With paps yes and no...

I think a lot of people that think they want papillons really do not want papillons. And a lot of people that would LOVE them don't look into them because they're toy dogs. I know some people I just wish would go get a pap because they'd love them. I also dissuade a lot of people from getting them. Typically people meet Mia and decide they don't want a pap after all xD. They're really dogs for people that want to put a lot of time into their little dog just like they would a big dog. Almost everyone I know with paps is more of a big dog person that needed to scale down for whatever reason. If people understand they need time and more exercise than most toy dogs then they're a really easy breed. But I can't count the times people have told me my dogs are hyper and they couldn't live with them. Neither of my roommates that lived with summer are papillon people at all. They liked her okay but I can guarantee neither would choose the breed for themselves (and Summer is easy peasy).

Shelties I suggest pretty rarely. I just think they're kind of odd dogs. I pretty much just warn people and if they can take the warnings then they're good to go. It also might be a case of the fact shelties aren't 'my' breed really, I just had them a long time. There's a lot of temperament problems too in the breed so I just want people to be prepared. I think they're also an easy breed it's just hard to find a good one.

Border collies I never recommend pretty much. I actually get kind of nervous when people say they want one. I figure if people really want one they'll hopefully do a ton of research on them.

 

I can't really recommend my breeds to anyone since my dogs are all mixed and not really representative of any one breed.

Back when I had German Shepherds, I would've recommended them to anyone, but today's shepherds are just not the same. Our dogs were very stocky and had nearly flat backs. All weighed over 100 pounds, but none was really overweight. Our first GSD died at the age of 2 from a brain tumor. He was well known in the neighborhood. Was written up in the newspaper for pulling a toddler out from in front of a truck. When the mailman would come, he'd get in the back of the mail truck, ride to the end of the street and back, and then get out again. Scared the heck out of the substitute mailman. LOL

The next 2 shepherds we had were similar to the first in that they were gentle, friendly, & protective when necessary. The third was a little too tall for his blood supply, but what he lacked in intelligence he made up in personality.

It may just be the gene pool in my area, but I haven't seen a GSD whose looks I really liked in probably 20 years. My brother's shepherd has a really sloped back, she's skinny as heck, high strung, and she walks like a cartoon dog. They walk her 2 hours a day and she's still a twitchy wreck. I'd give anything to find a shepherd like I had when I was a kid, but I suspect if I did, I wouldn't be able to afford it.

 

GSDs should never weigh over 100 lbs. Or even close. Nor should any dog have a "flat back" so I think the problem wasn't your breed, it was your breeders.

No, I don't recommend Dachshunds to people. I can't recall if I ever have. Generally I am talking people out of Dachshunds because they have the wrong idea about them. Elkhounds I wouldn't recommend to many others, either. And in general, I think most people flee from hounds.

 

Do I recommend "my" breed to many people?

No.

 

Same here.

 

I have mixes, so it's a little harder to recommend a specific breed, per se. However, Loki is predominantly a GSD and I wouldn't recommend a GSD for an "average" or first-time dog owner. I think the reason the GSD bite ratio per overall reported dog bites in this country is so high because many people out there mismanage their GSDs. Lots of people aren't equipped with the knowledge to understand herding breeds, what their habits and triggers are, etc. Whenever I see someone asking about GSDs, I make sure to say that the breed can be a handful, chock full of health issues and that their large size and head strong nature make them a poor choice for a first time dog owner, especially one with small children or small animals in their homes.

I find the breeds that I mostly recommend people not to purchase or adopt are Border Collies, Huskies and Akitas. All three seem to be very popular breeds with people who don't understand their training needs and exercise requirements.

I have also lately recommended against Labs for people without a lot of time to devote to puppy training.

I wish more people out there would take purchasing a dog seriously and actually do some research instead of simply relying on popular beliefs, such as "Labs are easy to handle and good with families" or "Huskies are beautiful and all act like the dogs in Snow Dogs".

 

Going on what I think my dog is a mix of (Boxer and pit bull type dog)...

I have occasionally recommended Boxers but I always make sure the person is aware at what exactly that can entail (never ending puppy syndrome, velcroness, paws-on, drool, health issues out the wazoo, not heat tolerant, high energy...). Most people get turned off by that and move on. I know two people who stuck through, one has a gorgeous 2 year old Boxer from a rescue and the other is just starting on his way to research high quality breeders.


As for pit bulls... not really. The first thing I tell people is the first thing my sister told me which is if you're going to get this breed you HAVE to be willing to do everything you can to protect the breed from BSL and make your dog a great representative of his breed. I find most people, despite how much they like the breed, are not willing to get down and dirty when it comes down the the discrimination going on with the breed right now. They aren't willing to deal with issues finding housing, breed specific laws, idiocy of the general public, etc.

I actually think I spend more time trying to dissuade people from getting pits than I do recommending them.

In the end I think it's almost impossible to recommend a breed to anyone. Unless you have knowledge of breeds and know what you want in a dog there's really no way to know what breed will be right for you. When I was looking for my first dog I was looking for a lab or golden retriever based on looks and what I thought I wanted. Looking back at the last 5 years with Bella I can't believe I ever wanted a retriever when it's so completely obvious that my loyalty lies with bully breeds.

. I think the reason the GSD bite ratio per overall reported dog bites in this country is so high because many people out there mismanage their GSDs.

Thats the reason for any dog breed. Well managed dogs don't get out and don't have the opportunity to bite save for freak occasions.

 

(Oh, I hope this does not turn into an argument about "sloped back" GSDs... I think we've had enough of that around here.)

prntmkr: Black Russian Terriers, right? I don't know much about them. What would make them too challenging for most people?

 

I have a lab shepherd mix - and no. I wouldn't recommend to many.

Many simply don't have the energy, time, or stamina to deal with a dog of this energy level.

Many are apt to get the "cute little puppy" and they can't really grasp that "cute little puppy" growing into a monsterous, high-energy dog. So they surrender it once it gets to be "too big" or "too rambunctious". If only they realized THEY were the ones at fault for getting a dog they failed to research, failed to train, or failed to see that adoption is a life-long *commitment*.

This dog is very smart - it craves and needs mental and physical stimulation and *guidance*. This dog *craves* structure - it needs a job to do. If it doesn't get enough mental or physical exercise, it becomes very destructive and high-strung. It will bark, whine, cry, challenge everyone in the house, nip playfully at the kids, chew everything in the house, terrorize the cats, and generally drive everyone crazy. If you're the couch-potato type who wants to argue about the chore of walking or feeding the dog - forget it. This dog will run circles around you and you'll just be holding your head in misery. Similarly, if you're someone who works or travels all the time, who has other more important priorities, or for some other reason can't devote the time to the dog, you're asking for trouble. This dog demands to be a member of the family - and a very important member. If you're someone whose house is always filled with chaos or your life is somehow unstable right now - as many I know - then this dog isn't for you.

However . . . .

If you're someone who can offer structure, control, training, guidance, and commitment...
If you can offer regular exercise, at least a few hours a day...
If you are not always gone from the home...
If you promote and enjoy a relaxed household with rules and respect...
If you're eager to accept a dog as a family member...
If you have the space and money and stability in your life to keep & provide for this dog...

Then it is the best companion you could ever have.

IMO, too many people adopt labs (especially) thinking they're innately the "perfect family dog" and it isn't the right breed for them *all all*. They see the well behaved labs and don't realize how much training and socialization went into that dog. Frankly, most people just don't have the stamina.

Don't really have an opinion on mixes - all of my dogs but 1 has been a mix, and the full-blooded lab was anything but "breed temperament" - I think all dogs are individuals.

 

No, I don't recommend my breed to anyone,
I probably try to discourage them if anything.

 

This!

The only person I know in person that I would recommend a Rottie to is my dog trainer. For the most part when people start asking about Rotties I tell them how much work I have to put into Porter and how much of a pain in the ass he is. I also tell them how he doesn't handle being alone outside well at all so they don't think they can just toss them in the yard and they wont have to walk the dog.

 

I can understand that, Kibasdad! I've met a couple of shibas at shows and they were beautiful, but not at all interested in me, and not fond of Casper. They seem similar to the AKK in some ways, and even less biddable.

My dad and brother are the type of guys whose idea of a dog is basically a stereotypical lab -- friendly, bouncy, happy, eager to please. My brother's pit is like this and he thinks she's perfect. They don't understand that different dogs have different personalities, and I don't recommend the more aloof, less biddable breeds to anyone with a mindset like theirs.

 

Nope never, I don't feel most people are prepared to handle a Siberian Husky. However I do think Smooth Collies can be a good choice for some people so I will recommend those every once in a while if it feels like a good fit.

 

I try and dissuade almost everyone from cattle dogs. I love my boy, but I think it's kind of one of those breeds where "If you don't know what it is, it probably isn't right for you." Not many people can make it work with an extremely high energy yet very stubborn dog.

I might recommend them to someone who has the space and understanding of high energy herding breeds, but wants a dog with a little bit more of an independent streak, but I haven't found that person yet.

 

Nope I do not reccomend Aussies or Brittany's to anyone for similar reasons as eeloheel.

I also do not ever recommend a mix seeing as how the temperaments are generally not predictable at all.

 

Deeken's mixed and I often find myself suggesting to people that they look into adult mutts or adult dogs. I really think this is the best way for a first time dog owner to go (and they're usually the one's asking). With an adult, you know what you're getting temperament wise and if you go through an organization that utilizes foster homes or a reputable breeder (retired breeding dog), you can get a pretty good idea of the dog's training and potential issues.

As for "my breed", I would say that it is the APBT even though I don't have one ATM. All my rescue work is with a pit bull rescue and my next dog will be a pit bull. I would say I talk people out of them more than into them but that's probably because a lot of the time the people I'm talking to are applying for a dog with the rescue I volunteer for and they really aren't a good fit for the breed or the particular dog they are interested in.

 

I don't really have a breed. I guess my breed is the Pit bull or American staffordshire terrier. I have an old one and his only problem is at the age of 10 has very very bad elbows. Besides that he has been a great dog and I he was a rescue. I have done rescue work with pits before so it a breed I know well. I also had a border collie and she was the best dog for me at that time in my life.

Recommending a breed is hard unless you know the person really well. I recommend pits to people all the time because they are great dogs and make awesome family dogs. I understand they are not for everyone. My best friend got a pit bull mainly because I talk to highly of them and she loved her till the very end.

So yes I do recommend pits to some people but most people are too turned off by the name to look at the breed.

 

Yes and no.

Since I got Chester from the humane society and I don't technically know his breed, when asked what breed he is, I always reply "The kind you get from the shelter" and when the questioner laughs, I mention something about getting him as a young adult and how great it was to find a housetrained dog and how I was able to see what type of personality he had. And then I highly recommend considering an adult rescue since so many of them (at least here) are actually coming from families and people that are having financial issues and it is rarely a problem dog (per se) that is up for adoption.

As for what I think his breed is-- best guess based on both personality traits and looks is Rhodesian Ridgeback. Now, since I am basing my recommendation (or lack there-of) on his traits, even if I guess wrong the logic still stands. I tell them about the 10 mile runs we do in the cooler months where after 30 minutes, he is raring to go again. I tell them he is strong enough to knock over a full grown man and without a LOT of training, he would. I tell them that he is a hunter and took over a year just to be moderately safe around cats. Etc. But... for those energetic people looking for a running, hiking, camping and hunting companion, I say go for it and also highlight his virtues (very calm inside, very very quiet, nearly bombproof, reasonably protective)

 

I don't have actual "breeds", but Pixie is maltese x toy poodle, and I would recommend either of those breeds for someone looking for a nice pet dog. Obi is a JRT x, and there is no way I would recommend JRT's to anyone who wasn't doing sports and had a lot of time to spend. For agility people though, I would recommend JRT's in a heartbeat. There are a lot of JRT's in shelters here, which is probably because people get them as pets and then realise they're not really a relaxed pet dog.

 

going to have to agree, I don't think I could recommend a JRT to anyone I have met so far. Someone with older children, a fenced in back yard, lots of time and patience, maybe, and shoot you could recommend them a lab or almost any other breed with the least bit of energy. Somehow our rescue is able to find a lot of parents, but thankfully the area we live in is full of back yards and land so I am sure it works out.

I don't think I would even recommend myself to get another one years from now... but gosh gotta love em!

 

I don't recommend Mastiff's to anyone. If someone wants one, they can put the work into deciding that for themselves. If they are already interested, then I'll offer them my personal experiences with mine. Generally, I think they are "too" much dog for a lot of people and then there is always the drool factor which tends to gross people out.

With Labs, (they aren't my breed of choice), I always want the person to actually be aware of how a Lab really is. They aren't necessarily the great first time, or family friendly dog.

So generally, I don't recommend a certain breed of dog to anyone.

 

I live and breathe for American Pit Bull Terriers.

and no i do not recommend them to people. most people i tell to stay the hell away from my babies(theyre all my babies).

People need to stop willy nilly recommending and getting pit bulls. recommending a pit to a newbie dog owner is cruel to that dog imo. i wont do it and i will actively speak against it because its an easy way to publish yet another news story.

i will however offer to teach people...if they ask.

 

In general, no. I feel like people look at Papillons and just assume that they'll make pretty little lapdogs when they are the exact opposite. Cadence doesn't even like sitting on my lap. He's a lot happier sitting next to me. I try not to recommend breeds that I'm not too familiar with either, but I generally discourage people from getting high-energy breeds like BCs, Paps, Huskies, etc that people are usually drawn to because they look good or unique. I've met LOTS of people who've wanted to get Huskies but have no time whatsoever to exercise these dogs. I don't think they realize how much exercise or training some breeds need. Also, people who want "guard dogs" always assume that GSDs, Rotties, or Dobermans will instantly make good guard dogs. It's absurd their ideas about what guard dogs should do--i.e., live outside and deter thieves from entering. Really ridiculous. So I find that I discourage people more often that not, lol.

 

Absolutely not. You have to be a special kind of person to appreciate a bulldog, and even more special to appreciate a weimaraner. I do discourage more people than recommend them.

If a person shows they are the right kind of person for a weim or a bullie I would recommend them, but that isn't always the case.

 

I have ACDs.... So the answere is not no.... It is hell no..

 

lol I had to quote this. Xp
I think I'm pretty much in agreement with everyone who has shepherds' responses and the papillon owners as well. More often than not I steer people away and let them know the work because I don't want anyone to think they can handle it and can't and realize this after getting the breed. But I find I will recommend a pap in more occasions than the aussie thus far depending on the person. If it's someone who is looking to get into competition with a small dog, not too much grooming who wants a big dog personality. I will tell them to look into them. Just because they're highly intelligent and love training. I love the wash and wear and I'll take the time to blow dry and trim when needed.

 

No.


If anyone asks about my dogs I tell both the pros and the cons about owning them. Most people I try to convince NOT to own a lot of breeds simply because I have no faith in the general dog owning populace... at all really...

 

No. Im far more likely to go into the negative aspects of living with a Saint. Most people just arent prepared to handle a dog this size...Bus is a medium sized Saint at 140lbs, 200lbs is not uncommon.

I get enough fur off of Buster to "make" a toy breed (daily), he drools like someone turned on a faucet inside his mouth (worse around food, water or if he's hot or being exercised). Saints are strong...Buster just ruined a collar with metal hardware rated to hold 1100lbs (pure pulling power on tie out, he never hit the end with any speed). Without training & being taught basic manners, Buster would be a seriously dangerous dog to live with.

Then we could get into the tendency towards allergies, joint issues, bloat and the relatively short life of a Saint Bernard. But by the time Ive gotten through with just the normal day to day routine Ive turned all but the most interested away.

They see the handsome, well groomed boy I bring out into public. They dont see the 20-30 minutes I put into grooming him every day or the 2-4 hours every 4-6 weeks to bathe and dry (leaving him to air dry takes DAYS and opens him up to bacterial & fungal skin infections because of his thick, heavy coat).

They see a dog that is gentle and outgoing. They dont see the countless hours Ive put into helping him overcome being afraid of absolutely everything.

I love my dog with every bit of me (he is part of me), I wouldnt trade him for anything in this world, I have every intention of sharing my life with another Saint Bernard but, no, I dont not recommend Saints to most people.

 

Nope, hardly ever.

 

I never recommend any breed to anyone. I will tell them the pros, cons, and a lengthy spiel on proper training, and I will simply let them decide for themselves. I will also tell them the story about myself being a first-time dog-owner (years ago) and choosing an Eskie, while entirely unprepared. It is not a pretty story

 

Eskies are one of the breeds that make up the AKK (along with Schipperke, Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky), and the AKK seems to share a lot of their personality traits. I can see why they might be tough for a first-timer!

 

I definitely do find myself recommending silken windhounds. Mostly to people who already have some familiarity with/interest in sighthounds though. I think silkens are a great "gateway" sighthound. They tend to be a little more people-oriented and trainable than many breeds, and like greyhounds they're pretty low energy, laid back dogs. But they can have high prey drive, a short attention span, and some degree of skittishness/reserve, so I know they're not for everybody, and I make sure that people who do express interest know that.