Is your dog also your favorite breed?

[lancerandrara]

Tbh, my dogs aren't my favorite breed- but my options were limited, because my parents would only allow dogs under 25~30 lbs. So I did my research and chose the MAS, resulting in Rara!

But I've always wanted a GSD. I've researched about the breed so much (from other handlers on dog forums like this), if someone says the phrase GERMAN SHEPHERD, I can open my mouth and random facts about them will just explode out.

Because of Lancer and Rara though, I've also done intense research (and gained a lot of personal experience) on Aussies. I love working Aussie drive and biddability, but not so much their intense sensitivity to the environment and physical stimuli. Because of this, I'd still love to own a GSD... who are generally bred to be harder and more versatile in that they can take a few mistakes from an amateur handler without getting easily mentally hurt like an Aussie does (or so I've heard!). I would love a breed who is more inherently prone to ignoring/not caring about car horns, other dogs going off, people yelling, etc. assuming equal socialization for both breeds, but is also biddable, focused, drivey, handler-oriented, and a knack for learning new commands.

adding to title, and/or is your dog everything you've always wanted? Yes/no and why?

 

[Red.Apricot]

Elsie is my favorite dog. I really, really love her.

But I don't think the things I love about her could ONLY be found in Tervs. I think there are dogs of many breeds/mixes that could fit me just as well. I could stay in Tervs forever and be happy.

I'm not sure I have a favorite breed anymore... until I meet a GSD out in public and then I'm right back in my childhood and I need another one in my life right now.

 

[Fran101]

Nope. He's my favorite dog though! LOL

I wanted a golden LOL I went looking for the right breeder for me instead of the right breed (since there is so much variation), and ended up with Merlin's breeder and subsequently...Merlin

Aussies aren't my thing. And if Merlin's breeder stopped her program, I probably wouldn't have another.

BUT he's a sweet wonderful dog who is perfect for me in ways I didn't think I needed...so even though I don't love all aussies as a whole, I would always have a Merlin if given the choice.

 

[JacksonsMom]

No, not really. When I got Jackson, it was a huge impulse decision. I was 18 and "just wanted my own dog" and my only requirement was that it was 'hypoallegenic' because my stepdad, whom I live with (along with mom and sister) is allergic to dogs. So basically got online, saw a classifieds ads for a cute little Yorkie pup, and a week later, I had Jackson.

I was very lucky that he was exactly the dog I needed/wanted, without even knowing what that was at the time. I had no real standards nor did I do any research. Had I? I probably wouldn't have sought out Yorkies. I honestly didn't realize how small they were. I thought Jackson was super tiny when I brought him home at 9 weeks old and 5lbs. Come to find out, that's the size of most adult yorkies lol. Whoops.

So anyway, I'm super happy with him and my decision, for the most part and I wouldn't actively seek a Yorkie from a breeder but if I came across the right one in rescue or re-home, I wouldn't say 'no' however I have a desire to try out other breeds.

 

[Toller_08]

Yes.

I love Aussies more than I ever imagined that I could or would. I don't think all of them are necessarily like Journey, but she is an amazing dog and fits me perfectly. She's friendly, happy, outgoing, resilient, not sensitive to or afraid of anything really, does anything I ask of her, tries hard, learns quickly, etc. She is also super cuddly and a really easy house dog. I do wish she had more impulse control, as that's been a work in progress forever, but all in all she is as perfect as a dog could ever be for me and because of her I will absolutely have an Aussie or multiples in my life forever. They've become my favourite breed.

I also love Tollers nearly as much and am lucky enough to live with two favourite breeds. I love how mischievous they are and how they're always plotting haha. They're super hard workers and Dance has never, ever quit on me. She never gives up. She's not soft at all, which is nice. A little hard headed sometimes, but usually that adds to her charming personality. She is super funny and quirky too. She's just a fun, fun little dog. I enjoy most other Tollers for the same reasons.

I'd be happy to always have only Tollers and Aussies from here on out I think. There are other breeds I like also and would consider, but now that I've found two that I love living with and enjoy so much, I don't feel a strong desire to try another breed. Unless I want another larger dog again someday maybe. Who knows. But I really do love these two breeds. Not all individuals are going to have all of the traits I love in my dogs, especially Journey, but I think I could find future dogs with enough commonalities.

 

[Paviche]

My answer is similar to Red.Apricot's. Rowan is perfect for me. Perfect. But I know I can find those same traits that I adore in him, in other breeds. He has made me want to always have a Brittany, so there's that. But in the end it's him that's perfect for me, not his breed. In a lot of ways he's atypical for his breed.

Riff... taught me I don't want a GSP? lol. He's half GSP, half Aussie, but his behavior is pretty much all GSP. Now that I've experienced the BARK BARK BARKing, I'm not sure I want an Aussie, either, although they're otherwise a way better fit for me than GSPs!

TBH I don't really have a "favorite" breed. I have a lot of favorite breeds. I don't think I could pick just one. I haven't found a dog that matches EVERYTHING I want and at this point I'm not sure that it exists, so I'll probably always have a variety

 

[Annabell]

I have always wanted an ACD or a BC, so yes, Fable is my favorite breed. The only thing is that I wanted a really high-energy dog that is toy motivated and will want to play fetch and frisbee with me. I always say that Fable is broken because she couldn't care less about toys, and although she enjoys her daily walks/bike rides, she wouldn't go nuts if I stopped exercising her every day. I definitely want my next dog to be from a breeder so I know what to expect, although I don't know if I want another ACD or to try something new and get a BC.

Just to add, I love Fable very much and wouldn't trade her for anything. Even though she wasn't planned and isn't the exact dog I would have chosen, we are a great match. I love my girl!

 

[lancerandrara]

Yes.

I love Aussies more than I ever imagined that I could or would. I don't think all of them are necessarily like Journey, but she is an amazing dog and fits me perfectly. She's friendly, happy, outgoing, resilient, not sensitive to or afraid of anything really, does anything I ask of her, tries hard, learns quickly, etc. She is also super cuddly and a really easy house dog. I do wish she had more impulse control, as that's been a work in progress forever, but all in all she is as perfect as a dog could ever be for me and because of her I will absolutely have an Aussie or multiples in my life forever. They've become my favourite breed.

That's awesome to hear about Journey. She sounds a lot like Lancer, besides being not sensitive and not afraid (Lancer is suuuper sensitive to his environment and not the bravest LOL). Even the slight lack of impulse control sounds like Lancer hahah. I don't know a ton, but to me, she sounds like a well-bred, stable Aussie!

 

[Finkie_Mom]

For now they are

There will always be Finkies in my house. I've met and trained TONS of other breeds, but only owned the Finkies. So I think it will be interesting with nextdog hopefully being a Buhund. I might have 2 fave breeds then

 

[Laurelin]

I don't really have a favorite breed. There's a lot of breeds I love and enjoy for many reasons.

I adore papillons. They are wonderful dogs and companions. Summer is the best agility partner ever and Mia is truly my best friend and best dog ever.

Hank fits me very well in a different way. I love his energy level an his physicality and his harder temperament. He is tons of fun. Sadly he's a mix so recreating that could be hard. But I'd go for a cattle rat or whatever he is again in an instant.

 

[lancerandrara]

Man, I totally forgot to add thoughts about my pups! LOL.

Honestly, Rara is such a unique, special, quietly intelligent dog. She is not very drivey (probably a result from being NOT an Aussie.. go figure), but extremely handler-oriented on the sidelines, obedient, and learns so much on her own about human language and emotions just from observation... Not sure how she does it, but I personally consider her a genius in more ways than one. I have this super long story about how she miraculously found my dad's hearing aids without ever being taught how to or even TOLD to. She just knew that we lost something, somehow knew WHAT we lost, and went off on her own to retrieve them for us. It's was eerie and pretty amazing.
It's a LITTLE BIT long to post here, but I told the story on my dog's blog: http://lancerandrara.blogspot.com/2014/08/thankful-thursday-is-rara-actually.html

Lancer, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of Rara. He's loud, focused, drivey, intense on getting the job done (whatever it is), and learns things extremely fast. Rara learns quickly as well, but she's the kind of dog where... if she senses that you are even slightly discouraged, she would give up. She depends on the handler for confidence. While Lancer just works and works and doesn't care about whether you're feeling down or happy, he does it to give himself satisfaction. I've always wanted a super drivey dog, and this is what I got! LOL. Unfortunately, he also came with fear-aggression issues, which we now successfully trained under control, but he his fear can still be easily sparked.

 

[skittledoo]

Yes I do. I actively sought out my favorite breeds though. I was interested in Ibizans for at least 6 years before Joey came into the picture. He's been a fun introduction to the breed for me. I'm getting a bitch here in a few years to show and lure course. If all turns out really well the plan would be to breed her and begin my lines. That's how much I love this breed.

Xolos are another breed I've been completely smitten over the past few years. Everything about them really interested me. I specifically looked for a xolo breeder and that's how I ended up with Itztli.

 

[Dizzy]

I'm way to fickle to say yes and that's that. Yes currently

I'm open to trying lots, I'd own a collie, a smaller breed, all sorts. The other half is very much the sort of person who sticks with what he knows and likes, so in his mind it's gsp forever from now on!

We will see. Once baby is older I want to think about next dog... I do LOVE gsp though. Even if they are a pain in the arse

 

[xpaeanx]

I'm a dog lover, not an x-breed lover... I mostly go for I want this list of traits for this dog, what breeds/lines match that. I've already owned a few different breeds and I hope to continue trying new breeds as life progresses. I do find I tend to mostly stick within the herding group though (which is where I am now).

 

[Dekka]

I love Dekka. A lot. Like crazily so. I also love JRTs. Though I am not sure I will find the traits I love in Dekka easily in another JRT.

I love a few breeds. Whippets are awesome, if a bit weenie. I have to say cresties are growing on me as a breed...

 

[Elrohwen]

Yes, I own my favorite breed. There are definitely other breeds that could be a good fit, and I would like to own a herder at some point, but overall Welshies fit everything I'm looking for. They are fun, happy, cuddly, velcro, and medium drive. Basically versatile dogs who make great family dogs, but also love to do sports with their people. The only thing I dislike about the breed is that they tend towards timid, but every breed has negative things that should be avoided.

Watson is the perfect dog except for his lack of off leash reliability - he just gets way too into hunting for stuff and tunes me out, but I think he might get better with age. There are plenty of Welshies who are good off leash though, so I think it's an individual thing more than breed. Otherwise he's so sweet and happy, and he loves to train and dabble in dog sports with me. He's laid back in the house but has enough crazy and drive to be really fun.

 

[MicksMom]

For now they are

There will always be Finkies in my house...

Us, too. Caleb is my 3rd Lab or Lab mix (Mick was Lab/English Setter), and our 2nd as a couple. There are a couple of other breeds we'd consider having- Golden Retriever, Rottweiler and Siberian Husky (before Mick, we had a Sibe/GSD mix, and I had a purebred Siberian when I met my husband), but there will always be a Lab in our house.

 

[tucksmom]

I adore my two little maltese but my favorite breed is the German Shepherd. I have wanted one so long and I'd love to get into some kind of sporting with the breed-but my husband swears is he allergic. I should have screened him before we got married. (j/k)

My sister just got a German Shepherd pup trying to be happy for her.

 

[maxfox426]

No. But that is because he's a muttdog. Not a breed. Haha!

He is my favorite muttdog, though.

 

[Julee]

adding to title, and/or is your dog everything you've always wanted? Yes/no and why?

I love dogs. I have certain preferences and like certain looks, but overall - I don't have a favorite breed. I would likely not seek out a lab, though a field lab isn't totally out of the question in the distant future, but Em is absolutely everything I've ever wanted and more. She's why I'm still around. Em is my soul.

I would definitely seek out, and will seek out, another pit bull. I adore them, they're one of my top breeds. Bloo is a character and the sweetest being on the face of this ears. Bloo is my heart.

I will likely always have a scenthound hanging around... the comic relief Copper provides is unbeatable. Also, ears. And baying.