Why Do You Like The Kinds Of Dogs You Do?

[corvus]

I was fascinated reading the thread about Malinois and GSDs by how many people like these kinds of dogs. Sounds like my worst nightmare. My last dog was quite sensitive to my moods and I hated it. We weren't good for each other sometimes. Lots of feeding off each other's states. I sometimes found it a lot of pressure to be her owner. My current dogs are more... buffered, for lack of a better word. They generally don't give a toss about what I want them to do. They do what they want to do and things like "The Tone" don't really work on them. Works a little on Erik sometimes, but if I get cross he takes off and there's no convincing him then. Just have to walk away, take some deep breaths, and come back with a clear head and a plan. I can do that. It's better for everyone. I find I am a lot happier relying on training and conditioning than on my dog's inherent sensitivity to me. I don't really get frustrated much when I'm forced to think things through and don't get that instant gratification of frustration resulting in behavioural outburst resulting in dog doing what it's told. So I like smart, steady dogs with a streak of independence. I like dogs you can't sweet talk or just take for granted they will gather what you want of them and do it. I like dogs that need a reason. I'm good at providing reasons, and it keeps me steady as well, which is what I like to be.

I would love to hear why you like the kinds of dogs you do. What about them suits your personality, and why are you good for them?

[minxy]

Numerous reasons why I like the dogs that I do. I can't stand barking, so a "yappy" dog would never fit in at my house. I don't like dogs that jump up either, or are too excitable. I like dogs that are chilled back, mature, reserved. Dogs that are strong and muscly, and independent. I like a dog that likes to be around me, but doesn't require me to actively keep it occupied constantly. These are some of the reasons why Kyojin makes a wonderful companion. He's big and cuddly - he's a great height for squishy cuddles without too much strain on my part Akitas aren't barking dogs, nor are they jumpy and overly excitable. Kyojin's happiest when he's around us, but that usually just means having a snooze nearby where he can keep an eye on the action. He doesn't require an excessive amount of exercise. He's been extremely calm from day one - never really acted like a puppy to be honest.

[poodlefan]

Stanley Cohen's book Why We Love the Dogs We Do is an interesting perspective on this.

I am another who finds the intensity of working dogs a little claustraphobic. I like a balance between a people focussed dog and one that doesn't need a 'job' to make it happy. I don't want a dog tossing a ball at my feet or looking for a game 24/7

I like a dog with some spunk but not one who constantly needs boundaries reinforced. I like 'smart' dogs. I don't like passive breeds.. I like interaction. I dont want a dog to 'protect' me.. I'm happy to take care of that. I also like dogs that other people arent' scared of.

I think Cohen is right that certain personalities will gravitate towards certain types of canine temperament. The independent breeds that some folk admiringly shake their heads about cause me to grit my teeth.

I think some acknowledgement of your personality on a basic level does help pick a dog that 'fits' with you. I'm pretty calm, don't get easily cheesed off or provoked to yelling. Poodles and a whippet fit well with that. If you expect your dogs to cope with tantrums, rough handling and aversive training methods, choose other breeds. They are sensitive dogs.. probably not your cup of tea Corvus.

Edited January 12, 2011 by poodlefan

[PAX]

I love dogs that are handler sensitive, it works for me.

I love it that they know when they can stuff around and when they can't without me having to actually do anything.

I have owned lots of breeds of dogs and found most of them this way. Maybe it is because I spend so much time with them.

My Mal is the most sensitive, but not in a fearful way, he just knows what is happening next way before I do.

[Gayle.]

I'm a bit like Corvus. I like calm steady dogs that aren't too needy, and I love a canine sense of humour and a mischevous streak. Not too much mischief though! Aussies provide a good balance for me, they're pretty much up for anything I want to do, or they'll amuse themselves or take a nap.

They do like to follow me though.

[zizzi]

What's grooming like for kyojin?

[PAX]

I have also owned a Whippet and I swear she spoke English so maybe it's me, although I didn't compete with her in any dog sports. She would be on a draw with my Malligator, just for different reasons.

[wuffles]

I have a pretty broad range of things I like to do, from lazing around the house to playing sport, so I like dogs that are versatile and ready to do anything you might like to do with them. I like that my Aussie will happily accompany me on a short walk, a long walk, obedience training, a playdate, to a friend's house, to the lake for a swim, or just lounge around the house... all with a smile on her face.

I like dogs that don't take life too seriously. I don't take life too seriously. I love the trainability of working breeds but don't like the seriousness of some of them. Ava thinks everything is fun without being over the top. She isn't obsessive about anything and takes everything in her stride.

While I love our older dog, he suits my OH better than he suits me. OH likes a big, low maintenance dog whereas I like a trainable one Satch has a streak of independence which can be difficult to manage when out and about but also means that he is fine lying around the house all day, doesn't follow you from room to room and doesn't care if you go out without him.

[KumaAkita]

There are some days when I'm at obedience with Kuma that I would love a more responsive, less independent breed. But then, that's only once in a blue moon! I love that he's chilled, relaxed, enjoys being around us but is happy on his own at home all day.

I'm with Minxy - probably why we have the same breed! - small, bouncy, barky, needy dogs don't float my boat.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I was first attracted to Salukis reading about the entertaining trail of brutally expensive property destruction a friend's Saluki wrought on the household. She also found it funny, she is a free spirit independent type herself, with a taste for the finer things in life

I like love them because they are reserved, independent, difficult, ancient, aristocratic, beautiful, athletic and they keep you on your toes. I am fairly sure that what a group of Saluki or Afghan owners would find hilarious or amusing a group of GSD or Border Collie owners would find completely disgraceful

Thanks for the book recommend PF, I will look it up.

Edit - I have also noticed "pairing" across groups. A lot of sighthound people also have terriers for example, and I'm sure there is a cross-over there in the attraction to an independent breed.

Edited January 12, 2011 by SkySoaringMagpie

[Jumabaar]

I have Kelpies because they are always there. If I am in the bedroom they are, and if I move into the kitchen they all get up and go with me. I have done a 6hr study session with Abby propping up a 6kg textbook for me without moving, then went and did flyball training with her!! They are very sensitive to my moods, but at the same time they are ALWAYS happy. They just get more clingy when I am not happy.

I got my Finnish Lapphund because I needed a dog to fit with the kelpies and didnt have time to raise and bond with another Kelpie. She is much more independent. That being said, she also moves from room to room with me, but instead of sleeping on the lounge next to me she sleeps behind or under it. She also has a good on/off switch. And it is a nice change to have a dog that I can take anywhere and not 'manage'. When I take the kelpies out they are constantly ready to 'do' something and are constantly asking me what I want them to do. Demi, the Fin, is quite happy to chill on the show trolly, or dumped on someones chair until I tell her we are going to do something. Then I have a dog that can get serious air, and bark and basically become a fluffy Kelpie LMAO.

So I guess I like dogs that DO stuff with me

[Everythings Shiny]

I prefer working dogs as I have grown up on a farm. I have been involved with other breeds through my work and rescue, but I still come back to my workers, especially my "smokey" kelpies (not the Fawn kelps though, nothing against them, but prefer my smokey's)

[Kavik]

I like dogs that like to work and play with me. I enjoy the high energy of the Kelpies and that they pick up training and shaping so quickly and are ready to do it at any time. I find Diesel quite frustrating sometimes because he is slower and clumsier both mentally and physically, I am used to agility and speed and sensitivity. Not that Diesel is a dumb dog, he just works at a slower, steadier pace, and it is sometimes hard for me to adjust after the quick Kelpies.

[~Anne~]

I like the low maintenance and the placidness of the Pug.

[MonElite]

I only ever really owned one breed - dobermann.

I love the way they look to me there isnt a dog that is better looking then a dobe, would like to ahve them cropped and docked, or at least docked.

Then there is the public perseption about the breed, and I like the fact that people are affraid of a dobe. I want a dog that can protect me, or at least look as if it will.

One of the ones I have is the intense, start up in a split second type of a dog. Needy and rude, barks just this little bit to much, steals stuff and jumps in the least appropriate moments.

Yet if she is corrected she is the most suck up dog ever and I love that in her.

She is also always happy, has a smile and wags the tail basically non stop.

The others I had were not as intence as her, but just as needy ;-) I like that they are loyal to me and want to be with me all the time.

Then there is the cross bred I also have. Ridgy bullmastif pitty? perhaps.

He is a absolute sweetheart, good with everything, yet wil bark at the gate and pretend he is guarding.

But he looses intrest in doing something very quickly and is overal lazy. 2km run and he slows down where the dobes start to warm up.

Besides that I absolutly LOVE PAXs malinois. Just love that dog.

[poodlefan]

I was first attracted to Salukis reading about the entertaining trail of brutally expensive property destruction a friend's Saluki wrought on the household. She also found it funny, she is a free spirit independent type herself, with a taste for the finer things in life

I like love them because they are reserved, independent, difficult, ancient, aristocratic, beautiful, athletic and they keep you on your toes. I am fairly sure that what a group of Saluki or Afghan owners would find hilarious or amusing a group of GSD or Border Collie owners would find completely disgraceful :D

Thanks for the book recommend PF, I will look it up.

Edit - I have also noticed "pairing" across groups. A lot of sighthound people also have terriers for example, and I'm sure there is a cross-over there in the attraction to an independent breed.

No need. I can loan you a copy.

You'll not see me with a terrier.. but I've probably got the most people focussed of the sighthounds.

[Nik]

I have a pretty broad range of things I like to do, from lazing around the house to playing sport, so I like dogs that are versatile and ready to do anything you might like to do with them. I like that my Aussie will happily accompany me on a short walk, a long walk, obedience training, a playdate, to a friend's house, to the lake for a swim, or just lounge around the house... all with a smile on her face.

I like dogs that don't take life too seriously. I don't take life too seriously. I love the trainability of working breeds but don't like the seriousness of some of them. Ava thinks everything is fun without being over the top. She isn't obsessive about anything and takes everything in her stride.

This sums me up too. Just substitute Ava for Annie .

When we were looking for a new dog, we wanted one similar to our old border collie x kelpie, but with a little less ball craziness. We've found that and more in our Aussie. I love how she is with my kids- they treat her like "one of them" so she's always being cuddled on the couch or playing at the playground with them- going down the slide is her favourite.

[WreckitWhippet]

For me the crazier the better. I tend to click with and enjoy the dogs that other people love to hate. I like the out there, in your face, confident dogs, the busy dogs, the dogs with drive, the one's that wreck things, jump on things and generally make a nuisance of themselves. That's the Staffords in general.

I find the more "emotional", sour, sedate, less active, low drive dogs a bore. Having said that I own a roller coaster of a Whippet and love her to pieces.

[WreckitWhippet]

I was first attracted to Salukis reading about the entertaining trail of brutally expensive property destruction a friend's Saluki wrought on the household. She also found it funny, she is a free spirit independent type herself, with a taste for the finer things in life

I like love them because they are reserved, independent, difficult, ancient, aristocratic, beautiful, athletic and they keep you on your toes. I am fairly sure that what a group of Saluki or Afghan owners would find hilarious or amusing a group of GSD or Border Collie owners would find completely disgraceful

Thanks for the book recommend PF, I will look it up.

Edit - I have also noticed "pairing" across groups. A lot of sighthound people also have terriers for example, and I'm sure there is a cross-over there in the attraction to an independent breed.

No need. I can loan you a copy. :D

You'll not see me with a terrier.. but I've probably got the most people focussed of the sighthounds.

You'd LOVE to live with Bretty The Bastard.

Did I not tell you that he's on his way

[minxy]

What's grooming like for kyojin?

Easy peasy! Granted, he hasn't had his first coat blow, but I know what I'm in for for that, so I am prepared. I give him a brush every few days to a week - though really this is only because I really enjoy doing it, more than because he needs it. I just use a retractable slicker brush and that does the job. He doesn't get knots or anything, so it's just a case of brushing out any dead hair. When he will blow coat (once or twice a year) this will last a few weeks. I have bought myself a force dryer to help with this - helps get the dead hair off much quicker and easier.