Which Breed Was Your First Dog?

[Blackdogs]

Which breed was your first dog? Did you feel equipped to handle them? Would you recommend them to first time dog owners?

As always, pics would be a massive bonus.

[kelpiecuddles]

first family dog as a child was a yellow lab, she was insane and drove my mother to tears quite often.

My first dog of my own was Beau a lab X boxer with we think a bit of mastiff in the mix. he was a lovely calm boofhead of a dog and very easy to live with.

[Guest Clover]

We had family dogs when I was a kid. But my first own dog (who I trained, fed, looked after & loved) was a Rottweiler x ACD (red). I got her when I was 17 and she was too much dog for me, but we worked together and she became a great dog. Probably not the best mix to start out with but she taught me a heck of a lot re: dog training & behaviour .

Photo 1 - 2013-07-10 by clover_elvis, on Flickr

Edited November 10, 2014 by Clover

[Bjelkier]

First family dog was a Weimaraner.

But my first dog was my Labrador Retriever, Lestat. He's an old man now but still going strong. I wouldn't say he was too much dog for me at all, in fact to date he is still the easiest dog I've owned. But I love a challenge and enjoy more spirit in my dogs. I won't have another Lab however I would recommend the breed to a new owner.

Edited November 10, 2014 by Bjelkier

[Perfume]

My first dog was a Chihuahua, Cleo. Whenever possible I would take her everywhere with me. Although I personally found Cleo easy to handle, I'm not sure that I would recommend Chihuahuas to first time owners and especially not to a family with young children. Having said that, it really depends on the individuals concerned.

[Podengo]

First family dog was a Doberman named Sammy and a German Shepherd named Roy. They were both great dogs, very well behaved! When I was about 9 or 10, after Sammy had passed away, our family got another Doberman named Poppy who was "mine" - mum still did the feeding and paying for stuff, but I took her to classes, walked her for hours every day and she was my first agility dog.

My first dog as an adult is Elsie :) I got her when I was 20, she is the bestest dog ever! Elsie is a jack russell x border collie, obviously I have put a huge amount of work into her. A lot of my non-dog friends think she is amazing and all want their own terrier/collie mix - I have to keep telling them that she isn't an easy dog, I just make it look that way ;)

Poppy

Elsie

[Kirislin]

My first dog as an adult was a mixed breed that I found pregnant on the side of the road. She was very intelligent and trainable. Sadly I left her with my ex boyfriend because he made me feel so guilty for leaving him. She was dead within a year.

My next dog was a Whippet IG cross and I didn't consider her difficult although I was very willing to mould my life around her. She wouldn't suit everyone though, and alot of people thought she was ugly.

She certainly looked like nothing I'd ever seen before. :laugh: but I thought she was exquisite.

5F6A1805dpp by kirislin, on Flickr

5F6A1806dpp by kirislin, on Flickr

5F6A1807dpp by kirislin, on Flickr

Edited November 10, 2014 by Kirislin

[tdierikx]

Our first family dog was a Lab cross. She was the offspring of the neighbour's house boi's mutt and the show bred male Lab of the local landowner. Her name was Nuppy, and our parents made it absolutely clear that we could only keep her if we kids did all of the cleaning up of poo, etc... we even saved our pocket money to pay for her vaccinations and such. Nuppy was the perfect first time dog, and used to be included in all our games and the like.

My first dog as an adult away from home was a scruffy medium sized crossbreed - her mum was a pure Golden Retriever, but my dog looked more like a cross between a Border Collie and an Irish Terrier. Dog only knows what her dad may have been. Her name was Rebel for a reason - and she was a fair bit of work to raise - stubborn and cheeky to a fault. Probably not the best choice of a first time dog...

My second dog was a beautiful (but BYB) Rotti girl named Woosie - she was perfect in every way. I would definitely recommend a well bred Rotti to any owner - first time or otherwise.

T.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

First family dog (in my 20s) was an unwanted Lakeland Terrier - a baptism of fire!! He was given away by his pregnant owner, rescued by a friend of my family's and left with us as a temp foster care option. He was like a teddy bear (black/tan) in looks but def. not like a teddy bear in nature.

We called him "Bertie" and he was a fantastic dog, a phenomenal personality but definitely not for first time dog owners. We loved him regardless but we could no longer have visitors to the house as he was a biter and although we locked him away, it caused stress and strain.

Sadly no pics as this was more than 20 years ago but he came with papers from a registered breeder.

What a dog!!

[persephone]

My first dog for which I was mostly responsible was a mini foxie - I was about 7 at the time . She saw me thru my school years - and my first dog as an almost adult was a miniX wirehaired dachshund ....Both dogs were tough, and loyal, and , living bush, had plenty of outlet for their energy/hunting instincts .

[Teebs]

Atlas my bull terrier.

I would never recommended one as a first time dog. He was a pain but taught me so much!

[LisaCC]

First dog was a Labrador. He was a horrible puppy but a perfect adult (when he eventually grew up... around 4). I would recommend to a first time owner IF they can put the work through puppyhood and not want to get rid of the destructor pup.

Perfect first dog to get into dog training, learnt quickly and would do anything for food. I would of trialled in obedience with him but my mum wouldn't let me at the time

Even though Nova is the first dog I own myself, Sam was definitely my first dog and responsibility. Nova is one of the higher driven aussies and I would not in general recommend him to someone who had never had a dog before.

He is very much a one person dog and can be stubborn, he often refuses to listen to even basic commands from seasoned dog owners and accomplished trainers. Sometimes I think he goes out of his way to do the exact opposite.

He has a good off switch but he does best with multiple training and exercise sessions every day. If I'm sick he will stay on the couch with me, but he is not happy about it after a day or so. I have some health issues so rain, hail or shine I keep up his routine so he is chilled out when I need a rest day.

Edited November 11, 2014 by LisaCC

[Rascalmyshadow]

My first dog living at home (my heart dog)was a beautiful Doberman named Taran. My mums boss bred the litter but was abusing mum and pups, we took our girl in at 11 weeks after he kicked her in the head with work boots. She was the most frightened puppy I had ever met. We became inseparable.

Due to her upbringing she was a difficult dog, she had severe separation anxiety and was extreemly aggressive,even though we socialised her and did one one training with a professional trainer/behaviourist.

Certainly wouldn't recommend her for a first timer.

My first dog out of home was a tiger brindle pitbull named Raph, he was the easiest most sweetest dog.

Would recommend for a first timer as long as the time was put in to training.

[huski]

My very first dog was Cherry who was bought as a Tibetan Spaniel but is more likely a Chihuahua cross.

She's still going strong at 16 years of age! She had to have her eye removed earlier in the year but is still kicking along. She lives with my Family in another state and when I saw her a few weeks ago she was so excited and happy to see me. Melted my heart. :)

Because we don't know what she is I wouldn't be able to recommend her as a breed.

My first dog as an adult after moving out of home is my Malinois, not an ideal dog for probably 95% of people, lol.

[BlaznHotAussies]

As a family we'd always had working dogs, mostly Border collies from memory. The first "pet" was a Golden Retriever called Tasha, but she was rehomed at 2yo because she was too boisterous for the family & chased sheep so couldn't be unsupervised (probably would have been ok if us kids had been older, but I was 7, other siblings were 5, 2 & 1 so mum & dad already had their hands full ). So then we got a BYB (out of the Quokka), a Silky Terrier x Maltese who we called Poco and she's absolutely awesome. Great with kids, I trained her myself getting tricks off the back of dog treat bags haha. My nanna refers to her as my pride & joy

My first dog as an adult was a BC (working/BYB), super timid, hadn't left the farm when I got him at 3yo & did my best to socialise him but he just had too many issues. I ended up giving him back to the farm because he seemed to prefer it there rather than living a life as a civilised dog. Even though I had him for 4 years I see him now when I go see my horse and he's quite happy.

Now I have my awesome Aussie Shepherd, Robo :D he's the perfect dog for me, easy to train, awesome temperament with no issues, stays near the house, good guard dog, doesn't chase sheep, loves kids, doesn't mind adults & loves nearly any dog (once he realises it's a dog haha) and is respectful of the horses! I loves him :)

[espinay2]

My first family dog (dog came before me) was a kelpie. I remember him as a great dog and full of energy. I remember the green and white ball I got for my birthday when I was 4 (was looking at a picture of me with it in with my mother a couple of weeks ago!). The day after I got it he stole it and put holes in it! Lol! I remember I wasn't really that upset as he had such a great time with it.

My first 'you have responsibility for choosing and helping to look after' dog as a teenager was a dalmatian x something. She was from the pound (which is the only place we looked. We just went there looking for a dog). It is a bit of a joke as I was told I could get a small male dog. But I fell in love with the female puppy with big paws! I remember her being a relatively easy dog to own (we had quite a few dogs but she was the first I had a major role in getting).

My first dog as an adult was a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. When I was ready for a true dog of my own I decided it would be purebred, I would do the responsible thing and desex (our family had always done that) and I would take it to obedience classes. I moved into a rental house with a good yard and a clause in the lease that I could own a dog, specifically so I could get a dog. I spent a lot of time looking at different breeds and was actually considering a springer spaniel. In those days no internet so I looked at books i. The library and in pet stores and bought dog magazines. It was the Puppies USA Annual where I first read about this breed called a 'Great Pyrenees' and instantly fell in love. I bought a book from the pet shop on the breed (one of those general TFH ones) and then called the then Canberra Kennel Association (found in yellow pages when people actually used them). They set me straight on the name and put me in touch with the Victorian club who put me in touch with a breeder. I was filled in on all the barking and escape artist issues but it didn't deter me. So Halley joined me (first time I met a pyr was when she arrived by plane at 9 weeks of age). And the fun began! She REALLY a taught me about the barking and the escaping and the independence lol! But it was too late. I was in love with the breed and no matter the difficulties she cemented the deal for me. I just had to learn to adapt to their needs ;-)Photos of Halley here: http://www.espinay.com/halley

As for recommending Pyrs for first time dog owners, it really depends on the person. There are some I would not recommend them to. (Even some experienced dog owners I would not recommend them to though). And some I feel could cope well. Really a person needs to be a good leader in their bearing for the most part and able and willing to adapt the way they do things to suit the breed. Those that are too 'soft' in general (we all have seen them - the ones that plead half heartedly with their children to behave as the kids act like uncontrolled monsters ...) or too rigid in their requirements from a dog (ie want a dog to jump at their commands willingly etc) will not work

Edited November 10, 2014 by espinay2

[silentchild]

First family dog for me was a Pomeranian named Gina, which completely cemented into me the love for the breed. She was the best dog ever and was perfect for us to grow up with. She was a right real diva, true to the Spitz attitude, but she had a soft spot for us children and would spend hours tirelessly playing and tolerating all our shenanigans. She would nap on my lap and hide under the table at mealtimes for me to sneak her morsels of food of my plate. Every day after school she would be at the door to welcome us with the cutest little vocalizations that sounded like "Aroo-roo! Aroo-roo!" I had her until I was a teenager and she taught me how to love and treat dogs. After her the family dog was a crossbreed who was much bigger and saw me into adulthood - he was my teacher for teaching me how to deal with entire dominant male dogs and I loved him to bits - unfortunately he went missing after I left home.

First adult dog away from home was the gorgeous Rottie Emma in my sig, but she was shared with my OH at the time. She led me into the wonderful world of Rotties and threw me on a rollercoaster ride of caring for a dog that was constantly plagued with health problems.

The first dog I've had that is truly 100% mine (not shared with anyone, not a family dog, completely my own, etc) is my current Aussie Shepherd, my heart dog. :) She has thrown me headlong into the world of pedigree dogs and trialling and serious training and I have been on a steep learning curve since I got her, and thoroughly enjoying the journey.

Every dog I have had has taught me something or other.

I think it would depend on the temperament of the dog as to whether or not it would be suitable to a first time dog owner - pomeranians can be stubborn little things but my old girl was so easy to live with and her laidback temperament would have easily suited a novice owner. My Aussie would be a bit more challenging for a novice simply in terms of the amount of commitment needed to provide her (a working breed) with the adequate enrichment, however she too has a very sweet and easy temperament so again I think a committed novice owner could cope. However I do know of Aussies that are far more difficult and challenging than her (I was very lucky) so again, it comes down to the temperament of the individual dog and how much the person is willing to learn and commit.

TLDR; it depends on the person.

Edited November 10, 2014 by silentchild

[Justrace]

My first "own" dog was a Rottweiler, I still lived at home with my parents and when I moved out they convinced me to leave her there with them as they'd miss her too much.

For a first time owner? I think if you were going to have help with training then yes, I joined an obedience club but really struggled so stopped going. Finally got some ladies from the Rottweiler Club to come and help me with training when she was around 2 and it was like a light went off in her head. She was a lovely kind dog that got along with everyone and came most places with me, but she was silly and crazy until she hit 2.

Not sure how to attach a picture, but if I work it out I'll put one in.

[Purdie]

My first dog was a Cavalier Spaniel.

[Stressmagnet]

My family dogs were Labradors - Molly and Mopper. Poor mum did all the work.

My first dog that was mine solely was Katie the kelpie. Omg - such a great dog and I kearned so much from her. She was a nightmare pup and an escape artist but a pleasure to train and to hang with. I lost her at 12 years old from s brain tumour. I still regard her as the benchmark for every dog ive had since (I'm looking at YOU, Ernie!) and every dog I know. I miss her every day.