Why choose the breed you own?

[mustbemad17]

A few dog threads recently got me thinking about what people look for when they look for a dog. Did you have a specific breed in mind, or did you come across yours by chance?

I'm a big dog person, always have been. But I fell into my love of bull breeds after being begged by a friend (avid EBT owner) to help an EBT x who needed a foster. It was the start of what she calls an addiction & 98% of my fosters since have been bull crosses. I love everything about them okay maybe not their smelly arses and for me they are the only breed I would consider. Unless i won the lottery & had more space 🤔

So why did you choose your breed?

My first dog was collie x gsd and was just the best dog ever. I’ve always had collie crosses ever since (apart from a dalliance with a jrt who was terrified of everything and expressed this with aggression. Wonderful little dog with me but hated dogs/kids/cars/strangers/tv etc and was eventually rehomed as he just couldn’t live in a house with a child. Broke my heart :( ).

I’m probably not going to be able to continue with my collie types once current 10yo ddog has gone, as my mobility is getting worse and I struggle with exercising a high energy breed, so really not sure what I’ll have next. Probably a succession of elderly, low energy rescues to keep me company!

As for what I wouldn’t have - a Labrador as I’ve been badly bitten by 3 different ones on 3 separate occasions, so I’m a bit wary of them now. A jrt due to past experience. In fact, I’m not a huge fan of typical terriers in general, although my friend has a border terrier who’s fab. Wouldn’t have a husky/malamute/Akita type dog as I think there’s very few homes where they actually get their exercise needs met, and they’re a very specialist type of dog. Also wouldn’t want too much grooming as I struggle with bending so find it hard.

Justbeing we have a colliexgsd and he is the sweetest most loving dog ever

I have a whippet and have wanted one for ages.

The reasons I got one are, not big barkers, clean with no dog odour and affectionate. He’s also a good, manageable size for me. Even if he pulls a bit while I’m waking him he’s not going to pull me over and if he’s sick or injured I can lift him into the car myself.

We have 5 retired greyhounds, I would never have another breed. They are treated so badly in the racing industry, the ones that's are lucky find their way to a rehoming shelter.

They are gentle and loving, great around kids, and only need a couple of walks a day.

Ours are currently playing with their Christmas toys and patiently waiting for breakfast and a walk. I don't know a lazier breed.

I choose a working cocker spaniel because I wanted a small/medium sized dog that wanted walks and was trainable. Ironically he doesn't want walks other than to run after a ball but he is the right size for me and is smart.

Based on my childhood dog a golden labrador always wanted but had to wait over 25 years till could get

Amd other than being a male dog he is everything my childhood one was

Another vote for greyhounds, just lovely placid gentle giants. So lazy and low maintenance,

Couldn't decide on a breed so have 2 cross breeds - an Australian Labradoodle x goldendoodle who is big and very soft with the kids and a Frenchie x Boston who is a Velcro dog with attitude.

Love them both. I also really like Corgi's, Afghan Hounds, Newfoundlands, Pugs etc. But will probably go for crosses again.

Ruth how do Aus labradoodles differ from the doodles we get here? Never heard of one

Guess what I have always had!

My parents bought me a Sheltie for my 6th Christmas - I had seen a lady with one when I was 4, but had to wait for two years to get one. Cannot imagine any other breed. Shelties are loyal, intelligent and just so beautiful, they love to play and just love being with you. Fantastic companion - you do need a good vacuum though

@mustbemad17
An Australian Labradoodle is a mix of Lab, Poodle, English and American Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel and Curly Coated retriever through many generations- they tend to be a lot more standardised that normal Labradoodles (and more £££). Most other labradoodles are a lab poodle mix or Labradoodle & Labradoodle mix.

Usually non shedding, with a fleece type coat. Normal labradoodles can have very different coat types.

In Australia they were breed as non allergy service/ assistance dogs with the aim of creating a pure bred dog.

@mustbemad17

Lhasa apso. Friends dog had pups so we got one. Didn't really know much about the breed but just wanted a small dog. She is stubborn, friendly lovable and very licky. Wouldn't be without her love her to bits.

Since being little I've loved terriers. Their cute little triangle ears and beardy faces and their feisty temperament. Came to actually being in a position to get a dog and I wanted one that could go on long walks and runs with me. I had the time to commit to training So luckily a terrier was perfect. Ideally I wanted a Parson Russell but couldn't afford the initial outlay. I was saving up then by chance a litter of Patterdales became available locally and our dog chose us more than we chose him.

He's cute and crazy and keeps us on our toes but wouldn't have it any other way. He's turned 8 today

Here's the pooch. Handsome little devil

Small, doesn’t shed, likes a cuddle, good with kids, tons of character - yorkie.

I would have a squashed face dog. Or a husky, as I think our summers are too warm and I couldn’t give it the exercise it needs.

My favourite breed is Rottweiler. Our first three were rescues, and to be honest I was a bit wary at first - no need. they were the most loving obedient dogs. Then 10 years ago (three years after losing our last rescue) we got a rottie pup. We lost him three months ago and the pain is unbelievable, it was cancer. Every morning when he's not there, tail wagging and always happy to see us we cry. We have said no more dogs, but who knows what fate will bring.

this is him, our handsome boy

When it was obvious our jrt was coming to the end of his time, we began to think what breed we would have next. Love jrt's , but he was always a very sharp dog and moulted a lot. Our specs were - must be under around 12 pounds in weight so it could be picked up, capable of long walks and mustn't have a squashed face (e.g.pug). We ended up with a toy poodle. Doesn't moult, loves long walks, but okay with shorter ones if the weather is really bad. She is a really lovely companion and very entertaining. My oh took some persuading as he has only seen then covered in pom poms and looking delicate. They are just as robust as any other dog, and she can frequently be found rolling in fox shit, wallowing in the village pond and trying to catch crows in a 60 acre field (no chance, but it is funny to see her streaking hopefully across the land!) And she certainly doesn't have any pom poms.

I always knew I wanted a big dog. My mum had GSD's and i thought it would be one of those.

But then I met an amazing working type Labrador, calm, intelligent, friendly. That was the dog I wanted. Research told us that the breed fitted our lifestyle in lots of ways.

He is amazing, tough in the teenage years but a fairly easy train. Exactly the dog I imagined. (Exceot being a four legged dustbin obviously) Laid back but ready to go when I am.

Oh, im not sure i could go with any sort of tiny lap dog...or one that needs a coat to stay warm. Not me at all but never say never.

I have a rescue mutt. We chose her because she chose us!

Colours that was me - then I got a spaniel that drenches himself daily and I had to get a coat!

We ready for another dog after losing my Labrador two years ago and spent ages deliberating breeds. I had decided nothing smaller than a beagle and nothing bigger than a lab although had Springers in the past and DH had collies. We decided something along those lines as keen walkers and wanted to do training or agility.
We had more or less settled on a cocker when we met little boy in rescue-. Springer border collie cross. He is perfect for us and happy to settle down for a snuggle. Or walk for miles.

Apologies for typos ( fat fingers on a phone)
Just wanted to add the breeds I wouldnt have. I like most breeds but personally prefer a dog with a pointier muzzle and floppy ears.