Thought I'd start this post in response to the numerous people who come on this forum and "only want a pet dog - not for show/breeding".  I feel its about time it was realised that 'ONLY A PET' is possibly the most demanding job a dog can do!!

'Only a pet' needs a good, sound temperament to cope with living in a family with the various personalities, foibles and attitudes of the different members and their friends (not to mention their children and their friends ;) ) and the different animals they will live with and meet.  In addition they need to be able to cope with all the different situations they will meet.

'Only a Pet' needs good health to cope with the stresses of living with their family and all that this entails.  A sick/ill dog is a drain on family finances which, sadly, may not be able to cope.

'Only a Pet' requires good construction in order to live a fit and active pain-free life with their family.

'Only a Pet' doesn't get a day or even an afternoon off, they are on duty 24/7 diligently doing what a dog does best.

The majority of show dogs, regardless of successes or failiures, are first and last family pets.  Even if shown every week (in UK) this still leaves 312 days of being 'Only a Pet'  The breeders of these dogs usually charge no more (and often a good deal less) than puppies from a pet supermarket or puppy farm.  

And what about those puppies? - don't they deserve the best start in life possible? with health-tested parents of good temperament and sound construction to pass on to them?  Surely they deserve to be fed an appropriate diet and brought up in a way which enables them to move on to their permanent new homes with confidence and trust?

And what about the owner of 'only a pet'??  Do they honestly believe that a dog doesn't need to be fit for the job of being a pet?  Don't they realise that pups cannot be produced to order unless large numbers of dogs are being bred and that to raise a litter properly is time consuming and not possible in large numbers?

Bee in my bonnet?  Me??
Regards
Dill

Good post, Dill. "Only a pet" is a full-time job, and the dog has to be healthy in mind and body to do it properly.

I see what you mean - but I always took 'only a pet' to mean that as the dog wouldn't be shown, it doesn't matter if the dog doesn't entirely conform to the breed standard, for example, if it's eyes or nose were the wrong colour, or if it's ears stick up etc.

I agree though - a pet dog is a very important job indeed. :) :) :)

<<it doesn't matter if the dog doesn't entirely conform to the breed standard,>>

And these can easily be pups from the same litters as the Champions!
:)

Exactly!
:)

I understand what you are saying but  I have probably used the term he is only a pet which meant I didnt care that max has a slightly overshot jaw and droopy eyes. His parents are both show dogs and his siblings are fine but max would not be wanted by people who wanted to breed or show but to us he is 100% perfect!

I agree totally.  When I was looking I was looking for a pet.  I didn't want to show I wanted a pet - to me a pet was even more important, it is part of the family etc, but I still used the words I'm looking for a pet.  I'm looking for a dog that someone else might not love because it doesn't fit in the box of what they need to show, race, do agility with, work with etc.

Now it turns out I got a show quality dog and got bit by the showing bug.  I can completely see the point of the original post, but I think you need to look beyond the people's words and find out what they mean by that.

Wendy

I am certain that the people who use the phrase "only a pet" , do not mean to offend.
.... It depends how you choose to interpret the word "only". The word is not necessarily a derogatory term. It just means "single" according to the dictionary meaning dog will fulfil one role...that of pet, as opposed to the multiple role of pet, guard, racer, showdog etc. I certainly think its probably a bit rash to assume that people using the phrase "only a pet" are devaluing their dog in any way.

My first dogs were two Cavaliers from a show kennel, rubies but with white flashes on their foreheads - beautiful dogs but not suitable for showing. What would happen to dogs like these if everyone wanted to show?

Nowhere am I suggesting that the phrase is offensive, merely that by using the phrase the person is revealing that in their perception, somehow a show/breeding dog has higher value and greater requirements than a companion dog.

Unfortunately, when speaking to 'only a pet' owners, I often find that this is the reason for having bought what is quite obviously a dealer/farmed puppy with little or no research into the breed.  A health tested pup from sound stock is erroneously perceived to be an expensive option, especially since they aren't usually instantly available and there may be travelling involved in acquiring the pup. 

Aah - now theres the bee in my bonnet - the ones who expect to get a puppy instantly! To my mind if they arent prepared to wait, they arent committed to the breed they think they want and havent spent time doing the research.

True! People are happy to wait months and months for a baby - but a puppy is a 'thing' they've got to have now ...

I understand what you mean Dill, when people come on here asking for "only a pet" it seems like they dont want one from show breeders, they want a cheaper alternative from "pet" breeders.  Maybe it should be pointed out to Jo Public that show breeders are the best ones to breed your pet :)

Dill,

I do not believe that people coming to this site for "only a pet" are the type who want to buy a puppy farm dog or a pet store dog (same thing).   If they were, most likely they would not be bothering with this site anyway, they would already have their puppy. 

I am looking for a second dog now.  I am very clear when making inquiries that I want a companion dog and that I do not want to show.   It's one of the first things that I say.  I do it because I am only inquiring from people who show their dogs, to save them the bother of asking me themselves.  I am only contacting people who show because they also happen to be the referrals I'm getting from breed club contacts.  And I strongly believe in buying a pup from someone who belongs to a breed club, it's one indication they know what they are doing and care about the breed.    When I used to show dogs I did the opposite, I specified that I only wanted a show quality puppy. 

A show dog does have a higher value than a pet quality puppy, which is another reason some people might specifiy they want a "only a pet."   Higher value meaning a higher price. 

What really gets my goat is the same thing another poster mentioned, "it's only a dog", that enrages me.  However, if someone is looking for a puppy "only for a pet" I don't read into it that they do not care about health, temperament and breeding.  Maybe I'm just naive.

Stacey

I thought as a rule all dogs from the litter are sold for the same amount whether they are for show or pet ?

That is definately the case in my own breed.

Not necessarily, many breeders will hold back the one or two puppies in a litter that look like they have show potential.  If they are really outstanding and the breeder decides to sell them, many will stipulate that they must be sold into a "show home", because they want them to be shown.  Those puppies will be more expensive than pet quality puppies from the same litter.

Most people who are looking for a puppy specifically to show are not going to take an 8 week old pup.  They want a pup that's a bit older so that it's fairly certain that the dog/bitch will be show quality.  At that stage, they will definitely be more expensive. 

Stacey

Dill, Please, please send this great letter to both the dog Papers for publication, it is absolutely spot on!!!

Our dobe is our pet, but never "only", or really even "pet" because he is part of our family.  The other phrase that is often used is he is "only a dog".  This is what some people say when I refer to our dobe, they say you would think you are talking about one of your children not your dog!!!!

lol blimey, the amount of times someone has asked me if i show or am I going to show my dog and I reply "nah he is only a pet/companion" I dont think that makes me some one who doesnt care about what standered dog I would like.
Also what is wrong with the word "pet" they are pets, ok they can be part of your life as my dog is mine but he is still a pet and Im sure he isn't going to be offended if he hears me say that!

I feel the same way. I'm sure my two dogs love being refered to as only pets. They couldn't be more loved  or looked after if they were anything else. My eldest dog had champions galore in her papers but unfortunately she didn't come up to scratch as a show dog.  She lives her life doing mostly what she wants. Apart from her visits to the vets for jabs etc and once every 6 weeks to be cut and groomed , she eats, sleeps, plays etc, all the good things in life. I sometimes feel very sorry for show dogs. I am sure they are well looked after and loved but it can't be much fun being dragged around the country for shows and the constant grooming etc. Someone will say I am wrong but I really don't think they have the same fun and quality of life as "ONLY A PET" I think you have to look on this as a term of endearment not as Oh they are not important and don't need the looking after as a thorough bred. I don't mean to offend anyone just giving my opinion.

I sometimes feel very sorry for show dogs. I am sure they are well looked after and loved but it can't be much fun being dragged around the country for shows and the constant grooming etc.

This made me smile as lone of my "show"dogs has just come in Er how shall I describe him grubby ? Unkempt ? Nope downright filthy having being playing with the GSD & gardening

His ears are soaking wet as he prefers the GSD/BC bucket of water to the Cavallier water dish

He will have a quick groom later today to take out the muck

It isn't the word Pet that gives the poor impression, it is the 'only'.  Nothing only about it, as all the pups in a litter are or should be companions first and foremost, and any other role is secondary.

Although i dont show my lab, he is a ped from a breeder not a supermarket/farm he is fit, healthy, and happy and not just "only a pet" he is a part of the family he is my friend, he means the world to all the family and we all love him so much.

Heidi

Maggie,

Don't feel sorry for show dogs. Dogs need to by happy and confident to do well in the show ring. If a dog does not like to show, no matter how superb it might look, the owner/handler figures it out pretty quickly and that's the end their show career.   No one can force a dog to show it it does not like it.  Ask anyone who shows.


Stacey

<<I sometimes feel very sorry for show dogs>>

I often feel sorry for dogs who are alone 9-5, 5 days a week, rather than going out and about with their owners, being socialised and given company!
:)

I have to agree with the bit about show dogs being dragged around the country being poor souls.  If a dog isnt happy about being shown it wont show.  My older show girl hates being left at home when we trot off to opens chasing JW points and sulks to the point we now shove her in the back of the car and leave the kids with her.  Her mum is a 'pet' with good breeding but doesnt mind being left providing she can sit on the sofa and can go in and out of the garden when she feels like it.  In my limited experience those who use the term 'only a pet' sometimes translated means they want something cheaper although not always.  Mind you in saying that my dogs are all pets first and show dogs second although in Tiggers case she thinks she is a prima donna and far too grand for the rest of us!!!!!

Sorry I didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. I am glad to say I obviously don't know much about the showing buisness. This is one time it is nice to know I am wrong. I suppose  when you think about it, they probably do spend a lot more time with their owners (I totally agree with dogs never being left alone all day) I just have visions of them spending most of their time in a cage so as not to spoil their appearance. Thank you all  for putting me straight. 

No problem, Maggie! Most showdogs have never seen a cage/crate in their lives!

I think this is a common mistake many people make about show dogs - although there are, of course some who are "cooped up" much of the time. Its a pity the non-showing dog lovers cant see what our "pampered show pooches" (a term I loathe) look like most of the time (both the long and smooth coated breeds). 

"I sometimes feel very sorry for show dogs. I am sure they are well looked after and loved but it can't be much fun being dragged around the country for shows and the constant grooming etc. Someone will say I am wrong but I really don't think they have the same fun and quality of life as "ONLY A PET"

Anyone who suggests it can't be much fun hasn't seen my dogs the night before a show or the morning of a show.  The first sight of me getting out and packing the show bag gets the dogs wildly excited and ready for a good day out.  They love going to shows.  They also get as filthy as any other dogs on their walks and certainly don't suffer by spending some days of the year at a show.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

I'm guilty of using that phrase - he's only a pet!

I've got my working dogs and then I have him too and if someone asks if I work him then I say No - he's only a pet.  Doesn't mean he's any less of a dog - just means he fulfills a different role.  He's still much loved.
Also remember once someone telling me that people who had their dogs 'put down' didn't care for them as much as someone who had their dog 'put to sleep'  
Give over - it's only a figure of speech :rolleyes:
Lara x

well said Lara

Then why not say simply he's a Pet???  It is the 'only/ or 'just' which gives the impression that they are less valued in some way.

Brainless fgs it is the way YOU interpret it not us, just because we may occasionally say 'only a pet' does not mean we dont love our dogs, that is the most stupid thing i've ever heard, just because YOU think it makes them sound 'less valued' is YOUR problem, how about if you hear someone say that you might actually think to yourself that 'hey, there is probably nothing meant by that and I shouldnt jump to conclusions at every non-massive qualified expert no it all person that has a dog'. We are human, things slip out Im sure it does happen to you on that rare occasion.

It's "only" a puppet :D :D

Did we not have the same debate with women saying "I am "only" a housewife?" :D

My dogs are pets first anything else they do is the icing on the cake; and yes I often use the term "it is only a dog"; :D

Zoe, as Tohme says, the phrase "only a housewife" is invariably used demeaningly. So is "only a pet" - it's almost apologetic.

I think that everyone is just getting a bit picky over the use of the word 'only' - it can mean many different things :) I have used the words "only a pet" and under my breath I would add "I can't be bothered with all that stupid showing lark" :D  OK - I know a little more now about showing than I did a few years ago - but I tended to always look down on showing - so I would certainly not mean "only" in an apologetic way :D

It's the same with the phrase "don't worry" - I tended to use it all the time, until someone said to me one day - " Oh, I'm not worrying" which made me think why was I saying it :D

So, please don't jump on people for using these phrases, they can mean so many things - often people don't even know why they are saying them :D

Daisy

Of course - but pointing out the possibilities for misunderstandings isn't really 'jumping on' people, surely?
:)

You're quite right, JG - sorry :) The trouble with this sort of forum is that it is so easy to misinterpret what people say - the same phrase can mean different things to many people and the combinations of these interpretations is endless :)

The initial poster was perhaps a little presumptious in labelling all the 'only a pet' owners in the same way :)

Daisy - proud owner of two 'only pets' :D

As the initial poster, please may I repectfully suggest you actually read all of the initial post?

Not all "only a pet" owners are being labelled, in fact no-one is being labelled.  I was referring to those who post on this site asking for info on pups and state "only a pet" in reference to the expectation of show/tested animals being too expensive/not available quick enough.  There seems to be a perception that as the animal is only to be a pet somehow it doesn't matter whether they have good health/hips/temperament/look like the breed/been carefully raised.

I also stated that being "only a pet" is possibly the most important and demanding job that any dog can do :)

Regards
Dill

I am sorry IF I have misread your initial post - but I found it very confrontational - particularly the opening lines. Perhaps I am the only one who read it that way. There may be a few people who think that health etc doesn't matter for only a pet - but that is for most, just lack of knowledge and everyone has to start somewhere. It would be more helpful to the casual enquirer on here if people tried to find out exactly what the person's level of knowledge was first and then politely pointed out the pitfalls in buying puppies/dogs, instead of jumping on them at the first, perhaps naive, enquiry.

I am not ashamed to say that I knew very little about the health of dogs and the problems associated with buying puppies when I got my first dog. My ignorance was not deliberate. However, I hope that since then I have learnt a lot. Better late than never. I am sure that I would have been one of those ignorant people who would have said that I wanted 'just a pet', if I had posted on here then.

Daisy

When I bought my German Shepherd bitch puppy from a breeder who breeds the dogs for working ie.
agility, obedience and tracking, she was not at all pleased as I just wanted the dog as my trusty companion,( being a youngish Widow and at home all day). Presumably as their kennel name would not be heard around the show rings as in the case of all her litter mates.  When she was a few months old she had to have major heart surgery and at 16months old I found out she has gross hip dysplasia and arthritis. I rang the breeder to let her know about the heart condition, and she said bring her back and you can have another puppy. No way, you buy a dog for life, but I often wonder what the other pups owners would have done if my bitch had gone to them, perhaps it was an omen she came to me and not an owner who wants to "work" the dog. As it is she has a very happy life, working away in the garden "helping" me and going for lovely walks in the woods twice a day, swimming every day. She goes to a dog training club and is very obedient, in fact, apart from when I go food shopping she comes everywhere with me. I rent a cottage by a river in Wales so that she can have a holiday (I've given up on foreign holidays now). I am just very delighted that, she has been for her second check-up with a heart specialist today and he is very pleased with her progress.  I've probably gone off the thread of "only a pet", but in the breeders eyes I only wanted a dog for a "pet", but she has a fantastic life (although may not be a very long life) compared to some of her litter brothers I know.

Its great to read of the rapport between you and your GSD bitch. However I doubt the breeder was solely concerned about lack of publicity for her kennel when you explained why you wanted a dog, as those off working lines can be very hard work for some less committed people. Im thinking especiallly of labradors and the vast number in rescue.  Do you not think that one reason for your happy relationship with your dog is due to the breeder matching a pup to your honestly expressed needs? Also how do you know that her litter brothers in "working" homes are less happy? My dog loving friend and I agree to disagree on this one - she agrees with your position, I think as long as training is kind and positive that training for work or competion can be mentally stimulating and rewarding for dogs.

Thanks for your reply Lorelei, and I take your point, but this breeder in particular refused some-one a puppy from the next litter because they just wanted a "pet", not even wanting to know their background. I think the only reason why I was allowed a pup was because my 2 friends had pups from the same litter as well. They do work theirs and only the dogs themselves can say how happy they are with their lives, but what I am saying is that the one pup went to a home where there are 5 other dogs and both owners work full time and the dogs are left on their own all day, almost 10 hours.(at the moment there is a prosecution case due on one of the dogs for biting the postman),the other pup went to a home with 2 other dogs who work in the show ring, but the look in his eyes are of sadness not happiness.  If I was a dog breeder I wouldn't want a pup to go to a home with 5 dogs and the owners out all day whether the pup was for working, pet or whatever. I admit they could become hard work for some-one who isn't really bothered in the dog, as mine seems to want to be "doing" most of the time, but saying that she has never destroyed a thing and she still has toys from day one. All dogs can be hard work if they are looked after properly and I'm not against people working with their dogs, but I do know some-one who had a lovely German Shepherd from working lines, he was worked, but got to the age of 4 yrs (with loads of rosettes to his name) and then became unhappy with "working" in the show ring and refused to do it and guess what happened to him?  He was got rid of, like a piece of unwanted furniture. In a way I suppose mine is worked as she can sniff where deer, rabbits, pheasants have been and also swims out in the pools to feed the ducks with bread, and when I come in loaded with carrier bags of food shopping she has to inspect them all. I keep telling her she would be a good dog for the bomb squad.

"only a pet" is purely a figure of speech and surprised it can stir such passion in someone!! how else would you describe your pet dog? just a pet? or maybe this is my dog who works very hard for a living at being a pet HMmm! gosh its makes no difference to the dog whether you get his job description wrong, and maybe breeders should aim more at the pet dog end of the market theres nothing more annoying than picking your pup and then to be told 5 weeks later i've decided to keep him as he has good show potential bloody cheek if you ask me and if the dog could decide it would choose the good ole 'only a pet home'

sorry but sometimes some people although they mean no harm really do take things literally

chill baby
j

Sashakameo

I doubt if your breeder was "not at all pleased" that you were not going to work it; after all she did not have to sell it to you!  I expect what is more likely is that she was disappointed that you were not going to work it if it had been bred for that purpose as good breeders like to see their dogs do well in the field that they were designed for whether that be Working Trials, Obedience, Agility, Field Trials etc etc not to mention the show ring; and NOT necessarily for any kudos or reflected glory.

The breeder was obviously a responsible one who took her duties seriously by offering you a replacement; what would you rather her do put the phone down and say "tough"?

Many dogs that go to working homes turn out to not quite make the grade and are kept on as pets; just like those who HAVE had good careers are retired to live out their days.  Working your dog is not equate to not caring for it, loving it or enjoying it as, dare I say it, "only a pet" :)

If you felt unhappy with your breeder's outlook I am surprised you bothered to purchase a dog from her in the first place!

Sometimes it is easy to "assume" what people think or ascribe to them motives they do not possess simply because we have not thought of a different way of looking at a subject!

Thanks tohme, but the point I was trying to make was, that it turned out my pup (adult now) cannot be used as a working dog as the breeders wanted, because she has so many health problems, and the breeder used the term "oh, you only want her for a pet" made me angry. If I or a "working dog owner" had returned her back to the breeder she would have been PTS.  And I haven't said working your dog is not equate to not caring for it, loving or enjoying. I just feel so sorry for the dogs who are left shut up for hours on end, not having any company and are never walked, are these the ones that are type cast as "only a pet" by some breeders.

<<I just feel so sorry for the dogs who are left shut up for hours on end, not having any company and are never walked, are these the ones that are type cast as "only a pet" by some breeders.>>

Fair point. Yes, I think it's true. Very many are, judging by the number of posts on here asking if it's okay to leave a puppy alone for 8 hours a day while the owners are at work.

Having heard about some pup in my breed a while back being obviously advertised by a puppy farmer or dealer i phoned him.  I pretended to be ringing on behalf of a feind who wanted to do agility.

I asked whether the parents had been hip scored and eye tested.  He stated that tyhey aren't KC registered, but had DLRC registration, and because they were only to be pet6s then of course they didn't need all that, as they were not for breeding or showing!!!!

this is the sort of thing these types of puppy sellers feed the general public, and I see many of them cone through the soors of our training club.  Oh it doesn't matter that he doesn't look much like his breed as he is only a pet.  Or we know he was from a puppy farm, but what does it matter he is only a pet.