Choosing a Greener Dog Breed

We rarely consider the possibility of eco-friendly dog breeds, because few of us really stop to consider the ecological impacts of our pets. A dog's ecological paw-print, which stems from factors such as his food, waste, and water requirements, can actually vary tremendously depending on his breed, body type, and fur. If you're looking for an eco-friendly dog, it's important to consider whether or not your ideal breed treads lightly on the planet. Here are some factors to consider when quantifying a breed's ecological impact.

How much does this breed eat?

A dog's diet comprises the majority of his impact on the planet. Dog foods are generally made using meat as a primary ingredient-- and meat itself spells disaster for our planet. The beef, chicken and pork industries are responsible for serious problems including deforestation, greenhouse gases, water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity. The more meat your pet eats, the worse his impact on the planet.

For this reason, those large, lovable dog breeds are-- unfortunately-- among the biggest contributors to pet-based ecological problems. Saint Bernards, mastiffs, standard poodles, Irish wolfhounds, and other large dogs take a serious toll on the environment, while smaller breeds like chihuahuas, pugs, silky terriers, and westies are less problematic. The less food a dog needs, the lighter his ecological load will be.

How much poop will your dog make?

Pet poop is a serious problem for our environment. When your dog poops outside, the nitrates in his feces will run into streams and rivers, where they contribute to cultural eutrophication-- an overload of algae that can kill an entire river. This is a problem even if you dispose of the poop in your trash, since it all eventually ends up downstream.

The solution? If a healthier environment is your aim, pick a pooch who doesn't poo too much. Smaller breeds win again here, with terriers and toy breeds tending to produce far less waste and larger breeds tending to poop more. Less food and less poop automatically lead to a cleaner planet for us all.

How much grooming does your dog need?

Grooming comes with its own ecological burdens. A dog who needs to be bathed frequently will have much higher water consumption than a slick-coated pup who only needs a bath once in a while. The ecological impacts of dog shampoo, grooming supplies and water-heating should also be considered. For this reason, dogs with high-maintenance coats are problematic for the planet.

Eco-aware pet guardians might consider eschewing breeds with high-need coats, such as keeshonds, samoyeds, bichon frises, and old English sheepdogs. Breeds with very low-maintenance coats may be a better option, such as boxers, whippets, beagles and harriers.

Overall, the smallest, lowest-maintenance dog breeds are associated with the lowest impact on the environment, and pet owners who want to adopt an eco-friendly pet should consider them as a first-choice option. However, there will always be times when a not-so-eco-groovy pet will win your heart, and it's never wrong to adopt, raise, and love an animal in need. Regardless of the kind of dog you take in, your choices can help to keep its ecological impact as low as possible.