Do you like to keep a specific "type" of dog?

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#21
I wonder if I just haven't met the right herding dogs. ;) I owned (own? She's "mine" but is staying with my parents) Collie/Aussie mix who was *awesome*, but she's also a reactive mess. If I could have a dog like her that wasn't reactive/sound sensitive? That'd be perfect, too. Most of the herding breeds I've met have all been pet bred and are very nervy/anxious...has turned me off a bit.

I, too, would be happy with a dog not DA with our own pack and one that tolerates/ignores dogs in publication. But ideal would be non DA period.

And a dog that doesn't play with toys is a broken dog to me. Hahaha
english shepherd
 

Laurelin

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#22
I dunno. I enjoy all 3 of my dogs. If you could give me Hank's energy, trainability, and drive and Mia's brainpower, intuitiveness, off leash skills, and excitability I'd be set.

Hank is CLOSE to what I like but he is not hyper aware in the way the paps are. He's a bit 'doggy' sometimes.

I'd like his energy level or even HIGHER. High drive. Small medium. Highly athletic. People and dog friendly.
 

Beanie

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#23
You wouldn't know it with Pepper in the mix.
But yes, generally. The boys and Georgie paint a pretty nice picture together of the kind of dog I like.

If I didn't have a specific type I liked I would have a fourth dog right now...
 

CharlieDog

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#24
The dogs I like tend to be shepherds. I don't like vocal, bark to hear their own voice bark, but I do appreciate alert and alarm barking. I like their offleash trainability, I like their closeness to their people, and the fact that they have "their" people. I like that they can be social, but prefer to remain aloof, and aren't usually wanting to be everyone's friend.

I like their circling behavior (just about every shepherd I've had on offleash hikes will circle around and around me as I hike lol)

I also like that if I want a softer dog, there are lines that tend towards that, I like that if I want a hard dog, there are lines that have that.

I love that they're cuddle bugs, and want to be with you, even if that means I don't go to the bathroom by myself anymore :p (I was going to say at home, but with Indy, I never go to the bathroom alone anywhere anymore lol)

I like the fact that most people tend to be wary of them when I'm out walking them, simply because of their appearance (never mind that neither of mine would do anything. Indy will not because of training, Harrison will also be trained not to do anything because of SD work)

The only thing I don't like is that they can be SSA or DA.
 

Slick

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#25
I only have one dog, and the second will be the same breed, but even comparing with other breeds I would like to own I would say that I definitely have a type.

I like dogs who are medium to high energy, down for running around and doing stuff, but with an off switch. I like velcro and at least moderately cuddly - I want a dog to follow me around the house. I like happy bouncy friendly dogs, though would prefer that they wouldn't go home with any stranger on the street. I like a little bit softer temperaments. Basically I love dogs who have a joy for life, a good sense of humor, and want to do things with their people. I like moderate dogs who aren't off on either end of the spectrum in most things (except velcro, they can be as velcro as they want)

I'm not really interested at all in having a variety. Variety of breeds, absolutely, but I'm really only interested in having a dog who fits into my general type (though there are quite a few breeds that do)
This matches my type (and Leo) perfectly.
Yes to all of the above.
 
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#26
high energy, not fearful, eager to please, velcro, reserved with strangers

After owning Crystal who is pretty low end of the energy spectrum, I need a dog who will exercise more. Also, Crystal is fearful of new situations and has pretty high anxiety levels in general and that is a really bad turn off (which can be personality or can be due to lack of socialization in younger months). Crystal is eager to please and reserved with strangers and I LOVE IT. I definitely want that with future dogs.

Basically, I want a bunch of different breeds but they probably will end up falling into those types. :D
 

Shai

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#27
Happy, bouncy, drivey, cuddly, in your face, shadow dogs.

I really like upbeat personalities, love life and everything that is involved with it. I like dogs to not be physically soft but more soft to people (not like, glare and cower but responsive to their people). I also like a good work ethic, go, go, go but with a great off switch.

Also, once again, cuddly.

This though seems to cover a lot of breeds sorta. So while Koolies are my breed there are other breeds I would and will own. Some are more heavy or light on some of the things I like but all tend to get that sorta feel I think.
Oh look, Linds wrote my post for me :p

Seriously though, all of this.
 

Finkie_Mom

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#28
I (obviously) have a certain type LOL. I really enjoy my independent dogs who will only somewhat follow me from room to room, but still want to play with me when it's time to train or whatever. Off leash skills (as in just go out in a field and play off leash) don't matter as when they are working (agility, off leash obedience) they are just fine to do what they have been trained to do. I like vocalizations, love the high energy level and their "naughtiness." The fact that they are always trying to get in to something cracks me up, honestly. Never a dull moment. In addition, things like trick training come easily because the LOVE figuring stuff out. They are not overtly happy (well, Jari kind of is LOL), but still definitely happy and not that serious, if that makes sense. They are just the right amount of friendly towards people/other dogs. The only thing I would change is the DA-male/male thing, and that's really just because I miss Pentti. Both boys out and about have never had any issues with other dogs (intact or neutered), but obviously living in such close quarters was not working.

It will be interesting adding a herding spitz in to the mix when the time comes! I just hope she's not TOO velcro-y.
 

frostfell

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#29
I used to want a lot of things, but want and need (and want and can handle) are two very different things. Iv had to endure many dogs that didnt fit with me and frustrated me before I literally stumbled upon the dog that has set the bar for every dog after her, and has defined, for me, what I need in a dog. Playful, loving, happy, willing to do anything, indifferent to strange animals and people, and low energy and low drive. Kitty is exactly what I need in a dog, and unfortunately all her progeny (now in the 4th generation) are high drive, high energy, brainy, screaming, intense, sport dogs.

Maybe I need to switch breeds.
 
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#30
Both breeds I have are medium sized, medium coated and still have strong working lines. Good on and off switch, love to work but settle in the house. I would not own a breed that absolutely loves all people and all dogs and must make friends with everyone. I am naturally reserved myself so prefer my dogs like that.

When OH wanted his own dog for hunting, that wasn't a border collie, I was drawn to the Brittany most of the breeds he liked as they were more a naturally reserved dog than many gundogs. A golden retriever would be a bad fit for me.
 

SoCrafty

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#31
I used to think I wanted an average dog. Honestly, having Addie has shown me what I really like - bouncy, happy, eager to please, super velcro, the kind of dog that tilts their head when you say something, like they know what you're saying. The kind of dog that picks up on little nuances and just does what you want before you want it.
 

Fran101

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#32
A typical good dog.
Likes all people, happy, tries to do good, settles down easily, go anywhere kind of happy dog that likes the beach and to chase tennis balls and play with kids..

the kind of dog that would be featured as a family dog on an ABC FAMILY TV show lol basically.

Not the coolest thing to say on a dog forum :rofl1: but yea
 

Ozfozz

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#33
A typical good dog.
Likes all people, happy, tries to do good, settles down easily, go anywhere kind of happy dog that likes the beach and to chase tennis balls and play with kids..

the kind of dog that would be featured as a family dog on an ABC FAMILY TV show lol basically.

Not the coolest thing to say on a dog forum :rofl1: but yea
Honestly, that's what I came here to say :lol-sign:
Alright, so Cobain isn't exactly what one would consider to be "happy" lol, but a rock solid dog that you can trust in pretty well any situation.
Need to test a dog to run relays against another dog? Cobain's your guy; he's not phased by another dog chasing him at all. Need to do a behavioural assessment for another dog? Again Cobain. Planning on going to a crowded festival but want to bring the dog? Cobain.
 

Laurelin

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#34
A typical good dog.
Likes all people, happy, tries to do good, settles down easily, go anywhere kind of happy dog that likes the beach and to chase tennis balls and play with kids..

the kind of dog that would be featured as a family dog on an ABC FAMILY TV show lol basically.

Not the coolest thing to say on a dog forum :rofl1: but yea
Hank is totally that dog. And it's a lot of fun! He's a good, easy boy.
 

LMost

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#35
Have loved my giant puppies since I was around 12yrs old and 36yrs later still love them.
Started with Saints and Mastiff are just my breed. <The less shedding&grooming I also love.
Also love Newfie's and Leo's from afar but never see me having one due to the shedding.
 

Torch

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#36
I like a harder dog. My Amstaff is very drivey and higher energy, fun to train yet stubborn.

My soft dog is my heart, though. He's been so easy to train and live with that it's not even funny.
 

Toller_08

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#37
A typical good dog.
Likes all people, happy, tries to do good, settles down easily, go anywhere kind of happy dog that likes the beach and to chase tennis balls and play with kids..

Not the coolest thing to say on a dog forum :rofl1: but yea
This is what I ultimately like as well. I want a dog who is eager to learn, a quick learner, good at sports and fun to train, but ultimately I just want a nice, take anywhere, do anything, happy, friendly, easy to live with but up for whatever, steady dog that is good with people, other dogs, etc. Basically, I like a Lassie dog that I can also have fun dabbling in sports with.

I used to think I wanted a bit of a crazy and something that ultimately excelled in sports and whatnot. But no. I am a calm, quiet person and I just want a dog that wants to hang out and be a good pet and then go play sports/games when it suits me haha. Journey fits the bill completely.
 

k9krazee

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#38
This is what I ultimately like as well. I want a dog who is eager to learn, a quick learner, good at sports and fun to train, but ultimately I just want a nice, take anywhere, do anything, happy, friendly, easy to live with but up for whatever, steady dog that is good with people, other dogs, etc. Basically, I like a Lassie dog that I can also have fun dabbling in sports with.

I used to think I wanted a bit of a crazy and something that ultimately excelled in sports and whatnot. But no. I am a calm, quiet person and I just want a dog that wants to hang out and be a good pet and then go play sports/games when it suits me haha. Journey fits the bill completely.
After having terriers for most of my life that weren't go anywhere good dogs, this is what I wanted. A steady, happy, friendly, good dog that's up for anything I want to try.

Then I got 2 more terriers....maybe someday I'll finally get a "good dog". haha
 

SpringerLover

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#39
This is what I ultimately like as well. I want a dog who is eager to learn, a quick learner, good at sports and fun to train, but ultimately I just want a nice, take anywhere, do anything, happy, friendly, easy to live with but up for whatever, steady dog that is good with people, other dogs, etc. Basically, I like a Lassie dog that I can also have fun dabbling in sports with.

I used to think I wanted a bit of a crazy and something that ultimately excelled in sports and whatnot. But no. I am a calm, quiet person and I just want a dog that wants to hang out and be a good pet and then go play sports/games when it suits me haha. Journey fits the bill completely.
Yep. This. I love my good pets!
 

Laurelin

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#40
After having terriers for most of my life that weren't go anywhere good dogs, this is what I wanted. A steady, happy, friendly, good dog that's up for anything I want to try.

Then I got 2 more terriers....maybe someday I'll finally get a "good dog". haha
My terrier is a good dog!

Though to be fair my dog friends often comment about how Hank is much nicer than 'real terriers'. :p
 

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