"Only working dogs are real dogs!"

Whisper

Whisper

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I saw this statment in another member's signature. I'm curious to what people think about that. Does a dog have to work to be a "real dog?" Do the majority of the members here not have "real" dogs? What do you consider "work?"
Just curious. :)
 
I think they're happier when they have a job to do, but I don't think they're not a "real" dog if they aren't working.
 
To be honest it kinda pissed me off, not really sure if it is something to be pissed off about though...but it did

*I'm sorry, but just because someone's dog has a so-called "job" to do, doesnt make it any better or "more real" than mine*
 
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I think "working" nowadays is a very broad terrm... Work that dogs were bred for typically (not always) are unnecessary or maybe even inappropriate for some dogs to do now. For example some dogs can sled, but its illegal and unethical to fight dogs. Instead, there's weight pulling, etc. Missy and I backpack. We are not "professionals" but I consider that to be her "job" - she has to be well behaved and responsible. In addition to that, if we're on a strenuous hike I've taught her the command "Brace" so I can 'lean on her', so to speak, if I need to. Also, if there are a lot of hills or steep edges its so important for a dog not to pull on the leash, and to pay attention to where both of us are walking. Both of my girls do that. Would I trust my neighbors, or friends dogs to do that? Heck no, but that's my girls "Job"
Also, for fun, I've taught them to bring me objects, or Missy to help carry bags in from the car. I'm sure most people don't think that qualifies either of them as "working dogs", but then again some do (I do! LOL)
I think that dogs who have "jobs" are much more well-rounded and generally well mannered. But to say there are "real" or "fake" dogs is silly. I definitely don't think that's what the quote was implying in that certain members signature ;) That's JMHO, though. :p
 
Well, tell me please...

What was it supposed to mean then....because I would like to know...
 
Jess, when I first saw it it seriously offended me very much as well. But then I realized it kind of falls into the same category of truth and value as "Real men don't eat quiche".
 
Yeah, it pissed me off too a little bit.

Just because a dog works doesn't mean that he is a real dog.

So my dog doesn't work...so what? She is as real as yours is, I don't care what your dog does. Doesn't make your dog better than mine.
 
Well My Dog is Better Than Your Dog. And I'm A Better Dog Owner Than You Are. I know this because I said so. Period. End of Story. That's kind of how it feels.
 
No, I found it offensive but chose not to respond to it. I'm glad it's not just me, I was wondering about that. It's no big deal, I know my little show bred dogs and pet dogs and I love them just the same. Pretty faces and everything. :)
 
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No your not, TM! I am! :p
 
I was mildly curious what a 'working dog' encompassed. We do agility and rally-o.. but in the context of this thread I'm not sure that it would be considered a real job.

Don't really think it makes anyone's dog better or not than anyone else's, but I can see why some people are hurt. I was a little put off too.
 
Then there's the fact that I think especially in this day and age that companionship is the most prominent and most important 'job' a dog can have, but maybe that's just me.
 
It pisses me off as well... just like "little dogs aren't real dogs."

If my dogs aren't dogs... then what are they? I'd love to know ;)

I always joke about putting them to work... there aren't many "jobs" for small dogs, other than companionship. They are great companions!
 
There are all kinds of jobs that need to be done. Most all dogs were bred to do some sort of work. So, all dogs could be considered working dogs since doing a job is working. Real dogs are indeed working dogs and working dogs are real dogs. They're all real. LOL. Now....take a Chihuahua, for instance. They were bred for one, specific job....to be a companion. Now, think about it....that is a VERY important and oft difficult job to do....to be a good companion and to please a human. My Chihuahuas do their job extraordinarily well. They go above and beyond. They even through in a few fringe benefits, such as being able and willing hiking buddies. They can go the distance, get through the brush and run down black bears.

So, I don't know what could possibly be meant by "Only working dogs are real dogs." All dogs are real dogs and all dogs work at some job.

Here in this picture, they're lowering my blood pressure, another one of their jobs as working dogs. They're always there for me and as lap sitters and bed warmers, these real dogs hard to beat. They don't hog up the whole bed and they don't cut off the circulation when lap sitting. Real, working dogs!

tuckeredout.JPG
 
Hehe I wondere if this would ever come up. I''m sorry it offends but it is my opinion and just liek everyone else, I am entitled to it. Now here''s my justification:

Dogs were originally domesticated and bred because they were/are useful to mankind. Different breeds were developed to serve different purposes and the idea of ""lap dogs"" wasnt developed until much later. So through this, dogs that have a job and serve a purpose to us in some way (yes Brattina, this does include Missy from what you have described!) are ""real"" dogs, and those who are really nothing more than decoration...well...at least someone loves them :) I dont call them ""fake"" though ;)

So I guess in a way, it is like that quiche comment....

And for those who remain offended even after I have justified it should either learn to be less sensitive, or perhaps get up and find a job for their dog to do ;) Admittedly though, I can see how the quote would offend if it isnt understood which is why I am actually happy that someone brought it up.
 
~Jessie~ said:
I always joke about putting them to work... there aren't many "jobs" for small dogs, other than companionship. They are great companions!
Click to expand...

My companion breed does the companionship job absolutely perfectly. Wouldn't have it any other way. ;)
 
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