Pug Log #3?

Question

Hello all!

I want to dig your brain a little today about breeds. Why did you choose the specific breed you did? Why do you continue to return to that breed? For those of you who actively breed, what is it about that breed that you love so much and makes you want to better it?
For those of you who prefer mixed breeds or mutts, why did you choose it? Did it choose you?
Is there a particular aspect you're looking for in your breed or non-breed when you bring a dog into your home?

We all want different things from our pets, how did the breed you chose factor into that.

We all know what my preferred breed is ;-)...but I want to hear your reasons, then maybe I'll share a bit of my own.

And a friendly, good morning greeting from Winston:

http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/rachelburns/?action=view¤t=winstonpicfrommom.jpg

***think about why you thumbs down before you do***

Looking forward to hearing about all your fabulous dogs....

Cristal:

We should have named our black pug "piggy" like yours. Here's a video of her "oink" or purr, as we call it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M0KXd-LMvQ

Love hearing about all your favorite breeds!

My husband and I chose to get a pug because we are apartment dwellers who don't do a whole lot of strenuous activity that we would want our dog to accompany us on. We took online tests and pugs came up as an option. Of course, I think they're adorable, but that's not the only thing that informed my decision. I read *lots* of literature on them, asked people questions, emailed breeders, pug owner, etc etc. It turned out to be the perfect fit. They need just the right amount of exercise and have just the right personality to make theirs and our living environments match.
I think everyone here understands the importance of getting a dog whose ideal lifestyle will be fostered by your own. You don't get dogs on "cute factor". I really appreciate some of you pointing that out.
I'll leave this open till tomorrow morning and then look forward to the next pug log!
night!

Answer 1

YEARS ago I chose a breed that fit what my lifestyle was. I want a hearty dog that could play in the cold and snow. I wanted a dog that liked to swim, and do things, but was otherwise pretty calm. I liked grooming, so a coated breed was better than a non-coated one.
A Newf seemed to fit that picture, so we got one. One led to two, and then over the years we have had 5 more.
I breed them, on a VERY limited basis, because it is easier than finding a good one from someone else, and it is great to produce better than what you started with. It is wonderful to take 10 week old puppies to the pond and watch them go right in and get a stick! And to see them carry things in their mouths!!!!

I think if only people would choose a breed that suites their LIFESTYLE and not just because of the way it looks, a lot less dogs would be in shelters!!!! It is hard, because people are clearly attracted to most breeds based on looks, but that rarely makes for longterm success!!!!

Answer 2

First of all....I have to say, your Pug is absolutely adorable! I love Pugs and when I first moved out with my boyfriend, we fostered a black Pug named Piggy. (We found her a wonderful forever home with a close family friend of ours and she's doing great!) However....
My breed is the American Pit Bull Terrier. I grew up with them...it all started when my uncle adopted a little black and white pup from the shelter. Her name was Patches and she was the greatest. She was so smart and wonderful with all of us kids...my dad fell in love with her immediately. My uncle bred her (we know today, it was for all the wrong reasons) and my dad brought one home for us. I was in 2nd grade when that happened. From then on.....we have always had one in our lives. Even when my brothers and I moved out and went our separate ways, when we were financially stable and ready for responsibility of owning a dog.....there was no question on the breed we would choose. We love this breed because of their loyalty, their brains, their love, and their humor. There is not a day that goes by where they don't make me laugh in some way. I will often look at my dogs and think about how lucky they are to have such a wonderful home and responsible owner...especially when I hear about all the stories of abuse and attacks....it breaks my heart every time I hear about one. I currently have two APBTs, just recently purchased a little Amstaff pup, and I couldn't be happier. Long live the bully breeds :)

ADD: Lol....she sounds just like our Piggy...too cute!

Answer 3

I was in 4-H growing up. (I showed a toy poodle.) My 4-H dog project leader had papillons. I fell in love with them!

So, here we are 10 years down the road from then. I finally got my first papillon this year. I did a lot of research to make sure the breed I fell in love with would actually work for me, and luckily, it does perfectly.

Here are some of the reasons I chose papillons:
- small breed, so can live comfortably in my 1 bedroom apartment and also easy to travel with
- beautiful dogs
- great temperament, adventurous and very playful
- some grooming required, but overall a "wash-n-wear" dog
- excel at agility (intelligent and fast)

And to top it off, my dog was sired by one of my former 4-H leader's dogs. In fact, my dog's great-great grandmother (twice actually; there was some line-breeding done, so she's on the pedigree twice) was one of the dogs that made me fall in love with the breed. When I decided I wanted a papillon, it made sense to go back to my former 4-H leader; since I already knew her and her standards for breeding. (And she is not only a breeder and exhibitor, but also an agility judge. She has all-around great dogs.)
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Answer 4

For me, I'm totally hooked on Border Collies. I like that they are a versatile breed and can simply do it all. They herd, do agility, obedience, dock diving, flyball, tracking, search and rescue, schutzhund and have even seen a BC sled dog team. I like that I can go into almost any venue with my breed and plan to do some tracking training this winter.

I am also totally drawn to the drive of the Border Collie to work. I love that intensity. That stance they take when they are on the sheep. There's a certain style a BC has when they are walking up on the herd and it's simply incredible to me. And their intelligence, eagerness to learn and that they do so quickly is also attractive to me. I tell people I have it easy cuz my dog does learn so fast.

Border Collies are not a breed for just anyone as they require a huge commitment from their handlers to work them in order for them to be truly happy. I am up to that task and quite enjoy all the venues we have trained in thus far, and look forward to more in the future.

Answer 5

I absolutely love Shar-Pei. These dogs almost went extinct, and to see the amazing come back is just so heart-warming to me. They are one of the oldest breeds, actually being traced as far back as 202 B.C.

They are a loyal, loving, and very proud dog. They are amazingly smart, so easy to housebreak and train. They are not runners - very much a homebody. I can leave my front door wide open, and they know they are not allowed to step over the tresh-hold, and they don't even try. They are NOT barkers (unless there is truly a reason). They are excellent with kids and other pets. They are just an all around wonderful dog!!! I have 7 of them - and I wouldn't trade them for ANY OTHER BREED.

I have a couple of them on my web site. http://www.wripleysharpei.com

I hope adding a web site is allowed....

Answer 6

I chose Chihuahua Because It fit my lifestyle. I am pretty much home all day so I can be here for it 24/7 which is a good thing. I have a thing for big dogs but there's something about Chihuahua's that I love. I did not get this breed because it is 'cutsy wootsy' No. I want a dog that my family loves also.

Answer 7

Wow your pug if freakin adorable!!!

I have 2 pug/beagle mixes. I went to the shelter the first time not looking for anything particular, just a small/medium sized dog. I saw Bailey. She was a 3 month old mix that was brought in b/c her owner's decided they couldn't handle her. After playing with her a bit, I knew she was the one I was going to take home.

She is a wild one, but I wouldn't have her any other way. I wasn't looking for another dog, but my sister called me and told me I had to go to this shelter to see this dog. So I went... it was another pug/beagle mix from a puppy mill. She was so tiny and my heart broke for her. Unfortunately, with the designer dog fad raging right now, these pug/beagles are being pumped out by every puppy mill and BYB, and the people who buy them have no idea how challenging and hyper these dogs are.

Answer 8

I love maltese dogs! My tobey is named after tobey mcguire. He has such a wonderful personality. Even though he's our only dog at the moment, he is not afraid to let larger dogs know he thinks he is boss. He's like a two year old child even though he is going on five years old now. He wants to be in "mommy's" lap when I'm home. We found out he loved tomatoes. In the summer we have to keep him out of the garden! That beautiful long white hair turns bright red!

He's AKC registered and we got him free. A friend of the family breeds maltese dogs and she kept two males too long and got attached. She gave him to us because she knew we would take care of him and that she could see him whenever she wanted.

We're moving into a larger house in November and my husband wants a pug!

Answer 9

I am not a breeder but I really love greyhounds. I like dogs that are calm, well mannered, like people, like going for walks but are not hyper all the time, have short hair, are smart but not too smart, and I like big dogs. I have researched other breeds but keep coming back to greyhounds. They are perfect and I can't get away from them. They are similar to me in personality. They are sensitive, quite, clean, easy-going pack rats. There are lots of breeds I love and admire, but greyhounds will always be my first choice in a pet.

Answer 10

Independence, my Malamute, I got when my roomate bred his 2. The father died (neighbors poisoned him) and we didnt think he had gotten mom pregnant but he did. She decided to give birth in my room and the pups especially my Independence would come onto my bed at night and sleep with me from about 1 month old and up. Indie became mine when he got attached to me! And I to him. IDK if I would ever have another Mal though, he was hard to train and hates new people unless they are kids. But he is my baby, all 120 pounds of him and I love our long walks together.

Nala is my rescued Pit Bull mix. I live in a higher crime area where pit bull attacks are prevalent. I met Nala cuz my ex-husbands friend had her. When I realized he was beating her and had stabbed her and starving her and no one would take her away (I called daily to have a sqaud over looking at her) I called one last time and met them there. THey told me if they took her she would be euthanized as she is a pit bull mix. I took her home with me. She hasnt left since. And since coming here at 22 pounds at 1 year old, very emaciated and sickly, she is now 70 pounds and lean muscle mass!

Lechita, my chihuahua is also a rescue I heard of from my fiance's brother. THey wanted her gone and said she was fat and spayed........no she was fat and pregnant. The 3 surviving pups are now 7 weeks , we are keeping one.

I have always wanted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I may get one someday, may not. I also had a border collie growing up, I would love one of them again!!!!!