Thinking of adopting a dog? You may have heard some long-standing beliefs about dogs that simply aren’t true. Unfortunately, these myths sometimes prevent people from adopting dogs from shelters and rescues. The reality is that the dog you’ve been dreaming of might be waiting for you at a local shelter.
If just 6% more people planning to bring home a new pet chose adoption instead of purchasing, we could dramatically reduce the number of dogs euthanized in shelters each year. To help break down barriers, here are nine common myths about dogs—along with the truth behind each one.
Myth 1: Certain Breeds Are Always Good With Kids
Reality: A dog’s behavior isn’t guaranteed by their breed. Each dog is an individual, with their own personality, temperament, and reactions. When looking for a family dog, focus on the individual dog’s energy level, training, and fit for your lifestyle—not just breed stereotypes.
Myth 2: Puppies Are Easier to Train Than Older Dogs
Reality: Puppies may be adorable, but they require a huge amount of training to adapt to human life. Many adult dogs are already house-trained and understand basic manners, making them far easier to integrate into your home. If you’d rather skip months of potty training, an adult or senior dog may be the perfect choice.
Myth 3: Big Dogs Need Big Backyards
Reality: A dog’s size doesn’t always dictate their energy level. Some large dogs are low-energy couch potatoes happy with short walks, while some small breeds need hours of exercise. The key is matching a dog’s activity needs with your lifestyle.
Myth 4: Tail Wagging Always Means a Dog Is Happy
Reality: Tail movement is just one piece of body language. A loose wag with a wiggly body often means happiness, but fast, stiff wagging can indicate stress or alertness. Always look at the full body language—ears, face, posture—before interpreting what your dog is feeling.
Myth 5: Dogs Feel Guilt
Reality: What looks like guilt is usually appeasement behavior triggered by our reactions. Dogs only connect actions to consequences within a few seconds. If they cower or “smile” after a mess, they’re responding to your tone and body language—not remembering what they did hours earlier.
Myth 6: One Dog Year Equals Seven Human Years
Reality: Research shows dog aging is more complex. For example, a 1-year-old dog is closer to a 30-year-old human, and a 4-year-old dog aligns with a 52-year-old human. Aging varies by breed and size, making the old “7-year rule” outdated.
Myth 7: Dogs Are Colorblind
Reality: Dogs don’t see in black and white—they see shades of blue and yellow. They can’t distinguish reds and greens as humans do, but they still perceive a colorful world, similar to red-green colorblindness in people.
Myth 8: Busy People Can’t Have Dogs
Reality: While dogs do need time and attention, many adapt well to different lifestyles. Some are independent or content with less interaction. Options like fostering, doggy daycare, or hiring a dog walker can make dog ownership manageable, even for busy schedules.
Myth 9: Rescued Dogs Have Problems
Reality: Most dogs in shelters are there because of human circumstances, not because they are “problem dogs.” Life changes like moving, financial hardship, or a family death often force people to surrender their pets. While shelter dogs may seem anxious in noisy environments, they usually settle quickly in loving homes.
