Foreign Rescues - A dog is a dog, right?

It’s an assumption that all dogs are fundamentally the same. After all, they share a common ancestor and exhibit similar behaviours, right? But if you’ve ever compared a UK bred dog to a resilient Romanian street dog, you’ll quickly realise that there’s more to the story.

Image of Rascal (middle), my first Romanian dog and his siblings at 3 months old

The Evolution of UK-Bred Dogs

In the UK, many dogs are bred for specific traits that humans find desirable. Over generations, selective breeding has given us a wide variety of breeds, each with unique characteristics. Consider the loyal Labrador or the spirited Spaniel. Dogs were bred to excel in tasks that benefited humans: hunting, guarding, herding, and companionship.

Selective breeding involves choosing parent dogs with particular traits in an effort to produce offspring that exhibit those same traits. For instance, Border Collies were bred for their herding ability. Greyhounds were selected for their speed. This artificial selection has led to the development of dogs that are well-suited to specific roles within human society.

Natural Selection and Street Dogs

In contrast, street dogs, like many of the rescues from Romania, have not been shaped by human preferences but by the realities of their environments. These dogs are products of natural selection, where the traits that enhance survival and reproduction are the ones that get passed on to the next generation.

Street dogs need to be resourceful, independent, and cautious. They must navigate urban environments, find food, and avoid danger. Over time, this has led to a set of traits that can be commonly seen in foreign rescue dogs:

Cautiousness: These dogs can be wary of new people and situations. This caution helps them avoid potential threats.

Social Skills: While sometimes wary of humans, street dogs usually have excellent social skills with other dogs. They’ve learnt to navigate complex social hierarchies and avoid conflicts. They can find some UK dogs a little too 'in your face'!

Independence: Unlike many UK-bred dogs that rely heavily on humans for food and shelter, street dogs are used to fending for themselves. This independence can sometimes be mistaken for aloofness or stubbornness, but it’s a survival mechanism.

Understanding Your Foreign Rescue Dog

Recognising these traits is crucial when adopting a foreign rescue dog. While a Labrador might eagerly approach a stranger, your Romanian rescue may hang back, assessing the situation. This isn’t a sign of a lack of affection or a behavioural problem; it’s a survival trait.

Understanding the evolutionary background of these dogs helps us appreciate their unique characteristics and needs. They may not fit neatly into the mould of a typical pet dog bred for companionship or specific tasks, but they bring their own set of strengths and qualities that can enrich our lives.

As you embark on the journey of adopting and integrating a foreign rescue dog into your home, remember that these dogs have thrived in environments very different from what most pet dogs experience. They bring with them a rich history of survival and adaptability. By understanding and respecting their natural traits, you can help them transition into a loving home and form a deep, lasting bond.

A dog is indeed a dog, but the story of each dog is written by its unique experiences and evolutionary history. Embracing these differences is the first step in welcoming a foreign rescue dog into your life!

Image of Bella and I just hanging out on a walk