Country Dogs and City Dogs
Moving from the fast-paced city of Milwaukee to the rural surroundings of Oak Creek has opened my eyes to the difference between the hustle and bustle of “city living” and the “cozy country” lifestyle. The neighborhood surrounding my new home is filled with a plethora of new advantages: closer proximity to Lake Michigan, far less traffic, and nearly every one of my neighbors has a dog! As a proud new owner of a Siberian husky puppy, I can see firsthand the difference in lifestyle when raising your cuddly canine outside of the big city. Regardless of the type of setting you reside in, city or country, it is important to consider the breed-specific needs of your four legged companion. Meeting those requirements can allow your pet to have a joyful and fulfilling life for years to come.
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Dog owners that live in the country may have a yard, often consisting of numerous acres, that is larger than the average city lot. While this environment may seem ideal for the high energy dog, it does not necessarily mean that your dog’s daily exercise requirement will be met simply by being a “backyard dog.” Dogs that have an excessive amount of energy to burn need to have an outlet such as playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee. Many of these high energy dogs (which include Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shorthair Pointers, and Spaniels) need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to fulfill their needs. Even
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if your dog has 20+ acres to call home, he still needs to have an owner that will ensure that his daily exercise requirements are being met. A dog owner with a busy lifestyle should still be able to set aside time for play, walks, exercise and mental stimulation for their energetic pet. If you are a busy person who feels that you may have difficulty meeting the needs of a high energy dog, thoroughly do your research on the breed before bringing them into your home. The last thing that any dog owner wants is a pet that is under-stimulated and unhappy. Dogs that are more adaptable to life in the city will be very happy and comfortable in an apartment or a house with a smaller yard. For example, toy breeds and smaller breeds like the Yorkshire terrier, Maltese, Pekinese, Chihuahua, Miniature Poodle, Pomeranian, and Cavalier King Charles would be far more content in a city setting. While every breed requires some exercise, these smaller breeds do not need nearly as much exercise as the herding and sporting types, making them an ideal fit for the “city slicker”. If you are considering a smaller dog to live in your city space, it is still very important to research breeds. Not all small breed dogs are suitable for the city lifestyle. Jack Russell Terriers and Shelties are both smaller breeds, but have lots of energy to burn, so they will need a dog owner that is willing to go the extra mile to meet their exercise needs.
Contrary to popular belief, there are some large breed dogs that would be more than happy to live the couch potato lifestyle. Mastiffs, English Bulldogs and Great Danes could be an ideal fit for the city dweller, but an apartment or home with limited space may not be the best living environment for these larger breeds. Any breed of dog can survive in the city or the country, as long as the owner is willing to provide the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation their breed requires. Providing an adequate amount of exercise combined with proper nutrition can greatly reduce the risk of canine obesity, which can lead to joint disorders, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory problems (Dr. Kristy Conn-Cesarsway.com). From small breeds to tall breeds, every dog can benefit from exercise, mental stimulation, and an abundant amount of love from their owner.
Brenda Rynders Brenda Rynders lives in Oak Creek, WI with her husband Rob, two frisky felines Merlyn and Odin, her beloved ball python Medusa, and her rambunctious yet adorable Siberian husky, Kratos. She is obtaining her degree in English with a minor in Natural Sciences through Univ. of Maryland University College. She has worked in the veterinary field for over 3 years and is currently working for North Shore Animal Hospital in Racine, WI.