Are there breeds you love and breeds you don’t get the appeal of? I think we all do – though I would be the first to admit that there are always exceptions to any rule. I love Border Collies – but I’ve met individual ones that aggravated me. And I am generally not a fan of German Shorthair Pointers (or Wirehaired Pointers, for that matter), but one of the sweetest, funniest GSPs is in my extended family and I adore her.
In my opinion, hunting dogs in general are some of the prettiest dogs there are. But if they come from a long line of hunters, I tend to find it annoying to walk with them. I enjoy walking with my dogs, interacting with them, racing and playing with them, and watching them scan and joyfully take in their environment. I do not enjoy feeling like I have to prevent the dog I am walking with from scanning the environment for small creatures that they might be able to kill. As such, I love hounds – but only the ones who aren’t into hunting!
I was raised around dogs who were bred to herd cattle – Kelpies and Australian Cattle Dogs and various mixes of these – but I tend not to enjoy the intensity, grit, and independence that these dogs are known for. However, I have lots of friends who enjoy them for those traits alone; some people prefer having somewhat aloof dogs who can take care of themselves without a lot of fuss.
I was an adult before I was introduced to the typically softer, more responsive Border Collie – still a herding breed, but one that tends to be more attuned to humans, more solicitous of our affection and approval than the tougher dogs bred to take the hard knocks of cattle herding. My BC Rupert, a “pet quality” pup who was practically given away (in contrast to his high-cost, sheep-herding prospect littermates), opened my heart forever to these sensitive and quirky dogs.
But as much as I admire purpose-bred dogs, I don’t want one for myself. I’m afraid I’m always going to be a mutt lover. I love big mutts and I cannot lie! I get such a kick out of trying to guess what mixed-breed puppies will look like– how big they will be! – when they mature. And I love trying to identify what breed their personality traits and tendencies may be attributable to – if any! My two most muttliest mutts – the two dogs that show the most breeds in their mixed-breed DNA tests – don’t show any particular traits that align with any breeds at all!
Are there breeds you’d never own? Do you always get dogs of the same breed? Or do you select dogs without regard to their breed?
I’d never have a pure-bred dog with a deformity such as bulldog, pug, pekingese or Chinese Shar-Pei. I just wish breeders of pure-breds would breed for health and longevity. I will always go for the shelter dogs of mixed parentage. I have two: one that is a mix of seven breeds (pit, husky, cocker spaniel, bichon frise, basset hound and chow chow); he is active and healthy and the most affectionate dog I have ever had. The other is a chow chow/Staffie mix; she is a sweet and gentle dog and very independent; a little petting goes a long way with her.
There are certain dogs I have never been a fan of. First and foremost Chow Chow. Then Shepard’s and Husky’s. I have three mutts who are all very different but all lovable and sweet. They all listen well and are extremely people oriented and willing to please. Two I could pick out the most dominant breed but 1 I had no clue! Did a dna test when she was just 1 year old. Said mixed breed throughout the entire report. Then I did one again a few months ago (she is now 8) thinking there were many more submissions of dna. WOW! The love of my life is (in this order) Chow, Shepard and Husky with some pit! When I read up on them and saw the characteristics of each it explained so much of her personality and behaviors! But she is still my mutt and they will always be my favorite ‘Breed’!
Sporting group seems to max out my choices…many goldens for years, a perfect English cocker as I ‘downsized’ and now have had 3 rescue Am cockers… but adored two great danes and the clown Eng bull/beagle ‘mutt’ from neighbor’s accidental pups. Not sure I would ever choose a herding group or toy. But choices sometimes just happen :-).
Can’t imagine life without a dog. Wish they lived forever…but then there are many friends I would never have known.
I have had lots of different dogs – I tend to select my dogs based on their personality and temperament for what it is that I want to do with them at whatever stage of my life I am in now. Size doesn’t always matter – but when I wanted a dog to kayak with – I did look for a smaller ‘kayak friendly’ dog. I didn’t always choose dogs based on temperament – but I do now, and if they have a ‘mask’, I’m always a sucker for that. (I have two cavaliers, a pomeranian-chihuahua, and a Border Collie/Newfoundland mix currently).
Golden Retrievers are my favorites…..I love their big fluffy coats and those loving eyes and happy soft toy carrying personality. But I also love Beagles and Shih Tzus and Great Danes and Chihuahuas….for me it is all about the connection and not the breed. I am still fostering and the group that I belong to pulls dogs from the county kill shelter so we take out as many as we can.
It looks like your newest dog Boone has gone through a growth spurt…..or just in the foreground of the photo?
Both things are true! He’s gotten much taller than I expected him to, and is only about 10 months old now. But he also looks bigger than he is, being in the foreground. His “stay” is still a work in progress, so I haven’t yet managed to get him in a proper lineup with Woody and Otto for comparison.
I grew up with dogs….Beagles and such.
My husband and I have been married almost 50 years and we have had 7 Shih Tzu dogs in that time….sometime 1 and sometimes 2 at a time.
Our first was a rescue ….we fell in love with the breed. We now purchase from excellent , honest breeders. Shih Tzu dogs are just the right size for us.
I think everyone has a favorite breed.
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Our daughter had 2 Shih Tzu’s and we fell in love with the breed. So prior to my retirement, we got a male Shih Tzu puppy as out first dog since I was a teenager. We’re now approaching our mid 70’s and he has been perfect for our life style. Meanwhile our daughter’s 2 have passed and she has a cocker spaniel that has WAY TOO much energy for us, but she is very pretty.
I don’t have breed biases per se, but I’ve never gotten the appeal of little dogs. Chihuahuas in particular. Maybe becaue their personality is more like that of a cat…they can take you or leave you. Sometimes they love you like crazy, then it’s like…meh. Today you’re staff.
Whereas big dogs are always, always “Mom! Omigod, Mom! You’ve been gone for FIVE WHOLE MINUTES! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!”
Yes, there are exceptions…my baby sister found a little mop… I mean maltipoo running the streets. Just a big, matted mess. Took her to the vet, had her stripped (the mats were THAT BAD)…and named her Jayda. Have no idea how old Jayda was when she was rescued, but Jayda lived 16 long years with our family…and I adored her. She was a little dog in a herd of 12 other 50+ pounders, and she was second only to Beighmer, the queen.
I had no use for Chihuahua types until I came into possession of Tito, who was left by a niece to stay with us “for a few months, maybe” that turned into years. He was a big dog in a little guy’s body, but that didn’t mean he wanted you to pick him – just try it! Self-possessed, highly confident, a fetch fanatic . . . i miss him soooo much!
Cockapoo all the way! Once you’ve had one you never go back …
I absolutely adore Golden Retrievers (and their mixes), and can’t imagine not having one of these gentle, loving dogs in my life. On the flip side, I’m more than a little leery of pitties, and would never have one…and yet, my neighbor had a pit mix that was one of the sweetest, funniest pups I’ve ever known. I also admit to a bias against aggression-prone breeds like Rottweilers and Dobermans (and yes, I know there are wonderful exceptions to my negative judgment!), simply because I prefer a breed or mix that is more amiable and affectionate. I want a big dog that isn’t opposed to covering me with dog-kisses!
I’m with you Joan. My best dog ever was a Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever. Smart, funny, sweet, affectionate, gentle, bidable. Everything I want in a dog. I now have another Lab/Golden and a Silver Lab. I would never own a pittie.
Interesting..I love all dogs. I’d admit I have mixed feelings about small neurotic nippy breeds, boxers and big drooly dogs. I got into Shiba Inu’s a long time ago and once they and other Spitz breeds set their hooks, its a habit that it is hard to break. I’ve been blessed to have had three of these characters in my life. They are a challenging breed and not for novices but building that relationship has so many rewards.