Some Of The Traits That Can Be Challenges. Some genetically determined traits can be challenging for owners to live with. Here is a partial list of traits that some people find objectionable.

Physical Traits

• Drooling • Flatulence • Very large size • Heavy shedding • Long Fur (that increases the grooming needed)

Behaviors

• Excessive digging • Difficult to housebreak • Carrying things around • Extremely high energy levels • Independent problem solving • Excessive barking or howling • Threatening visitors or strangers • Aggression toward other animals • Difficult to train to obey commands • Chasing, head-butting or nipping (herding behaviors) Most of these traits helped the various breeds assist man with the jobs it was originally bred to perform. While all these traits were desirable in that context, as a companion animal in a typical modern home, what was originally a beneficial trait can become a liability. By researching each breed you are considering, you can reduce the chance of creating a mismatch between the dog's traits and what you want in a dog. The second significant drawback of purebred dogs is their genetic health. In the rest of this section, you will gain an understanding of how the genetic problems currently being experienced by purebred dogs have come about and what you can do to reduce your risk of getting a dog with a potentially expensive-to-treat genetic disease.