Hi Everyone,
                 I have two dogs, a nine year old terrier cross and a one year old lurcher, but like a lot of people who are fools for dogs am always daydreaming about what dog I would get if I suddenly got more time and space! My current three favourites are the Leonberger, Belgian Shepherd and German Shepherd, they always look sooo nice when I see them but I wander what are they really like to live with? So any stories/info about those three would be gratefully received, also what are other peoples 'dream dogs' and why? :)

my dream dogs are mastiffs and french bulldogs. i adore them both. we took in a rescue mastiff some years ago and he was delightful in every way. i htink frenchies are fantastic because they are just hilarious little characters.

i also harbour thoughts of leonbergers, newfies, bulldogs, dachsies...

OOOH would love a newfie as i love giant dogs and these are so lovely but at the moment for me it would be too much grooming.
Another fave is a bloodhound absoltutely fab but need so much more excercise than my lot.
Another i like the look of but they are far to scatty and need soooo much grooming is an afghan!

Could I get a mastiff, bully, newfie or leo without the drool??? :-)
Otherwise I'd like a basenji.

> mastiff, bully, newfie or leo without the drool??? :-)
>

bully bulldog or bullmastiff? if bullmastiff the girls aren't dribbly, seems to be a stinky boy thing :)

bullmastiff :-)  Trust the boys to ruin it for me lol

lol sorry but all the boys are dribblers, they can't seem to help themselves. the girls are generally much neater and very obviously girly, they are a breed with very distinct characteristics between the sexes as well as obvious physical differences.

its a pity my avatars not to clear of you could see our delightfully pretty Keeper stealing my nephews baby carrier lol.

Belgians are fantastic, but incredibly hard work. Not only because they are impossible to tire out and not happy unless they have some form of work to do, but they also tend to need ten times as much socialising as other breeds do when growing up, they go through really silly fear stages which is why they have a bit of a reputation of having poor temperament -not true, with a lot of hard work they get through it. It's definitely a breed that needs to be chosen on basis of what you want to do with the dog rather than the looks of it. :) (Of course there are four varieties so four looks as well, mine are the Malinois.) Very loyal dogs, extremely loving to their own people, very much guard dogs, need to learn that strangers should be mugged gently with a wagging tail for treats, nothing else. One of these breeds that would lay down their life for their owner at any time should they have to. Very healthy dogs as well. An fast and extremely strong.

I already have my dream dogs -Malinois and Papillons. :) After years with other breeds I've found the two that suits me perfectly in temperament etc. I love dogs that are extremely energetic and the Paps are too -like mini Belgians! I wanted a Papillon for over 30 years before I finally got one so that really was a dream come true!

One day (when ive had the baby, live in a bigger house, have more time on my hands ..... ) I would like a malinois or possibly a lakenois (is that right?) as a proper agility dog (my boys are good for a laugh, and occasionally get in the placings but will never be quick enough to beat a collie) I have been told malinois can be a bit "sharp" and me having a child wouldnt be a good idea but im sure its how they are bought up (the child and the dog ;) )

Yes like Marianne  I,ve already got my dream dog a GSD  I can,t really imagine life without one so as long as my legs and the rest of me hold out that's what I ,ll have.
A German Shepherd likes all of their people together and will defend if they feel the need , lots of energy ,love to work and learn new things,can be very inquisitive and at times like the sound of their own voices but their coats are not bad to maintain  once you get them dry and the mud brushed out of them that is. The annual moult can be a nightmare but they are so beautiful in full coat.
Other breeds I love are Rotties, Leonbergers and Bernese mountain dogs (one of these days at a show I ,m going to track down Merlot and give her a huge hug.)

Thats easy , I have got my Gsd and I shall be adding a flat coat in time and then possibly a pom or/and a long haired chi if my daughter really takes hers with her if/when she leaves home.

I have been told malinois can be a bit "sharp" and me having a child wouldnt be a good idea but im sure its how they are bought up (the child and the dog ;-) )

Temperament of  puppy's parents, temperament of child ;) and how they're brought up yes. Not a dog I'd ever want to leave alone with a child until older as they are so energetic and can easily knock a kid over by accident. From my last litter I sold a pup to a family with a toddler, all fine there, but dog savvy people. When I got my first I had a baby and I had 4 pups to chose from. In the end I picked the one that went to sleep with her head on my baby's lap as he sat in his car seat, the other pups ignored him. :) :)

> (one of these days at a show I ,m going to track down Merlot and give her a huge hug.)

I'm sure she'll be up for a hug, most of them are and love the attention. My boy appears to seek out the attention at shows. He'll also appreciate a good hug also if you do end up at one of the shows.

>they are so energetic and can easily knock a kid over by accident

lol its going to be used to that with my loopy setters - that and having its face whipped by over excited tails   (poor child will end up on the "at risk" register !!)

i own one of my dream breeds a rottie but also on the list was a poodle witch im getting in 3 weeks and sometime in the future i plan on having a bedlington a lowchen and when i retire witch is so many years away seeing as im only 22  i would really like a silver dapple minature long haired dachs

I have gsds- loving loyal and alot of hard work lol - they are one of my 'dream' dogs- they give you back what you put in- are great family dogs (i have a2yr old son) but are really my dogs rather than the oh's as they would choose me a million times over him lol- but thats because i put in all the work of training/going to shows etc- whereas he's there for cuddles!(sorry im rambling)
You want to know anything more specific let me know and i'll gladly help out :-)
Oh- and my second dream dog is an australian shepherd- i WILL have one, oneday!

Hi Pookin,

very different sizes, weights, temperaments and multiple coat variations (with associated coat care) on your possible three choices, so be sure to do lots of research into each breed and suss out the pros and cons for your life style etc.

I've owned my dream breed just shy of 20 years which is coincidentally BSD :) all 3 of the current headcount being of the long haired Tervueren variety (any shade of red/fawn/grey with black mask and overlay) and I can't imagine life without them.  They have outstanding beauty, boundless energy, a wicked sense of humour and display devotion and loyalty to their immediate family members second to none :)  The character traits of each of the four BSD varieties can be quite different so again something to be taken into consideration as well as grooming requirements should the BSD in it's various forms remain high on your list.

I see Marianne has already provided the lowdown on her preferred variety, the Malinois, and CD has a resident experienced Groenendael fan (long haired, black) around in Yvonne (username Trevor) so if you have any particular leanings towards the BSD I'm sure between us we can help you gain much needed info to help you decide if this breed is best for you :)  What all varieties have in common is that they are not for the novice owner or anyone craving the quiet life - this is a high energy, high intelligence, high maintenance breed and not one for the faint hearted!

HTH,
best wishes, Teri

I've got a thing for mastiffs, I'd love a working type Neo & also have started looking into Korean Mastiffs alot more recently.

I'd also love another Dogue de Bordeaux, my fella has improved my quality of life so much.

> also what are other peoples 'dream dogs' and why? :-)

Australian Shepherd Dog - to die for.  :-)

And why?  Suppose it's a breed thing,  have always been passionate about the Pastoral breeds.  Only have one Border Collie now, and I've never owned one that didn't want to please me.  Still have two Bearded Collies - oldies now. 

What all varieties have in common is that they are not for the novice owner or anyone craving the quiet life - this is a high energy, high intelligence, high maintenance breed and not one for the faint hearted!

Ámen to that! :)

The Belgian turned out to be my dream dog after some years of searching - when I was younger I wanted a rough collie, then a border, then a GSd but it was when I found the BSD (coincidentally, as they were not at all common in the early 80s) I was told of a breeder near to me and once I'd visited and met her beautiful boys I was totally smitten. It's the character and looks combined - they are so faithful and so special. I hope they never become popular though because they'd not be good choice for many people.

My first 2 BSDs (Terv) never rested, they were always "on the go" but my current girl is more relaxed in many ways. I can't imagine having a different breed now.

Lindsay
x

We have had several breeds over the years, mainly GSDs, but i fell in love with Leos afew years ago and we now have two of the most lovely Leos. They are fun to have around, rather sensative, extremely beautiful, extremely healthy, full of character, very loving, in fact i can not see myself ever having any other breed now

I can second this.  I've always had GSDs and St Bernards, I now own a GSD and a Leo (have also put in my application for a rescue Leo).  Leos are very easy going, placid, laid back, intelligent and loving dogs (and very energetic considering their size) - I've definitely found 'my breed'!

Thanks for all the replies, I love asking the what dog would you have... question, but none of my friends are doggy so they don't like to play as much I do!

> Thanks for all the replies, I love asking the what dog would you have... question, but none of my friends are doggy so they don't like to play as much I do!

i've a little project going at work where i'm trying to work out the perfect breed for everyone lol. its surprisingly hard to do!

I've got 4 Groenendael and 2 Tervueren - I've found that  Groen bitches can be very 'soft' and laid back - I use two of mine as Therapy dogs  and they are superb with the Autistic children that I teach.

All the BSD varieties need enough excercise both mentally and physically but personally I would'nt have any other breed !

Yvonne

Thanks Suejaw I have plenty of doggy hugs to go around.

Hi Pookin,

If I were you with the two you already have I'd go for a Leonberger. They are big softies and would be more "bombproof" then either of these others. (IMHO!!!)

We have a Lab and a Bochon Frise and are hoping next year to add a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

I do love the look and nature of Pyrenean Mountain Dogs - but know I couldn't cope with all that white fur.

Good luck if you do get your dream dog!

Julie x