Allow me to begin with a request. Close your eyes and conjure up an image of a small dog into your mind. Is it snarling viciously? Straining at it’s owner’s leash pointlessly while they offer empty apologies for its behavior? Perhaps it’s groomed in a ridiculous fashion, poking its timid head out from a large handbag in an L.A. Salon.
All of these things are, of course, absurd applications of an otherwise useful creature. Small dogs were bred for very specific working purposes long before they were adapted as fashion accessories, becoming the misfits of the canine world. Please keep in mind that they are every bit as trainable as their larger counterparts. The sad fact is that large dogs are generally trained due to the potentially dire consequences if they are not trained. On the other hand, the vices of small dogs are rated by their owners as easier to live with than the alternative (i.e.: training them).
As prevalent as this condition is today, it is a fault of the modern owner, and not the dog. Remember that the small dogs were hunting rats, rabbits, and other vermin on the farms of your ancestors long before Paris Hilton ever stuffed one into her over sized Gucci purse.
With that rant having been voiced, I’ll start with a summary of the reasons you’d want a dog in the first place The greatest of them is companionship.
Try to reconcile with the fact that when the SHTF your friends (presumably unprepared) will be far away (assume by foot) and unreachable (assume by mobile). Would they follow you out of the city anyway? Probably not. So when you’re 20 miles past town limits, alone and exhausted, you will be running out of something you can’t pack into a go-bag.
Morale is the canine’s best asset. Dogs do not mourn for the loss of a home, car, job or wide screen television. On the contrary, they will be overjoyed that you now have all the time in the world to spend with them. Their perspective is always “glass half full”, and it will carry you a long way. Even during hard times, my dogs have lifted my spirits immeasurably. In a SHTF situation i would consider their company invaluable for this reason alone.
Regardless, that’s really the tip of the iceberg. Here are the more obvious reasons that dog has been man’s best friend for millennia.
They are a great early warning system, not only against human intruders, but wild (or formerly domesticated) animals. Think about it. Are feral dogs a threat? Sure. But that raccoon that steals your food in the middle of the night may prove just as deadly in the long run.
They can smell opportunity as well as danger. Keep them hungry (not starving) and they will find food sure enough. After all, dogs are natural scavengers, and so might you be if worst comes to worst.
They are also natural hunters. Sure, some breeds excel at it by birthright, but for other breeds it’s just a matter of training. The capabilities of an intelligent dog are capped only by the limits of the owner’s imagination.
They are loyal. Often to the death. How many of your friends can you say that about? Keep them from starving and they’ll stick to you like glue.
Finally, I’ll add that they are excellent guardians when push comes to shove, though this can also be a drawback for reasons I’ll discuss later.
The question is, why a small dog rather than a large one?
As an early warning system the two are more or less deadlocked. Breed by breed you might find one better than the next, but my Maltese Cross is every bit as aware as my Retriever, and less lazy about voicing his concerns (for better or worse).
For purposes of scavenging they are deadlocked again. A small dog can find anything a large dog can. If anything, a small dog can go through an abandoned car with far more ease, and will eat far less of what’s found.
Hunting? You could go either way, but assuming you’re on the move there’s no point in bagging a deer when a rabbit will suffice. The question once again is “how much of the kill is going to Fido?” Besides, small dogs often have the edge against small game, as they can more easily stalk their prey and can also shift their momentum swiftly if a chase ensues. I can attest that my Maltese cross is a terror to the local rodent population. My Retriever is not. (On this note, never assume you will not be lowered to eating vermin. It’s called Survivalism. Not Thrivalism.)
Regarding loyalty, a dog is a dog. I’d have trouble naming a breed that will abandon a loving owner in their time of need.
In terms of defending yourself, the big dog has the edge. But! If you’re approaching a group of strangers or a checkpoint, your growling Rottweiler may get you both shot. A small furry head poking out from the top of your shirt will only endear you to strangers in an instant.
Yet I hear you say “I’m manly and tough. I think I’ll stick with the big dog thanks.”
Well consider the following.
1. The small dog (with regular walks) can live happily enough in an apartment. He’ll provide a vocal deterrent to intruders, which is often encouragement enough to find a different target. Conversely, large dogs and apartments do not mix well…
2. Small dogs are easier to train than you think. The key to all canine interaction is establishing dominance. The smaller the dog, the easier this is.
3. The small dog will eat and drink next to nothing. This is clearly a massive pro if you’re hitting the road after all hell breaks loose.
4. The small dog can be carried easily. In your backpack no less. Imagine your 60+ pound Doberman has gone lame after walking 20 miles on asphalt. Enough said…
5. In a world of guns and gangs it’s foolish to think that an attack breed dog will even the odds. On the contrary, that scary dog is more likely to spark the firefight that will end your life.
Picking a breed of dog is an important decision, but remember to research these key points.
1. Energy levels. Some dogs need 10 miles a day underfoot or they’ll turn your furniture into scrap. Others will groan at having to spend five minutes on a treadmill.
2. Intelligence. The smarter the dog, the more you will have to exercise it’s mind. Training them is best, but games will suffice.
If/when the SHTF you’ll want a short-haired dog. Keeping it warm is easy enough, and doing so is a welcome alternative to pulling burrs from the fur of long haired breeds (not to mention locating ticks).
Also, avoid breeds that do not have a working history. They’re usually bred for their visual “assets” and will not serve as well as time honored breeds do.
If I had to recommend one, it would be the Jack Russell Terrier (check it on Wikipedia if you care to). They’re a working breed, highly intelligent, and extremely durable. I’ve personally seen one fall (not jump deliberately) fifteen feet onto concrete, get up with a huff, and walk away fine. That said, this is a very challenging dog to own and train. It is not for the faint of heart, but then again, neither is survival after the collapse…
I wont go into details about training dogs. I would wear out my keyboard in the process. If i give just one piece of advice in the matter, it’s this;
Dogs are a pack animal and should defer to you as the pack leader in all things. They do not walk in front of you. They do not eat or drink before you eat or drink. Even the simple act of sitting on your lap gives the dog the idea that “it owns you” (it can stay there as long as you rest a hand on top of it).
Attain dominance and everything else will fall into place.
A recommendation. If you choose to buy a dog, get a copy of the Dog Whisperer DVDs with Cesar Millan
My experience is that responsible dog owners never regret the journey they embark on when they acquire their first canine companion. After all. Who else in the world values table scraps more than gold and silver 🙂 – B.C.