"your" breed

[RD]

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed? (as in..the breed you love, always want to own, are passionate about etc..etc..)
Border collie

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?
I went to an agility class with my papillon and just loooved all the border collies. Shortly thereafter my Pap got diagnosed with luxating patellas, had to quit agility, and I got a BC boy to compete with.

and why do you consider them "your" breed?
I'll hopefully always have one. I don't plan on breeding them anymore, but they're the breed I've researched inside and out with regards to health, temperament, lineage and purpose.

what do you love about em? what do you not so love?
Love the intelligence, the problem-solving, the DESIRE they have to constantly be of help to their person. Love that a good collie is physically and mentally capable of doing almost anything.

Don't love their slight aversion to anything they aren't familiar with, or just how much you MUST socialize them.

I don't love the sharpness of some BCs (my own dog included)

Don't always love the rough/thick coats, though I totally see how they're necessary in a working dog. When someone comes out with a totally slick-coated collie I will be the first one on the bandwagon!

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?
That they're dogs. A lot of people see smart collies on TV and expect them to pop out of the womb with a keen understanding of how to live with humans and a vast knowledge of the English language. They're still puppies. You have to house train them, you have to socialize the hell out of them or else they will be fearful or snarky, you have to teach them (it's not training with a BC, it's teaching) how to do the things you want. They don't arrive that way, they are the product of the relationship they have with their human.

Also that people grossly overexaggerate how crazy and OCD the breed is. They're only that way if you let them get that way, and it's glaringly obvious when ANY dog has an obsession.

 

[Mina]

breed:
Black Russian Terrier

How did you find this breed?
I first read about them in a European dog breed book which my kids got me 13+ years ago.
I was fascinated by what I first read.

How did you becoming interested in them?
The more I learned, the more I was intrigued.
Countless hours of reading, e mails, dog shows, breeder inquiries later,
we got our first BRT.

and why do you consider them "your" breed?
The collective qualities of a well-bred BRT is as close as I’ve ever seen
to “canine perfectionâ€.
(Having said that, I actually prefer a different “look†but,
aesthetics are far down on my list of canine priorities.
And breeds with looks I prefer, have issues or characteristics
with which I prefer not to deal.)

what do you love about em?
(a partial list)
They “don’t shedâ€.
A well-bred BRT is, normally and relatively, quite healthy.
The correct BRT temperament is fabulous.
Low energy indoors.
Intriguing, fun personality.
Highly (!!!) intelligent.
Very complex, problem-solving, thinking mind.
Trainability – they can do “anythingâ€.
Extremely intense protectors.
Low prey drive, high defense drive.
Gr8 work ethic.
Very self-confident and discerning.
Very calm, laid-back (except when in play or protection mode).
No barking without a reason.
Very easy to live with and care for.
Very devoted and family oriented.
Loves kids.
Playful.
Very athletic, especially for their size.
They don’t slobber.

what do you not so love?
The grooming can be a pain, but that’s the price paid for the low-shedding.
There are far too many poor breeders and poorly-bred specimens; it’s hard to find “a good Black Russian Terrierâ€.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?
1) Firstly, this is not a breed for everyone. Do your research!
Make sure your personality and "life style" are suited to this breed.

2) Secondly, be prepared to go through a lot of bad breeders to find a good one.
As with most breeds, most breeders are less than wonderful.

3) Do not judge the breed's temperament by what you see at a dog show.
Show dogs are often well-seasoned competitors whose true
temperaments and personalities are not easily discerned in this kind of venue.

 

[Aleron]

Breed: Belgian Sheepdog (aka Groenendael)

How did you find this breed? How did you becoming interested in them?: I was in 4H and had a Rough Collie. My advisor bred Collies and Belgians. I was interested in getting into showing in conformation, so she said I could train and co-own one of her dogs to show. I expected it would be a Collie but she brought me a Belgian

Why do you consider them "your" breed?: Since that first one, I've become very involved in them in all aspects - showing, training, breeding.

What do you love about em?: They are very trainable and quite animated. They make attractive, lively performance dogs. They are exuberant, quirky and fun. The breed is quite versatile and does well in a lot of sports. One can excel in performance and conformation with the same dog. I love the easy to groom, fairly low maintenance coat for a long haired breed. They shed a couple times a year and the hair is easily taken care of with a bath, some conditioner and a good force dryer. They don't hold a lot of dirt, they dry quick and don't mat easily. I like their moderate, fairly natural build and how light on their feet they are.

What do you not so love? Like many herding breeds, they can be prone to some not so great behavioral issues such as shyness, obsessive behavior, reactivity, resource guarding, territorial aggression and barkyness (actually the barking probably isn't as bad as the shrieking...). Much of that can be avoided through careful selection, good early training and socialization.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?: How important is to carefully select a breeder/litter. And how extremely important early training and socialization are with this breed. I have met a lot of Belgians with varying degrees of behavioral problems and a great deal of these problems could have been avoided if the owners had been committed to really putting effort into socializing and training from day one. Class once a week and some walks in the park just don't cut it for these dogs. They require a very interactive lifestyle with their owner for the first year or two. Belgian puppies should be taken out and about most days of the week to experience strange people, places and/or things. Training should start from day one, both teaching behaviors for treats and teaching appropriate behavior in different settings.

 

[Locke]

I don't think I've found "the one" yet. I love MY poodles, but I've met some that turned me off.

 

[Laurelin]

I've met several paps that turned me off too. There is one in particular that is a NASTY little thing. I mean, it is one of the meanest dogs I've ever met. (Her name is Stella and she's a mill rescue) I don't think anyone ever loves every dog of any breed. I've met dogs in all my favorite breeds that I didn't like.

 

[Southpaw]

I don't think I've found "the one" yet. I love MY poodles, but I've met some that turned me off.

Most boxers I don't enjoy. I like MY boxers because I set rules and don't allow crazy behavior. I also like senior boxers but yeah... the majority that I meet, are not dogs that I would want to take home with me.

A couple weeks ago at Juno's obed class, the trainer walked up to me and Juno remained sitting at my side. The trainer exclaimed "I don't usually see boxers behave like that!" Lol yeah that's because I train her.

 

[Sit Stay]

I LOVE Aussies, but I meet a ton of Aussies/Mini Aussies that I don't like at all and you couldn't pay me to own. I guess there's a lot of variety (different lines, bad breeding, individual personalities, etc) in each breed - it's the standard and the good examples that you fall in love with.

I haven't met many English Shepherds (and the ones I have met have been closely related to Quinn), but I see a ton of dogs online that I really dislike the look of. I'm sure they're nice dogs, they sound like really nice dogs, but way too heavy and stock for me. I watch Quinn move and she is so fast and elegant and I wonder how these other ones must move. Not to mention the heavy heavy coat (like a Collie, or an Aussie with a lot of coat) some have - no thanks, I'm not up for that much grooming!

 

[Michiyo-Fir]

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed?

Papillons. Maybe another breed like BCs in the future but I haven't owned one yet so I can't say.

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?

First met one in Hyde Park as a hearing dog for an old lady. I've never seen or heard of the breed before but she told me they are great little dogs. Fast forward to a few years later when I had the chance to get my own dog under the restrictions that it had to be less than 20 lbs. I looked through the CKC breeds guide book and saw them again and remembered the lady's dog.

and why do you consider them "your" breed?

I feel so attached to the breed. They seem to fit me perfectly in terms of body type, look and personality. I know I've found the breed for me (at least one of them).

what do you love about em? what do you not so love?

First and foremost their intelligence and friendliness. A lot of Paps I've met don't have a mean bone in their body. I love that they are driven and love to learn, plus they learn so fast! Out of all the dogs I've owned/baby sat, they are definitely one of the fastest learners I've ever had. (I've never owned or babysat a BC yet, so it could change).

I also love their speed and build. I'm very picky when it comes to a dog's body type, I really don't care for stocky or bench type dogs at all and I don't think I'll ever own one but Paps fit. They are one of the very few small dog breeds that fit my requirements in terms of looks.

Despite having so much coat, they only need to be brushed about 1-2 times a week (3 minutes each) and washed every month. It's just wonderful

What i dont like....there is some reactivity in the breed but nothing too major. Some are a bit shy and I don't really care for that and they are a bit small for some sports and activities such as doing disc dog with.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?

They are highly energetic, and not just a tiny little pretty fluffy dog. They are also highly intelligent and can be quite a handful for first time owners and people that don't know the breed or didn't research it beforehand.

 

[Spiritwind]

what do you consider "your" breed? (as in..the breed you love, always want to own, are passionate about etc..etc..) Rough and Smooth Collies

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?

My grandparents gave me my first Collie for a Christmas present when I was 12 yrs old. After begging for a dog of my own for about a year. Before I got him, I had never even thought about a Collie. I got my first Smooth Collie when I was 18 and now I probably prefer smooths overall, but I will always have both!!

and why do you consider them "your" breed?

They are just perfect for me. I could never imagine myself not having several Collies running around. There are a few other breeds I really like, and would like to have, but Collies the ones that will ALWAYS be with me


what do you love about em?

They are smart, they are quick learners. They are very intuitive to their people. They always seem to know what you are thinking or how you feel. They are protective of their people and I love that you can see the love for their people in their eyes!


what do you not so love?

The worst is probably their barking... or shedding. All things that are easy to deal with!


What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?

Roughs take some grooming. A lot of grooming, especially if you end up with one with a real soft, cottony coat... aka a "Fluffy". Very incorrect. I couldn't personally handling owning any "fluffies" but there are plenty out t here like that. Also so many people think Collies are good lazy house dogs. They are great house dogs, but they still need to get out and run and play and be dogs. They still need exercise and training. Most of mine would be bouncing off the walls if they were kept inside all the time, they are very active dogs

 

[MicksMom]

...I don't think anyone ever loves every dog of any breed. I've met dogs in all my favorite breeds that I didn't like.

Oh, I whole heartedly agree. I've met quite a few Labs that I wouldn't give breathing space to in our house. And the opposite is, true, too. For example, I don't care for JRTs or Chihuahuas, but have met some delightful ones of each breed.

 

[mrose_s]

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed? (as in..the breed you love, always want to own, are passionate about etc..etc..)
Border collie

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?
I was always aware of them but had little to no interest in them - they're look just didn't appeal to me. Until I saw Eve on Chaz and started to learn more about them.

and why do you consider them "your" breed?

I just adore them, I couldn't imagine a better fit for me and can only see myself taking on another couple of breeds in the future. I will always have a couple of them terrorising my life.

what do you love about em? what do you not so love?

I love their intensity, they're never say die attitude and they're complete willingness to be involved in everything.
I love how demanding they are and all their enthusiasm, I am constantly in awe of Quinn's drive, it's like nothing I've ever experienced before.

One thing I didn't expect (that may just be Quinn or it may be her age/immaturity) was this kind of independance she has. Whereas Buster will go with me to do things because he likes to be with me, Quinn will go with me because she likes being involved in everything. At the same time though, she is incredibly affectionate when she's not "working"

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?
That they are a demanding breed, more drive and more intelligence brings more needs to be filled.
I still think there are so many people out there that underestimate them.
I was sure I could handle what I was getting into and I wouldn't have it any other way however its still a bit jolting to change gears like I did.

 

[danewillow]

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed? (as in..the breed you love, always want to own, are passionate about etc..etc..)
Great Danes

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?
I always loved big dogs. When I moved out on my own for the first time I wanted to get one. I got my first Dane out of the newspaper. She was 3 months old and the lady who owned her lived in a trailer home. The park where she lived had implemented a size restriction so she had to rehome her. When she died I couldn't live without one. Now we have 3!

and why do you consider them "your" breed?
what do you love about em? what do you not so love?
They fit. Their personality, activity level, everything.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?
So many things! They cost more than other dogs to care for. They go through a "teenager" phase around 6-12 months where they're holy terrors! This is why I'll always adopt an adult. They may be "gentle giants" but they don't automatically come that way. You have to get a dog from a good breeder who breeds for temperament or a reputable rescue that will temperament test their dogs. Training is necessary! You'd be surprised how many rescue dogs there are out there. Our rescue is full. When it first started 2 1/2 years ago I thought we'd see a handful of dogs every year. We've had over 100 per year and right now we have about 20 available.

My other breed I'd love to have one day (if the Danes ever reduce themselves in numbers) is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

Julie

 

[Tahla9999]

Hmmm, I believe that my breed is the Vizsla,though I haven't own one yet. I have met many and the traits that describe the vizsla describes my perfect dog.

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?

What got me interested in the vizsla? Honestly, it was because of the APBT. I use to prefer fluffy dogs until I fell head over heals for the pit bull. And I love almost everything about pit bulls, BUT there were a few issues I have with them. One issue that is not the breeds fault at all. I hate a good half of the APBT community. I mean, sure that shouldn't bother me enough to going away from a breed, but I value being connected to my breeds community and it is hard to do that with people who values you can't stand. Not to mention that the APBT is very limiting, part of that limitation comes from no fault of their own. I mean, I love a dog who can do almost anything, but it is meaningless when you can't do much with that versatility due to bogus laws and possible DA issues. So I set out to find a breed that fits my bill for looks, temperament, and activity.

I actually begin to notice the vizsla on a Dog Whisperer(>.<) episode. It was about a very shy vizsla who couldn't handle city life. But when Ceaser put on his skates and and let the Vizsla run, I was taken aback by the dog's beauty in motion. So I set out to find everything I could about the Vizsla and the rest is history. They were perfect!

and why do you consider them "your" breed?


Well because I want to always have them. I love both variations of the vizsla. The smooth and wire hair vizsla has my heart.

what do you love about em? what do you not so love?


I love how affectionate they are to their owners. They are called the ''velcro'' dogs and I love that trait in a dog( pit bulls are the same). They have this very regal and noble appearance that easily makes them the most gorgeous dogs I've ever seen. I love how active and versatile they are. One thing I notice about Vizsla owners is that a lot of them do everything with their dogs. Whether it is hunting, dog sports, or showing them, they try to at least participate in every sport. It is like the saying goes, owning a vizsla is a lifestyle. I also love how people and dog friendly they can be.

What I don't like is that the vizsla only come in variations of rust color, but it isn't that big of a deal to me.

 

[RD]

I totally agree about not loving every dog of every breed.

I've met some border collies that are truly obnoxious, ill-behaved, crazy dogs. They rather mirrored their obnoxious, crazy owners, actually... Huh.

 

[thehoundgirl]

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed? (as in..the breed you love, always want to own, are passionate about etc..etc..) Coonhound.. but the APBT will also be "my" breed someday and I am so in love with them and bully breeds.

How did you find this breed? I have always loved them, Buster was my first coonhound and I don't think I will ever be without one.

how did you becoming interested in them? Buster.

and why do you consider them "your" breed? Because, they are amazing and they just have the "IT" factor about them.

what do you love about em? They are very smart, friendly, outgoing, and goofy.

what do you not so love? How stubborn they are.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed? Do NOT go out and get a hound because they are cute that's how so many end up in shelters and rescues.. while they are they are cute so much dog and not for the average pet home or owner.

They need exercise daily rain, snow, or shine. They are very stubborn to train, yes they are smart but very hard-headed. Do not get them if you can't handle constant barking. Also, do your research just like with any breed. Hounds are amazing, but a lot of people don't understand how much dog they are.


I will answer this for the APBT too.

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed? (as in..the breed you love, always want to own, are passionate about etc..etc..) APBT

How did you find this breed? I have always loved them, Daisy was my first APBT growing up.

how did you becoming interested in them? Daisy and through volunteering.


and why do you consider them "your" breed? Because, they are amazing and they just have the "IT" factor about them and are awesome!

what do you love about em? They are loyal, loving, goofy, friendly, smart, and give the best kisses.


what do you not so love? I don't really have a thing I don't love about them.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed? Do your research. So many people tend to forget they were bred to fight other dogs and think they will always be fine with their dogs.. which won't happen.

You must be responsible also and have thick skin when it comes to people being ignorant about them. Do not get one if you do not have a stable living situation and can't find a place if you have to rent to allow an APBT. But mainly, do your research and see if they are the breed for you!

 

[sillysally]

What do you consider "your" breed?
Labrador

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?
Labs are popular around here, so I had seen them around a lot. When we were thinking about a second dog I had the chance to be around one doing a house cleaning job and just fell in love with her. Sally is dog selective, so when we were looking for a second dog I wanted a socially adaptable and socially laid back breed, and labs seemed to fit the bill.

Why do you consider them "your" breed?
They really have much of what I want in a dog--generally good with other animals and people, biddable, versatile, I like a dog that likes water and likes to retrieve. I also enjoy their eternal optimism. I can see myself owning labs for the rest of my life

What do you love about em?
See above

What do you not so love?
The popularity of the breed is its biggest downfall. BYBs are a HUGE problem, and as a result lots of very unhealthy labs with very iffy temperaments have popped up. The breed does have health issues. I am also not a big fan of the bench/field line split in the breed. The breeders on both extreme ends of the spectrum are not doing the breed any favors, IMHO.This is just a minor thing, but I wish that they came in more colors.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?
THEY DO NOT TRAIN THEMSELVES! For some reason people assume that since the lab is considered "the perfect family dog" that they need no training and socialization to get that way. Also, many people are not prepared for adolescent labs. They are often bouncy, super energetic, excitable, and obnoxious adolescents. Taking your time to do your homework and go to a reputable breeder that will help you get the right pup is essential as there are many BYBs out there that have no idea what they are doing.

They also gain weight very easily and will suffer health issues if allowed to become over weight.

 

[Windsong]

I have enjoyed reading everyone's answers. It is so interesting to see what it is we love about our particular breeds and why.

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed? I have two breeds I love - Great Pyrenees which I had for most of my life and Chinese Cresteds which I have had for about 13 years. Two different sizes and personalities but both very important in my life.

How did you find this breed and become interested in them? The Pyr I found after much research for a large dog with very strong guarding instinct but also the ability to think independently in a situation and use judgment on how to react appropriately, beauty, independence yet devoted to family, laid back demeanor and personality.
My first Crested I saw at a dog show while showing our Pyrs. I fell in love immediately and so did one of my Pyrs. He was fascinated by the Cresteds and wanted to follow them into the show ring! I did more reading and talking to Crested people and realized I loved the devoted nature of the Crested coupled with intelligence and a surprising amount of manipulation. My first was not a hairless Crested but a Powderpuff.


what do you love about em?
I love the independence of the Pyr coupled with their love for family and their ability to analyze situations and react appropriately.
I love the velcro devotion of the Crested and have a keen appreciation for their intelligence especially when used against me!!

What do I dislike about the breeds?
Not much about either breed. The Pyrs are hard to train because of their independence but I respect that. They need a reason to do something you ask them to do and if they don't think it is reasonable, they won't do it. Fair enough. You work with this and think of convincing reasons!
HL Cresteds can have bad skin problems which are time consuming to treat. Teeth can be missing as well with the HL or can be thinner than normal and easily broken.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?
For Pyrs, people should go to reputable breeders who produce Pyrs of the correct size and temperament and do health testing for those problems known in the breed. Size is not "GREAT". They are not meant to be massive dogs. Temperament is of paramount importance because you are dealing with a large guarding breed. They should be able to work and do the original thing they were bred to do but with that all important judgment. Pyrs are meant to be left along with the flock they are guarding and not need man's input on how to protect them but it must be tempered with the ability to judge situations since now they are more often indoor family dogs.
The correct temperament is fine with children of any age, other household pets, people known to them and outdoor animals that they would guard in the normal course of events as a working dog. Conformation should also be correct as they cannot "work" without this.
For Cresteds, people again should go to good breeders who health test, who breed for correct conformation and temperament and who make sure that the qualities that are what makes the breed are passed down in their puppies.
Our breeds depend on good, careful and correct breeding for all those qualities that we love about them.

 

[Meatos]

Great Danes, hands down!!

I don't remember how I found them, but I remember when I was 8, I told my dad I was going to get a great dane when I was all grown up. I planned to call it Sphincter (yeah, I so did not know what it meant but I heard it on Wayne's World - "a spincter says what?"). I think I had it confused with Sphinx!! Anyway, I never forgot what I told my dad that day and 16 years later, Scarlett came home. Danes continue to take my breath away - I always have to stop and look, even though I've got my own at home. The novelty never really goes away (unless I can tell they are super badly bred, and then I just get angry).

Danes are such complex dogs, full of intelligence, emotion, stamina, silliness, and sweetness. There isn't much I don't love about them - except the growing numbers of fearful/timid/aggressive danes that are out there due to bad breeding practices. Danes are NOT supposed to be fearful or aggressive, but it is happening more and more.

Before people go out and get a dane, I wish that they would do their RESEARCH!!! On my dane forum, there are so many puppy buyers who are just that - puppy buyers. It's sad. There are a lot of debates on that forum about breeding practices and it will sadly never end.

All this said, I will never be without a dane!!

 

[halblingefrau]

Our Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them?
We were looking for a sister for Lucy and we weren't all that concerned about the breed but we had other requirements (age, size, etc.). We found Angel and brought her home. She has to be the MOST affectionate, loyal, loving, goofy dog ever.

Why do you consider them "your" breed?
I just can't imagine never having one in our family.

What do you love about em? what do you not so love?
We love the big goofy grins, the fact that every Pit owner I've talked to says their dog is a lap dog, and how happy and friendly they are with people. On the flip side, sometimes Angel is TOO STRONG for her own good. I also hate the stigma, but that is just another reason I will always have pitties. We responsible owners need to be ambassadors for this breed.

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed?
Having time and patience for any dog is important. Know that pibbies are huge lovey dogs but are also S.T.R.O.N.G. Be prepared for prejudice against your dog, but also be prepared to be insta-friends with other pit owners.

 

[DobeLove]

First of all, what do you consider "your" breed? Doberman!

How did you find this breed? how did you becoming interested in them? I've grown up with them. I don't think I have EVER gone without owning one, and I hope I don't have to. My mom has shown and bred them for the past 20 years so she had a few when I was born. We have pictures of me when I was a little baby with them.

and why do you consider them "your" breed? I have had them my whole life, and love them

what do you love about em? Their personalities and their looks!
what do you not so love? Their health

What do you wish people knew before they went out and got a puppy/dog of your breed? That they aren't super mean and tough. They don't make good "guard" dogs.