Why Do You Like The Kinds Of Dogs You Do?

[koalathebear]

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

...

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.

Thanks for the book rec, poodlefan - I've just bought it off amazon.com for my Kindle even though my To Be Read pile is dauntingly large right now.

I was thinking of this comment from you on Friday when I was having a chat with a colleague from work. Some times I help out and make little music videos for rescue dogs and a colleague at work was a bit surprised that I'd recently made a rescue dog for a bull breed (pit bull/amstaff ... you get the picture). She said that no matter how much she tried, she could not help judging someone when she saw that they owned a bull breed, particular a pit bull. For her, no matter how well socialised and beautiful the dog was: "Why on earth would you want that kind of dog when there are so many other beautiful kinds of dogs in the world." I tried to explain that everyone has different tastes and what she finds unbeautiful in one dog is beautiful to someone else and vice versa and the diversity and the ability to choose was important.

Her point was that BSL had a great deal of merit because certain bull breeds were bred to be fighting dogs and it was in their genetics. I pointed out that all breeds were bred for something but that didn't mean that that was all they were good for and it certainly didn't mean that they should be wiped out. She didn't agree with me but she didn't mean it offensively, she just said that she can't help looking at the people and thinking: "What is it within you that makes you choose to own something like a pit bull/staffordshire bull terrier/amstaff etc and not another dog?" I pointed out that I'm against BSL because of the whole 'where do you stop' argument - today it's pit bulls, tomorrow it's going to be other large breed dogs but apparently she has the same views about rottweilers, dobermann and other 'menacing' dogs. I am guessing that it's largely because her breed of choice (border collie) is pretty safe and is hardly ever likely to be the target of BSL.

It was an interesting albeit sobering discussion. It would be harder to find someone more educated than my colleague - Rhodes scholar from Oxford, studied and worked in think tanks, worked in Europe and the US, has witnessed first-hand the 'adopt a pit bull' movement in NY ... but I guess she was just being 'honest' with me about her instinctive 'feelings' she had when she saw certain dogs. I know she wasn't trying to argue or debate, just tell me how she felt and why.

I was trying to think of whether I make any rash 'judgements' about owners when I see certain types of dogs. For me, I've just seen so many large dogs that are well socialised, friendly family animals that I am not likely to judge the big dogs. I think I have a bias towards medium to large dogs. I was bitten by a German Shepherd as a child and a maltese as well (not my fault - they were neighbourhood marauding dogs that would chase people on bikes and on foot) and I think I hold more of a grudge towards the maltese than I do the GSD.

Edited January 16, 2011 by koalathebear

[OSoSwift]

I'm not keen on the general spitz temperament descriptions, I admit I like being adored!

Oh, they'll adore you, but that doesn't mean they'll do what you want them to or care if you're not happy with them.

Lol, sounds like most dogs I've owned!

My keeshond was definitely like that. :D

You obviously haven't owned a Border Collie. They live just to please their owners, do exactly as they are told and are devestated if they think they have let you down.

The most important temperament trait for a Border Collie is their "will to please" their owner. I will not breed from anything that shows any tendency to being stubborn or strong willed because it loses the essence of the breed. They frequently out-think novice owners and it ends up with the dog training the owner instead of the other way around, but if you are smarter than the dog and know how to train them they are the easiest breed to live with.

I couldn't handle living with dogs that didn't just do whatever I tell them to.

And that is why BC's are on my one day list!

[OSoSwift]

I couldn't handle living with dogs that didn't just do whatever I tell them to.

Love this thread, I'd be bored if my dog didn't raise the middle claw from time to time. It's nifty there are so many different breeds with so many different attributes.

Yep, SkySoaringMagpie, mine don't raise their middle claw, they just stick their tails up even higher

Mine just laugh at me and run off....

A agree, a great thread.

I am also of the mind set if I say now I mean it, don't look at me and go in a minute - I have cats and kids for that. Now means now!

I love having dogs that want to sit on my lap and cuddle. I watched Avatar with two Whippets on and next to me for the whole movie. I love that my dogs follow me around and are not wandering off all the time (that may have something to do with the fact I want to see them all the time to make sure they are not to close to a snake!) Mine are one step behind me most of the time, I have encouraged it from the beginning.

[laneka]

I like their size, their brain, their mental strength, physical strength. They are loving and energetic. Yet they love to laze the days away with you at the same time. They are wash and wear. Do not cost the earth to feed. Overall a very easy dog to live with and they have a great sense of humour. I have tried a couple of other breeds and their temperament and character does not suit me.

Edited January 16, 2011 by laneka

[Bubitty]

I like their size, their brain, their mental strength, physical strength. They are loving and energetic. Yet they love to laze the days away with you at the same time. They are wash and wear. Do not cost the earth to feed. Overall a very easy dog to live with and they have a great sense of humour. I have tried a couple of other breeds and their temperament and character does not suit me.

I adore Rotties! I always wonder if I am strong willed enough for one though but I simply love them so much!!!! They would definitely be a breed I would have if I ever thought I was suitable/good for them!

[poodlemum]

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.

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.

With you entirely on that Poodlefan & Christina - the very first dog I CHOSE was a Poodle - to my mind the perfect dog, intelligent, low-shedding, gorgeous & a dog with a sense of humour

[Kaleb]

"You obviously haven't owned a Border Collie. They live just to please their owners, do exactly as they are told and are devestated if they think they have let you down.

The most important temperament trait for a Border Collie is their "will to please" their owner. I will not breed from anything that shows any tendency to being stubborn or strong willed because it loses the essence of the breed. They frequently out-think novice owners and it ends up with the dog training the owner instead of the other way around, but if you are smarter than the dog and know how to train them they are the easiest breed to live with.

I couldn't handle living with dogs that didn't just do whatever I tell them to."

Another vote for Borders here!

With my first boy, Luka - my heart dog, (RIP) it was almost as though he had read the training book the night before a session... one repetition and behaviours stuck. I inadvertantly trained 'wait' instead of stay, just by telling him to 'wait' at open doors or before getting out of the car when he was little!

Luka ended up with some slightly strange neurosis.... we couldn't open a ring binder in his presence or he would duck and cover and eventually any clicking noise could upset him... I could never work out what started the behaviour either! Most loud noises were fine, and no problems with storms or anything.

With Luka at times it seemed as though his reason for living was to please me.

Kaleb (current pup) is still smart, but is a little more independent. he is happy to have an explore on his own, slightly less of a crawler, and will take a little more time to respond to comands sometimes.

I love that they are so responsive, I love that they like to work, I love not having to repeat sessions too many times, I love that they amaze me with how fast they learn, I love that I have to stay one step ahead of them all the time... but I can understand why some people can't handle borders and find them claustrophobic!

I've considered other breeds, but I'm scared that Borders have spoiled me!!

[Sayly]

I first looked into the Aussies because of their look (I don't think you can beat a nice Aussie for looks) but they have ended up being exactly what I want in a family member.

I now love them because:

They love to please without being needy and obsessive.

They can go all day or snooze all day depending on what I'm doing.

I love the gorgeous coat that's also pretty easy to look after. I love that the dirt falls off as they dry.

I love that each and every one looks different - they are all individuals.

They love cuddles but don't need to be all over you.

They like to be in the same room/around you but not all the time, they can go and do their own thing too.

They are fantastic watch dogs but I doubt they would ever do anything other than bark!

Mine at least tend to be quite loyal, they love their family and they need to know you before they will let you do much with them. They aren't so much 'wary with strangers' as down right snobs! Oh except Bree, she loves everyone, especially kids.

I love being able to let them off lead without them legging it!

Mostly I love their absolutely 100% sweet hearts.

So in three word: sweet, adaptable and loyal. :D

I grew up with the Irish Terriers and will always have one in my life. I love the incredible sweet and gentle nature with people, to sweet little whiskery kisses and the uncoordinated leggy cuddles. The way she's always ready to take off after something, that she isn't going to start an fight but if someone else does she's more than happy to jump right in! I love the racy look and the deep rich colour. I love the beards and the cute ears. I love the way they seem to know when someone isn't as steady on their feet, like kids and the elderly and are so much more careful with them. I love having a rare breed too.

I love that they are terriers through and through but have absolute hearts of gold with people.

[Henrietta]

I love having dogs that want to sit on my lap and cuddle. I watched Avatar with two Whippets on and next to me for the whole movie. I love that my dogs follow me around and are not wandering off all the time (that may have something to do with the fact I want to see them all the time to make sure they are not to close to a snake!) Mine are one step behind me most of the time, I have encouraged it from the beginning.

Wow, this reminds me so much of my nan's whippet. Avatar's a bloody long movie, so that is a testament to their snuggly natures.

I find that my nan's whippet is far from clingy but checks in often and never has to have an invitation for a pat or cuddle repeated. Yesterday we were outside for a run and I got tired so I plopped unceremoniously onto the ground. Mr L came straight over, dumped himself on the ground beside me and put his neck and head in the crook of my arm. He just wants to be near you and cheeky... oh my goodness, he is cheeky. I am so in love with this dog that I think my next dog will be a whippet.

Having said that, I think you can really like different kinds of dog. My girl is independent, sharp as a tack, a training challenge at times (for me), very active and great fun to play with. She will snuggle when she feels like it, on the couch and the bed, but never for long periods. She loves to be around me, in fact 90% of the time, she is, but doesn't need to be down my shirt or glued to me. I have found that our bond has developed over time through play mostly, and training. By the time she hit two years old, I was heed over heels about her. I absolutely adore her and would love a breed with similar traits in the future. I found it easier once I understood her and stopped taking things as a personal slight. Aggression issues had also put a strain on the relationship for a while, just the stress of trying to figure it all out, the guilt/shame etc. We have a great relationship now, I find her quirks charming, aggression issues aside. Aggression is the one thing I'll be looking to avoid next time, luckily I have all the tools I need at my disposal here on DOL.

Edit - not really opposite, just different, I think.

Edited January 16, 2011 by Henrietta

[laneka]

I like their size, their brain, their mental strength, physical strength. They are loving and energetic. Yet they love to laze the days away with you at the same time. They are wash and wear. Do not cost the earth to feed. Overall a very easy dog to live with and they have a great sense of humour. I have tried a couple of other breeds and their temperament and character does not suit me.

I adore Rotties! I always wonder if I am strong willed enough for one though but I simply love them so much!!!! They would definitely be a breed I would have if I ever thought I was suitable/good for them!

If you do eventually get one, get a bitch to start with. They are much 'softer' than a full blown male. They all need obedience and socialising but then so do all dogs. Because they are a natural guard they need to meet as many people and other dogs as they can, not just when they are young but all through their lives. Again I believe, so do all dogs.

Oh and the other thing I like about them is a well bred, well socialised dog is a very easy dog to live with. I prefer the males but that is me.

Edited January 17, 2011 by laneka