If you’re looking at this blog, the chances are you’re thinking about getting a dog – either now or in the future. And like many people, you might be looking at rescuing either a dog from a sanctuary or adopting a street dog. One of the main questions you probably have is “are street dogs good pets?” Well, we hate to say it but the answer is “it depends.” Both on you and your situation and the dog you adopt.
Are street dogs good pets?
Street dogs can make incredible pets, but there are also drawbacks. Let's look at the positives...
Street dogs are loyal
When a street dog decides you’re their human, that’s it. You’re gone. They are supremely loyal dogs who will follow their owners to the ends of the earth. Perhaps they’re grateful that they’ve been rescued from a life on the streets. Perhaps they’re so used to being part of a pack that they want you to be the same. Whatever the reason, when you get a street dog, you’re getting a best friend for life.
They can be super loving
Whenever people ask us if street dogs make good pets, we ask: do you want a velcro dog? Obviously we’re generalizing a bit here and not every single dog will be the same but in general, once a street dog has settled in, they’ll be very loving. They might be standoffish until they know their place in the household but expect to never use the bathroom alone again, always have someone to cuddle on the sofa, and to constantly trip over a furry friend as you’re making dinner.
Street dogs are usually docile
Again, this is a bit of a generalization because not every dog is the same, but street dogs are quite often sweet and gentle dogs. If they’ve been living near humans, most will have learnt to court humans for food or affection. They tend not to immediately resort to violence because that would create resultant violence and many will go into “flight mode” if threatened.
Street dogs are smart
Sometimes too smart… After a lifetime of surviving on the streets and using their wits to survive, street dogs in general are pretty intelligent. After all, the ones that aren’t smart, don’t survive.
And despite never having lived with humans in the past, most will have had interactions with humans – often begging for food or pats. They’ve used this sense of intelligence to get what they want from humans and are totally capable of wrapping you round their little paw.
That’s a good thing because they are fairly easy to train as they quickly understand what you want from them. They’re also good at puzzles and figuring out brain games which makes them fun dogs to be around.
Are street dogs good pets?
While they absolutely can be, there can also be drawbacks. Let's look at the negatives...
Street dogs can be reactive
While many street dogs can be sweet and docile pets, many have had some pretty intense trauma in their lives. They might have been hurt or abused by humans which has caused them to be scared of people. They can also be quite reactive to other dogs. Particularly if they’re a male dog that has fought with other male dogs.
They can be stubborn
Street dogs have spent much of their lives doing their own thing, being dictated to by nobody, and living by their own rules. Which means they know their own minds. And they don’t always appreciate rules. That can make them strong willed and even stubborn. While they can be easy to train, sometimes they just don’t want to be trained and will resist your attempts to domesticate them.
Street dogs can like lots of outdoor time and space
Imagine spending years on the streets then being cooped up in a tiny flat with limited outdoor time? You wouldn’t enjoy that and neither will a street dog. While this isn’t a negative for everyone (like if you have a farm!), you have to be able to give them the time and space they might need.
You might not be the ideal person to have a street dog as a pet
Rehoming a street dog isn’t easy. They’re not low maintenance dogs. Even if you get a puppy, they have generations of inherited instincts and traits that mean they’re usually more difficult to integrate and train than a domestic pet.
Street dogs might not be for you if:
- You don’t have much time to spend with or on your pet
- You have a chaotic household or one with lots of young kids
- You’re not home often
- You want a dog you bring everywhere with you
- You have another dominant dog and you’re looking at a dominant street dog
- You don’t have much outdoor space or room to let your dog roam
Are you interested in adopting a street dog? Check out our Adoptable Dogs.