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In another thread, Chowder asked me what made me decide on the breed of dog I did as our new puppy. I thought it might be fun for everyone to share their breed of preference, and what makes them pick "that" breed.
First I'll share about my boys.
Max, my 13year old Beagle.
This one was simple. I was 7 years old, and Shiloh was my favorite movie. Being so young, of course I knew nothing about breed research and picking a dog that fits your lifestyle, and no one else in my family are "dog people" enough to know any better, so when I saw him in the pet shop window (again, didnt know better) that was it. I had my own "shiloh dog".
While a Beagle was not the right fit, I have enjoyed Max, but will probably not have another Beagle.:smile:
Champ, my 2.5 year old German Shepherd/ Golden Retreiver Mix
This one was not so simple. He was my ex-boyfriend's dog, and when I moved in with him just a week after he got Champ, he ended up both of ours, but primarily his. We moved out of state together, and he moved two months before I did, taking Champ with him. Two months later hen I got there, I learned Champ had been severely neglected and abused. He who is now 90lbs and lean was only 65lbs and pure skin and bones. A lot of things happened in the following week that ended my relationship with that man, including a physical attack against myself, in which Champ, in his fragile state, got in the middle of and ultimately saved my life. I ended up bringing him home with me, with intentions of rehoming him. By this time, I knew about breed research, and a german shepherd is NOT a match to me. But, we've been through so much, and he really is a good dog, and the thought of rehoming him is heartbreaking. I will not, however, have another german shepherd.:redface:
Grissom, my 10 month old Pembroke Welsh Corgi
When I was ready and set to get a third dog, I did a lot of breed research. Because by this point I had been working hands on with dogs in a daycare environment, I went more off of the dogs I had come in contact with than I did what the books say. I wanted a dog that was not too big, as I was in an apartment at the time, but was high energy enough to come to work with me and play all day. I am not as drawn to the "bow to every command" dogs that some people are, I like a little challenge in training, and Corgis are definately stubborn. I grew INCREDIBLY fond of one corgi in particular, Milo, that i worked with, and after talking with a few breeders decided this was the breed for me, and the longer I have him, the more true this statement becomes. I love Max and Champ and would do anything for them, but Grissom and how much more I enjoy him further proved the importance of breed research and picking a dog that really fits in with my lifestyle.:biggrin:
Annie, the Boxer that is not born yet.
Jon and I are getting ourselves a puppy when we get married in December, the litter is due at the end of this month and will be ready in December. I have wnted a Boxer my whole life, and we feel it will be a good fit. We wanted a dog that is high energy enough to keep up with our lifestyle. I love Boxers because of their spunky personalities. We wanted a larger dog, but not a giant breed. We will not be cropping her ears. They are prone to a lot of health problems, primarily heart and thyroid-related, so it was important for us to go with a breeder that tests all her breeding dogs for genetic disorders. Even so, we are prepared for food allergies with this breed.
First I'll share about my boys.
Max, my 13year old Beagle.
This one was simple. I was 7 years old, and Shiloh was my favorite movie. Being so young, of course I knew nothing about breed research and picking a dog that fits your lifestyle, and no one else in my family are "dog people" enough to know any better, so when I saw him in the pet shop window (again, didnt know better) that was it. I had my own "shiloh dog".
While a Beagle was not the right fit, I have enjoyed Max, but will probably not have another Beagle.:smile:
Champ, my 2.5 year old German Shepherd/ Golden Retreiver Mix
This one was not so simple. He was my ex-boyfriend's dog, and when I moved in with him just a week after he got Champ, he ended up both of ours, but primarily his. We moved out of state together, and he moved two months before I did, taking Champ with him. Two months later hen I got there, I learned Champ had been severely neglected and abused. He who is now 90lbs and lean was only 65lbs and pure skin and bones. A lot of things happened in the following week that ended my relationship with that man, including a physical attack against myself, in which Champ, in his fragile state, got in the middle of and ultimately saved my life. I ended up bringing him home with me, with intentions of rehoming him. By this time, I knew about breed research, and a german shepherd is NOT a match to me. But, we've been through so much, and he really is a good dog, and the thought of rehoming him is heartbreaking. I will not, however, have another german shepherd.:redface:
Grissom, my 10 month old Pembroke Welsh Corgi
When I was ready and set to get a third dog, I did a lot of breed research. Because by this point I had been working hands on with dogs in a daycare environment, I went more off of the dogs I had come in contact with than I did what the books say. I wanted a dog that was not too big, as I was in an apartment at the time, but was high energy enough to come to work with me and play all day. I am not as drawn to the "bow to every command" dogs that some people are, I like a little challenge in training, and Corgis are definately stubborn. I grew INCREDIBLY fond of one corgi in particular, Milo, that i worked with, and after talking with a few breeders decided this was the breed for me, and the longer I have him, the more true this statement becomes. I love Max and Champ and would do anything for them, but Grissom and how much more I enjoy him further proved the importance of breed research and picking a dog that really fits in with my lifestyle.:biggrin:
Annie, the Boxer that is not born yet.
Jon and I are getting ourselves a puppy when we get married in December, the litter is due at the end of this month and will be ready in December. I have wnted a Boxer my whole life, and we feel it will be a good fit. We wanted a dog that is high energy enough to keep up with our lifestyle. I love Boxers because of their spunky personalities. We wanted a larger dog, but not a giant breed. We will not be cropping her ears. They are prone to a lot of health problems, primarily heart and thyroid-related, so it was important for us to go with a breeder that tests all her breeding dogs for genetic disorders. Even so, we are prepared for food allergies with this breed.