A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO UTILITY DOG BREEDS.

Utility dog breeds are certainly a mixed bunch, varying in size, shape and colour.

Here, we include some interesting information regarding the Utility group of dogs.

UTILITY DOG BREED

Utility dog breeds are known as a miscellaneous category.

Therefore, these dogs are placed in this group because they don't fit into other categories.

But why is that… well, below are some reasons. Keep reading.

PERSONALITY TRAITS OF A UTILITY DOG

Utility dogs are a variety of breeds that generally come from non-sporting lineages.

In days gone by, they were bred to perform specific working roles.

As the name suggests, most Utility dogs were bred to benefit our lives.

Dogs such as the Dalmatian, Bulldog and Lhasa Apso are breeds that we all know and love.

Those three dogs collectively demonstrate just how wide an assortment this group covers.

For instance:

The Dalmatian ran alongside carriages of the nobility, offering protection from highwaymen.

The Bulldog was used for BullBaiting before Parliament passed a bill to stop the cruel sport.

The Lhasa Apso lived with the Tibetan monks and protected their monasteries.

UTILITY DOG'S TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTERISTICS

It is hard to pinpoint key traits within the utility group, as all the breeds are very different.

It's best to look at the breed's history to find out what breeders bred that dog for.

BEHAVIOURS

The UK Kennel Club consider Utility dogs to be those that don't fit easily into any other categories and whose roles are now obsolete.

As such, their temperament, behaviour, size, and shape can vary greatly from breed to breed.

For instance, look at how intelligent the Toy Poodle is (who excelled in the circus as a performing dog).

They will amaze you with the tricks and behaviours they can learn and enjoy.

Some Utility dogs can be very aloof, while others are extremely affectionate.

To get the pet you want, please choose carefully!

RESEARCH

Research is the key to discovering a utility dog's temperament and characteristics.

First, you will need to find out what the dog of your choice was initially bred to do.

It is always helpful to talk to breeders and owners.

IS A UTILITY DOG THE RIGHT BREED FOR YOU?

Consider spending time with some of the different Utility Breeds

By doing this, you can find out if they are the dog for you.

Focus on their exercise needs, grooming requirements, and personality.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A UTILITY DOG

• Purpose Driven.

These dogs love having a job to do.

Meaning that without both mental and physical stimulation, they will be bored and turn to destructive behaviour.

• Alertness.

There are a lot of breeds in the Utility group whose jobs were

Guard dogs/watchdogs.

They can be very alert in their surroundings, barking at any unusual activity or strangers.

• Intelligence.

Many Utility dogs demonstrate their intelligence by successfully performing complex tasks alongside humans.

• Sociability That Varies.

Some of these breeds can be reserved and shy away from people and things.

These sorts of dogs will require ongoing socialisation to ensure they become well-adjusted pets.

However, others can be highly sociable and love everything and everybody.

• Loyalty.

Utility dogs are devoted breeds and form strong bonds with their owners and families.

GROOMING A UTILITY DOG

There are many different types of dogs in the Utility Group, and each requires a different grooming regime.

From dogs who shed a lot to dogs that shed twice a year.

From very short-haired dogs to long-haired breeds.

Some of these dogs are easy to look after, and you can keep them tidy yourself.

While others may require a professional Groomer to do the job every 4 to 6 weeks

For example:

The Poodle and Lhasa Apso do not shed, so coat care is essential to stop matting.

Visiting a groomer can help keep your dog's fur healthy and looking great.

In between visits to the doggie salon, give your dog a quick brush every day.

Grooming your dog will help remove any debris from the fur and help prevent matting.

Monitor Your Dog Between Grooming Sessions

Between salon visits, give your dog a quick brush every day.

Grooming your dog will help remove any debris from the fur and help prevent matting.

Monitoring their ears and eyes is an essential part of your dog's grooming routine.

Also, regular teeth cleaning, with doggie toothpaste, is essential.

If it's not possible to clean your dog's teeth every day, give them a dental stick to chew on, which will help clean their teeth and keep their breath smelling fresh.

Regular care of your dog's overall health and hygiene, regardless of breed, can prevent common issues and enhance their comfort.

GENERAL EXERCISING

As utility dogs come in all shapes and sizes, their exercise routines will vary.

For example, the Dalmatian thrives on running.

These dogs prefer an owner who loves to run in the mornings and evenings.

The Lhasa Apso has plenty of energy for a little dog.

They love a good long walk but are content with several short ones instead.

Then there is the Bulldog, which has a heavy body and short legs, making exercise difficult, especially in warm weather.

However, Bulldog puppies go through multiple growth periods.

Over-exercising these puppies at this time of their life can cause severe or permanent damage to their joints.

Always research whether the dog you have chosen has a fitness level you can maintain.

FINAL THOUGHTS

All breeds in the Utility group should have been initially bred for a purpose, for something useful.

Now, these dogs no longer serve a real purpose in modern life.

So they cannot do the same work their ancestors did.

However, most of these dogs remain hard-working and dedicated today.

All of the dogs on the utility list make superb companions

The larger dogs, however, require a lot of space and firm, consistent training.

Nearly all can still perform a variety of jobs and compete in canine activities.

Remember to do your research; one of the Utility dogs may be the dog you have been waiting for.