We speak to five dog owners who’ve made their furry friends at home, at work.
Just because a dog looks like a fierce beast, doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t fit for the workplace. Here are five breeds to consider next time you’re looking for a new office best buddy.
A popular notion of greyhounds is that they’re enthusiastic sprinters who like to chase fake rabbits. While that may be the case on the track, they’re actually gentle and intelligent pets, unlikely to cause much of a disturbance. Broadsheet’s pet greyhound “Oscar” is living proof of that.
“Oscar is the ultimate chiller,” says owner, and greyhound adopter Emily Naismith. “He just loves lying around doing absolutely nothing, which makes him a breeze to bring into the office.”
Oscar loves to receive kisses and pats from colleagues, and now and then will cough loudly, “like a 90-year-old man, which always gets a lot of laughs.” Greyhounds surprisingly don’t require much exercise, are light shedders, and are generally polite around other dogs. They also don’t smell like other breeds can do.
Did you know? Every year thousands of ex-racing greyhounds are put down or left without a home. If you're looking for a new friend why don't you adopt one here.
Broadsheet is also home to loveable whippet, Reuben. Like their greyhound lookalikes, whippets are often assumed to be disobedient or too energetic. But they too are mostly peaceful and friendly and can provide stress relief for those in the office.
“Reuben sleeps under his blanket for 80 per cent of the day,” says owner Sophie Laricchia. “But when he is awake, Reuben is very social and will wonder the office to say hi to everyone.”
Whippets are also light shedders, generally friendly with other dogs and very obedient. In fact, sometimes they’re a little too obedient.
“Reuben follows me around like a shadow,” says Sophie. “Sometimes even into the toilet which is a bit odd.”
Did you know? Whippets have very little body fat (they weigh only between six and 13 kilograms) so they do get cold pretty easily. Luckily, they look super cute in a sweater.
Bulldogs descended from the brutish creatures of bull-baiting history. However, despite their sometimes-gruff appearance, the affectionate dogs are no longer the violent breeds of yore. Peppa, the office pup at Hardie Grant, is a soft, much-loved all rounder.
“She’s relaxed and quite content spending the majority of her day sleeping,” says office friend Marty Conaghan. “Although when she’s awake you’ll definitely know about it, she’ll bark if she’s not getting any attention! But what she takes in work productivity she gives back in general office happiness.”
Bulldogs are small, don’t require a lot of exercise, and generally don’t bark much. Just be careful when they are puppies. Ten-week-old Peppa is “fascinated with how deliciously chewy shoes and computer cables are.”
Did you know? Brigitte, the bulldog who plays Stella on Modern Family won a Golden Collar award in 2012 for best dog in a television series, musical or comedy.
Despite their imposing exterior, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are perfect for small or home office environments. They rarely bark, have a kind temperament (to those he knows) and can be used to guard the space when not in use.
Melbourne ceramic artist Andrei Davidoff couldn’t speak more highly of his pooch Shino – a cross Rhodesian ridgeback/staffy who keeps him company on “those long days by the kiln” at his home studio.
“The good thing about Shino is that while he does like to sleep, he also needs to get up every now and then for some exercise,” Davidoff says. “It forces me to get up, stretch and take in some fresh air.”
Rhodesian ridgebacks are also very affectionate, have an easy-care coat, and are as loyal as they come.
Did you know? Rhodesian ridgebacks were first bred in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the 18th century to corner and hold big game prey, such as lions, bears, and boar.
Pomeranians are often thought to be irritating, barky, and more of a cute distraction than a motivation to continue with your work. However, as Anna Hjelmstrom from the Kookai office tells us, her pup Iggy’s friendly and playful demeanour can be perfect for livening up a dull office without interrupting its flow.
“Iggy wears a permanent smile, and he loves visiting people around the office for pats and cuddles. He lifts any mood. But he does like a lot of downtime so he’s not too much of distraction,” she says. “He also likes inspecting people’s desks for any stray food, so doubles as vacuum cleaner!”
Proving that Pomeranians are perfect for the office, “Iggy even likes to keep up office formalities by shaking hands with people.”
Did you know? Little Iggy is a bit of an Instagram sensation. Feel free to follow him @iggypom
Photography: Rah McVitty, Emily Weaving and Arianna Leggiero
