5 Key Questions to Ask at a Meet the Breeds Event

With well over 200 different dog breeds and types in the UK, choosing the right one can be overwhelming if you are new to dog ownership or haven’t settled on a breed. Many prospective owners come with a clear favourite breed, often due to prior experience or extensive research, but if you’re open to different options, attending a "meet the breeds" event can be invaluable.

Such events, like the Discover Dogs event held at Crufts, the UK's largest dog show each March, offer a rare chance to see and interact with a vast variety of breeds and meet their owners and breeders.

What can you learn from a meet the breeds event?

Meet the breeds events offer practical insights beyond pictures and descriptions. You get to observe breed characteristics such as temperament, energy levels, and social behaviour firsthand. However, these events are lively and can be unusual environments for the dogs present, so their behaviour might not fully reflect day-to-day life.

To make the most of the event, it’s important to engage with the dog owners and ask questions that cover key aspects of dog care and lifestyle.

Why asking the right questions matters

The dogs showcased at meet the breeds events are carefully selected to handle the event’s hustle and bustle, but it’s impossible to see how they behave in a home or under ordinary circumstances. Questions to the owners help fill in these gaps by providing information about health, care, and compatibility with your lifestyle and household.

5 Key Questions to Ask at a Meet the Breeds Event

1. Are there hereditary health problems common in this breed? Can these be tested for before buying, and what is the average lifespan?

Some breeds have well-known hereditary health issues that can lead to high veterinary costs and difficult care demands. For example, the French Bulldog is one such breed where health screening by breeders is crucial. Knowing about testing protocols and breed longevity ensures you choose a healthy puppy from reputable breeders who prioritise welfare.

2. What are the breed’s typical energy levels and exercise needs?

Exercise requirements vary enormously across breeds. While some dogs are content with a gentle hour-long walk daily, most dogs need at least an hour or more of quality activity. High-energy breeds might require several hours of exercise to stay happy and healthy, so honest answers will help you assess your ability to meet these demands.

3. What were the breed’s original purposes and key behavioural traits?

Understanding a breed’s historical function tells you a lot about behaviours you can expect. For example, some breeds are naturally territorial, others love to retrieve, dig, or have strong prey drives. This information helps you anticipate behaviours that may require management and training.

4. How much grooming and maintenance does this breed require?

Grooming frequency and complexity varies—from breeds needing regular professional grooming to those shedding significantly. This will affect your time, effort, and costs, so find out grooming needs early to ensure you can commit to them.

5. How does this breed get on with other dogs, pets, and children?

Even if you do not currently have other pets or children, your dog will likely encounter them in public or future home situations. It is vital to know how social, tolerant, or reactive a breed tends to be in such interactions. Responsible owners commit to managing their dog’s behaviour to keep all parties safe.

Finally, if the breed aligns well with your answers, ask owners or breeders where to look for more in-depth information or how to meet dogs of the breed in more typical environments. This ongoing research is key to responsible dog ownership.