Your favorite breed of dog (s)?

[allie&mattsmom]

Labs. I love Labs. Our Lab is the most loving, sweet, people pleasing dog.

 

[arminnie]

cocker spaniel

Cockers are just about the cutest dogs ever! Look at Damo's avatar.

 

[snoopy]

We started researching the possibility of getting a dog, but ended up deciding we couldn't devote ourselves at this stage of life. Perhaps in a few years, and when we are in another house. We really like what we read about the greyhound, they sound like remarkable pets -- its funny, because I would never have considered them prior to our research. My husband is partial to labs since he always had them growing up. The only dog breed I have experience with were our family dog who was a dalmation -- sweet, but not too sharp, and very, very hyper -- and ones my mother had after we left the nest -- two little yippe Pomeranians. Based on my experience with those two, I think I'd have to definately cross that breed OFF the list.

 

[solferino]

If I had to pick a breed, it would definitely be a pug. Ours is just awesome. Dumb as a box of nails but he makes up for that in sweetness. ug: They're just funny little clowns that seem to find the most joy in making people laugh. The vet we use sees more pugs than any other breed (He's the vet for the local rescue) and he said in all of his years of treating them he's never met a "bad" one.

Our lab is great too, and although she's not that bright the pug does make her look like Einstein.

When the time comes to get another dog we'll definitely go the pug route. What is so strange because my idea of a little dog was something around 40 pounds. But they don't have the nervous, yippy personality some smaller dogs have.

 

[Rozzie]

Greyhounds

The kindest and sweetest babies in the world, don't shed, don't bark, come housetrained. Trusting, loyal, funny, outgoing...ok, I am "somewhat" partial.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

We had a German Shorthair Pointer when I was growing up. I still miss that dog.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Cockers are just about the cutest dogs ever! Look at Damo's avatar.

I replied that I love Labs but I love cockers too. They are the cutest! We had a cocker spaniel (DH's & my "first baby" - he gave her to me a month after we were married for my b-day). She died a couple of years ago . I still have her ashes in a pretty tin along with her collar up on a shelf in my family room. I just can't bring myself to bury her ashes, it somehow makes me feel like she's still with us to have her ashes here in the house. I know that probably sounds weird, but that's just the way I feel.

 

[simba928]

I love all dogs, but my favorite breeds would be:
-Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute (we had a dog that was a cross between these two breeds and she was a wonderful dog.)
-Yorkie
-Leonberger (huge dog)
-Japanese Chin (my friend has one and she is so cute)

I have also always wanted to adopt an ex-racing greyhound. They are so sweet.

 

[cindercopper]

Labs aw:

 

[FayeW]

You guys crack me up. You all say you have THE BEST DOG, but that's not possible...because I have the best dog.

I remember reading about Rotties in one of the dog magazines and it said "Anyone who has ever owned one of these magnificent animals cannot possibly imagine life without one." While that is certainly true, and I still grieve for my big boy all these years later, I truly can't imagine life without a Westie! I know we got a perfect pet for our family.

 

[UncleScrooge338]

1) Pomeranians
2) Bichons
3) Goldens
4) Jack Russells (Monty Dog and Dodger we love you!)

 

[Planogirl]

1. German Shepherds
2. Collies
3. Golden Retrievers
4. Greyhounds
5. Whippets
6. Poodles

 

[Whiskers]

And Vizslas, their cousins.

Froglady: have you had both breeds? We are trying to decide between an Vizsla or a Weimaraner puppy for our next dog. What are the main differences? (other than color! LOL)

 

[Laurajean1014]

Golden and Laborador Retrievers

 

[graygables]

Jindo (you'll have to google it! ours is reddish/gold) She's almost a cat, but she is *gorgeous* and mostly well-behaved. She does have that undercoat thing and sheds a lot, but is very good-tempered for grooming.

If I had to choose another, I'd say greyhounds, just b/c I've heard so much good about them.

 

[minkydog]

My DH and I got our first dog about 10 yrs ago when we were still living in a townhome. We did a lot of research and decided he was perfect for us. We decided on a Newfoundland who grew to about 170 lbs. at his biggest. He was docile, loving and sweet. He barely barked and was VERY intimidating to everyone just w/ his sheer size alone. They have a low metabolism and he was perfectly happy to be cooped up in our little home. We eventually moved to a property close to State Game Lands w/ no neighbors in sight. We had no fence and he would just sit out front and watch the squirrels and birds and wander a bit sniffing the trees, but NEVER took off on us. He always stayed close to home. And the kids could roll all over him and he would just take it.... Very sweet tempered. We would take him on hikes w/o a leash and he would follow close behind or when he led, he would look back to make sure we were caught up to him. My DS at 3 yrs old could walk him on a leash w/ no problems even though our Newfie towered over him. He never chewed up anything and was not in the least bit destructive w/ furniture or such.

Some of the difficulties w/ that breed..... They have a double coat and the tumbleweeds of fur flying thru my house were overwhelming. Their coats are also oily and he would brush up against our walls and leave greasy black film up to waist high. Then he would fall asleep on his back, kick his paws onto the walls and run in his sleep, scratching the paint and drywall off our walls in certain locations. They can be ravenous and he has been known to rummage thru our garbage if there is an open can around. But we could just lay a baby gate across an open door (w/o locking it, just propping it up) and he wouldn't push it over to get thru.... Unless there was a cupcake on the other side. I had to give him Ipicac many times when he ate leftover chicken, lobster, whatever. He needed brushed all the time, although he could sit for 3 hours while we did it w/ no complaints. And they can have hip problems due to their size and bad skin conditions due to their heavy coats. We took ours to a specialist in Wash DC and had to give him shots, shave his hot areas, and wash and treat them when he got older. But he sat patiently thru all of it since his pain tolerance was so high. And they don't live long.

I can't imagine having any other breed. As long as you train them early and teach them about pack order, they are a wonderful, loving breed and are perfect for children. But they are such high maintenance. I did love how I could just let him outside and he would just meander around the house all day. I never had to take him out on a cold winter night on a leash. We just lost him to old age/bad skin condition in June and I miss him so. He was 9. He was such a big ole bear. What a wonderful breed!

Brigitte, i cuold second everything you say about Newfies--except to say the same is true of Saint Bernards.They are loveable giants, but boy, do they make a mess. Mine was about 200lbs. he lived to be 7 and died horribly of intestinal torsion, not uncommon with large breeds. I don't think I could ever watch my dog go through that again.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Based on dogs I have actually met...

1. Jack Russell
2. American Staffordshire Bull terrier
3. Bichon Frise
4. Mutt
5. Bassett Hound/ Sheltie (tied for 5th)

runner up...Old English Sheepdog, Pharoah Hound

 

[DVC-Don]

Miniature Schnauzer

 

[Magickndm]

Greyhounds

The kindest and sweetest babies in the world, don't shed,.....

Can you pass this along to my grey? He obviously missed that memo.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Brigitte, i cuold second everything you say about Newfies--except to say the same is true of Saint Bernards.They are loveable giants, but boy, do they make a mess. Mine was about 200lbs. he lived to be 7 and died horribly of intestinal torsion, not uncommon with large breeds. I don't think I could ever watch my dog go through that again.

Yes, that is so common and we worried for our Mac and made sure he didn't run after he ate and other such factors which can cause that horrible death. But you can't necessarily prevent it from happening as you found out. You can only do your best. I forgot what that was called and so didn't mention it. Thanks for adding the info to large breeds. And there is the slobber too. I'm still cleaning spitballs off my walls. But he was so worth it. The larger breeds are so awesome. And they are so good w/ kids.