So, from childhood to the present, what breeds of dogs have you owned and would you like to own them again? Purebreds or mixes, it doesn’t matter.
Siberian Husky: No.
When I was five my parents thought it was a GREAT idea to let the five year old pick out the dog.:rolleyes: This dog, a young, untrained, under exercised, female ended up at a rescue in under a years time. She ate trash, dug craters, chewed everything and bit me in the face (left no marks). Today I don’t think I’d want to deal with the exercise requirements or the escape artist tendencies.
Pekinese/Cocker Spaniel/Poodle: Yes.
Several months after the Husky went to a rescue, my mom fell in love with a little puppy in the window of a pet store in the mall. This dog was smart, loving, loyal and tenacious. She was euthanized at 12 due to Lymphoma. If I could find a similar dog at a shelter I’d take it.
Chow/Lab: No.
My dad had a coworker that allowed her dogs to breed. One of the coworkers dogs (they were on tie outs) hung itself and my dad came home with a young male. For the second time we had a destructive dog. This one peed on the furniture, ate a corner of the living room wall, “protected” me from my parents and killed a stray cat while we were on vacation. He ended up living with soldier at a nearby army base. I don’t like how unpredictable Chows can be and adding a high energy breed like a Lab to the mix only makes it worse. Plus I’m not that into big dogs.
Lab/Doberman: No.
While I loved this sweet, abused dog we got for free from the newspaper, she wouldn’t fit into my lifestyle today. She was euthanized in her early teens (we never knew her true age) due to failing health.
Pit Bull/?: No.
This dog is 8 years old and still lives with my parents. I don’t want to have to deal with the dog aggression issues the breed has.
German Shepherd/?: No.
Insane shelter dog my parents ended up rehoming after she attempted to kill the cats multiple times. She def had a few screws loose (not the cat attacks, just the random growling and flighty behavior, she went to live with a couple that works with “intense” dogs).
Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd/Lab: No.
If this now 9 year old senile dog wasn’t so HUGE I’d take a million of him.
Min Pin/Chihuahua/Dachshund: Yes.
My 3 year old is the perfect size and is one of those “big dog in a small dogs body” dogs.
Husky/Border Collie/Coyote: No.
Only if I can find one with the temperament of my current dog. I could see how this mix could go very wrong. Someone put a LOT of training into my before she was dumped/ran away.
Poodle - Yes
We had a couple when I was a teen. Smart, no shedding, and I learned how to groom them, so we didn’t have the insane grooming bills.
Great Dane - No
She was a sweet dog, and much as I love big dogs, I wouldn’t have another. Just too big.
Terrier mutt - Yes
He was one of the best dogs we had, and I don’t say that just because he lurved me best! Unfortunately, his terrier nature was his undoing - he attacked a coral snake who attacked back. We didn’t know why he died till we found the dead snake the next day.
Dalmatian - NO!
TOO HIGH ENERGY!!! Everyone said she’d mellow out eventually. She never did. She managed to slip out of her harness, jump the fence one day, and we never saw her again.
Border collie/lab mix - maybe…
She was the sweetest, most gentle and good-natured dog we ever had, as well as the one we had the longest. We had to have her put down when she was in the throes of doggy dementia - poor girl was completely out of it. Her worst quality was the shedding, but apart from that, I’d love another like her.
Poodle/something mix - probably not
We literally took this one in off the street. No idea how old she was, but she lived with us about 4 or 5 years before we had to put her down. She had a lot of health issues and she got meaner in her last year or so.
Pug - yeah, probably…
Our current canine is a 3-y/o female pug. She’s a hoot and a half, and while one part of me would love a herd of pugs, I’m 62 and quite frankly, I didn’t want another dog when my husband brought her home. But she’s so cute and funny… doggone dogs…
I do like dogs but due to various issues, I am now probably on my Last Dog. Nonetheless, views working backward chronologically:
Labrador Retriever: Current dog. Extremely laid-back, unparalleled temperament though NOT intelligent. Somewhat destructive and definitely greedy; he can’t have the run of the house unless someone’s actively with him due to his penchant for getting into the trash, stealing food off counters, etc. Sheds as though he’s being paid $5 per hair. Low-maintenance otherwise except for physical ailments due to age (he’s about 11 - rescue so we’re not sure). Would probably own again although he’s big enough and sick enough that his vet bills are $200 per month currently, ouch.
Pit / shepherd mix: Gentle, sweet, never aggressive. Escape artist when he was younger. Would own one again in a heartbeat if I could get one just the same.
Collie (pure-bred): High-maintenance due to LOADS of physical issues, including autoimmune issues so severe his body rejected its own toenails. Also food-aggressive and bad with kids, though those were likely training issues (Mom and Dad’s dog, for the record). Poo caught in his long fur, and he vomited frequently due to his charming habit of eating from the cat box. Would not own another collie, period.
Shetland Sheepdog (pure-bred): Intelligent. More laid-back than I would have expected for a herder. Quite protective. Would own possibly although I like larger breeds.
If the problem with dogs is a behavior problem/potty training, I’ve always been able to fix that. Although I do know quite a bit about psychology, have read several dog books, and am very empathetic (not selfish in the least). So I guess I’m not your typical dog owner.
FYI - My dogs have been bitten by Pit Bulls several times and I get nipped at by a Pit Bull every time I go to visit a friend. So Pit Bull, NO WAY! (One in my neighborhood has attacked people and animals multiple times.) Yes I know they say it is the owners, but I don’t care to be an owner of one.
Beagle/collie mix: Yes. She was my grandmother’s dog, so our passel of cousins grew up with her. Swas the sweetest, most patient dog. Her beagle nose got her into trouble with skunks and porcupines many times, but she would also (gently) stop our parents from swatting our behinds and she was always happy to be a backrest when you wanted to read under a tree.
American Eskimo: Probably not. He was a sweet dog, but was a little too unpredictable and edgy around people and other dogs.
Lab mix: Yes. Labs are wonderful, goofy sweethearts.
Golden retriever mix: YES. This was my soulmate dog, and I’m still heartbroken to have lost him, even though it’s been 10+ years.
Golden retriever/great pyrenees mix: Yes. So much hair. SO MUCH HAIR. But still worth it. He took the best of both breeds and was just a wonderful, smart, dignified dog.
Red heeler mix: Yes. He’s the most neurotic dog I’ve ever owned, but he’s scary smart and so loyal and devoted to his people.
Golden retriever mix (sense a trend?): Yes. He gets by on his looks, not brains, but he’s just the sweetest, funniest cuddlemonster.
We have Dachshunds. They rock! Whole lotta dog in a small, easy to handle package. Kinda smelly, however. That’s okay. They live in the back room and outside only. Very smart and loyal killing machines. Hard on the small things, like mice and pack-rats. Keeps the yard clear. The two females are the prettiest dogs I’ve ever seen. Even if they do stink.
I had a Husky years ago. Great dog, but too hairy. At the time, my lifestyle wasn’t the best fit for him. He ended up with some friends in the mountains with a nice yard for him. Wish I had him now. He was a good dog. I’d have another, if forced to.
Mom had a poodle growing up. A Suck Dog. No thanks. (She has another one now. Just as annoying, but a good dog for mom.)
I’m a cat person and have only had one dog. She was a St. Bernard. Very sweet, loving, lovely dog. But BIG. I would love another one if I lived on a farm but not at my current place in life (location + age). I have already had a knee replaced and I think going for a walk with a dog like Brandy (creative name, no?) would probably kill me. I’d come home from work and she’d jump up on me; that would not work any more either. And feeding her I used to wear a raincoat because otherwise all my clothes were covered in doggy drool. Sweet, but no.
F[sub]1[/sub] Cockapoo- the best dog I ever had. I’d love to have another like her!
Chihuahua- this guy was a very unusual Chihuahua. He liked everyone!! I wish I could have him back!
Another Chihuahua- much more of a one-person dog than the first. Wouldn’t want another like him.
Mutt from the pound- maybe poodle-Maltese mix? I don’t care what he is. Second-best dog ever. When he goes (if he does before me) I’ll head to the pound again.
Beagle - No. My dad had one for a hunting and it was fine for that. I am not a hunter, though.
Jack Russell Terrier - Yes. Awesome dogs. Super smart, lots of fun and great at exterminating pests. Can be stubborn and need a decent amount of space to explore, but very cool dogs.
Boxer - Yes, but it’s a tough call. It’s the only male dog I’ve ever owned and the only one I didn’t get as a tiny puppy. He was sweet to people he knew and eager to learn, but not great around other dogs or kids. I don’t know how much of that was the breed vs. his background.
Golden Retriever - theoretically yes, they’re wonderful dogs. Practically no, they’re too big for me to handle now.
Terrier mutt (Yorkie-poo - yes I know, it’s down right embarrassing to tell people you have a Yorkie-poo, but he was a pound puppy and he’s a great dog.) - yes, absolutely. Smart, cute, sweet and no shedding.
Cocker spaniel/mutt - Yes - Very good dog, playful, obedient, good natured. Euthanized at 16 in failing health.
Weimaraner - No - A good dog, but needed a lot of exercise, and tended to run away when off leash. Great personality, good around other dogs and kids, very playful, lots of energy, very smart. Biggest problem was chronic ear infections due to long ear canals that promoted bacterial infections. I had to have him euthanized at four years because he was in such pain that did not respond to treatment. Very sad.
Mackenzie River Husky - Yes yes YES! - Best dog I ever had. Though nearly 100 pounds, she was gentle, playful, good with kids and other dogs, especially a small yappy Yorkshire terrier. Completely at ease as he ran circles around her, flipping her tail like a lure as he snapped at it. Very pretty, not too smart. Did tend to run away when off leash. I would get another in a heart beat. Died at eight years on Christmas Eve of an unknown respiratory infection. Broke my heart.
Siberian husky/lab - No Very dominant towards other dogs, protects her food and toys, aggressive if other dogs aren’t submissive. I don’t leave her around kids either. Runs away if off the leash. But she has a good personality, likes adults, very playful. Very smart but she has attitude that makes training difficult. I love her though, she is devoted to me. Still have her.
Pekingese/Scottish Terrier mix: I grew up with her. Oh, the hair! Lots of it like the Pekingese, coarse and shaggy like the Scotty. Ugh. She was small and feisty and loved us kids, but I probably wouldn’t want another one.
Golden Retriever: My husband had to have a dog, and this was what he wanted. The dog was generally a great dog but had a hard time adapting to having a baby in the house. The dog marked quite a bit of the baby’s stuff. Yikes. But, I would seriously consider another one at this point in our lives. The kids are older; the dog would not be bumped off its spot in the pack hierarchy. Goldens are generally smart, friendly, and trainable.
We actually are considering adding a dog to the family in the next six to nine months, so reading about these different dogs is good.
I grew up with English bulldogs. They were wonderful for us – pretty low energy, but very friendly and affectionate, and they never snapped at anyone. Lots of health problems, though – we had three: one died at age 3 from complications with anesthesia (this may have been the vet’s fault – he sedated the dog to stitch up a leg injury and she never woke up); one died at 11 (put to sleep due to numerous quality of life and mobility issues); and the last one died spontaneously at age 6 just weeks after the 11-year-old died – probably a heart attack, and we called it a broken heart since she loved the other dog so much.
First dog – male yellow lab. We had him from a puppy ,high energy, escape artiste and very food motivated. He would get into the pantry and crush cans of dog meat with his teeth. We would find him slumped out sleeping off a feast, surrounded by crushed cans with teeth puncture marks right through them. He loved water, fetching things and heading out for 24 hr wonders on his own. We lived in a fairly rural area, the neighbors would call us up when he finally got tired or hungry and just went and sat at someone’s doorstep and gave them Labrador puppy dog eyes.
Second dog , 25 years later. Male yellow lab. We inherited him at 18months from a couple who couldn’t keep two dogs. Hates water, has no inclination to fetch things, very food motivated for training, but won’t even flip the lid off his food bin or take a piece of food that’s on a table at his head height without permission, this is a good thing. Low energy and very placid, never barks ( except at Moose) and loves kids. He hates to be away from anyone and won’t wonder out of sight of us. He also loves naps next to people, and is highly kid tolerant.
Basset hound: Yes. Like having your grandfather as a pet.
Jack Russell terrier: No. Best dog I ever had. Extremely high energy, was ideal dog for me to grow up with, but I don’t think I could keep up with one anymore.
Greyhound: Yes. Retired racer. Very sweet animal, low-key. Came fully trained. Never made a peep. Good with small children and the elderly. Required surprisingly little exercise.
I’ve only had 3 dogs.
Growing up:
Terrier mutt - Wiggles was the best dog. A scrapper, loyal, friendly, smart. Such an escape artist that we finally just left the gate open. Would get another in a minute.
Shepard mutt - he was a watchdog and stayed outdoors all the time. Friendly and protective of us, but not well socialized. Sure. I’d train one better than my step-dad did.
Adult:
Min-Pin - I loved my little guy, but I just could not get him potty trained. When I moved I gave him to a rescue where he was adopted by a lady who raised them. That was 15 years ago and I still miss him cuddled up next to me. Probably won’t get another one, though. Min-Pins can be difficult to house train.
After I left home my parents had a Sheltie. She was sweet, but not real smart. They shed too much. I’d probably not get one for myself.
Pugs - Yes. As FairyChatMom says, they’re cute and funny. They don’t need much exercise, they’re very lovable and loving, and they’re too stubby to jump over fences.
Cons: They have medical issues with their pushed-in noses and small ears, and they’re not as long-lived as most toy breeds. They snore and they’re champion farters.
I’d have them today, but I love them like they were children, and that last trip to the vet’s (three trips - I had three pugs) just about killed me. I can’t go through that again.
Skye terrier: No. Yappy, bitey and ill tempered.
Old English Sheepdog: No. Not very smart, hard to train.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Maybe. Very loveable but high energy and kind of dumb.
German shepherd/St. Bernard/Husky mix: Yes. Awesome dog.
Rough Collie: Yes. Beautiful dog, good with children, pretty smart.
Bloodhound: No. No to hounds of any sort.
Bernese Mountain Dog: Absolutely yes. My favourite breed (I’ve had two). Great family dog, loves children, eager to please, not too high energy. Only downside is shedding (which I dont’ really care about) and short-ish life span.
Nonetheless, views working backward chronologically:
