Dog breeds you would never own
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Mostly because of the reputation they have of being aggressive, they just make me abit nervous. I know its not really the dog that has the problem its the owners that dont treat the dog right but sometimes even with good handling they can turn.
My Uncle in England raised German Shepards, some even went off to be Police Dogs, he had them for years, one day my Grandma was just fluffing up the pillows on the couch and one of the dog jumped on her back and attacked her. I know even smaller dogs can be aggressive, they just cant do as much damage if they turn on you.
I just like little dogs as that is my personality, I like something fluffy and cuddly that I can pick up and lug around and pamper.
My Uncle in England raised German Shepards, some even went off to be Police Dogs, he had them for years, one day my Grandma was just fluffing up the pillows on the couch and one of the dog jumped on her back and attacked her. I know even smaller dogs can be aggressive, they just cant do as much damage if they turn on you.
I just like little dogs as that is my personality, I like something fluffy and cuddly that I can pick up and lug around and pamper.
I don't particularly like the toy breeds or the retrievers as dogs. The toys are too small for my comfort - I'm tall, and I always feel awkward around them. Most dogs get underfoot, but the tiny ones seem to absolutely vanish and then reappear directly under your foot, screaming in agony. Plus they just look unhealthy to me. Those little tiny legs and eyes and heads - they may have all the heart of a larger dog, but to me, it seems like a sin to imprison that in a miniaturized body.
As for retrievers, I dislike their big-bodied, bumptious, domineering approach to life. I have collies, and being herded from place to place can get wearing, but I can live with it. Having a dog deliberately slam into my legs and body as a mark of affection/playful invitation/challenge/ode to joy/etc. makes me want to wring it's neck.
I'd also never want a Great Danes or a Dalmations, both of which seem oddly unbalanced. They bark at shadows, go from genially unconcerned to hyperfocused alert and hostile in a blink, and otherwise behave randomly in my experience.
I should never really say never, though, since my last dog-buying trip was entered into with the phrase "anything but a border collie" (I didn't want the activity level) and I walked out of the shelter with a border/beardie mix. Who was and is, thank you very much, as active as a rat on crack.
As for retrievers, I dislike their big-bodied, bumptious, domineering approach to life. I have collies, and being herded from place to place can get wearing, but I can live with it. Having a dog deliberately slam into my legs and body as a mark of affection/playful invitation/challenge/ode to joy/etc. makes me want to wring it's neck.
I'd also never want a Great Danes or a Dalmations, both of which seem oddly unbalanced. They bark at shadows, go from genially unconcerned to hyperfocused alert and hostile in a blink, and otherwise behave randomly in my experience.
I should never really say never, though, since my last dog-buying trip was entered into with the phrase "anything but a border collie" (I didn't want the activity level) and I walked out of the shelter with a border/beardie mix. Who was and is, thank you very much, as active as a rat on crack.
I agree. Toy breeds or any other smaller type of dog are okay if someone else has them, but I wouldn't like living with one. Same with dogs that are too big because it would be hard for me to do certain things with them, being as I'm only of limited strength if it ever came to me needing to lift them into the car to go to the vet. Medium to semi-large are best for me 
(50lbs~85lbs, give or take)
(50lbs~85lbs, give or take)
I've only met one purebred Chow, and he wasn't that bad (his owner was a jerk, though) but I've met a few Chow mixes that are very nice dogs. My Holly is a chow mix and she's a sweetheart. (Maybe the 'mix' mellows out the Chow-ness?)
I wouldn't have a toy breed, especially one that requires a lot of grooming. I like big dogs, but the giant breeds break your heart too soon...
I wouldn't have a toy breed, especially one that requires a lot of grooming. I like big dogs, but the giant breeds break your heart too soon...
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All I can say is that there are certain breeds or types of dogs I wouldn't own *at this stage in my life* .. *L* .. twenty years ago I probably would have said I'd never own a chow, and now I have three.
Right now I wouldn't want to get a little dog, although when I get older and need a lapdog I might reconsider.
I've dealt with thousands of dogs that have come through my training classes and I can say for sure that I wouldn't want most hunting breeds, especially not labs or lab mixes. Their personalities are not what I want in a dog. I also wouldn't go for a giant breed because it is just too hard to see them break down so young.
Shelties are out because most of the ones I've seen have been too yappy. I'm not fond of drooly, jowly dogs either. I haven't been around any APBT types that have clicked with me either. We have them come through classes frequently and they just aren't my type of dog.
I actually like the standard poodles a lot, except that once they grow their adult coat they're not very soft to pet. That adult hair is pretty coarse. But I like the attitude, intelligence and workability of the breed.
For those who have had bad experiences with chows - so sorry that happened! But please be aware that there are many breeders out there who are working hard to produce dogs with excellent temperaments. All three of my girls are very socialized and wonderful dogs who have visited at the nursing home and are trustworthy around people of all ages. As far as the grooming goes - my shepherds shed more than my chows do! *L*
A bad dog will color our opinions of an entire breed, but at some point a good dog may change your mind.
OH - but I CAN say that I will never EVER own a heavy-headed, overdone chow .. I don't like those overly-wrinkled faces that often produce a dog with poor ability to see and difficulty in breathing and moving. Why do that to a dog?? It's cruelty in breeding as far as I'm concerned.
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
Right now I wouldn't want to get a little dog, although when I get older and need a lapdog I might reconsider.
I've dealt with thousands of dogs that have come through my training classes and I can say for sure that I wouldn't want most hunting breeds, especially not labs or lab mixes. Their personalities are not what I want in a dog. I also wouldn't go for a giant breed because it is just too hard to see them break down so young.
Shelties are out because most of the ones I've seen have been too yappy. I'm not fond of drooly, jowly dogs either. I haven't been around any APBT types that have clicked with me either. We have them come through classes frequently and they just aren't my type of dog.
I actually like the standard poodles a lot, except that once they grow their adult coat they're not very soft to pet. That adult hair is pretty coarse. But I like the attitude, intelligence and workability of the breed.
For those who have had bad experiences with chows - so sorry that happened! But please be aware that there are many breeders out there who are working hard to produce dogs with excellent temperaments. All three of my girls are very socialized and wonderful dogs who have visited at the nursing home and are trustworthy around people of all ages. As far as the grooming goes - my shepherds shed more than my chows do! *L*
A bad dog will color our opinions of an entire breed, but at some point a good dog may change your mind.
OH - but I CAN say that I will never EVER own a heavy-headed, overdone chow .. I don't like those overly-wrinkled faces that often produce a dog with poor ability to see and difficulty in breathing and moving. Why do that to a dog?? It's cruelty in breeding as far as I'm concerned.
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
It really goes back to the breeding... I've had 3 grandlabs in my life... all were rescue dogs. Yes, they were different from the goldens I've had, but even I could handle them. Any dog , any breed takes patience whether from a pup or an adult. 2 of the labs were adopted as adults and ended up being being the happy clowns of the family. The third was adopted as a pup and a challenge, but ended up being a lover. I loved all three of them ( happily we still have EliN's Hunter ) but I think both daughters are thinking Golden next time .
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It's not the hyperness, although most of the labs in my area do tend to be hyper as many are bred from field lines. It's just the whole personality - the pestering to do something, the over-helpful nature, even the looks are not my type of dog. It's nothing against those who have labs .. I just wouldn't want one myself. They're not independent enough for me.
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
Melanie and the gang in Alaska
Dogs are a what is your lifestyle thing. There are no dogs unfit to share your life with. There are only good and bad fits.
I am 51 and when my old lab dies, he will be my last. Herding and sporting dogs are just too much activity for me now. Of course, I did just get a Great Dane, so I don't mind some exercize...lol. I just no longer desire to throw the toy till my arm falls off. I like guard dogs the best. Once adults, they pretty much just sit around making sure you are safe and I really like a dog that lays at my feet and is happy with the occasional pet. Lacie, my mastiff/rott mix is a perfect example. She is quiet, thoughtful and formidable looking and barking when called upon.
So look to yourself first. Do you want a lap lover? Do you want a running buddy? Do you want a camping, out with lots of people companion? Let that be your guide.
regards,
I am 51 and when my old lab dies, he will be my last. Herding and sporting dogs are just too much activity for me now. Of course, I did just get a Great Dane, so I don't mind some exercize...lol. I just no longer desire to throw the toy till my arm falls off. I like guard dogs the best. Once adults, they pretty much just sit around making sure you are safe and I really like a dog that lays at my feet and is happy with the occasional pet. Lacie, my mastiff/rott mix is a perfect example. She is quiet, thoughtful and formidable looking and barking when called upon.
So look to yourself first. Do you want a lap lover? Do you want a running buddy? Do you want a camping, out with lots of people companion? Let that be your guide.
regards,
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Irene said:
i don't think i'd go for big dogs. kind of afraid of them. perhaps because i'm small size haha. once someone's golden retriever jumped on me and knocked me over.
looks like majority here don't like terriers / toy group confession here. i own a terrier. cute as it may be, i would have to admit i might have made a wrong choice
looks like majority here don't like terriers / toy group
confession here. i own a terrier. cute as it may be, i would have to admit i might have made a wrong choice