What qualities do you look for?

[RD]

Amstaffer's thread made me think about this.

What qualities are most important to you in a companion dog? Assuming this dog had to be just a pet and not a working/performance dog.

[Laurelin]

Loyalty, a friendly temperament. No agression is essential to me- either human or animal aggression. Intelligence and a sense of empathy. The things I adore about Beau that make him the best companion dog I've ever been around are so numerous, but I can try to list them off and convey them to the best of my ability:

He's always happy to see you. He's outgoing and goofy. He's probably the most intelligent dog I've ever been around. He's very macho (even in that tiny body). He's a very doting dog that will fuss all over you if given the chance. He wouldn't hurt a flea- there's no aggression whatsoever in him. He seems to follow everything that goes on around him. He's perfectly fine hanging out and snuggling up against you for a while, but also just as excited to get up and play and go places. If you're in the house, not only is he in the same room as you, he's sitting right on top of you.

[Bahamutt99]

Temperament, temperament, temperament! I don't want to see threat displays or anything more than a very mild shyness. (I'm assuming we're talking about my breed here.) Normal puppy issues can be overcome. But I want a dog that is fundamentally sound, preferably very friendly and interested in meeting people. I don't mind reserved and laid back -- not leary, just mellow -- so long as the dog is still responsive. Bright enthusiasm and toy drive is a big plus, but that's partly because I can't look at any situation from a totally non-training standpoint, and I like an enthusiastic worker. Mainly, I just want a dog that can walk into every situation with a good level of confidence, because its important to me that my pet be adaptable.

And I don't really want a dog that's off-the-wall dog-aggro. I will correct budding snarkiness as we go along, and I don't expect an unreasonable amount of passivity when approached by a rude or aggressive dog. But at the very least, I expect my dogs to learn that its not okay for their brains to go leaking out their ears when they see another dog. They're there on my terms, to obey my rules, not to beat up other dogs.

[casablanca1]

Joie de vivre and fur. I like an alert, interested shaggy dog. So many breeds are so beautiful or nice, but they're either too frantic or too placid for my taste.

[Kase]

Friendly but would protect if the time arised. Also a dog that loves to explore and travel. I also love fluffy coats lol :D. Gets on well with all my animals and future pets.

[Lizmo]

I would look at temperment first.

I want a dog that is loyal, friendly, loving, goofing, always happy to see you, intelligence, patient, respectful, knows the limit, has confidence is every situation the dog is faced with and knows how to handle it.

One that will stand by you know matter what. Will know just when to protect me and when not to.

[showpug]

I like lazy, friendly dogs that enjoy entertaining me and goofing around to get my attention. I also love dogs that the second you sit down are on your lap. That is why I adore Pugs so much. They are all of the above.

[rabbitsarebetter]

a dog that is affectionate to me and hubby is very important. We love snuggling on the couch with our dog. but i also love a pet with some independence who is comfortable left to his own devices (for example, give Ruckus a bone or get out his toys... he will play with himself and not need you, or even want you sometimes. lol)

its very important that i have an active dog. i love to jog, hike, be outside a lot and i need a dog that can keep up.

i like a dog that is dignified too. Like Ruckus! he refuses to look stupid in front of strangers. and always acts like royalty.

[bubbatd]

All of the above ( except the lap sitting ! ) plus one that loves to go in the car .

[oc_spirit]

I dunno, all my dogs are and will be working dogs LOL I gues temperment though

[Amstaffer]

To me Affectionate, Loyal, Bonded, willing to engage in fun anytime or any where. Has the friendliness to go anywhere. Also sense of humor is big plus.

[BostonBanker]

A dog that will snuggle as much as I want, but who is also perfectly okay laying down at my feet. I don't like panting, in your face dogs, and I don't want a dog who is constantly on top of me.

Bombproof with people. I don't ever want to worry that my dog will hurt a person. I don't even particularly want protective. Mild dog-to-dog issues don't bother me, as long as they can be managed around other dogs.

Willing to spend one day in the house hanging out. I get my dog out for a good chunk of exercise almost every day, but I want a dog who can deal if I want to stay home sick in bed for a day.

Off-leash capability. I'm not a runner, so there is no way I could keep a dog on leash and give it sufficient exercise. I like to hike in rural areas with my dog.

I'm sure I could come up with more, but those are the biggies for me:)

[elegy]

friendly, enthusiastic, outgoing. i don't want a shy or timid dog. i like dogs who are confident and self-assured. i want a dog who likes everybody. i like dogs who aren't clingy and all over me, but who still want to be around and hang out in the same room. i don't want a barky dog.

and i also have a very strong preference for medium-sized dogs, or at least dogs small enough that i could pick them up and move them in an emergency.

[Julie]

Temperment, the ability to be a companion dog, and a working dog at the same time, Not to be to needy like a spoiled child, but also be affectionate and stable.... I like large dogs that I can't pick up..Lol I also couldn't deal with a human aggressive dog.

I would also like a dog to be able to pick up after themselves, including dog hair. :yikes: Joking!

[Luvntzus]

A dog that will snuggle as much as I want, but who is also perfectly okay laying down at my feet. I don't like panting, in your face dogs, and I don't want a dog who is constantly on top of me.



Well, that just about sums it up for me perfectly. :D I like my dog to be around, but also independent enough to occupy himself for awhile. Other qualities I look for are a non-shedding, not drooly breed. I also prefer small dogs for lots of reasons. They're easier in every way- less to feed, clean up after, everything costs less for them, they take up less space in the car, house, bed... Plus I just like that I can carry them if I need to. I like a dog that's quiet and I prefer smushy faced breeds. I also like dogs that are loyal and can be watchdogs, but generally friendly with other people and animals. And very important is a breed that's not very active. I'm a couch potato, homebody type so I can't handle breeds are very active or need lots of exercise. Basically, the ONLY breed I've ever found that fits everything I like is the Shih Tzu. I've found that they're the perfect match for me. :)

[Toller_08]

I like/look for the following:

- Highly intelligent (necessity for me)
- Highly attentive (again, a necessity)
- Quick learner (necessity, again)
- Stable temperament/gets along with all people and dogs (I can hardly wait for the day that I can have a dog of my own that I can trust fully in public again around other dogs..)
- High activity level
- Affectionate, but not to the point of constantly being in your face
- Medium sized (min. 30lbs, max. 60lbs)
- An "off switch"
- No aggression at all
- Not overly protective by nature
- Loyalty
- A people pleaser to an extent (I don't enjoy living with dogs that have a "Why should I?", "What good will it do me?" attitude constantly)
- A medium-long coat (or at least a double coat)
- Confident/relaxed in various situations

I'm probably forgetting something...

[Zoom]

Intelligence, humor, fluffy, loyal, playful, affectionate...Aussies fit everything I was looking for.

[milos_mommy]

sense of humor, personality, i like a dog that suits my energy level. i like a dog that's going to be a bit of a challange, but nothing i can't handle. pretty much what i look for in a dog is the same thing i look for in men, haha.

[Bernardlover]

happy, playful, loyal....my dog sleeps alot too so i like that lol...i dont like dogs that are always in your face wanting to play....also the dog has to be nice to anyone weather its little kids or cats....but if someone tries to hurt me he would protect me

[RedHotDobe]

I think one of the most important things would be a dog that is very intelligent, can think for itself, and is always making an attempt to outsmart me. It may seem like an odd like or requirement, but it keeps us both constantly thinking and working. (Would I want more than the one I already have, no, probably not.) I want a confident, stable, attentive, loyal, protective dog that is eager to learn new things. I really do not want a hyperactive dog, a lap dog, or a small dog.

[Brandyb]

I would have to say that temperment is the number 1 priority when searching out a companion dog (or a working dog for that matter). I had a few dogs with "issues" who never made great companions ... some can adapt through rehabilitation programs, but they never quite get "there".
My ideal dog is my Jack Russell - highly intelligent, independent thinker, is happy to be with you doing nothing, but is "ready" at the drop of a hat. Play and food motivation are important to me, as well as a level of prey drive. I like some protectiveness, and I don't mind some mild dog aggression. I like the dominant dogs, and I do have a preference for females. I also have a preference for small dogs. I do not like "clingy" dogs and I don't need a dog in my face 24 hours a day. I also do not like hyperactiveness or highstrung dogs - both of which I consider to be temperment or training issues.
I guess the "terrier" temperment is what I appriciate most - highly intelligent, bold, fearless, strong, tough, independant, loyal, loving and scrappy. :)

[Momof2Pups]

I have 2 dogs who are very different, and I love the differences and similarities between them.

It's hard to say what kind of dog I like when referring to my own because my dogs are like night and day.

I'll explain what I love in my current dogs and then what I may be looking for in my future dog.

Millie:
Millie is of extremely high intelligence. She is very responsive and catches on to things extremely quickly. She is a breeze to train and has an unlimited amount of cues, signals, and commands she responds to.
She is VERY loyal. She is always by my side or at my feet and would do anything for me.
She analyses situations and gets tense when she knows it's a bad one or I am afraid or feeling threated by something/someone. Sometimes I'm not aware of her body language when I'm focusing on whatever is a threat but I've been told of how she acts and how her body changes from an onlooker. I get myself out of them but she would step up instantly if something was really happening to me.
She keeps focused on me and she's very attentive.
She's protective but reliable to be friendly and I can take her anywhere.
I love how she can go from cuddling with me on the couch to lying at my feet to outide hiking.
She can be clingy but she can also entertain herself and has some awareness of her own space.
She is excellent with Lucy, always, even when Lucy's jumping in her face or jumping on top of her or hanging off her lip.


Lucy:
Lucy is one of those dogs who is somewhat "difficult." She's a wonderful dog but she doesn't learn and respond to things as fast as some other dogs do.
I love her energy. When everyone else is tired but me Lucy will still be ready to go.
For a dog of her size she definitely does not meet the "small, shaky, snappy, nippy" stereotype.
She is very companionable and affectionate. She sleeps with me and follows me around.
She's small but can keep up with the best of them. She has a feisty attitude and accompanies me everywhere my other dogs do (and no, I don't carry her around and she has never ben in a purse) like hikes in the desert, into own, playing in the wash, and on thick deserty trails.
It feels wonderful when something "clicks"in her mind. I do think she is much smarter than she lets on.
She is always happy and cheerful and when she does anything she puts her whole self into it.
She's very playful.


She's still only a year and a half old so I can't wait to watch her mature into an adult.


In my next dog, there are a few things I am looking for, and the other things will be fine whichever way.

I want a dog who is good with other dogs. That is a necessity because I am not into the "crate and rotate" game and my current dogs often associate with other dogs.
Good with cats, at least flexible enough to be taught to leave my cats alone.
I want a medium sized dog. I prefer this size; small enough to be easily moved and traveled with, picked up in case of emergency, but sturdy enough not to be carried off by some animal out here in the desert, and to be able to be off leash without me hovering like I do with Lucy.
High energy- I love to have a dog who will hike with me, swim with me (I have a weird preference for a dog who likes water because I love going to the lake and swimming with them), play with me, and run around like a fool with me. ;)
I prefer an affectionate dog. They don't have to be all over strangers but I would like a dog who is affectionate with me.
I would like a dog who are sweet. Both of my dogs have different levels of affection and clinginess, but they are both truly sweet- and very endearing. I love that in them.

Most of all, my most important factor is a dog I "click" with.
There's a chance I will fall in love with a dog who is completely different from my "preferences" here. That's how my dogs are both so different. I knew they were the ones.

[StillandSilent]

Size: Medium to Large. I will be a female living alone and I want a dog whose size (But not temperment) will make people think twice.
Coat: Low mantainence. No poodles or Huskys.
Temperment: I don't mind shy dog or one that has issues, in fact these are the dogs I prefer. However, I will not tolerate human agression at all. Ever since I lost my baby to an unstable temperment I won't go through that again.
Not to high energy: I don't mind going for walks, but I don't have hours every day for exercise.
I always swore that my next dog would be an agility prospect, so a dog that enjoys learnng and can take direction well.
Also a dog that is good off leash. I love my beagle dearly, but there are time when I wish I could let her off leash and not have her head for the road.
Good with other dogs. I am hoping to foster dogs and will likely always have a multidog situations.