Fave Breeds VS Breeds That Would Properly Suit You

[Aleron]

Belgian Shepherd -- I adore Belgians, but I'm not sure if they're too much dog for me or not. I've met them at shows and different dog events, but a few have been really weird (kind of spooky protective) and I'm not sure that's something I want to chance dealing with. One day I'd like the opportunity to hang out with some nice Belgians for a bit and actually sit down and talk to a Belgian owner in person in the dogs' environment, and see what I think then.

The key with Belgians is finding a breeder who's dogs you like and then proper socialization and early training. A good rule of thumb is to look for breeders who's dogs are doing well in multiple venues, not just conformation. I have had quite a few Belgians and haven't really had those sorts of fear issues with mine, beyond a few having some flakey puppy moments. I have been around quite a lot who have had those issues though, generally they have come from parents or lines with similar issues and/or their early socialization was lacking.

German Shepherd Dog -- All of the different lines totally confuse me and I wouldn't even know where to start looking. I don't even know if one would fit me or not, as the more I read, the more confused I get because it seems like every type exhibits different behaviours and energy levels and such.

With GSDs it depends on what you want. If you know what sort of temperament you'd want in one, GSD people can certainly help point you in the right direction. It's actually probably easier to find a good GSD than it is to find good dogs in many other breeds because there are a lot of GSD people out there and a lot of quality litters in whatever line you might want. GSDs have always been my favorite breed but they don't' currently fit my household because of the tendency towards same sex aggression in all lines.

 

[Greenmagick]

Some breeds I love but will most likely never own

Pitbull - energy level is just not a match but OH how I LOVE them...maybe one day

Husky

Malamute

Border Collie

Aussie

Really, all of the above are because of energy levels

Danes and Wolfhounds are my top breeds. I also really like mastiffs.

Someone pointed out food and poop of these guys...really not bad at all. Feeding raw their poop is of course tiny and food isnt just based on size but also energy level. So for many, these giants eat the same or less as dogs smaller with higher energy

 

[Toller_08]

The key with Belgians is finding a breeder who's dogs you like and then proper socialization and early training. A good rule of thumb is to look for breeders who's dogs are doing well in multiple venues, not just conformation. I have had quite a few Belgians and haven't really had those sorts of fear issues with mine, beyond a few having some flakey puppy moments. I have been around quite a lot who have had those issues though, generally they have come from parents or lines with similar issues and/or their early socialization was lacking.




With GSDs it depends on what you want. If you know what sort of temperament you'd want in one, GSD people can certainly help point you in the right direction. It's actually probably easier to find a good GSD than it is to find good dogs in many other breeds because there are a lot of GSD people out there and a lot of quality litters in whatever line you might want. GSDs have always been my favorite breed but they don't' currently fit my household because of the tendency towards same sex aggression in all lines.

Thanks! I know there are nice Belgians out there, and most of the Belgian owners on different dog boards I've been on don't seem to have any issues with their dogs. A couple I have met in person just were not very nice, and I wasn't sure how much of that had to do with the dog itself and lines and how much had to do with socialization. And that's good to know about GSDs too! Sometimes if you read too much everything just gets overwhelming, especially with this breed. I know I don't like the looks of any of the dogs I come across at conformation shows, and so I won't seek out any of those breeders, but the Schutzhund club would probably be full of knowledgeable people who could point me in the right direction. The same sex aggression is something I don't really like, but I know I can deal with it perfectly fine as it's just as prevalent in Dobermans (which I have now). We'll see! It's going to be a little bit before I consider another dog for myself, as my house is currently full, but Belgians and GSDs are definitely two breeds I want to look into more (and talk to breeders) when the time is right.

 

[Aescleah]

i love gsds mals and dutch shepherds and one day might try again but i really do think mollosers are the best type of breed for me we are about the same energy lvl we have short bursts of energy and then we are cuput time for a rest. breeds that are timid are not a good thing either sight hounds are definatly out i sort of run them over not that i am overly mean or cruel just sorta in your face but i can be a bit over bearing sometimes even when i dont mean to be. i love the fact they love that they like to stick with there people unlike terriers which is my second favorite group who are all in your face but man if they get a whiff of something like a smaller animal thats it they are gone mollosers are just not like that well at least to the same degree. i also think terriers and mollosers are easier to read i have a very hard time with the herding group when it comes to reading them for me they are a challenge maybe because they are more complicated ( thier intellence if geared just a bit differently) i am not sure if i am impressed or frusterated with it) i think my greatest lesson when it comes to herding breds would be to stop watch and think what the dog is telling me instead of ramming my own agenda down there throat. so some day when i get more experience and can read dogs better i will try again i guess dogs are a journey maybe i will try again i will stay with boerboels i am comfortable with that.

Ashley

 

[Lizmo]

I go back and forth between Goldens. I adore their look, so gorgeous. I love the pep, happiness, sillyness, etc. But it's *such* a change from my thinkers. Maybe one day.