I only have one: a medium (or miniature poodle). They are the perfect blend of intelligence, athleticism and plus they are hypoallergenic. I’ve had poodles my entire life and they’re just by far my favorite dog.
I’ve had a number of purebred dogs over the years, but my favorite so far is the English Bulldog. I have 2.
Honestly, I don't like my dogs too smart, too active, or too big (or small). They fit the bill. You gotta have some money though, for the purchase, and the vet bills. They ain't cheap.Top four favorite goggies: Irish Setter, English Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog. Apparently I like the herders and hunters.
Over the last year, we’ve lost our two dachshunds (at 16 and 17, so at a good age). As soon as we can, we’re getting at least one again.
Intelligent, funny, sometimes sweet, but always, ALWAYS in charge of everything.
I miss our guys so much.
General observation: dogs are individuals and even within established breeds there will be behavioral outliers. For example, Poodles and golden retrievers are renowned for their temperaments, but my sister’s miniature poodle (“from a good breeder”) is registered with the police as a dangerous dog, and my local dog park eventually banned a certain golden retriever who repeatedly attacked other dogs and threatened humans.
Also I find people tend to love the breeds they have lived with, which leads me to suspect all dogs are Good Dogs.
That said, my personal list begins with one of the bully breeds:
- American Pit Bull Terrier: contrary to what people say, they are NOT loyal – they love everyone, complete strangers included, even people shying away from them on the sidewalk. I have lived with a few pits who were not necessarily purebred (although APBT is a recognized breed) but I call them “straight up pit bulls,” i.e. not mixed as far as anyone can see.
They have universally been enthusiastic cuddlers, playful and funny. Although dog reactivity can run in some bloodlines, the ones I have lived with have been startlingly easygoing. Simone was once bitten hard on the rump by another dog, who sank her fangs into the muscle and drew blood – her response was to turn around and look at her attacker in mild surprise, then try to follow that dog and their humans as they retreated (promising to pay for the vet bill, to be fair, which they did). Simone wanted to continue our hike with blood running down her backside. Our current Main Dog, Luna, was nipped by another dog while waiting to have her nails ground…the other dog pulled at her skin and stretched it out but failed to draw blood. Luna’s response was to move out of reach of the dog and continue to wait patiently.
All the pits we’ve known are “good” with children, but for Luna it’s a whole 'nother level – she’s like a Tolkien fan actually meeting an elf. You should see the look of gentle wonder on her face as she carefully puts her head in the arms of little children and simply basks.
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Beagle. Okay, they can be stubborn and loud, but I’ve always liked them since childhood. Frisbee discovered the empty steel shelves in the basement reverberated, and she would face the corner and “bell” so that the shelves buzzed, then turn and look at you like “How about that?”
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German Shepherd. My brother rescued a rigid, terrified lump of fur from the city pound almost 50 years ago who turned into the best protector and companion 3 kids and two kittens could have asked for. Miss you, Princess.
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Basset? We had a beagle/basset mix long long ago and he was entirely self-contained – he had his own life and interests that only intersected with our family’s some of the time.
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Any rescue. It’s a myth you can’t get purebred dogs from rescues and shelters, and it’s a myth they are trying to dump the bad ones on you. The truth is, they rehome so few they can be very choosy about the quality, and they want to give the best ones a shot. Everyone I know who bought from a breeder believes there are so many bad breeders out there, but miraculously THEIR breeder is wonderful. It defies the odds.
Beagles are deceptive. My house beagle is a sweet, overfed ball of love. I bottle fed her as she was an orphan. She looks at me with pure love with those moist brown eyes. If I’m not paying attention she’ll just come lean on my leg and let out a little sigh every now and then. Such a sweetie.
Mr.Wrekkers Beagle pack are noses attached to legs that go. Not pets in any sense of the word. I don’t trust them. I often help him give shots or apply flea stuff, I never turn my back on them. A couple of the bitches can be ok away from the pack. They turn into a conglomerate within the pack, though.
Dachshund. No question. Smooth, slick black ones.
Like Mr. Weenie! I may name a dachshund that some day. I vant to be free!
Grew up with a Basset and a bunch of Labs. Wonderful dogs.
My eponymous breed, the Weimaraner, is something special though. Crazy, and you have to be a little bit yourself to have one. Versatile breed, very energetic, very bright, very clingy. Swims like a fish. Will happily retrieve until your arm falls off, or all the birds have been grabbed. Fantastic watchdog.
They’ve personality.