Top ten dog breeds in Ladysmith

A journalist from the Ladysmith Gazette set out to find which dog breeds are most popular in Ladysmith.

With the help of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League and some residents, we have composed a list of the top ten breeds you are likely to see in yards around Ladysmith.

1.  Jack Russell Terrier

With their cute little faces and human-like mannerisms, it’s no doubt that this small breed is at the top of our list! Jack Russells were originally bred to hunt rats. If you are an owner, you will know that they will often catch birds and other small animals. They also make good pets for children and are good guard dogs, as they also like to bark.

2. Great Dane

As anyone who attended the 2014 Dog-A-Thon  will know, the Great Dane is a very popular breed in Siege Town! Due to its size, it definitely appears frightening, and you sure wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of one of these dogs! However, they are mostly gentle giants who are very loyal to their family members.

3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Commonly referred to as a ‘Staffie’, this medium-sized breed is a loyal and protective companion and is very popular in the Aloe Park area. This breed was made famous by ‘Jock of the Bushveld’.

4. Poodles

The Poodle is a cute and cuddly breed that is a very popular choice as a family dog. The more common kinds of Poodles in Ladysmith are the Maltese Poodle and Toy Poodle.

5. Labrador

The Labrador is a popular choice among dog owners everywhere. They are gentle and friendly and make great family pets. If you are an owner of one of these dogs, you will need to be careful what you feed your friend, as this breed is prone to obesity.

6. The Yorkshire Terrier

The ‘Yorkie’ is a small breed which can be high maintenance due to its long hair. They require regular brushing, but luckily they are very small and this does not take long. They often attach themselves to one or two people so if you have a large family, a different breed may be better for you.

7. German Shepherd

Also known as an ‘Alsatian’, these dogs are popular with people looking for a good guard dog. Many people associate this breed of dog with a police dog, and that makes most people more wary of them.

8. Dachshund

The Dachshund or ‘Sausage Dog’ is a very sweet little dog to have. Again, pet owners are advised to watch what they feed their dogs, as this breed is also prone to obesity and it can be particularly damaging due to their long backs and short legs.

9. Doberman

The Doberman is increasing in popularity at an alarming rate. Now that their ears and tails do not get ‘docked’ or cut, they have a softer apperance while retaining their reputation as being an intimidating guard dog. When raised with children, they will do well as family dogs. However, if your Doberman doesn’t know children, make sure they are supervised if a child is visiting.

10. Rottweiler

This breed also has a reputation as an excellent guard dog, but can also make a very friendly companion. The ‘docking’ or cutting of their tails is a thing of the past, which you may find makes them appear “strange” as we are used to seeing them with docked tails.

Things to think about:

When choosing a dog, you should take into consideration the size of your property, as well as your budget. If you have a large dog, your fence should be at least 6 foot high. For medium and small breeds, your fence should be at least 4 feet high.  Dogs need space to run around and as social animals, they require love and attention as a basic need. All pets must have access to clean water and fresh food, and will require visits to the local vet every now and then.

While purebreds are popular, crossbreeds are just as popular. Whether you choose to adopt a pet from the local shelter or buy from a breeder, a pet, especially a dog, is something you should not rush into and need to consider carefully before you make a decision.