Why could you not live with a breed?

[HayleyMarie]

Why could you not live with certian breed or breed group of dogs.


Got me thinking because alot of the threads about a certian breed alot of people will say they like the breed, but never could live with one and being the curious animal that I am I though I should ask this question.

Ex: You could live with a dog in the herding group, but not in the terrier group? And why??

 

[Dekka]

For me its more individual dogs. I don't want a dog that isn't into me. I have dogs who come into the bathroom with me and sit waiting whilst I shower. I can't think of breeds that aren't into people as a whole.

I would be weirded out if my dog chilled in a different room than me by its own choice. (not that I ever call my dogs to be with me, they can be where ever they want. Kaiden is my only dog who at times chooses to chill in another room with out me, but you will notice he is not on my siggy as I consider him more the family pet than "my" dog)

I don't think I could deal with anything more than the basic grooming requirements.

 

[BostonBanker]

I can't generally deal live with hounds, because my dogs spend so much time off leash. I know some handle it just fine, but I'd never seek one out.

I can't live with most guarding breeds, because I don't like protective dogs.

I can't live with any dog that needs professional grooming, regardless of breed.

I can't live with Gusto, because he makes me laugh non-stop and my stomach hurts all the time.

 

[lizzybeth727]

I don't want a dog that isn't into me. I have dogs who come into the bathroom with me and sit waiting whilst I shower. I can't think of breeds that aren't into people as a whole.

^^^This for me too. Occasionally I'll run across someone who is irritated when their dog follows them everywhere, but for me that's the way it HAS to be, LOL.

Similarly, independent dogs irritate me. IME terriers are way too independent for me; I've met many that I can tolerate, but I've only met one terrier in my life that I'd consider adopting (a boston terrier). Huskies and other nordic breeds also fall into this category, as do mastiffs, many of the hound breeds, and LGDs.

 

[kady05]

Similarly, independent dogs irritate me. IME terriers are way too independent for me

You should come talk to my Terriers then LOL. All 3 of them try to fit into my 1/2 bath when I go pee! It's a little ridiculous.. sometimes I actually wish they weren't SO glued to me. We were just joking on the Pit Bull forum that they should be called "duct tape" dogs since they're so glued to their owners.

For me, it depends on the dog. My dogs really aren't typical Terriers.. they don't have an ounce of DA, they have low prey drive, and are content with sleeping all day if I let them. Definitely not the norm for a Terrier.

Generally speaking though, herding breeds would probably drive me nuts. Too high energy for me. Hounds, no thanks, every one I've ever dealt with at the shelter could've cared less about me and only wanted to sniff the ground, they are THE most difficult shelter dog to photograph!

 

[Sweet72947]

I couldn't live with an excessively active/drivey dog. I do like a dog to be a little active, so that I have to go outside and walk them and play with them, but a dog who needed to be worked half the day to remain sane? No thanks.

I'm not going to own any small terrier dogs. There wasn't anything in particular about Benji that I didn't like, our personalities just didn't work. I also prefer not to spend excessive amounts of time brushing a dog. Sure I'd own a Standard Poodle, but I'd keep it nekkid. Lol

 

[Teal]

IME terriers are way too independent for me; I've met many that I can tolerate, but I've only met one terrier in my life that I'd consider adopting (a boston terrier). Huskies and other nordic breeds also fall into this category, as do mastiffs, many of the hound breeds, and LGDs.

You need to meet my dogs, too! APBTs definitely do NOT fall into the independent category... they are shadows! My boston terrier is way more independent than my APBTs, actually lol.

As for mine... Unless I move to an apartment, I couldn't stand having a coated breed. Living in the country, with all the dirt/stickers/sticks/etc. that would ruin a coat.. I'd go nuts! I don't mind grooming (I used to groom when I handled dogs in AKC)... but I don't want to groom and trim EVERY darn day!

I love herding dogs, but without a good sized herd of sheep or cattle I couldn't live with one.

And lastly, I couldn't live with a lazy dog! At the very least, any dog of mine has to get excited about long walks, car rides, and playing... and if they don't want to participate in dog sports, they still have to go - so might as well have dogs that want to play!

 

[Maxy24]

I don't know if there is really a dog I COULDN'T live with, except ones that wanted to kill members of my household or something. But there are plenty of breed characteristics I would never ever in a million years WANT and would do all I could to avoid having a dog with that trait. For example I would never ever want a dog that doesn't love everyone, I like dogs who want to soak up love from everyone. So what do I have? A fear aggressive dog who barks, growls, snarls, and snaps at strangers. I'm living with, clearly I can. But it makes me incredibly sad whenever it rears it's ugly head. I will never choose a dog like him in that respect.

 

[MicksMom]

I couldn't live with an excessively active/drivey dog. I do like a dog to be a little active, so that I have to go outside and walk them and play with them, but a dog who needed to be worked half the day to remain sane? No thanks. ...

Same with me. Which is why I won't have Border Collies or Malinois. Don't get me wrong, I think they're great dogs, just not for me.

Bullmastiffs- I LOVE them! There's just no way I could live with the drool. Or more precisley, there's no way my husband could live with the drool. I could probably get used to it. Same with Newfoundlands.

Long haired and "non shedding" breeds- Rough Collies, Poodles, etc) It's just too much fuss for me. I couldn't keep the coat tangle free (hmm- Newfs fall into that catagory, too). I'd rather deal with hair all over the place because I didn't brush enough than knots, mats, etc.

Terriers- they're just too full of themselves for me. I've met a few of different breeds that I liked, but not enough to own one.

 

[Dekka]

Ya my JRTs are far from independent. Like herding dogs, they are confident when working and don't NEED you. But around the home they are right at my feet (watching me pee....)

I, unlike Maxy, don't want dogs who love everyone. Kaiden loves everyone and it drives me nuts. Dekka likes people, but saves the enthusiasm for me. She politely tolerates all humans, but loves me.

 

[kady05]

I couldn't live with an excessively active/drivey dog. I do like a dog to be a little active, so that I have to go outside and walk them and play with them, but a dog who needed to be worked half the day to remain sane? No thanks.

Same here, I'd go nuts! I see videos people take that have Mal's and am like "How do you live with that?!"

My dogs are lazy, but they'll go out and play, work, etc. if I take them somewhere, so they aren't sloths or anything.

Oh - I grew up with Labs & my entire family owns them, but I could never own one. I love them, but between the shedding and the "BALL!!" thing.. I just can only deal with most of them in small doses.

 

[HayleyMarie]

Ya my JRTs are far from independent. Like herding dogs, they are confident when working and don't NEED you. But around the home they are right at my feet (watching me pee....)

I, unlike Maxy, don't want dogs who love everyone. Kaiden loves everyone and it drives me nuts. Dekka likes people, but saves the enthusiasm for me. She politely tolerates all humans, but loves me.

My Teagan is pretty much the same, She follows me everywhere, but is pretty independent and confident when it comes to her jobs. She also is a dog that will play be herself (in the same room as you) but she is ok to entertain herself if no ones willing to play with her.

Now I can't STAND a dog that wants to lover up on everyone, Emme is like that and it drives me nuts. I could not own a golden or a lab. I like my aloof terrier, who gives dirty looks to most strangers ha ha!

And thats probably why I am mostly drawn to the terrier and Mastiff group of dogs. They are independent, aloof, confident and have lots of sass and are focused on their people most of the time, but not everyone else.

I can also deal with a dog thats DR. I don't need a DP dog.

 

[AliciaD]

For me its more individual dogs. I don't want a dog that isn't into me. I have dogs who come into the bathroom with me and sit waiting whilst I shower. I can't think of breeds that aren't into people as a whole.

I would be weirded out if my dog chilled in a different room than me by its own choice. (not that I ever call my dogs to be with me, they can be where ever they want. Kaiden is my only dog who at times chooses to chill in another room with out me, but you will notice he is not on my siggy as I consider him more the family pet than "my" dog)

I don't think I could deal with anything more than the basic grooming requirements.

OMG, to me that sounds like torture!!! I want a loyal dog but not one that spends every second wanting to be near me. I need an independent dog.

This is my, incomplete, What I Want In a Dog list.

• Physically sound, able to do strenuous things like hiking, backpacking, and bike joring.
• Aloof with strangers. I don’t want a dog who trips all over themselves to greet strangers, but I want a dog who will play nice with strangers if the time calls for it. I don’t want a dog to ask for affection from strangers.
• Affectionate with family, but not obsessive. I want a dog who likes to be near me, but doesn’t step on the backs of my heels to do so. I want a dog who wants to spend time with me, not space. Bonded to me, but not so clingy he can never leave my side.
• Able to get along with other animals and dogs. Since I am likely to always have more than one dog, it’s important that the dog I have get along with other dogs. I am willing to dedicate a lot of time to socialize it, and take it to group classes. The dog should also be able to get along with other animals, even prey animals, BUT these are only animals that the dog would be raised with. I would like them to be able to understand that these animals are FAMILY and are not to be messed with, but squirrels and other game are not FAMILY and a high prey drive is okay.
• Intelligent, but doesn’t have to be easy to train. I want a dog who uses its brain, and can solve problems.

 

[RD]

I couldn't live with a frail dog, health-wise or structure-wise. Most brachy breeds (mostly English and French bulldogs, which I love) would be out because I live in a hot climate. I could not have a dog that I had to bubble-wrap in order to keep them from getting sick/injured doing everyday things. I would be nervous owning long-bodied breeds like Dachshunds because of the potential for injury based on their body shape.

I couldn't live with an extremely aggressive/reactive dog. I currently have a dog who detests the presence of other dogs in her home, and it makes things a PAIN IN THE ASS. so in the future that will be a massive no-go. I do rescue and I need a dog who can accept/tolerate other dogs. This would probably rule out a lot of the bully breeds, and a good percentage of male dogs in the working group.

I'm also with Dekka about dogs who aren't into me. I don't care if other people's dogs ignore me, but I don't want MY dog to. I don't want a subservient sycophant, I just want a dog that involves itself in my life as much as possible.

Oh, and barkers. Breeds that are known for exercising their voice are probably not going to do well in my household.

 

[PitBullLove]

Pits aren't even Terriers in my book. More Bulldog in my eyes Quite a few people I have worked with and kennels I have worked at call them American Pit Bulldogs.

My sister's Border Collie mix puppy drives me nuts. But that doesn't mean I cannot live with the breed. I have lived with one before, and I could tolerate his behavior just fine. Darla is just harder to tolerate because she has no stability in her life at all, has had no training and my sister leaves her for days and has not taught her anything or done anything with her to satisfy her needs. And she doesn't like my training methods because I don't talk to her in a high pitched baby "ohdarlayouaresocuteyousweetlittlebabyohmygodyoucanjustdoanythingyouwantbecauseyouaresocuteandicannottoteachyourulesortrainyoubecauseijustwanttobabyyouandnothingelse". . I've been working with her anyway, but she is having a hard time with moving from here to her boyfriend's to going to work with her to driving in the car for hours to different places, I imagine that is why she is a bit hard to handle right now, very nervous, skittish, and LOUD.

So, I wouldn't say I can't stand living with a certain breed, but some individual dogs I do have a hard time living with.

 

[Toller_08]

I could live with most any breed if I had to, but I would definitely be much happier with certain breeds.

Drool and I are not a good mix. I mean, I can deal with it when I'm around a slobbery dog, but I couldn't live with it on a daily basis. So, that rules out most giant breeds for me.

I don't want a dog with off the wall energy. I could not live with a dog who always needed to be doing something. I like a dog who is relaxed in the house, and who likes to go and do something when I'm ready. I don't have the time to spend more than an hour every day exercising a dog at this point in my life to get it to some point of calm. I like a dog who can go all day, but doesn't need to if I'm busy/not up to it... if that makes sense. My dogs sleep all day or keep themselves busy chewing bones or something, but when I want to do something, they're all for it. That's what I like. They're just as happy with a half hour run as they are with a 3 hour hike.

I don't want a dog with hardly any desire to please me. I need a people pleasing dog who enjoys working with and for me.

I don't want a dog who takes forever to teach something to. I like to be able to teach a dog something relatively quickly.

I don't want a dog that takes a ton of grooming. I'm good with the amount Dance takes, and no more (paw and ear tidy with some brushing). This rules out anything that needs to be shaved (tho I could make an exception for a mini poodle), or any terriers due to hand stripping.

I don't want a dog known to be human or dog aggressive. I run the risk of SSA now, and would prefer not to have to worry about that again. I love my Dobes, but am not a fan of SSA.

I don't want a dog that doesn't like people. It doesn't have to be everyone's best friend, but it at least has to tolerate and semi-enjoy other people. Sure makes life a lot easier when it comes to having people over or when I want to take the dog out somewhere.

Basically, I want a confident, moderately high energy, people pleasing, intelligent, happy dog who gets along with people and other animals, that I can live with easily and do all the different things I want to do with a dog.

None of my dogs fit that description perfectly (Dance isn't good with people, Keira is very independent and headstrong, and Ripley has some dog reactivity on leash), and I know no dog is perfect. But when I am seeking my next dog out, those are the traits I will be looking for.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Well, I think I could LIVE with a lot of other breeds perfectly fine, but not sure I'd WANT particular breeds as a choice. I mean, like, my dads JRT mix and Dachshund mix would not be my ideal choices of dogs if I had a choice. But I could live with them, and do part-time, perfectly fine and just deal with their behavioral issues that I don't necessarily like.

If I'm going out seeking a dog, I think it comes down to personality over breed, more so. However there ARE a few breeds I wouldn't actively seek out. Lol, I'm probably making no sense. Jackson is a terrier and he definitely has prey drive (he will eye in on a squirrel or a small fuzzy creature, he also hunts and stalks bugs, lol) but he's not really the "typical terrier". He's not very stubborn, he's very biddable and eager to learn, he'd be fine 95% of the time off leash, he gets along with all other dogs he meets, he likes people (but he's not like overly happy to greet people - he's certainly no retriever), he's very active but not 'hyper', he's not DA/DR, etc, etc. Sooo... yeah, I want another dog like him, lol. And that may or may not be another terrier, I think it often times does just depend on the individual dog. Oh, and I do wish he was the kind of dog who would play fetch at the park and I could wear him out, but he gets bored with fetch after a few minutes. But again, that's not always a breed thing, so it's hard to say.

 

[BostonBanker]

I, unlike Maxy, don't want dogs who love everyone. Kaiden loves everyone and it drives me nuts. Dekka likes people, but saves the enthusiasm for me. She politely tolerates all humans, but loves me.

I am apparently going to find out what I prefer. It is so weird to me. Meg adores the world and every human in it. While she doesn't go running up to people leaping on them, she is pleased as punch any time anyone calls her over for attention.

Gusto, on the other hand, is less impressed with people in general. Zero issues - total strangers can go get him out of the crate and take him out. But people always try to call him over, because YayCutePuppy, and he just sort of glances over then focuses on me. It is just plain weird to adjust to. I don't not like it, just a huge change for me.

 

[mrose_s]

I love herding breeds and gundogs the most. They have everything I want in a dog, athletiscism, willingness to please, reliability offleash and intensity.

There are a couple of mastiff breeds I love and a couple of sighthound breeds I love but outside this I have just found a lot of unsuitable breeds/groups.

Scenthounds - I couldn't handle the "sorry, I smell something and I can't hear you"

Spitz breeds - I ADORE malamutes, seriously love them but they would never mesh with me. I don't like that independant temperament. We'd clash and both be unhappy, me because I'd want the dog doing cartwheels on demand, the dog because it didn't want to.

Terriers - I am in awe of those full on terrier breeds but they arn't for me. I think thats why I struggle with Mac so much. I don't like that her line between rough play and the start of a dog fight is so blurred, I don't like her "stick it to the man" attitude or her neediness and clingyness (although not sure if this is so much a terrier trait)

I think its wise to be aware of what you can and can't live with in a dog.

I said before I have a few mastiff and sighthound breeds I love (Bullmastiff, Borzoi, Greyhound and maybe Great Dane) and I would seriously love to have them one day but I often wonder where I would fit them in and what I would do with them.

I am also not as keen on "love everyone" type dogs, I would take it to persoanlly. lol
I love how Quinn and Buster are out in public, Buster looks straight through people like he doesn't see them and Quinn doesn't mind some polite attention but doesn't seek it out. Its probably the single biggest thing that puts me off Labradors. I'd really like one one day if I could get over the fact that the dog might like strangers more than me.

 

[Danefied]

I wouldn't turn down a dog in need, and we are equipped to make a lot of accommodations, but I do have certain preferences.

Little, toy sized dogs really are out, we have a lot of land, a lot of open areas, and a lot of birds of prey and coyotes. Nope, not going there...

Northern breeds would not be a good match either. Our climate is shorts and t-shirt 9 months out of 12 and IMO its just not fair to a dog bred to sleep in a den of snow. Yeah, yeah, I know they adapt, but they also often seem really miserable in this climate.
If I really had my druthers we'd have no undercoated dogs period. I like hair that obeys the laws of gravity - so much easier to clean up!

Sighthounds probably not the best option either. Our fencing is a joke, and we never close any gates anyway. I can train a pretty good recall, but I'm not *that* good.

Other than that I'm pretty open. I think we'll always have at least one great dane, and one day I'm going to get another rhodesian, but other than that... whatever shows up next