Why are you attracted to your breed?

I actually do not have a favorite breed. Shannara is a pekingese and Bubbles is a true mix. I just tend to find dogs that I feel attracted to instead of a particular breed.

--Sara

I don't actually own my favourite breed - yet.  I desperately want a St. Bernard, mostly because of their reputation as "gentle giants" but also because they are beautiful, friendly and sweet.  I know they drool copiously, are susceptible to heart problems and have a short life span compared to smaller dogs, but I am prepared for that.  I also want to rescue a young Saint because WAY too often they are bought as adorable, fluffy puppies with those huge paws and then surprise!  they get big and then the owner can't handle it.
 
I don't have a Saint right now because a) we don't have the room and b) we're moving to another country next year and we opted for a smaller dog being easier to move with.  Ben's not tiny, but he isn't Saint-sized, either.
 
I got Ben because he's my SO's favourite breed, although since being more involved in the dog world I think he has developed some new favourites too.  Ben's personality suits me right down to the ground, and I have always loved Labs.  After the move, when we are settled in, we'll get a Saint.  He (or she) won't be as active as Ben, but I like the idea of having dogs with dinstict personalities. 
 
Kate

Kate, I think that adopting a young homeless Saint will be a marvelous idea!  Of course, you should wait until after you move, as you said, it will be hard to move with one large dog and one giant dog.

Erin - the number of purebred, 1-year-or-younger Saints on Petfinder is mind-boggling.  I don't understand how people can get a dog, especially a giant breed, without realising it is one day going to be a BIG DOG, but it happens a lot.  So, in about a year, one of those poor dogs will get a home with me.  Ben is crazy about other dogs (which is a miracle, there was a time we thought he'd never play with another dog) and he'll be thrilled to have another one in the house.  Of course, we'll do it properly, find a good match and introduce them in the right way.
 
Kate

I'm not drawn to any particular breed, either.  I'm just attracted to dogs in general.  Max is a mutt and that's pretty much all I've ever had.
 
Joyce

ORIGINAL: Benedict

Erin - the number of purebred, 1-year-or-younger Saints on Petfinder is mind-boggling.

 
Isn't that so sad?![]  It almost makes me angry at the awful people who don't do research, first! [:@][:'(][][][>:][X(][&o][&:][sm=devil.gif][sm=angry.gif][sm=soap%20box.gif][sm=evilfire.gif][sm=banghead002.gif]

I am very attracted to any kind of "velcro" dog! I also admire protective instincts & the ability to problem solve.  I chose my Aussie because of these things & because of the breed's extreme intelligence & endurance.  Als, a big deciding factor for me is coat length. Short, slick-haired breeds tend to make me break out in a rash for some reason. Longer haired breeds do not, however.
 
I also have a soft spot of giant breeds. When we have children, we will most likely get a great pyrenees (what my fiance grew up with). My ideal lapdog would be a newfoundland, though. [] Both of these breeds are gentle yet protective, intelligent, & closely bonded with their families.
 
I admit that most dogs, if worked with, have all of the qualities I have mentioned. Actually, to be honest,  I've rarely met a bad dog, only bad owners...

I like Siberians for a number of reasons. Their magnificent beauty, awesome speed, and their heartiness. Their playfulness, while mischievous at times, can really make you laugh.

i have always been in love with danes...  in my past i have owned a brindle, a fawn and the last one i owned over 10 yrs ago was a black.  they have such an air about them.....

I will probably come off as a “breed snob” but I do have a favorite breed and as long as I have the ability to own dogs, I don#%92t think I will ever own anything but a sighthound (and at least 1 of my dogs will always be a retired racing greyhound).

  I love them for:

  their beauty, grace and elegance

their intelligence and sometimes almost human-like understanding

their absolute silly ways (THEY ARE SILLY ALL THE TIME!!)

their gentleness, and love for humans (despite the fact that many greys should despise humans for how horribly they are treated and how disposable they are seen by many)

their obedience and need to please you because you are their world.

  I could go on and on, but I think I will stop with just these![]

I would never say I lovr Baegles, per se, but the stubborn loud and a bit lazy bit is a little like living with an old man.

I never wanted a lab, but Walter has been great fun...i like the level of devotion he has to me and the family without the clingy neediness ive had with other eager-to-please breeds. but for our lifestyle, the lab is family-oriented and friendly and the best dog EVER for the beach. his instincts make him fun to play actual games with (like fetch and variations).

but i really like the looks of mutts...patchwork dogs. I hope walter will teach arlo to swim!

When we return to the US one day my "dream breed" is a Curly-Coated retriever... which has similar traits to a lab, but a bit more aloof.

I guess i have a thing for hunting dogs...and ive never even held a gun!

same as Ron2 I just love sibes,its started like 10 years before I got one I think it was the immediate similarities to a wolf that originally got me... But the more time you spend around them theyre very loving, hold themselves proudly, and yes the mischief side too...For me theyre the perfect dog coz like me they adore snow, they can just run and run they make the perfect workout buddy (they never quit on you) and our current sibe Wendy is awesome with our daughters

My favorite breed is the Akita. I admire their independance and their innate dignity.
 
They do not fawn...do not really care one way or another how you'd "like" them to be,....because they are "older" and wiser than you...lol! They are tremendously beautiful and powerful...and again...I have never, ever encountered another breed that can match them for dignity.
 
If one decides to love you, and trust you, and answer to you, then you know it goes beyond the fact that you give them structure or food, it is because they respect you... which is admirable.
 
I do not care overmuch for fawning, overly needy dogs...which actually is what I have now, lmao.
 
My family situation has changed, and thus my breed has changed...to Beagles. They are endearing, and I love the ones I have, and I enjoy many traits of the breed as a whole...but if my circumstances allow it someday I will go back to Akitas...even if only to own one as a pet.

I love JRT because they're independent, and full of spunk and spark. They're dynamic, and tons of fun to be around. They are a challenge.

I love Dobermans for the same reasons. They're beautiful and elegant, and intimidate some people. They're a challenge, but a dog that works a bit closer with people. Good dog for a single girl[] That's my plan for the next dog I get.... A Doberpup.