How Can I Build My House and Rear a Local Dog in it? Analysis of Perceptions, Preference and Care for Dogs in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Choice is an existential fact of life that no human is free from. Each choice is also anchored on reasons known to the maker of choice. In the case of this study, therefore, the choice between the local dogs termed Nigerian Indigenous Dogs (NIDBs) and foreign dogs called Exotic Foreign Dogs (EFDBs) is of paramount importance because of the implication on the resources of Nigerians and their self-esteem as a people. The study, therefore, set to find out what factors determine the perception, preference and cares for dogs in Ibadan metropolis in Nigeria. The study was conducted in Ibadan metropolis, which has eleven (11) Local Government Areas for administrative purposes. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approach of data collection. For the quantitative purpose, the study selected 200 volunteers from a pool of Dog enthusiasts across the headquarters of eleven local governments. The enlisted and selected 200 volunteers/respondents were made up of Nigerian Indigenous Dog breeders (NIDB), Exotic Foreign Dog Breeders (EFDB), and NIDB EFDB combined. Two groups of respondents were selected for the qualitative study i.e., Nigerian Indigenous Dog breeders (NIDB), Exotic Foreign Dog Breeders (EFDB), and NIDB and EFDB combined being the first group, while the second group was made up of Veterinarian, Dog Business Enthusiasts, Hunters and Security Personnel. The major finding shows that both the NIDBs and EFDBs are equal potentials that could perform any task assigned to them by their handlers. Differences in perception is majorly not about the quality of the dogs but about the human choices, preferences based on socio, economic, historical and professional dispositional perceptions about gains that could be made from one breed over another. The article concludes that since both dogs have become part of the social life of Nigerians, the two dogs should be given equal opportunity to allow for contribution to the development of the nation without placing artificial limitations on one over another. Importation of EFDBs not currently within the shores of Nigeria should be discouraged to allow for home breeds to thrive.