Dog Lovers

[Arnie]

I grew up around Black Labrador Retrievers, but have had various dogs throughout my life...

Recently, I realized I have never been so close to a pet than I am to the Biewer Terrier I have now, Bryan(but we call him Big Guy).

What is your favorite canine breed and why?

Do you have a dog story to share?

[TheSlyBear]

Like you I grew up around big dogs (mostly Dobermans and Shepherds), but now have smaller dogs: two Pomeranians.

There are many things to like about this breed, but my top 2 are:

• Because they were bred from larger dogs, they have a "large dog" attitude in a small body. I truly believe that they have no idea of their actual size.
• Smaller dogs == smaller poop

Little Bear and Cozmo:

[Chavster]

I love dogs, but I dont really know much about them. I've had two dogs of my own, and they were both cross-breeds, and I loved each of them to death, but Im not a dog expert. And I dont really like big big dogs, I'm more of a small dog kind of guy



This is Clyde. He's 15 years old, and I got him from a rescue shelter in London in 1997 when he was a year old. He is officially the best dog in the world Right now, he's fast asleep under my desk, with his chin on my foot. I'm not sure what breed of dog he is, but the general consensus is that he's a Jack Russell possibly mixed with a Doberman or a sausage dog (but I cant think what sausage dogs are officially called). I know he probably looks like a rat to anyone who likes big dogs, but he's the love of my life

My other dog was Bonnie, and she died in 2003. She was a Border Collie, and I got her from the same shelter in London back in 1988. She was 7 weeks old and had been abandoned in a rubbish bin (trash can), then rescued and taken to the shelter. She was absolutely adorable and I still miss her every day.

Their names are/were Bonnie and Clyde purely by coincidence. I already had Bonnie, and I wanted a second dog to keep her company, and when I went to the shelter to see what dogs they had, Clyde's name was already Clyde. He was beautiful and friendly and playful, but when I found out his name was Clyde, I knew he was the dog to go for.

[tomgallagher]

I have had Labradors all my life. (Black, Yellow and Chocolate). They have all the traits that I love in a dog and never felt like trying any other breed.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

We've had Doberman's, Alma, Zena, Stella and now Irma.  While some who haven't ever known Dobies believe they are mean, those who've had the pleasure of having one of these fine animals know that they are pussy cats, big lovable pussy cats who are if anything too demanding of attention.  And since the types who don't know them might want to come after some of my stuff, I'm not sad about the reputation. 

[TheSlyBear]

This is Clyde. He's 15 years old, and I got him from a rescue shelter in London in 1997 when he was a year old. He is officially the best dog in the world

Aww, cute. He reminds of a dog my partner's mom used to have named Oops. She was a really sweet dog too.

While some who haven't ever known Dobies believe they are mean, those who've had the pleasure of having one of these fine animals

Totally true! Dobies are great pets, and their supposed reputation also makes them great guard dogs. I mean, what burglar is going to continue breaking into a home when he sees a Dobie grinning at him on the other side of the glass? *

* True story. I had a Dobie named Velvet who, when hearing someone at the door, would prop herself up so she could look out the window and bare her teeth in what could only be described as a grin. For the uninitiated, it was frightening. It looked like she was thinking "Oh, yes, please come in. It's snack time!"

[Chavster]

Aww, cute. He reminds of a dog my partner's mom used to have named Oops. She was a really sweet dog too.

Thanks He is adorable. I dont know what the life expectancy is of dogs like him, but he's 15 so I dont suppose I'll have him for too much longer. When he goes, i think I'll totally crumble.

[tomgallagher]

On average 15 is pretty old. A Vet once told me that the larger the dog the shorter the life span.

[Chavster]

I think Bonnie was 13 when she died. She had Cushings Disease. Clyde seems to be doing very well for his age. He's never had anything seriously wrong with him, and he's extremely lively. His hearing is just about zero but apart from that, he seems to be doing well.

I cant bear the thought of losing him though.

[tomgallagher]

Losing a beloved pet can be heartbreaking. I don't know why we put ourselves thru it time after time. The pros obviously outweigh  the cons.

[Chavster]

When Bonnie died, I felt like someone hit me over the head with a frying pan. I was so dazed and confused. It took me ages and ages to get over it, and as I said, I still miss her.

Bonnie was quite independent though, whereas Clyde is always by my side, so I think I'll probably take it a lot harder when he dies.

I would never have another dog though. Clyde will definitely be my last.

[tomgallagher]

Yeah yeah that's what we all say.

[sailor61]

Gordon Setter owner here, Olin is my 4th in a row.  Great breed if you have the space for them to run and the patience for an eternal puppy.  Also have a Pointer, Astra is a great dog with a personailty that is totally opposite of Olin.  Need to post pics in separate entries.  And yes, they're both shown by their breeders - I go to the shows on occasion but it gets a bit wierd for me...

This picture is of Olin, taken just a year ago when he was one.

[Razor X]

I have two Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Siobhan (age 11 1/2) and Rory (age 10).   This photo is about four years old.  It seems like yesterday that they were puppies; I can't believe how fast the time has gone.  It's really scary because I can't bear the thought of losing them:

[-Doug-]

I can understand everyone's attachment to their dogs. I grew up with them and have fond memories of each one. Recently we got a dog but after three days it was obvious that allergy issues wouldn't allow up to keep her. Taking her back was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. We all got so attached to her.