He’s not just a dog on TV—he’s a dog in real life!
It’s not surprising that when a certain breed of dog figures prominently in a movie or television show, people are often inspired to go out and get that breed. After Disney’s 101 Dalmatians came out, people came out in droves to buy or adopt Dalmatians. A few years ago, Game of Thrones resulted in a huge surge of interest in huskies that resembled the Northern Inuit breed used on the show. At first glance, this surge in interest seems like a win—more pets finding homes is always a good thing, right?
There’s an important reality for choosing dog breeds based on what’s trendy in the movies or pop culture. Dogs aren’t just accessories or characters from a show; they’re living beings with specific needs. If someone is unprepared for a certain breed’s unique requirements, those dogs may end up neglected, abandoned, or surrendered to a shelter.
Shelters dealt (and are still dealing) with huskies that were bought or adopted when Game of Thrones was at its peak. People found they cannot keep the husky inside because she was being destructive, it was impossible to get her to obey them, they could not afford to pay for the amount of food the dog needs, they did not anticipate the cost of veterinary care, or in general she was just more work than they thought she would be.
The truth is, breeds like Huskies and Dalmatians aren’t couch potatoes—they need engagement, training, and commitment. And while they may look picture-perfect on TV, those dogs are highly trained professionals with schedules and care routines tailored to their needs.
When adopting a dog, it’s essential to think beyond appearances or trends. The best match isn’t about a specific breed but about finding a dog whose needs align with your lifestyle. Do you enjoy outdoor adventures or prefer relaxing at home? Are you home often, or do you work long hours? Do you have children, space, and resources to meet a dog’s needs?
These are the kinds of questions we ask everyone who comes to DCSPCA to adopt a dog because we are invested in making a good match. We want every dog to find her forever home, and exchange love and loyalty with her guardian for the rest of her life. These are also the kinds of questions that everyone should also ask themselves before getting a dog. Having answered these questions, you may find that your perfect dog is not a pure breed at all, but a dog that combines the traits you want. Whether it is a small dog whose entire world can fit in your backyard, or a large dog who kindly leaves you 6 inches of the bed for you to sleep in, you can find a unique mix of traits that fit your lifestyle. They might not look like a direwolf, but they’ll happily curl up beside you as you watch one on TV. When you choose a dog with your heart and your lifestyle in mind, you’re not just adopting a pet—you’re welcoming a best friend into your life.
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