Downsides of you favorite breed

kelliope · 10-13-2008, 01:26 PM

We all know what we love about our breeds of choice, but I am interested in the downsides of the breeds - from people that have owned or worked intensively with the breed.

For my breed of choice - Chihuahuas - the negatives of the breed are

1. Their size. While I have found I actually like the small size, their small size leaves them open to being easily injured and preyed upon. Something I really don't like. I am nervous about them going outside on their own and loose dogs and dog park situation pose a serious threat - even from friendly dogs. Situations that I would normally love to do - like camping with friends and their dogs - becomes very difficult as most people I know have larger, more rambunctious dogs and mine could easily get injured. Especially if they don't know the dog - they tend to be quite fearful and you know what happens in that situation - other dogs fixate on the small, fearful ones.

2. Their intolerance of the cold. 50 degrees F is WAY to cold for them. I am an active, outdoorsy type of person. I have a horse. My dogs go with me and sometimes I worry about them getting too cold. I have to have a heat lamp on them while I ride in the winter which is kind of a pain.

3. That they are standoffish with strangers while being a type of dog that attracts attention like none other. So many people want to handle them and want to hold them. They are a bit nervous around new people. Yet people will stick their face right in their faces and shriek in these high pitched, baby voices. It would unnerve the sturdiest of dogs. This trait makes it more difficult to find trustworthy people to watch them if I have to go out of town and makes boarding nearly out of the question.

That's really it. My dogs are the loves of my life and fit in so perfectly in so many ways. But I do think it's important to recognize a breeds undesirable traits too so that you can make an informed decision.

Anyone else? What is your breed's undesirable traits? (feel free to add what you like about your breed too.)

sw_df27 · 10-13-2008, 01:31 PM

Downside huh lets see:
1. Other people ignorance
that should sum it up!

2.oh and the fact that you never know if they will turn out DA or not that kinds sucks but not enough to stop me from owning more then one.

Other then those 2 I see no downside to owning a APBT. To me they are the greatest breed in the world!

Oh and Zim about the fighting part it's part of the breeds past if It wasn't for fighting the APBT would have never bacame the dog it is today. But that becomes a downside when that's all that people can see when they look at a APBT. People get DA and HA mixed up and think that APBT are viscious baby eaters when actually the breed isn't suppose to be HA at all but due to bad breeding practices and peoples ignorance we are seeing more and more poorly breed APBT with horrible Temperments.

kelliope · 10-13-2008, 01:33 PM

Well, that was helpful.

sheltiemom · 10-13-2008, 01:37 PM

With shelties I'd definitely say the barking. They sure work hard to maintain their reputation as barkers, and while it's not enough to turn me away from the breed, there are times when it irritates or embarasses me. The other negative is the shedding, but mainly because I hate vacuuming....it's still worth it though because I looove the look and feel of their long coats.

zimandtakandgrrandmimi · 10-13-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sw_df27

1. Other people ignorance

.....about Dog Aggression, Dogfighting and the breed itself...

BarclaysMom · 10-13-2008, 02:30 PM

My favorites are Eskimos, but they are not for everyone. They do bark a lot, and they have a LOT of energy, and need to be kept mentally stimulated too else they get bored and find things to do. But the plus sides - a fluffy, joyfull dog who loves its people so much that sometimes they leap up on you and smother you with kisses for no good reason at all, plus enough energy to do sports or work on a farm or keep up with the family. Brains, looks, personality - I see no reason to have any other kind of dog.

pugmom · 10-13-2008, 02:32 PM

PUG- Breathing problems, Eye problems, don't do well in heat or cold....but they are one of the best family dogs I have every owned and never see my self not having at least one

Sunshyne · 10-13-2008, 02:36 PM

I'm with the OP, and first issue I have is her size. Chloe is very happy, playful and social so she wants to be near every dog she hears or sees!!! She's still a puppy, and acts accordingly (though training has never ended here, we do it daily). There was a lab in her puppy class that outweighed her by 35 pounds and literally pinned her every class. It was all play, but it scared me seeing her on her back helpless and so teeny! Rough play with a dog way bigger than her could cause major problems so I just don't do it often unless I know the dog well.

Secondly, her eyes. They could be damaged or injured so easily. When we visit my sister, who has three cats, they are separated the entire time.

Third, the health problems that Pugs tend to be associated with. MCT's and luxtating patella (sp? on that one is prob off!) are fairly common so I'm freakishly obsessed with checking her body for any bump, or looking for any sign of her demeanor changing (none thankfully). Heat is not great for Pugs, so exercise in the summer was tough! We did extra chasing games inside and tons of training. It was hard because she wanted to go out all the time, but would poop out 10 minutes into the walk. For her safety, we cut back walks a lot this summer.

Last - shedding!!! Ugh, pugs shed a ton no matter how often I brush her it's everywhere! Does not hlep that I have black rugs (purchased pre-dog).

I do love her to death, and I love the breed immensely! She is a ton of fun, loves kids, grooming is easy, she loves training and walks. She is also a cuddle bug and loves to be with her humans.

pugmom · 10-13-2008, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunshyne

I'm with the OP, and first issue I have is her size. Chloe is very happy, playful and social so she wants to be near every dog she hears or sees!!! She's still a puppy, and acts accordingly (though training has never ended here, we do it daily). There was a lab in her puppy class that outweighed her by 35 pounds and literally pinned her every class. It was all play, but it scared me seeing her on her back helpless and so teeny! Rough play with a dog way bigger than her could cause major problems so I just don't do it.

Secondly, her eyes. They could be damaged or injured so easily. When we visit my sister, who has three cats, they are separated the entire time.

Third, the health problems that Pugs tend to be associated with. MCT's and luxtating patella (sp? on that one is prob off!) are fairly common so I'm freakishly obsessed with checking her body for any bump, or looking for any sign of her demeanor changing (none thankfully).

Last - shedding!!! Ugh, pugs shed a ton no matter how often I brush her it's everywhere! Does not hlep that I have black rugs (purchased pre-dog).

I do love her to death, and I love the breed immensely! She is a ton of fun, loves kids, grooming is easy, she loves training and walks. She is also a cuddle bug and loves to be with her humans.

LOL...my pug is the dominant dog in my house she is the one I have to worry about hurting the others....

jbray01 · 10-13-2008, 02:40 PM

Labs-

crazy energy that needs to be burned off even if you are horribly sick and can barely get out of bed... (it was a rough weekend)

chewing. this is a big one. she doesnt chew on furniture, because we get her enough toys to satisfy her chewing. however, no matter what toy, she finds a way to destroy it in seconds..

kelliope · 10-13-2008, 02:44 PM

See - I've already learned new stuff!

First - I was told that Shelties didn't shed. Or that they may shed but it is held in the double coat and removed during grooming and that there was no hair in the house.

Also, I am very surprised to learn that Pugs don't do well in the cold. They look to be such a sturdy breed I would have thought they'd be fine. I did know they wouldn't do well in the heat.

And I'm surprised a Pug would have a problem holding his own against bigger dogs. To me (compared to my tiny, matchstick leg dogs) they seem big! How funny! Yet, I guess they too are small when compared to some bigger breeds.

I do love Pugs! And Shelties! I haven't personally known a Pug, but I saw a show Pug on Animal Planet that was to DIE for! And Shelties are so beautiful - I just love them!

Edited to add: jbray, I heard a saying about labs one time - "They chew till they're two and shed till they're dead". I told it to a lab person once and they cracked up and said it was so true! Hope you are feeling better soon!

Shaina · 10-13-2008, 02:44 PM

Extraordinarily high cancer rate.

kelliope · 10-13-2008, 02:46 PM

Shaina, of what breed?

Sunshyne · 10-13-2008, 02:50 PM

Well, Chloe certainly can hold her own with other dogs, she isn't scared of anything!!! I think it's MY fear of her getting hurt. She's about 18 pounds, and has short short legs, so her getting dominated happens a lot no matter how tough she tries to be. Next to my friend's Lab she's a puney little thing.

blackrose · 10-13-2008, 02:50 PM

Well, I'll just say my breed is Labradors as I have owned two purebred Labs and everything else has been mutts.

1. The exhuberance when younger. Labs don't become the nice, calm, loving, sweet family dogs until they hit about three years of age...and then sometimes not even until they are even older. While highly trainable and bidable, a young Lab is a NIGHTMARE around young children and the elderly just because of their simple enthusiasm. Not many people seem to understand that. They think their eight week old cute ball of fur is going to straight away become a calm, mature adult when in fact they are going to have 3-5 years of an 80lb puppy.

2. Chewiness. Oh my gosh, you have no idea how nice it is to have a dog (Chloe) that doesn't chew on EVERYTHING! Both Blackie and Sadie were very destructive when younger and it was hard to keep up with their mouths! Anything and everything that could be chewed was chewed. Anything and everything that could be carried around was carried around. Finding toys that they couldn't destroy was a challenge!

3. The hair. I've had the pleasure of "owning" a Malamute before. I currently own a Collie/Aussie cross. I swear that their shedding doesn't even come close to what Blackie and Sadie shed. Labs shed. Tons. All year round. In little short hairs that stick onto everything. Twice a year they shed even more on top of what they already shed. I call that time their moulting period. If you get your hand wet and pet the dog, your hand will come off with a glove. If you give your dogs in the bathtub you better have a hair guard or they will clog your drain. And if you have a black or chocolate lab you better not wear anything light in color and vice versa for the yellow Lab.

4. Trying to find a good Lab. SOOOOO many Labs are to an extreme one way or another and TONS are being BYB so they are throwing out dogs with odd looks, odd temperments, and questionable genetic health. It can be a challenge to find a well bred, well balanced Lab.

Laurelin · 10-13-2008, 02:52 PM

Papillons- the only real downside I have is their size. If they were 20-40 lbs, they'd be perfect. Small size is nice at times, but not so nice at other times. Portable, but easily hurt by a big dog.

Things that could be a downside for some people, but I find most charming- their intelligence coupled with their deviousness and curiosity. They get into trouble a lot and need more mental stimulation than most dogs. They are high energy, which I find fun but I know other people don't who aren't used to it. This is a breed that needs a lot of time- they're very clingy.

Shelties- barking. They bark and bark and bark some more. They also shed a lot. They also are generally prone to being shy and standoffish to strangers. They need a lot of socialization. They also tend to be pretty herdy and can nip heels and are prone to herding dog OCD like most other herders.

Border collies (my next breed, I've been researching like crazy and have been working with them in rescue for a while)- their need for a job, high energy/exercise requirements, high intelligence (training is easy in some ways, but not in others), herdiness again, some can be very aloof towards strangers like shelties, but bcs seem to vary more in that aspect.

Of course, all that is fantastic if you want a working dog or a sports dog or if you like such a demanding companion. (which I do) If you don't, it'll drive you up the wall.

BarclaysMom · 10-13-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laurelin

Shelties- barking. They bark and bark and bark some more. They also shed a lot. They also are generally prone to being shy and standoffish to strangers. They need a lot of socialization. They also tend to be pretty herdy and can nip heels and are prone to herding dog OCD like most other herders.

Border collies (my next breed, I've been researching like crazy and have been working with them in rescue for a while)- their need for a job, high energy/exercise requirements, high intelligence (training is easy in some ways, but not in others), herdiness again, some can be very aloof towards strangers like shelties, but bcs seem to vary more in that aspect.

Of course, all that is fantastic if you want a working dog or a sports dog or if you like such a demanding companion. (which I do) If you don't, it'll drive you up the wall.

Eskimos are similar to both Shelties and BCs, but without the extremes. Not so OCD. But they do need a lot of socialization to be real people-lovers. Both of mine love strangers, and believe everyone was put on this world to pet them, but I've met a lot of poorly socialized eskies who weren't so lucky. They tend to be reserved with strangers.

One wonderful thing about eskies I forgot to say is that they have an amazing stay-clean coat. If they get dirty it all falls off as soon as it dries. That's why they always stay so amazingly white and fluffy. We rarely have problems with mats or tangles, and they always smell fresh and foofy - unless they found something stinky to roll in, that's about the only time I have to give in and give them a bath.

I like the eskimo size too - 30lbs is just right to be big enough to play hard and not worry about them getting hurt, and you don't have to worry about stepping on them. But still small enough to ride easily in the car and get picked up and carried if necessary.

BCs were my second choice, and I'm glad I went Eskie again. I think Barclay has convinced me that I made the right choice for our family!

wabanafcr · 10-13-2008, 03:07 PM

Flatcoats:
Major problems: Cancer, high-energy (too much dog for most homes).
Other issues: Luxating patellas, glaucoma, hip/elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, PRA, distichiasis/entropion, punctate cataracts, allergies/skin/coat problems, hypothyroid, heart issues, bloat

kelliope · 10-13-2008, 03:13 PM

BarclaysMom, are Eskies tolerant of heat? I know some fluffy dogs to be MORE tolerant of heat than my own dogs.

I LOVE Eskies!!! I think if I were to get another breed of dog from a Chihuahua, it would be an Eskie! Especially now that I hear they stay white on their own! That is amazing. I always thought they'd be hard to keep up with.

BarclaysMom · 10-13-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelliope

BarclaysMom, are Eskies tolerant of heat? I know some fluffy dogs to be MORE tolerant of heat than my own dogs.

I LOVE Eskies!!! I think if I were to get another breed of dog from a Chihuahua, it would be an Eskie! Especially now that I hear they stay white on their own! That is amazing. I always thought they'd be hard to keep up with.

They're really easy to keep groomed, which is important to me because I do all their grooming.

I don't know about the heat tolerance. It's pretty mild where we are in the NW. I asked the breeder about shaving him this summer when it was really hot and she said their coat actually helps keep them cool, so shaving them actually made them hotter! I've never shaved ours.

You would probably want to talk to some eskie breeders/owners in your area and find out how they handle it if it's particularly hot where you are.