Did you compromise at all on breed?

[k9krazee]

I'm not really sure. There was never really a breed that I knew I wanted or that was a perfect fit for me. Ken was very specific with his wants aesthetically, and I was picky with the temperament and athletic ability. I did research Frenchies and Cresteds for a while, willing to get a dog that he liked but find an individual I could work with.

I feel lucky that I stumbled into Rat Terriers and they happen to be a nice blend of the traits that Ken & I both like -- Pox is not perfect, but we adore everything about him. I like his lines and his family, I can't say if I would love the look and temperament of ANY Rat Terrier.

 

[Red.Apricot]

I don't want every Tervuren, but Elsie's everything I want in a dog. I have one dog, not the whole breed.

That said, they are generally too large, and I'd like a little less reactivity, in general.

 

[Applebear]

I did, but I think it's like mentioned before...it's unlikely to get a dog that is 100% perfect match [I'm sure some do have those, but not as common].

With Ro, I wish he wasn't so anal....yes a chow, but I've had them since 12 and he was super over the top in this area. I was extremely disappointed in myself [for not seeing] and breeder [for lying] and it took me a long time to love him and see he still has that chowness I adore. I just had to work very hard on his issues, and counter conditioning helped greatly there...he'll never be to the point *I* wish he was, but I still love him and he's far from horrible, just needs to be managed a bit.

Knarly, I compromised because he was a small dog. I don't normally care for them if honest, and he broke the mold there, I don't think *small dog* when I think of him...I'm not sure I'd ever get another, because I don't think I'd ever find another Knarly.

Ripley, I all most didn't get because he had blue eyes...yeah, his eyes. I pictured a high strung and crazy energy breed mix when I first saw his eyes. But his picture and expression seemed different, which is why I went to meet him and he was...he was very chill and lower key. I compromise now because he is *slightly* more energy than I prefer, but it's not drastic...for the most part, he adjusts himself to whatever is going on [sitting here, he's laying by my side. Go for little trike ride, he's game on].

All and all, there's things I have compromised on all of them...but the things I love about them outweigh them by far.

 

[Toller_08]

Kind of? Not really? I'm not sure haha.

I've always loved Aussies. I wanted one when I was a kid, and my dad said an absolute no to any herding breed in his house, and then I discovered Tollers in lieu and kind of forgot about Aussies for a while. Especially after meeting some not very nice ones. Then when I was looking for another dog, I decided I liked the (said to be) more easygoing, friendly nature of Koolies as well as the short coat and a tail and decided I didn't really want an Aussie, although I did run that idea through my head a lot. I didn't want another hairy dog, nor a dog without a tail and I was afraid I'd end up with a really snarky, sharp Aussie or a complete dud. They seemed like a risk as far as getting the type of dog I wanted. Then, the Koolie idea obviously fell through and I fell in love with Journey's litter watching them grow and decided to give them a chance. Turns out I love the coat (except during tick season - now I'm paranoid), ended up with the nicest, most easygoing dog ever, and don't mind that she has no tail. In fact, I like that now, and will have to get used to my upcoming tailed puppy. I'm glad that I reverted back in a roundabout way to my Aussie love and ended up with Journey/the breed for me. The only thing I'd change is a touch more non-stop work ethic (like workaholic Border Collies or Koolies), and I could get that in a different type of Aussie, but I don't need it and love the type I have.