The reality of puppies belie the cuteness: they chew up things until they grow up, they aren't reliably housebroken until about a year, and yes, you're going to lose lots of sleep. What did you expect? You can't reason with a dog or puppy in human terms until they figure out what we want them to do. That takes time and patience.

The problem with puppies is they become adolescents all too quickly and they're no longer the cuddly and cute. In fact, they go through a particular gangly and obnoxious phase I like to term "the uglies." Guaranteed that most pups are in "the uglies" phase when their owners drop them off at the shelter.

So, Do You Really Want a Dog?

That's really the first question when seeing a winner at Westminster or a new breed. Don't believe all the hype of those trying to sell you the puppy - listen to the experts who really have no stake in whether you buy a dog or not. Dogs need to be cared for every day. That means adequate food, water, shelter and attention. It also means training, veterinary care and exercise. No dog is perfect, no matter how perfect the breeder makes the dog sound. There's destructiveness, accidents, and demands on your time. The puppy will grow out of the cute phase and may challenge you or may become a snot. And you just can't leave for the Bahamas on a last-minute excursion without ensuring your dog is cared for while you're gone.

No matter what breeders and pet shop owners tell you, there isn't such a thing as a perfect dog when it comes to behavior. Certainly, there are breeds that are "easier" than others, but a lot depends on health, temperament and good breeding, as well as individual personality. Just like you can't guarantee what a child's personality will be when it's born, you can't guarantee a dog's temperament. Granted, there will be certain behaviors that are more or less in the breed, but a dog is an individual that will be shaped by genetics, health, and, of course, training.

Looking at the New Breeds at Westminster

The Norwegian Buhund, the Red and White Setter and the Pyrenean Shepherd are new to the American Kennel Club registry, but not necessarily new breeds. For example, the Norwegian Buhund has been around since 900 AD. This breed hung out with the Vikings, which makes it a rather old breed. However, let's look at some interesting personality quirks of this breed.

First, the Buhund is a herding dog, which means the Buhund is going to have high energy. That means if the dog isn't given a task, he's going to find other ways to expend that energy. That means destructive chewing, barking, digging and other unwanted behaviors if that energy isn't used appropriately. According to the Norwegian Buhund Club of America, Buhunds are vocal pups and very loud. They bark. They bark at things moving whether it's a car, a cat or a person. The Norwegian Buhund Club of America talks about a high pitched bark that carries for miles. Not something you want in a small apartment.

The next dog is the Irish Red and White Setter, an old breed that came from Ireland. A sporting dog, these dogs naturally work and require a lot of exercise if they aren't doing what they were bred to do and that is hunt birds. Again, lack of exercise means bad behavior if the dog isn't allowed to expend his energy.

Lastly, what about the Pyrenean Shepherd? These dogs were bred to herd sheep, which means they're highly intelligent and very trainable, but very active as well. Again, there's that "high energy" clause again.

All these dogs would make the perfect dog for someone looking for a dog with their kind of characteristics, or they can be a nightmare for someone who isn't prepared for such dogs. When you look at these new breeds, ask yourself first what the breed was intended to do and then ask how you can fit this dog into your life. Then, start doing your research on health problems (yes, even these "new" breeds have them) and look for breeders who screen their dogs for these diseases. That way, you can guarantee a happy and long-lived relationship with a new best friend.

References

Margaret H . Bonham, Bring Me Home: Dogs Make Great Pets, 2005.

Margaret H. Bonham, Northern Breeds, 2001.

The Norwegian Buhund Club of America

Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America

Irish Red and White Setter Association