How did you discover which breed was for you?

[minkee]

I often see people with 2 or 3 dogs all of the same breed out and about. It often seems to be that once someone's bought into a particular breed, they are its for life. And infact since getting Scout (Patterdale x Lakeland) I'd be very tempted to get another just like her, because she's turned into such a lovely animal. We only picked her based on the fact that she had to be 1. fairly small, 2. affordable, and 3. available locally as well as having the appropriate characteristics for my small family :) However, I probably won't get another terrier (I think if I had 2 they would just bounce off each other for forever!) so I am met with a myriad of options for my second dog! When I was young I always wanted a giant white dog, a Pyrenees Mountain Dog most like, due to a wonderful cartoon called Belle and Sebastian, where a boy and his 2 dogs treked over the Alps and had adventures aplenty. I think I'm slightly more practical these days though, so maybe they'd be off my list due to too-much-hair criteria!

Are you loyal to a particular breed? How did it start? Why do you stick with them? Perhaps you have a variety? I saw a lady today with 5 dogs ranging from a chihuahua to a rottweiler with all shapes and sizes inbetween.

I'm especially interested to hear from those who do or did breed their animals, because that must take particular dedication to that breed. What made you choose them?

ps. I know that the dog itself is way more important than its breed, but, as I don't plan on rescuing a pup this time round, finding a breed and breeder is the starting point.

[JudyN]

Hmmmm.... I wanted something cute and scruffy, but hubby and son wanted something a bit more macho, and hubby started looking longingly at deerhounds I have fibromyalgia so limited energy, and I work from home, so I wanted a dog that would be fairly laid back round the house. So a big scruffy deerhound x lurcher seemed to fit the bill, as I was told lurchers just need two half-hour walks a day and sleep the rest of the time. Unfortunately, no one told Jasper this... Still, if it hadn't been for him I would never have built up my fitness to a level when I can easily walk for three hours a day or more - and it's true, for most of the rest of the day he lets me get on with my work, whereas some breeds would have half an hour rest and then drip a soggy ball on top of my work

I can't think of much better than watching him bound across heathland chasing imaginary bunnies (and sometimes real bunnies), persuading another dog to chase him, or running just for the sheer joy of it. I really wouldn't want a dog who, after the first flush of youth, just wanted to plod along slowly behind me.

If I was getting another dog as a mate for Jasper I'd be considering a small terrier, maybe a Staffie, as he seems to be a good match for them, but really, I just want another lurcher....

[emmabeth]

Its sighthounds for me and deerhounds and salukis in particular...

I liked their appearance and went from there, meeeting breedersa nd talking to them at length. I had a rescue saluki x greyhound and I had known enough greyhounds to know that the bits i liked particularly were saluki traits, so one day i will have a pedigree saluki. I currently have an afghan x saluki..

With deerhounds i met breeders, met their dgos and found tat 'in person' i liked them even more... and after four years or so of living with our girl i would not be without one now!

I also have a tibetan terrier - whilst I would get one again I would source the breeder more carefully, though Errols breeder was good, there could have been more socialising done and i also would NOT get a pup at 14 weeks ish again.

With all the breeds i really REALLY like, I have met them previous to owning them in some way or another and had a really good 'road test' of them. There are undoubtedly other breeds that i would love that i have never met, but these are the ones taht stood out for me so far. I have of cours emet breeds that i like.... but could not live with, such as working terriers, GSDs, collies, labradors etc.

So i think the key is, road testing. Go and find someone with a breed you like thelook and sound of.. and then spend a day or so with them, walkt heir dogs groom their dogs, feed them, train them, play with them. A really good test is in fact to sit in their living room with a cuppa and a biscuit or a sandwich and try to watch tv - that gives you a REALLY good idea of what LIVING with a breed is like.

The way to find breeds to potentially road test I find best, is to make a list of the things you must NOT have, and a list of things you can compromise on.

With a fiesty working terrier, I would look at one of the less reactive sighthound types or a mix (ie a lurcher), or one of the easier going gundog types (setter, spaniel but not cocker!), somethin with a pretty high flash-point that is up for theamount of walking and work you w ill do with a terrier, but not likely to be in direct competition with the terrier.

Also, go for the opposite gender!


Judy - ach you shoulda gone for the Deerhound - for you, I would add a deerhound ***** rather than another lurcher (though one without any terrier blood and heavy on the deerhound, greyhound mix would be good too). Whoever said lurchers only want half an hour twice a day has fallen foul of that myth that lurchers are like ex racing greyhounds which of course they are not. Even pet bred pedigree greyhounds are not like ex racers, its that first few years spent kennelled with little human contact, and only socialising with other greyhounds, and only really exercising in paddocks or on the track that makes them like that, not the breed!

[Suzette]

Though I've had shelties, golden retrievers, collies, shepherd mixes and who-knows-what's-in-there mutts, (all GREAT dogs!!), before I got my corgi puppy I researched the breed thoroughly before making my final decision to get one. I scoured the internet, called reputable breeders, talked with some trainers and then went to a local corgi show here in my hometown. I was won over! I must say I have had some magnificent dogs in the past, but with Piper, it's like she was custom-made for us.

Before doing all that though, I sat down and wrote a list of what I did and did not want in a dog, what I would love about a breed or really be agitated with. I was honest with myself regarding how much time I would actually spend grooming and exercising, what energy level would fit us, the size and strength of the dog, etc. When all was said and done, all signs pointed to the pembroke corgi - a breed I had always thought so cute and personable. And I have to say that Piper is all we could have asked for in a doggie companion and more.

[ladybug1802]

I dont (and have never) had a preferred breed. I do like all dog breeds really. I have a friend who has always had labs, and will only ever get labs. I dont quite 'get it' simply because I dont go by breed. I do like cute dogs as opposed to macho looking ones, but if one came aling that needed a home I would give any dog a home! I wouldnt look for a dog by breed.....when I found Dylan it was tough as I wanted to take home most of the dogs in the rescue centre! But I fell for him simply because he was so skinny and sad looking, and I just knew he was mine!

In the past we (as a family) had 2 German Shepherds who i adored, and when I was a kid we had a chocolate lab who I grew up with and adored, and was heartbroken when he had to be put down.

I think if I had a particular need and 'must hacve' in a dog (such a doesnt need as much exercice, or a dog to do agility with) it might make me think more of breed, but I just adapt my life to what Dylan needs anyway!

[Flyby]

I've already described the thought process behind getting Odin, my Rhodesian Ridgeback, in the Breeds Section where Troop has asked for advice about Ridgebacks. Says it all really, though not perhaps how absolutely delighted I am with the big fella. He's a complete star and I love him to bits. He'll be 4 this Christmas, and I cannot believe the time has gone so fast. I have never before known cars to drive past while out walking, stop, reverse, and roll down the window just ask me about my Ridgeback, but no word of a lie it has now happened 4 times.

My second dog is a Border Terrier, Pippin. I've had two other Border Terriers before, so this was a safe option as 'company' for Odin. I had noticed when exercising Odin how much more animated he became when playing with other dogs rather than walking just with me, so I didn't need much persuading to buy a second dog. At the time, Odin was a year and a bit, and still pretty boistrous. I was extremely tempted to buy a second Ridgeback, but knew I could never hold 2 such powerful dogs if ever the need arose. We also had some rats attracted to food left in one of the works cabins, so the decision was made. I don't regret it, because Pippen is every bit the little hero I knew he would be, but let's just say if I was ever to get a third dog, it would be another Ridgeback.

Border Terriers are superb little dogs. You get all the good bits of a terrier, the bravery, heart and determination etc, but none of the bad bits, the yappyness, insanity or hyperactivity you often get with other terriers.

What really struck me about my pups was their differences. When Odin was a pup, I bought him a pile of toys, which he played with a little, but not much. A year later, he still had them all, all complete, and all still squeaked. Pippin on the other hand shredded anything you put in front of him. Even Odin's Kong. He grew out of that stage pretty quick, but nevertheless, I knew even then that I had two dogs with a massively different outlook on life. We're all still here and happy, and it's all working out just fine.

[dontpugme]

My whole family has always had pugs. My dad's side is pretty obsessed. This is one shelf in my aunt's house:











The couches are pug colored, as well. (The cushions are sortof tan and the woodwork on them is black) She also owned about 40 pugs (they lived in a place where dogs aren't really held to high standards) Sadly, they all died of PDE (Pug Dog Encephalitis)

When I was really young, we had a pug named Max. We had to return him to the pug rescue (my parents told me he got married and gave me a picture of pugs wearing a tuxedo and a wedding dress) because we went out of the country. Since I didn't remember him, when I got older, I wanted a pug named Max.

[jacksdad]

I don't know what my breed is yet. Like almost all my pets to date, Jack "found me" verse me going looking for a pet. Except for once, with a budgie back in High School I have actually never gone out an chosen a pet my self. It's always been stray cats that I have tried to help, but never been where I could keep one. Jack was actually my wife's idea.

I have always liked the German Shepard. Been intrigued by Rottweilers ever since in High School I saw one be putty in the hands of a 7 or 8 year old girl. Now after Jack, I might be more open to smaller breed dogs. Then thanks to my neighbor with Luna the Jindo, the Spitz breeds are peaking my interest. Boarder Collies might even be worth considering. A BC mix joined our neighborhood a few months ago and hit it off with Jack right from the start. ironically he is named Jack too. of all the dogs that Jack chooses to play with, BC Jack handicaps beautifully in their play. Better than any dog I have seen since I have gotten Jack. Way better than even Luna, but she is learning and getting better.

But what breed would I get post Jack? Good question. I don't know.

[chay]

i also don't really have a "breed" preference, but we have always had small dogs (our family dogs were a middle sized *something* mix, a fox terrier mix, then a silky terrier mix (pup of the foxy)). i love all dogs, but also recognise as the others have said that not all breeds would suit me or my lifestyle

when we decided to start looking out for another dog after saying goodbye to the silky mix at 17.5 years old, all i knew was that i couldn't have another silky terrier. her temperament was amazing, and i still do think they are great little dogs, but it almost seemed too much like "replacing" her, if that makes sense? not saying for a second that those who DO get similar or same breed dogs are doing that, but to me it seemed too hard to even look at pictures of silkies as it reminded me too much of her

SO...we did much like emmabeth described, talked about what were dealbreakers and what were compromisable. like jacksdad, we also were really drawn to the spitz breeds (i was dead set on a pretty white japanese spitz for a while, but the desire to rescue instead of purchase from a breeder won out, which kind of made the 'breed temperament' side of things even more uncertain, as you never REALLY know what you're getting with a rescue). in the end we only met one dog after about 4 months of "just looking" - a little pomeranian (DEFINITELY pom in there just to look at her!) x chihuahua who has turned out to be the perfect fit.

in the end, i don't think i'll ever have a "breed", but i know i love little dogs with big personalities, and i think they'll be my doggy companians of choice for some time

[bendog]

I've always been a terrier person.

I love all dogs. And especially big dogs and collies etc...but terriers are small enough to live with without shedding hair or drool everywhere, will still walk and play all day, but are happy to sleep and amuse themselves too when I'm busy.

We currently have a Welsh, Lakeland and a Border.
Though I have to admit the "curly" terriers aren't my favourite looks wise.

I had a Cairn when I was younger and I'd get a Cairn or a Border again if I got another dog.
But I'd get a rescue, so maybe a "terrier cross type" dog...rather than a pedigree breed.

With the Cairn and Border terriers the ones I've had have been really chilled out and tolerant of children/babies etc in the house when they aren't playing or walking. I like that they are small enough to cuddle, need virtually no grooming, and active enough to not be "lap dogs".

I have to admit though I have a longing for a greyhound too because I think it would suit my Border...

I've dog sat for friends with Border Collies or other bigger more active dogs and though they are lovely, they need too much attention 24/7 for me to have one myself.


(Flyby I can sympathise with your toy issue! Most toys don't last 5 minutes with Bendog, and he's cheeky enough to pinch other dogs toys too if we go to visit anywhere)

[MPbandmom]

I don't really yet know which breed is for me. I used to think Huskys were stunningly beautiful and if I ever had a dog, I would want a husky. Now that I have a husky lab mix and know more about the breed, I think I will continue to admire them from afar. In trying to figure out what Sirius was, we came across the Norwegian breeds. I like the personality and size descriptions of the buhunds and they sometimes have one available for adoption. Sirius is slightly on the large size for a buhund, but seems to have more of the personality of an elkhound, which the buhund people say her facial structure makes them think of. She is slightly on the small side for an elkhound though.

I also have a friend that I met through a local dog walking group that works in Greyhound rescue. I have been very impressed with the rescue greyhounds, but with my experience with Sky and her size to my size with taking off after small furries, I'm not sure that a greyhound would be the ideal match for me.

So while I have no idea whether or not I will decide to get another dog after these two are gone, if I did, I would be leaning towards buhund or greyhound rescue.

[Wes]

I had always had Pit Bull terriers growing up - they were excellent farm dogs and were great with our horses. When I left for college, I fostered several pit bulls before finally adopting Rosie, my late APBT. I always thought I'd never get another breed of dog. I loved their smaller size, their happy, loving life attitude, and endless energy. It worked really well for me, but the terrier bit was usually what I could do without. I got Sampson my doberman by pure chance and now I can't imagine going back to another breed. Though he's much larger than any other dog I've had, he has that endless energy and curiousity about everything that I loved in my pit bulls - without the terrier attitude. He keeps me and my partner in shape and he picks up on things so quickly. Sometimes he does outsmart us, but I like that he's constantly figuring things out and keeping me on my toes.

[wvvdiup1]

I don't have a favorite breed but am avid lover of dogs, being brought up around dogs all my life. In that length of time, I've had different breeds of dogs, even the mix-breeds, but what I have found that it isn't a certain breed that is right for me, but that each dog, no matter of their breeding, has been special to me in many ways . So I can't choose which breed!

[minkee]

Well, since I started this thread me and mr. minkee have had a lot of discussion as to what sort of dog we would like next. He has always been of the 'it has to be small!' persuasion, and also was not convinced by my 'we shouldn't get a second terrier' argument (he wants another Scout). Apart from him dropping the word terrier to all his suggestions "How about a Lakeland?" "What about a Bodger-dog?" (the bull terrier in The Incredible Journey)... we've been looking for something that's most likely to be good with cats, short haired is a particularly high priority too, and a generally healthy breed.

Italian Spinone's sounded lovely, but slobber rules them out.
Salukis, whippets, italian greyhounds are all dogs he thinks have a lovely look, but I'm not sure how they'd get on with cats, salukis MAY be a no go because they're the dog his mum used to keep "they look like hippies, can see why my mum liked them being a hippy herself." and I think I'd be too worried about the fragility of IGs.
Beagles are on the top of the 'amazing looking' list, but I'm not sure we could handle how vocal they are (can be?), or how scent driven (nightmare scenarios go through my head with a dog that can't hear because he's too busy sniffing!). Otherwise they'd be a strong contender, I think.

HOWEVER, there's a gorgeous pointer that runs around on our local cricket field. Really beautiful dog, but probably 5x as big as something that Mr. says he wants. Now, pointers are in the mix! Hurray for me! I have the possibility of getting the large dog I always wanted, plus, I've always loved the gun dog look. And what's better, is that that very dog is a stud dog ("I chose him because we wanted a breed that was really healthy, and didn't suffer from HD etc"), so that gives me a headstart on finding a great puppy locally. Here's what wikipedia has to say about their temperament:

Pointers are even-tempered, congenial dogs happiest living indoors as part of the family. Pointers are affectionate and loyal. Their aggression level is very low to non-existent and they can happily co-exist with other dogs and often cats. Pointers are typically not territorial, although their size and bark will intimidate most people who come to its door. Pointers are very good with children, although young children and a clumsy young Pointer are often not the best combination.
While Pointers were bred to be a hunting dog, they are perfectly content given adequate exercise in a non-hunting home. Since they are a galloping breed, regular exercise is important for them, as it is for all sporting breeds. A good sized, securely fenced yard is a must to keep a Pointer safe since they are bred to hunt a good distance from their person. When left for the day, they typically do best indoors. Pointers are habitual "couch potatoes" who enjoy relaxing on the family's chairs or sofas. This is a natural part of their desire to feel part of the pack.

All this is me getting way ahead of myself, we won't be getting another puppy for at least a year, we're waiting till 1. we have a new home - we're on the 4th floor at the moment, and while I think there's space for another dog, Mr. is not convinced, and if we're getting a big dog, I do NOT want to be carrying it up and down that many stairs until it's 2 years old!! 2. Scout is going to be 2 in December. I don't think she's going to mature any more than she already has (she was neutered at 6 months), but I'm willing to give her the chance and see what happens.

So it's a way off, and subject to change, but I'm still excited by the prospect!

[Ari_RR]

We wanted something really big, from the working group.. Black Russian Terrier was the first choice, but there was only 1 breeder within driving distance, whom we weren't totally thrilled with once the time came to discuss legal aspects of getting a puppy...
Then one day we saw a Ridgeback at a friend's place, loved it, did the research... The more we read about the breed, the more we liked it. Made a few visits to the breeder, spent some time with her puppies and adult dogs.. I think there are quantifiable breed characteristics that may or may not fit the lifestyle (size, shedding, energy level, need for exercise, etc), but there is also some sort of connection that you can't really describe. We saw our boy Ari among the other puppies, and just knew he was the one A year later - no regrets, now we can't even imagine ourselves having any other kind... Next one will be also a Ridgeback, although a girl, and also a 12-13 week old puppy. It's a lot of work with puppies, but only for a few months - they grow up so fast.. But those early months are just so precious, we probably wouldn't want to miss out on that.