What's you favorite dog breed?

1. 82

   Whitney05posted 16 years ago

   I, personally, have two breeds that tie in my heart- the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. Odd picks, I know, but eh I love em... Can't wait for another. I currently have 1 of each. When my APBT pup is no longer a pup, I'm split between which to bring home. I'd love to find a Yorkie or a yorkie mix at my local shelter, but it'll take patience.
   
   Anyway... That was more info that needed...
   
   I'm jsut curious as to what is your favorite breed. Any extra info is a bonus. ;-)

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   1. 61

      trakker14posted 16 years agoin reply to this

      I love shelties and pugs

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   2. 59

      Karen and Lesleyposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      My favourite breed of dog is a golden retriever.  We look after my friends dog all week and he is so soft and quiet.  He doesn't even bark.  All he wants is stroking and talking too.  Wouldn't be without him.  His name is Rover and he is almost 8.
      
      This breed of dogs are also good around children which is great.

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   3. 53

      lorrie78posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I can't know anything because I can't keep any pets..

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   4. 67

      apekshaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Jurman shefard
      I love his asthetic..how he looks..

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      1. 82

         Whitney05posted 15 years agoin reply to this

         What is a Jurman shefard? Do you mean German Shepherd?

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   5. 68

      warchild75posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Bordeauxs. Got a friend who breeds them

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2. 88

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   I absolutely... totally.. 100% LOVE Siberian Huskies.
   
   Second to the husky is the Great Dane.  I've always been a fan of danes, though nothing really compares to the Husky-love.

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      fudgywudgyposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      hello im new to this and noticed u loved siberian huskys i have a siberian husky

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   2. 62

      babedoll50posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Chocolate labs like the one we have had for 11 years.  Unfortunately it is getting obvious that he is getting old.  He is still happy but just getting old.

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3. 66

   Stacie Naczelnikposted 16 years ago

   Golden Retrievers, for sure.  They are just some of the sweetest dogs I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

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4. 60

   dog catposted 16 years ago

   I have Lab's, Black, Chocolate, and Tan, they are great pets.

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5. 60

   Caryl Oliverposted 16 years ago

   I have a cross Kelpie Staffie so he has the longer legs and physique of a sheepdog but the smile and chest of a Staffie - he is great and his girlfriend is a cross Ridgeback Greyhound...

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6. 61

   Dwrightieposted 16 years ago

   For some reason I am quite fond of the boxer breed. I know they are a bully breed but they are so proud and dignified looking.

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   1. 82

      Whitney05posted 16 years agoin reply to this

      I actually, don't think that the boxer is considered a bully breed. I could be wrong, but I questioned that a while back to a animal rescue that I used to volunteer for, and the founder said no. She's a pretty big "bully" fan.

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      Janettaposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I love Boxers!  They're not bullies, though. They just get abad rap sometimes because of their size. They are the sweetest kindest dogs. Our's is one year old, 60lbs of muscle and beautiful. She is perfect for our small children and the best dog we could have asked for.  They say once you get a Boxer, you won't want any other breed and I thnk that might be true for me!

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7. 61

   Dwrightieposted 16 years ago

   I always understood that dogs that are decendants from bull dogs are considered bully breed. bull Mastifs, pit bulls, bull terrier, Could be wrong. Thats what makes it so fun though.

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   1. 82

      Whitney05posted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Hm.. For the most part I think that's true.. But I've never heard of the boxer being reffered to as a bully breed dog. Maybe I'm just thinking about the more popular bully breeds- APBT, AmStaff, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Cane Corso, Bull Terrier... I dunno... Could be wrong... Just never heard of it being referred to as such...

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   2. 60

      Mud Dogposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I actually once heard a shelter refer to  a beagle as a bully breed. To be honest I think they were just trying to get the crazy little beagle into our rehab program. We explained that if a dog needed it we weren't going to turn them down for the breed
      
      My fave is ESBT!!!! Yay  English Staffies!

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8. 60

   jaymzposted 16 years ago

   I'm a big fan of APBTs and Pugs.

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9. 60

   Eileenposted 16 years ago

   I love sheepdogs
   sealyham terriers
   dachunds
   cockerspaneils
   lagotto romanyolo
   scillieto's
   and those are all my favs!

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10. 59

    AnimalLoversWebposted 16 years ago

    I love Border Collies (Sheep dogs) and Labradors and I have one of each. They are very different breeds in almost every respect, but they get along really well and as an owner their different attributes complement each other really well. So we get a dog for every occasion.
    I admire the drive, motivation and work ethic of the border collie breed and she stays by my side whatever I am doing (really just wanting me to throw whatever object she is currently stalking). The Labrador, on the other hand, wanders off is she isn't the main item of interest but is generally a more cuddly, close contact and for stroking type of a dog. If someone else wants to run after the ball, they are welcome to it from her point of view!

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11. 71

    djtphn1posted 16 years ago

    My absolute favorite breed is the Great Dane. Loyal, loveable and just plain good natured, protective animals. I have 3, a Harlequin with sky blue eyes,  (White w/ black spots), a Mantle (black w/ white markings, and a White with big sky blue eyes who is deaf....I also have a Rottie....anyways, that's my preferences.

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12. 89

    Theophanesposted 16 years ago

    Someday I have my heart set on getting a 'bully' type pitbull (the short stocky ones bred for weight pulling - not the ones bred for fighting.) I've had a pitbull mix and dealt with numerous others. They're great dogs when they're treated properally.
    
    And as for what someone said earlier... Mastiffs aren't a bully breed, they're a Molosser breed (much older and bigger, like Rottweillers who were bred by Roman foot soldiers.)  I think boxers might be a cross between bullies and Molosser dogs, that could be why I've heard of people reffering to them as either or... I could be wrong though.

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13. 71

    djtphn1posted 16 years ago

    I had a boxer once....when it came to people and other dogs, she was the sweetest most gentle soul.....but when it came to cats and chickens she turned into a vicious killer and went for blood, oftentimes mutilating any that came into her sight. She killed my cat, my neighbors cat and the neighbors chickens....but God, I loved that dog...

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       jaymzposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       I like APBT and APBT-type dogs. They wonderful with people of all ages.
       
       
       
       Boxers are the goofiest dogs I've ever come across.. Ha. Besides APBTs that is.  They are very sweet, as you've stated.

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       1. 82

          Whitney05posted 16 years agoin reply to this

          I think that there are some breeds within the Moloser breed are considered buly breeds, but not all of them. Mastiffs aren't I know that. But currently, I can't remember which breeds are in the Moloser breed.

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14. 52

    Fourpawsposted 16 years ago

    I have a Labrador Retriever and from the first day we rescued her she has been so faithful to me and helping me and she became my service dog now she assist me with my multiple disabilities and right now mainly it is my mobility she is assisting with though if I have trouble with any of the others she will step right in and help and alert me to them!!!  I couldn't do without "Lady" and if something would happen to her I will be getting another like her for sure!
    
                       ~Denene aka Fourpaws & "Lady" Service Dog"

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15. 61

    joetaylorposted 16 years ago

    Yellow Labs (maybe any labs, but my current best friend is 100lb yellow so..)..  I've had and been around other dogs, but I have found no better companion or no better personality. 
    
    I'm at home most of the time because I run an Internet business - 24/7.  And he is by my side always.  Lies at my feet while I'm typing away right now. 
    
    I admit..  I do ask him sometimes if he has to always be right on top of me when I'm walking around, but..  I get over it when he looks up at me with those big brown eyes.  :-)
    
    -Joe

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    1. 82

       Whitney05posted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Joe-  Your lab sounds like how my APBT. She acts like that.
       
       I'm not a big lab fan. They're actually last on my list of dog breeds. The stupid "designer breeds" (mix breeds) are actually lower than labs, but still they're hybrids, so they don't count as Breeds. But that's cool you guys like them. I know many people do.

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16. 0

    helenathegreatposted 16 years ago

    I'm a little in love with mutts, but I do have a few favorite breeds.  The Belgian Shepherd and the Doberman Pinscher are probably at the top of the list right now, though the list seems to change pretty much daily these days...  I also love APBTs and the working lines of the GSD (but not so much the messed up show lines).

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17. 84

    wychicposted 16 years ago

    Favorite breed...that's a tough one. Probably a Redbone Coonhound (the mother of the dog in my picture was a purebred Redbone), the sweetest dog I've ever had is a Pit Bull/Walker Coonhound cross (I have her picture in one of my hubs, she looks more Walker than anything though), also a big fan or Irish Wolfhounds, Borzois, Staffordshire Terriers, Bloodhounds, and...Italian Greyhounds. Can you pick out the one that doesn't fit with the rest?
    
    That said...I love dogs! All sorts, all shapes and sizes, and I wish I had time and room for 30 of them

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18. 54

    sxlb89posted 16 years ago

    My favourite dog breed is a German Shepherd I had a german shepherd who had lived 14 human years, so was an old one and i loved her very much, she was quite the talented dog, she would always follow you tell her not to and she wont.
    We would tell her to sit and she will sit and she loved people, I believe that german shepherds are smart and are good as a family dog, very loveable

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19. 59

    Jamberryposted 16 years ago

    Mckenzie River Husky; they're big, beautiful wolf look-alikes.

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20. 70

    Peter M. Lopezposted 16 years ago

    I love my Jack Russell Terrier.  I have had 2, and they are great dogs.  They are better people trainers than people are JRT trainers, but they are pure entertainment.  Genius little dogs, but more manipulative than children.  I'm amazed at their creativity.  My first JRT invented her own soccer game, no help at all.  I described how it happened here:
    
    http://hubpages.com/hub/How-NOT-to-Trai … ll-Terrier

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21. 48

    PITTYLOVE73posted 16 years ago

    I AM A HUGE FAN OF THE AMERICAN PITBULL TERRIER!!!!!! I'VE BEEN AROUND THIS BREED FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER,AND THEY ARE BY FAR ONE OF THE MOST LOYAL,LOVABLE,SWEETEST DOGS YOU CAN BE AROUND.IT IS SO SAD THAT THIS WONDERFUL BREED IS LOOKED DOWN ON BY SO MANY.BAD DOGS COME FROM IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDERS,AND MOST OF ALL IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS.THIS IS MY FAVORITE BREED.

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22. 57

    Digital Bardposted 16 years ago

    Boxers are without a doubt the best family and working breed out there.  Okay - so maybe I'm a little prejudiced since I breed them, but the fact remains that for 28 years and through 5 children, this breed proven itself to me and you will not find a more loyal, patient, devoted or big hearted dog anywhere.  They are sturdy enough to keep up with any kid's rough and tumble and add to that the fact that a boxer is very clean and easy to keep, doing well in even an apartment, and let's not forget that because they can look very intimidating to strangers, something a little toy breed just can't pull off, they help to keep you safe from the "baddies" in the world.   
    
    One of my new friends from Perth Australia says that I have a crush on the breed, and I guess he is right.  I can't imagine life without a boxer or two or 6 at my side.....
    
    Lucidnda - The Digital Bard

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23. 60

    PCaholicDotComposted 16 years ago

    Hello! We have 3 cocker spaniels.. Lillian (Buff color), Brinkley (Tri-Color) and Olivea (Buff color). Lilly (Lillian) is the oldest and the queen of the pack! Brinkley is the male and you'd think he would be more dominant but in fact he's the most timid. Olivea is a sweetheart and loves to cuddle.
    
    Peter :-)

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24. 60

    CrystalSingletonposted 16 years ago

    I have always wanted a papillion. They are so adorable and cute. They are not too tiny and not too big. I also heard they are great for kids.

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25. 61

    Create Your Dreamposted 16 years ago

    Muts I think are the best.  We rescued our Rusty, thinking he was a mut and found out later from seeing a picture of him online that he was a Boykin Spaniel.  I am fond of sheepdogs, golden retrievers, long haired mini-daschunds, and toy poodles, but mostly because I love a dog who is one of each of those breeds.  It's amazing just how many breeds of dogs we have created! 
    
    Best,
    Mary Gallagher

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26. 60

    lrwhiteposted 16 years ago

    I am looking to get a dog and would love to get a Bernese Mountain dog. I have never owned them but they are adorable as puppies and beautiful dogs. I have done quite a bit of reading on them and they seem like the perfect family pets and great with kids.

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27. 59

    jim4joposted 16 years ago

    My favourite breed used to be chocolate labrador - but at the moment, he's 11 months old and trying my patience to the limit!
    I'm sure he's got ADHD!
    Constantly on the go, can take him for a 2 hour run on the beach and as soon as he gets back he'll bring his favourite toy over to play with - phew. On the bright side I've lost over a stone in weight the last 9 months mostly due to Max - or Mad Max as he's become known!

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28. 67

    bloggerjbposted 16 years ago

    i have a black lab. used to have a chow.  both awesome dogs.  i want a french bulldog though

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29. 60

    thegrams911posted 16 years ago

    Hi, I gotta admit.....Pugs are it for me.
    Currently have 2, Puggies is 13, and Bella is 1.(they are so ugly, they're cute!)
    I also have a Rassy, a pom,(sp?) she is 9.

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       jaymzposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       PUGS RULE! ha
       
       Pugs and APBTs are my dogs!

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30. 0

    RFoxposted 16 years ago

    Terrors....oops...Terriers all the way. I had an Australian Terrier for 15 years and now I have a Cairn named Holly. Way too cute and way too much fun. So far in her six years she's been in parades, agility shows and was involved in pet therapy visits to hospitals which she just loved.
    
    Anything to be the center of attention!
    
    Of course she proudly upholds the Terrier philosophy on life: "what's in it for me!"

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31. 59

    Jungle Talkposted 16 years ago

    I've had two labs, a yellow when I was in college, and a black lab while I raised my kids.
    
    The best thing about labs... any stray child can come into the house and the lab just loves him! I didn't ever have to worry about anybody being at risk, just drooled on occasionally.
    
    But recently I have had a real exciting eye opener. There is a lab crossed with a poodle, and they call it a Labradoodle! So just think, if you can get rid of the drool, and the constant shedding... get the personality of a lab and cute curly hair to boot...
    
    Well, I'm excited. Anyone seen this new breed being developed? I'd love to see a picture!

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32. 82

    Whitney05posted 16 years ago

    Yes. It's not a breed by any means... It's a mix breed dog. There isn't a breeder of this dog in the US that has been able to produce an entire litter of pups that look alike. They either reign on the lab side or the poodle side. No reputable dog registry will except this dog in their kennel, as there is no standard for the hybrid. I believe there is a breeder in Australia, who has been working on standardizing the dog for YEARS now, but even still, it's no where near ready to be called a breed, yet.
    
    You won't find any 2 pictures that look alike because in one litter, no two puppies will look alike. These dogs aren't like an established breed where dalmatians look similar to other dalmatians. You'll have some that look like poodles with lab faces. Some with lab hair and poodle builds. You won't necessarily get a curly haired lab.
    
    There are other dogs like this- goldendoodle, puggle,yokiepoo, chipoo, etc. Just another mix breed in my opinion. You can pay a regular adoption fee at a local shelter and find the same dog versus pay hundreds for it.
    
    I have a hub about the goldendoodle and mix-breeds if you want to check that out. There will be similar information about the goldendoodle that you would find for the labradoodle.
    
    Many times, these dogs are badly inbred bc the "breeder" is trying to make a standard, but all he does it screw up the genes and make an unhealthy dog. But, that's not always the case. I can almost guarantee you won't find a good labradoodle anywhere in the US that fits the so called standards and qualities that they claim the dog has.
    
    My 2 cents.
    
    Labs are ok, but I'm definitely not a fan of theirs. I would trust my APBT with stray kids and animals, as well.

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33. 60

    abacusmageposted 16 years ago

    I am not really big on Pugs, but they are like my mum's gods. Personally I have a Dalmation who is 6 years old now. He is crazy, yes, but so sweet. Before I got Pango (the Dalmation) I used to think that I don't really like dalmations, but now I know they are my favorite.

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34. 82

    Whitney05posted 16 years ago

    abacusmage, I too have a dalmatian. They're crazy dogs. Mine is about 10 or 11 years old, if I remember correctly. He's still kicking and running around like he was younger... Well, on most days. They have sweet faces.

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35. 60

    angelb0725posted 16 years ago

    This may be odd but I love "free to good home"  I've been training dogs for 8 years and folks always ask me that, and my answers always the same.  I love the diversity of each dog.  The 9 pounder with the heart of a lion, the 120 pound corso with the sensitivity of a teenage girl with pms.  I've seen them all, from the horribly abused and neglected to the extremly pampered with bigger wardrobes than me and I just cant help but finding them all just fabulous and fun.

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36. 60

    jayneyposted 16 years ago

    i love lhasa apso. i have a male called barney my first dog and i love him 2 bits i also love yorkies i had one as a family pet bless him. he died 3yrs ago i miss him loads

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37. 60

    Lucy Sueposted 16 years ago

    I have two Beagles and had one when I was growing up too.  They are very loving and easy to maintain, as long as they are not "on the hunt" or distracted by food... my oldest girl can open the fridge (if only she'd learn to cook, I wouldn't mind so much).   I thought Uno winning Westminster was really great too.

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38. 68

    Angela Harrisposted 16 years ago

    Lucy Sue, I agree that Beagles are sweet dogs. I was really happy about Uno's win.
    
    But I don't have a favorite breed of dog. I just love dogs in general. I agree with some of them listed above as favorites, though. Boxers, especially. Bulldogs are also great dogs, but have lots of health problems. However, I always get mutts instead of pure breeds. I just like going to the animal shelter and 'rescuing' a poor little thing. I would keep them all if I could.

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39. 59

    lucysdoghouseposted 16 years ago

    I love Great Danes.  They are the best.  I have one now, her name is Lucy.  I also love labrador and I have one of those too.  Her name is Kona.  She is little crazy but one of the smartest dogs I have ever met.

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40. 60

    bspilnerposted 16 years ago

    I am a little late responding to thins one but I would have to say a short or medium coat husky. I can't get over them...they have to be the coolest dogs ever. I am going to be in the market for a dog over the next couple of months and keeping my eye for one with a short coat because they shed so much.
    
    I live in Atlanta, does anyone think its a really bad idea for me to bring a dog built for the colder weather to a warmer state like Georgia? I do like them a lot, and would only get one with a short coat, I am just wondering.

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41. 59

    Marco_Manposted 16 years ago

    I would have to say my favourite breed would have to be labs. Whether or not its a yellow, black or chocolate.  I do plan in the near future to get one.  Labs are fun, they have the stamina, and very loyal...They tend to get along with any breed out there.

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       jaymzposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       I hate labs. No offense. They're puppies for forever! It takes forever for them to calm down. Destructive.

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          Marco_Manposted 16 years agoin reply to this

          I would have to disagree with your comment. In terms of them being destructive or the lack of them calming down, that is all in there training. No matter what breed and the type of individual you are, if you don't have the time to train a pup, then the result of that dog will be pretty obvious. Labs are very attentive, loyal, they are always focused on its owner. Great family dog.

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    Whitney05posted 16 years ago

    Short hair dogs shed just like medium and long hair dogs. Pugs are terrible shedders and they have short hair, so you can't base shedding on hair length or type. Especially with huskies! They're terrible shedders no matter what coat!
    
    There's no such thing as a short coated husky, either... Those are shaved and you should NEVER shave a husky.
    
    If you actually read about the husky besides look at them and say they're pretty, you'd know that their think coat should NEVER be shaved because it's what helps them regulate their temps.
    
    I live in GA, and it's fine to have thick coated dogs in warmer states. They're just better off kept indoors in weather extremes. They're not going to be like your typical born and raised in Alaska dogs who are used to the cold weather.
    
    Read my hub about Huskies, it should reallly help you out. Owning a Siberian Husky
    
    And dogs aren't a market. It's not pleasant to hear anyone talking about shopping for a dog like shopping for a new microwave.

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43. 0

    MOmmagusposted 16 years ago

    We have a Beagle and she does not obey at all.  Other than that, oh, and the extrememly loud persistant barking, she is a very lovable dog with extremely soft ears.
    
    I would love to own a toy or minature dog, but I don't believe in buying when there are so many homeless animals in the world.

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    Whitney05posted 16 years ago

    Macro_man training is the key, but labs are bad. I know a lady who has been professionally training dogs for years.. She has about 10 labs. She breeds them. She's a real dog breeder, in the sense that all of her labs have champion bloodlines. Each are titled in either show, agility, basic obedience, and a few other titles. She's told me stories of her dogs chewing and ripping up her back porch numerous times. Pulling up the fence.
    
    Oh and these are inside dogs that are outside for bathroom breaks and exercise. So these acts are not from boredom or lack of attention.
    
    Labs are easily trained, but can be destructive until about 2 years old. I've also spoken with many lab owners, and they tend to remain puppies longer than other dog breeds as well.
    
    My cousin's boyfriend's lab is between 1 and 2. She's a full blooded chocolate lab that he uses for hunting. The dog digs up the entire backyard when at my cousin's house. Runs amuck in the house, and is overall bad in her eyes. She has a lab shepherd mix type dog who's the same age, give or take as the lab, and is very well behaved with little to no training.

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    Hope Alexanderposted 16 years ago

    My favorite "breed" are terriers or terrier mixes, esp jack russel terriers. They are little dogs who have no concept of the fact that they are small. My experience of them has also been that they are extraordinarily loving, loyal, mad little things, an absolute joy to own.

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    kerrygposted 16 years ago

    I love mutts best - ours have mostly been lab mixes, though my favorite of the five dogs my family has had over my lifetime was a golden mixed with collie and kuvasz or something else large and white. She was a pound puppy, so we don't know exactly.
    
    Whitney, we've always had just one or two dogs at a time, and while I'll agree that labs tend to behave like puppies for longer than some other breeds, I don't think destructiveness necessarily goes hand in hand with that. Ours have all been primarily indoor dogs and although my mom spoils them more than she ever spoiled her children, she's also made an early effort with every dog to make certain expectations clear, and we've never had a problem with inappropriate chewing, digging, etc. The purebred was the beastliest, true, but more in terms of sneaking into the cat food every chance she got and refusing to come when called if she was off leash outside than any kind of destructiveness.

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    Marco_Manposted 16 years ago

    Whitney,
    
    Any breed of dog by nature doesn't have any direction, doesn't know what's right from wrong. There primary instinct is what comes out because that's how mother nature intended. 
    
    Of all the labs that I've known, all are great dogs, yes, there are frustrating times in the beginning, however they mature into a great dog. Every breed of dog in the beginning is distructive. Knowing the characteristics of a breed and matching it with your own lifestyle is also key. If you do not have the extra time to put into training a dog like a lab, than don't. I'm sorry but No dog, right off the bat show's impecible behaviour.
    
    When it comes to having a dog, train, train, and more training especially in the early stages.
    
    I live in Toronto, Canada, and its so upsetting that our governement has banned Pit Bulls. The reason that they were banned is b/c there were so many incidents of them attacking people. Do I blame the dog, HELL NO, I blame the owners.  I've been fortunate enough to know many Pit Bulls, all of them Great.
    
    All In All,
    
    Its how we treat our dogs, show them the love and attention that they require, and they give it right back. If we don't spend time with them, then you already know the result.

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    Whitney05posted 16 years ago

    Marco...
    I'm a big fan of training and socialization, as it's something that I've been trained on, taken several classes, shadowed several trainers, and something I've studied and practiced for years with my own dogs and with training other people's dogs. I really don't appreciate the accusation that I don't understand that any dog of any breed can act this way much less without training. I've just talked to more lab owners that were unhappy with the breed than happy with it.
    
    What do you say in context to the 10+ year dog trainer who's labs tear of the yard in a half an hour? Her dogs are well trained and socialized, I've met most of them. And the ones that I met are the ones that tear up everything...
    
    There's no excuse for that...
    
    Interesting tangent that you went on. But it has nothing to do with the lab discussion that we were having.
    
    I will admit that not every dog breed or even dog is for every owner which is why many dogs end up in shelters, as the owners don't know how to treat or train them, and when rehomed are the best dogs.
    
    But, even if you put in the proper training and socialization from the start, what's the excuse for a poorly behaved dog?
    
    If you want to go on a breed difference. On a level of intelligence between my dogs, my parents, grandparents, and cousins, the level of training and behavior goes as such. 1st being highest on the list and last being lowest.
    
    Training: APBT juvenile, St. Bernard/Collie mix, dalmatian 1, yorkie, shepherd mix, APBT mix (younge puppy), dalmatian 2, mix-breed.
    Behavior: St. Bernard/Collie mix, shepherd mix, APBT juvenile, dalmatian 1, yorkie, APBT mix (young puppy), dalmatian 2, mix-breed.
    
    (The APBT juvenile would have better behavior on the exception she is still a puppy and will get overly excited at times, to which I am working on.) And, there is a very close, near tie in behavior between the yorkie and dalmatian 1.
    
    Training is not always the key but does makes a BIG difference in behavior, especially when age and breed are factors that must be taken into account. That said the labs that I keep referring to are all well- bred, with champion bloodlines and have titles themselves. They get daily training, exercising, and love. They're not in-bred, and they're surely not overbred, as she only breeds one or two females a year and then alternates them. What's their excuse for their bad behaviors?
    
    Another new dog trainer that I know has told me that she'd never own another lab, she'd rather stick with Great Danes of APBT, as they're smarter, catch on quicker, and are better behaved in general.
    
    The intelligence between breeds can vary with individual, although yes there are trats to each breed, but again not every individual dog gets all the good or bad traits of the breed.
    
    I can just tell you that I will never own a lab ever... I know several people who will agree to me, most with some trainer experience, some with none. I know several trainers that teach classes and aren't the biggest fan of having labs in their classes, whereas others are impartial. 
    
    I personally don't trust labs and find most of something else on their agenda, which is usually the next chair leg they're going to chew up.
    
    Plus, besides all the other things I've mentioned, I honestly dislike the breed because so many people compare other dogs to them. So many people will say, "oh, it's a lab, it's a good dog." that's just not always the case. It's a discriminatory factor in that 'oh its a lab, nothing to fear they're great dogs' versus 'Oh my God you have a Pit Bull! aren't you scared!?' Personally, I'm a fan of the underdog, and in the U.S. that just happens to be the APBT. They're a great breed, people pleasers, loyal, protective, kind, gentle, easy to train, well behaved if trained and socialized, etc... Labs can any other dog breed can be the same, but I just don't think it's fair to assume all labs or retrievers are good dogs because they have the 'All American Dog' title attached to them, when in the past the APBT had that title.

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    1. 59

       Marco_Manposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Whitney,
       
       I'm always going to have a love for labs, at this point, we just have a difference in opinions. We could both go on and on about this but we would not get anywhere.  You've come across many labs that misbehave, and are puppy's forever. My experiences are completely different.
       
       I'm impressed that you have alot of experience in dog training, and I'm happy and respect that you train them.
       
       However there must be a reason that labs are chosen for "seeing Eye Dogs", or rescue dogs.
       
       All dogs are different, all have different characteristics, We both have a love of dogs, and that's what ultimately matters.
       
       

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49. 82

    Whitney05posted 16 years ago

    I do want to add that I don't think that all labs are destructie and bad, but I do believe that they all hold the puppy tendencies longer than other breeds.
    
    I do know that not all individual dogs in the same breed act the same, but there are always the underlying breed characteristics that will show at some point in time to some degree.

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50. 63

    amy janeposted 16 years ago

    I just have to add my opinion!  I am currently the owner of a very large yellow lab with champion bloodlines - she is as sweet as can be, and awesome with my kids. She "forgets" her training.
    She has finally calmed down and stopped acting like a pup - after 5 years. She has a weight problem, because she will eat anything and everything. She is accident prone, and is always hurting herself. She is also afraid of our cats, and gets scratched on occasion. I have owned many dogs over the years, and I know labs are supposed to be smart, but, she is rather dopey. We love her anyway. She wouldn't harm a fly.
    I grew up with pitbulls, and they are absolutely the smartest dogs!  I think they are incredibly loyal and loving too   Ours got into a bit of trouble and were all dog aggresive, no matter what we did to socialize them.

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    1. 82

       Whitney05posted 16 years agoin reply to this

       That's pretty much my point. That's the main reason I dislike them. They're puppies FOREVER and puppies are destructive usually with out without training! ha. Thanks Amy for adding your opinion.
       
       What kind of champion bloodlines?

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