Favorite dog breed
- Thread starter msm4
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Large: Definitely Golden Retrievers and GSDs. Both so very loyal, versatile and loving, both absolutely beautiful. Both are intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Both are very affectionate. People seem to know this about Goldens, but many get the wrong idea about GSDs because they say every one they've met is aloof. But those are people who have never owned one!! GSDs are affectionate, they are simply selective. Aloof with strangers or people they deem undeserving, but GSDs are very affectionate with their own families ... especially the children. Both these breeds get so very in-tune with their people that they seem to know your next move even before you do! That very trait is what makes both breeds such excellent service dogs in so many different areas.
Small: West Highland White Terrier. More people-oriented, softer and less stubborn than other terriers. Nice balance between loving and independence, they enjoy snuggles but not to the point of overly-clingy. Beautiful shimmery snow-white coats contrast nicely with dark M&M eyes and little black noses. I only met one that was a problem. She was a yapper and snapper but as usual the problem was the owner, not the dog! She was left ouside most of the time and used to bark and cry at her owner's back door, and the owner's visiting grandchildren were mean to the poor little thing.
When we got our Westie puppy last month, some friends and a couple family members said "Ha, ha ... good luck!" as soon as they heard "terrier" in the name. But he has been a breeze to train, eager to please and learns very quickly. Never had to teach him "Look at me" or "Focus" ... from the very beginning he fixed his gaze, loves to learn and is very responsive. He's now 15 weeks, 100% on housebreaking, all basic obedience and a few tricks. Still reinforcing all that but he already anticipates commands so trying to mix them in different orders. Looks like the challenge with this one will be keeping him from getting bored.
Toy: Papillon by far. Some can be mischevious but generally their personalities are very sweet, happy, and loyal ... similar to a Golden Retriever, just in a tiny package! Paps have the advantages of toy breeds without the usual disadvantages. Tiny but not timid or fearful, they are friendly with just about everyone, love to travel and don't get car sickness like many toy dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train. Plus they are such beautiful little dogs, with those fringed butterfly ears! Never had a toy breed but if I did this is one I would want.
Small: West Highland White Terrier. More people-oriented, softer and less stubborn than other terriers. Nice balance between loving and independence, they enjoy snuggles but not to the point of overly-clingy. Beautiful shimmery snow-white coats contrast nicely with dark M&M eyes and little black noses. I only met one that was a problem. She was a yapper and snapper but as usual the problem was the owner, not the dog! She was left ouside most of the time and used to bark and cry at her owner's back door, and the owner's visiting grandchildren were mean to the poor little thing.
When we got our Westie puppy last month, some friends and a couple family members said "Ha, ha ... good luck!" as soon as they heard "terrier" in the name. But he has been a breeze to train, eager to please and learns very quickly. Never had to teach him "Look at me" or "Focus" ... from the very beginning he fixed his gaze, loves to learn and is very responsive. He's now 15 weeks, 100% on housebreaking, all basic obedience and a few tricks. Still reinforcing all that but he already anticipates commands so trying to mix them in different orders. Looks like the challenge with this one will be keeping him from getting bored.
Toy: Papillon by far. Some can be mischevious but generally their personalities are very sweet, happy, and loyal ... similar to a Golden Retriever, just in a tiny package! Paps have the advantages of toy breeds without the usual disadvantages. Tiny but not timid or fearful, they are friendly with just about everyone, love to travel and don't get car sickness like many toy dogs. They are intelligent and easy to train. Plus they are such beautiful little dogs, with those fringed butterfly ears! Never had a toy breed but if I did this is one I would want.
