So, what’s your favorite dog breed?

I’ve been involved with several breeds over the years, but by far my favorite pet has been the Shih Tzu. I saw a show about this breed on Animal Planet, and they said Shih Tzus are not very intelligent, but I beg to differ. I’ve always found these dogs to be very cooperative, and they were easy to house train as well. Beyond that, you can’t beat them for snuggle power. Around my house, we’ve always referred to them as “love sponges”  . Yes, it’s difficult to keep them groomed, even when they’re kept in a puppy cut. However, you certainly get back more than you put in with these dogs.

So, what’s your favorite breed?

That’s really a hard question to answer! 
I guess I would have to say it depends on favorite in what way.  Right now I have 2 Japanese Chins and a Pug. The Chins are the most unusual dogs I have ever had the pleasure of having as a companion dogs. They are lovable - but would never think of licking a person. I remember reading once “if you don’t think you can have a dog sit and stare at your for hours - a Chin may not be right for you.” Well, they actually do that….for hours. They are super intelligent and yet (although they are brothers) have totally different personalities. One is almost a vegetarian the other only loves meat. Gizmo took over care of four kittens - and still disciplines them and tells them what to do (4 years later). Defiantly my favorite dog breed if you are taking about a dog that is really not a dog (and maybe alittle bit catlike).

My other dog is a Pug - super lovable, cuddly and loves to give kisses. He loves to get dressed in his sweaters and coat for the winter, loves to carry around a teddy bear all day and if he does something to make you laugh - he remembers it and does it over and over again. His name is actually Benny HaHa… So Pug is defiantly my favorite dog breed when it comes to little brown roly poly piles of love.

I also love Labs, Spaniels, Poodles, Jack Russels….Ok…They are all my favorite (Always say when I win the BIG ONE I’m starting a rescue shelter…I’m just a mush for anything with fur and four legs…....

Hey Terry,

I currently live with three Jack Russells. The thought of a dog that just likes to sit and watch me would be kind of refreshing, lol. The Russells are dolls, but they are not a dog for the timid or inexperienced! I’ve actually heard that Japanese Chins are kind of cat-like. I’ve been around them a bit at the dog shows, and they definitely have lovely manners. I always thought I might like one because they are kind of similar to a Shih Tzu, but the coat is a little less work. Oh well, maybe someday…

My favorite are the labs—they are like small children—eager to please, playful and loving. The ones we have had have been easy to train too. I also love their otter-like fur as water and mud seems to run right off of them. The best part is to see a happy lab… they get so excited their whole body wags right along with their tail!

Hi Kelly and Debbie,

My daughter had a Jack Russel - oh my what an active little fellow! I remember going to a Jack Russel trial with them and seeing several hundred of these great little bundles of energy was absolutely awesome.

Debbie labs are terrific dogs.  I had the pleasure of spending seven wonderful years with my chocolate lab. He was so loving and good natured. Sadly he was diagnosed with cancer at three years old and we were told he would live for about four years in relatively good health - which thankfully he did. My son had a black lab that was so good with his kids. They are truly a wonderful breed.

I love all dogs, but I have a soft spot for the large breeds. Love the Rotties and Bullmastiffs and Bordeauxs (although the ones I’ve had have been rather small).

I’ve always wanted a Great Pyrenees but with all the shedding from my Rottie I can only imagine that we’d be lost in hair from a Pyr.

I like some small dogs, too. I love the Shiba Inu. They have such sweet faces. At one point I was very determined to get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Until my kids asked if I was already picking out my old-lady-dog. So maybe I’ll hold off on that one. As my kids get older though, I sort of want a little lap dog to snuggle. Especially since the cat won’t come in my bedroom. She’s afraid the dogs will eat her. Go figure.

It is so hard to choose one. I love all dogs. I grew up around poodles, schnauzers, lahsa apso and labrodors. There are many great things about each breed.

I tend to like toy, small and medium-sized dogs. I love companion dogs who follow you everywhere, lay on your feet and sit in your lap. The poodles, schnauzers and lahsa apsos in my life were very affectionate and great company.

Hi Adrienne,

I love Lhasas. They were my favorite breed of all to show. I liked the fact that they were not as soft-tempered as the Shih Tzus, and I think that made them flashier in the ring. My only drawback with them is that they tended not to get along well with most other dogs. Even the breeders that I showed for cautioned they were not like the Shih Tzus and did better as single pets rather than live communally with other dogs.

My son was considering purchasing a Lhasa for his first personal dog, but we opted out because we still had my last geriatric Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle at the time. He wound up choosing the Jack Russell, and although it wasn’t the obvious choice, Nealie is a great ambassador for the breed. She’s kind to the other dogs in the house, and once she got over her “land shark” puppy chewing stage, she became a wonderful house pet.

It’s hard for me to pick a favorite, too—they all have unique qualities. But one of my faves is the Beagle. It goes back to a love of Charlie Brown and Snoopy during childhood.

The first dog I had as an adult, the first pet I was completely responsible for, was a Cocker Spaniel. She was the sweetest dog in the world. She died at 14 and we now have a Mini Schnauzer, who’s very different in personality. I still want a Beagle but right now, with a cat, too, and 3 kids, our house is pretty full.

A Beagle, now that brings back some memories. My babysitter had quite an ornery Beagle that was not fond of us children. We never did anything to her (Dolly), but nevertheless, she did not tolerate us in her territory. Carole would keep her on a line in the backyard (Yes, I know it’s a no-no now, but it was common back then). I guess that kind of put me off on the breed, even though I know now that Dolly was just expressing dominance and her owner was a very passive person.

We had a beagle growing up.. great dog!! My favorite is the dog we had to give away .. a mini doxie!! We had Oscar for many years before we had our children, but when the kids came along, Oscar became very jealous. When my daughter was 3, he bit her hand for no reason and a few months later, he attacked her arm. Needless to say, we had to get rid of him. We even tried aggressive training classes for him too.. He went to a rescue so hopefully, he went to a good home. He was 10 years old when we got rid of him.

Oh Mary Beth, that’s so sad. I’m sorry you had to give up your Doxie, but you did the only thing you could do under the circumstances. At ten years old, I wonder if he was having any other issues that contributed to the snapping. A hearing loss could have led to him being startled by the three year old. A lot of deaf dogs will snap out of instinct because they can’t hear someone coming.

The English Shepherd is my favorite breed. They are wonderful, thoughtful and kind animals. They are also herders and very patient with the children. Every English Shepherd I’ve encountered has been the same way.

Hi everyone!

I agree with Kathleen, I love all dogs, but my very favorite is the German Shepard.  I love that stately quality they have and the way the quickly pick up anything you want to teach them.  My dog, Pharrah, is a Shep/Husky mix and she even has one blue eye and one brown- so cute!

My other dog, Misha, is a Lancashire Heeler mix and also very cute, but very, very stubborn.  She just literally wants to do whatever she wants and we have to be very firm with her (she’s a handful), but the Lancashire Heeler is quickly becoming one of my favorite breeds!

Hi Jackie, I know what you mean about German Shepherds. They are quite different from most other dog breeds. My older sister has raised them since I was a little girl. Yes, the puppies are as sweet and goofy as any other pup, but these dogs are so much more serious and thoughtful as adults. They have a very commanding presence, even when they’re just laying in a corner of the room.

Kelly, that’s exactly it- a commanding presence.  I’ve noticed that some people are afraid of her (I think it’s her size), but she’s as sweet as pie, and very friendly. It’s the little one that they need to watch out for!