Why Do You Like The Kinds Of Dogs You Do?

[koalathebear]

I love this question – so interesting. We only really learned about Kelpies early last year even though they're supposed to be such a ubiquitous dog in Australia.

Kelpies get such a real bad rap sometimes – people assume that they're massively high energy dogs, that you can't have them in a suburban backyard. Some people think they're biters, fence jumpers, hole diggers. Other people think that they're very intense and have to work all the time. It's sad but there are so many Kelpies/Kelpie blends in the pound that it can be easy to assume that there's something undesirable about them …

For us, we love our Kelpie (and our Kelpie blend) for lots and lots of reasons:

1. Smart. So smart. They're thinking dogs so they process and anticipate. They're also very trainable – house-training was relatively easy. Training them about boundaries was also pretty easy – we have bags of Royal Canin on the ground and they never touch them, they don’t chew on furniture, cables, books or anything like that. They've learned not to jump up on beds/sofas/tables etc. They never, ever bench surf even if I am forgetful and leave beef/ham/cheese on the edge of the counter!! They know which toys are indoor toys and which are outdoor toys. They have learned not to bark at the doorbell. They love obedience work.

2. They're responsive and very keen to please. The trick is making them understand what you want but once they understand that – they deliver it up and seem to have fun doing it. They love to play and play and are such happy dogs. They're not mindless though – both our dogs have minds of their own and can be quite naughty and disobedient at times – when it rains, neither wants to go to Poo Corner

3. They're very motivated – food, toys, cuddles, attention, doesn't really matter what …

4. They can be very sensitive. Elbie and Hoover are both extremely sensitive to correction and also to our moods. Elbie in particular is very mood-sensitive. Hoover is a little more oblivious but he is extremely sensitive to being reprimanded – just a harsh word and his head and ears drop and he will give puppy eyes.

5. They are people dogs and incredibly affectionate. Both our dogs love being around people. They will play on their own in the yard, but they prefer to be near us even if we're not playing with them. They love pats and cuddles. They're not bitey or aggressive at all.

6. They can be very veggie. They're happiest in their dog beds snoozing/resting near us. Sometimes for hours and hours on end. Basically they do whatever we do – if we go out, they do that. If we walk, they do that. If we're on the computer, they snooze and play among themselves. If we watch a movie, they snooze or watch with us. If we play Rockband, they snooze or watch. Elbie gets hyper in the car sometimes and in new situations but he is a bit bonkers and that's probably the crossbreed in him rather than the Kelpie Hoover is pretty placid. At home, both are extremely calm and placid.

7. They're not very obsessive. They don't have 'jobs' but Elbie will play Elbie ball on his own for ages if we don't play with him and they play among themselves. They love it best when we play with them of course but they're very well-entertained by their own antics.

Our two are not very destructive (some minor hole digging in early days but not so much now), they're very much homebodies who show no desire to stray/fence-jump/bolt out the front door. They are not very barky either – Elbie only went bonkers when our neighbour was standing on the fence between our properties trimming his tree with an electric saw thing that was very noisy. Otherwise they don’t bark too much except to warn us that someone's approaching the house.

When I spoke with breeders and the Working Kelpie Council, they were all of the view that a working line Kelpie can make a wonderful, wonderful member of the family as a pet. Well-bred working line Kelpies don't even actually need that much early socialisation and they're still fine because they're so adaptable – Hoover and his litter were all on the farm until 3-4 even five months and all have apparently adapted beautifully to city life. Hoover's fearless in the face of an electric mixer, a Dyson, a washing machine, a car ride, a thunder storm …

[RubyStar]

I love the exuberance and love of life of a Gundog Smart, trainable, willing to please, but just as willing to sleep all day by your side if you let them!

Edited January 12, 2011 by RubyStar

[Rascalmyshadow]

I love my poodles because they are sensitive and aware of my every move, they are always by my side and respond to all my emotions. They are exceptionally good house dogs and are a breeze to train. Even as puppies they are fun but not overly destructive.

We are very compatible although on occasions if I get upset about something it affects them a lot which can be a little stressful.

My afghan is perfect in a multiple dog home because she is not competitive or demanding but she still has a soft clownish nature which I love, in some ways she is the complete opposite to the poodles but in other ways they are very similar.

We are also compatible and she is a less stressful dog because she doesn't feed off my emotions but I would only have an afghan with another more in your face breed.

The other breed I feel I work well with is the dobermann, they are very similar to the poodles.

Edited January 12, 2011 by NicoleL

[Bjelkier]

The first things that drew me to the Sammie's was their appearance I'll admitt, I love white dogs and their long and ancient history.

What drew me to their personalities however is their utter love of humaity, everyone is a Sammie's best friend.

I love that when doing something with a Sammie they are intense, eager, intelligent, funny, willfull and they like to talk back. But they throw every bit of themselves into the activity given to them, even if they don't do exactly what you ask, they have a ball doing it

But when at rest they are calm, quiet, gentle and very easy to deal with.

I love that they need to be with their owners and no matter what I'm doing there is always a Samoyed not far behind 'helping'.

They are tuned into their human's needs, I like that if I am unwell they don't demand I amuse them, they will go and play with each other.

[RubyStar]

I find the more "emotional", sour, sedate, less active, low drive dogs a bore.

Ditto

[TerraNik]

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

I always stop and watch at trials... Can't help myself (I'm usually not the only one... )

Why do I like my breeds? That's a tough question...

I love breeds that have a fair amount of drive, love working with me, but will also think for themselves. I'm a bit similar to RSG - the idea of a low drive or sedate dog bores me. I'd prefer hyper vs. sedate any day.

I love the cheekiness of the Keeshond - Jedi makes me laugh almost every training session we do! He seems to read my mind or know what we are doing before I have even started the session. I guess he's just very in tune to what I'm doing.

I love the drive and intensity of my Finnish Lapphund (no where near some working breeds, but she has enough for what we get up to!) and I love her ability to switch off and become a cuddle muffin when we're done. She's not as in-tune to me as Jedi is, but she tends to think less during training and just hammers away until she gets it.

There's obviously more that I love about the breeds, but I think that answers your question Corvus re: the other thread.

[poodlefan]

You'd LOVE to live with Bretty The Bastard.

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

I do like Brett.. I like a lot of bully breeds and the big smooshers. I like the larrikins, the gentle giants and 'steady' dogs. I like Rotties and Dogues. I love the utility gundogs. But knowing me, I'm not sure I'm the right owner for any of them. So I like that my friends have lots of different dogs that I get to enjoy - but send home with them.

Mind you, FHRP reckons I can turn any dog into a sooky la la so maybe I could get a Rottie. Although I'd really love a Bracco or a Spinone before I shuffle off.

Edited January 12, 2011 by poodlefan

[Christina]

I love all dogs & their very diverse natures & personalities.

The poodle is the breed I fell in love with 47 years ago & my main choice but I have had other breeds.

I like either very small or very large dogs. Nice balanced bone structure & not too bulky in build. Flat faces/noses don't appeal to me, or long bodies & short legs or big heads so I suppose my choice is based on the look to a large degree.

All breeds are trainable, some just require more work & expertise than others & most make good companions.

The couch potato doesn't really do much for me in a dog, I prefer silly fun with my dogs but I could love a couch potato if it had no one to love it.

Stubborn & willful is hard work to train but I could deal with it if I had to. However being older now I would avoid that choice.

I like all dogs & animals really. The crocodile being the only creature that does not fascinate me in any way.

[The Ark]

I love the versatility of our Aussie Shepherds - they love having fun, whether it's at obedience, a show, or just hooning around the paddock. They are very affectionate and like to please.

I love the air of peace that surrounds the greyhounds - with their big, liquid brown eyes and their ever-wagging tails they are a little island of sanity in what is a very busy household.

I love the self-assurance and carriage of the mini pinschers - and their portability. They are very easy to house and move around. I do NOT like their barking tendencies.

I love the sheer size and magnificence of my Maremma Sheepdog girl. She is such a soft, loving girl and it's nice to have the security of a big breed around the house.

[huski]

I love a challenge.

I don't like needy velcro dogs, I like my dogs to be a bit independent but also social and confident.

I like busy dogs, who are active and drivey.

I like dogs that are intelligent and don't just do something because you tell them to but will stop and say "why?"

I'd be beyond bored with a dog that I couldn't do lots of things with.

Edited January 12, 2011 by huski

[Paptacular!]

I like my breed because of their attitude and of course they aren't hard on the eye.

They're intelligent, eager to please and have struck that balance between affectionate and independent.

ETA - Also smaller dogs are cheaper to feed, easier to clean and cost less to put on a plane.

Edited January 12, 2011 by Paptacular!

[PAX]

The velcro dog, what breed is that???? I want one.

[raineth]

My two dogs at the moment are just my favouritist dogs ever

But they are very different in many ways.

I love dogs who show affection and they both do that.

Delta will rest her head on me and look up at me with her lots of love in her big blue eyes.

And Digby wants to be so close; you invite him for a cuddle and he simplly must lie on you as much as possible and he is a big big sooky mastiff x and you end up hot and squashed underneath him.

Digby is the most loyal and aloof dog I've had. He loves our family - everyone else he can take or leave.

Delta is the opposite and is a huge tart :D She thinks everybody is lovely and wonderful and is probably the least loyal dog in the world because she's just as happy with anyone's company. Although she really missed my daughter when she went into hospital.

Delta notices everything and becomes a part of it - she gives herself a job to do; like looking after my daughter with Diabtes

She is always checking on her and will let us know if something isn't right.

Delta is the happiest dog I have ever known. She makes everyone around her happy (well except Digby).

Digby is kind of morose. Yet he is just so good. He is the definition of a good dog - he never does anything wrong

He is also lovely and laid back. when I take him to training and we stand in line with the other dogs who are jumping around excitedly, or looking into their owners eyes with keen anticipation, Digby will be next to me laying flat out and having a snooze I love that

[huski]

The velcro dog, what breed is that???? I want one.

From someone who owns Spitz breeds and hounds just about any dog looks like a velcro dog in comparison :hug:

[PAX]

Lol @ Huski

[Guest english.ivy]

I'm a large breeder lover, non shedding and not overly active. Plus the not-so-popular breeds.

Adore the Belgian because they are extremely loyal, thick lush coat which doesn't really shed, she's willing to sleep around the house if I'm not feeling well and her active levels are fairly low when we do go out. Great guard dog when she wants to be and very alert. She's my black shadow, follows me everywhere! Ivy is my first Belgian so I can't compare her to other Belgians but what I've heard from her breeder, they all sound like Ivy.

Badger is my third Pointer and they are awesome family canines who just want to be where their master is. Not so loyal but fun loving and always creating a smile around the house with his Pointer antics. Their big goofy heads are squishable!

I like sensitive breeds and both of mine are exactly this. Works well for me because I'm a homebody and spend most of my spare time with my dogs.

[Dory the Doted One]

I love Dory, generally we are a great fit. Not that she doesn't come with issues and like all kids human or pet alike you could honestly tear your hair out. While I love her cuddles, she always has to take it a step too far. *sigh* I do love the fact that I can take her anywhere and she manages very well. I love the fact that I can trust her with other animals and not have to be too paranoid that things will go pear shaped. (I'm still watchful, but calmly watchful).

But I have to say, I LOVE Rotties. I love the fact that they can be lazy when I wanna be lazy. They can be active when I want to be active. They shut up when you tell them too. They are easy to train and quite biddable, but not without testing you out a little bit from time to time. A Rottie wants to work WITH you not FOR you and I love that about them. They can be big sappy, sooky la la's with their owners, couch potato lap dogs. But don't get too offended when you kick off the couch.

[poodlefan]

The velcro dog, what breed is that???? I want one.

This one. She'd get under my skin if she could. She loves to be on you.

She'd have that Mal whipped into line in no time too.

[Monah]

You'd LOVE to live with Bretty The Bastard.

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

I do like Brett.. I like a lot of bully breeds and the big smooshers. I like the larrikins, the gentle giants and 'steady' dogs. I like Rotties and Dogues. I love the utility gundogs. But knowing me, I'm not sure I'm the right owner for any of them. So I like that my friends have lots of different dogs that I get to enjoy - but send home with them.

Mind you, FHRP reckons I can turn any dog into a sooky la la so maybe I could get a Rottie. Although I'd really love a Bracco or a Spinone before I shuffle off.

Um, I think FHRPs may already be sooky lala... ;) but you've got the blame!

Bracco's here too, and more spins and vizss. :D

I've had all different 'groups' and seem to adapt to all and love them all.. However I''ve never had or been attracted to any spitz breeds. I like them as individuals, and the look, but would never be a stuitable owner.

I like working breeds (had cattle dogs) and bcs) but not if they are 'obsessive' and have found many I have associated with to be that way. ie' they are more focussed on the 'ball' or tuggy etc. than the owner.

I think the wolfhound is the most human focussed sight hound (and greys and whippets) bbut have not had a lot to do with others. wolfies are extremely focussed on their family and very snobby with outsiders (embarrassinggly so!!)

I adore terriers.

My absolute love though is mostly gundogs. I have found them to be intelligent, super focussed and easy to train, very loving, very human orientated, and very 'needy'

I love their demands and needs and wants and the nose in EVERYTHING you do, always a face stuck in mine, always interested in all I am doing etc.

an independent, amuse itself, etc. dog is no good for me at all. I like a lapdog, no matter what size, a dog who wants to be a huge part of my life. a happy, out there, involved dog. one who is time consuming and I KNOW is around!

I like this with my cats too, hence devons, tonks, siamese, burmese etc. screamers who dont let you do anything without them

[corvus]

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.

You know, I have said for the longest time that I would never have a Whippet, Italian Greyhound, or Greyhound because I'd be too harsh for them. Not on purpose, I just get animated and abrupt sometimes. I really quite like them, but I wouldn't make a very good Whippet owner. I don't really throw tantrums and I'm not rough or punitive on my dogs, but I do wrestle with my partner and leap to my feet abruptly, and shout at the television, and I get impatient when I'm preoccupied, which is often. I'm okay short-term, but it's not very sustainable. I had to make changes to my behaviour when I took my hare in because I was always startling him. It's like a rubberband, though. As long as I'm consciously reminding myself I'm all right, but if I stop reminding myself it's only a matter of time before I do something too fast, suddenly, or loudly. Seems sensible to just get dogs that don't care if I'm having a loud rant or have unexpectedly leapt to my feet, or am expressing my exasperation with them by holding their face in my hands and telling them all the ways in which they are not perfect dogs right now. If I do that to my dogs they give me grins and lick my face. Solves everything. Turns out they are perfect after all. And it goes the other way as well. Nothing calms me like everyone else being calm. I can't be anything but happy if I just got a happy doggy kiss.

Anything described as a "velcro dog" is also out. Kivi tries sometimes, and I'm glad it's only sometimes. We don't really fit through doorways easily when he's attached to my leg.

I've read Coren's book. According to that I like hounds and terriers. Love hounds as long as they are a bit reserved, but hate terriers. Really hate them. They are too intense and active and friendly for me.