I grew up with an amazing GSD who saved my life. I always wanted one as a child. It seems like as I grew up the breed changed a lot. After having many horrible experiences involving GSDs at the dog park and working at a dog hotel/daycare for years I was turned off completely. I hated dealing with the most mentally ill, physically crippled (hock-walkers/sloped backs/hip dysplasia) untrained, barking non-stop, neurotic, rude, annoying GSDs who diarrheaed everywhere I was like "nope."
Then I met a few AMAZING GSDs from good breeders/owners and raised my friend's GSD who reminded me so much of my childhood dog. And it reminded me of how absolutely magical this breed is! Everything I want in a dog. The faithfulness, the intuition, the nobility, the love for their people, the ability to be serious one moment and goofy the next. It reminded me of the fact that bad owners and breeders can really tarnish a breed's reputation. GSDs are the #2 most popular AKC breed! And it's a drivey, intense working dog! That fact alone makes me surprised that I don't see MORE awfully bred, unstable Sheppies. Once I get to know even the most ill bred ones I can't help but love them.
Collies are another that I didn't particularly like before. I thought they had beady eyes and pointy noses and were boring. Then, I met a few regulars that came to the hotel, and they just melted my heart!!! Wonderful, happy dogs with such a good sense of humor. I was notorious at the hotel for sneaking into the rooms of the Collies and giving them free ice cream and cuddling them.
Their personality makes them gorgeous to me. I have not met one who isn't well adjusted, friendly and easy going. It shocks me that they aren't more popular, but I'm happy that they aren't as popularity usually equates to lots of poorly bred dogs.
I used to be so annoyed by Huskies. I thought they were dumb and bitchy. But, owning Fozzie and working with them, I've discovered that this is one of the smartest, most inventive, fun breeds! It's just that traditional & compulsive methods that work well with a Lab make a Husky go - "f*** off." Huskies who are owned by people who appreciate and understand the breed are some of the coolest dogs I know, they're just plain cool! They don't annoy you or demand attention, but they can be the sharpest working dogs in the world if you work with them as a partner rather than a slave. They just bask in their own glory & are generally super friendly to all kinds of people and other dogs (as long as they don't look like bunnies). There is something special about them, their love of self, and their independently thinking minds. This is a dog who is "street smart" and I admire that so much!
