I'm finding it really hard to be sure.....

Ive always owned Siberian Huskies (but getting a little dissillusioned with the way the breeds going in the UK)
I'm quite taken with Canadian Eskimo dogs and have been in touch with a great guy at the Canadian Eskimo dog foundation in canada and have arranged to spend a weekend with a breeder in Finland :)

My mum came to stay last night to 'dog sit' for us and she brought some old photographs she'd found of my Grandfather whilst stationed in Canada with the Air Force during the war and in all the photo's he has 2 CED's!... but she also brought a big box of photo's she thought I might like and they were all of me over the years with my various previous Sibes!

And as I gazed at them all...I felt a bit of a traitor :( I always thought they were my breed for life.
Hopefully the trip to Ravenomie will settle things in my mind...

How did those that changed breed find it? and how do you know its the right choice.....

I can't really help because Harvey was my first ever dog 18 months ago but I do feel that I will never be without a CKCS from now on, however...........I have come across a few minature schnauzer's recentley and I adore them but, like you feel guilty for showing interest in another breed. Enjoy your visit to the kennel in Finland  (you lucky mare) and I'm sure that it will help you decide.

As a child my parents had poodles, one miniature and one toy, but as an adult i decided i would like a doberman but couldnt find a breeder at the time, so i had german shepherds for 10 or more years. However when the Gsd was older we got a Westie. She was unfortunately killed and we replaced her with another westie, then I decided to bite the bullet when i saw an advert for doberman pups locally and have had her for nearly 5 years and she is beautiful.Just recently i changed my breed yet again and have a 9 month old weimaraner who to is absolutely beautiful.I think as long as you are able to give the breed that you choose the time and effort that they deserve then it is ok to change your breed. You get lots of different qualities from different breeds.

You shouldn't feel guilty - I love Galaxy but never feel guilty if I indulge in Dairy Milk instead :D

As you love dogs then what is so wrong with experiencing different breeds? I have met hundreds of different dogs of many varied breeds. I have met dogs from breeds I really like and think I am suited to, but not "clicked" with and also met dogs from breeds I haven't ever considered having but been charmed by a particulat trait of a particular dog and thought maybe I should look into that breed a bit more.

Right now, if I were to get another dog, there are several breeds I would love to have but recently met an absolutely wonderful WHP which has sent my  thinking off at a different tangent. And I am absolutely convinced that your current dogs won't hold it against you if you decide on a different breed :D

whats a WHP ?

whats a WHP ?

A typing error :D I  meant a GWP :)

:rolleyes: thats had me going all day

I've a friend in sibes who feels exactly like you! I grew up with bichons and watching the little ratbags run rings round my parents I always swore I'd never have one when I grew up - and look whats happened! Better the devil you know I guess! :D Sorry not helpful I know.
One lady I know has spent 30 years breeding and showing boxers and has now moved over to cavaliers. She's found the change the best for her and is loving it..but she still keeps a close eye on the boxer world though ;)
xx

To add, when I marry a millionaire (I will ya know :D ) I'm gonna get me an afghan or two for sure! :D :D

Ever since I can remember, my family have had labradors.   And I carried on the family tradition, which meant that we had one line of working labradors running for about 40 years - no winners there, but good gun dogs, some of which were put into excellent working lines.   Then I was introduced to Australian shepherds, and I fell, hook line and sinker.   And when I say I fell, so did OH and No 1 son.   We looked, we learned, we researched and we had 1 litter.   However, I don't think we shall have another - unless I can find other lines (maybe from USA) because, frankly I'm not 100% happy with what we produced - mother and father are wonderful dogs, but I'm not happy enough with the bitch we kept to run on.   So I shall revert to our first love (labs) probably, for our last litter.   I'm now almost 64, OH is 67 - and I don't think that we can responsibly look for more than 1 more litter.

Margot

As a child we had Westies, but when I left home and got my own dog I went for a Goldie, then added a Dobermann to the canine family. She was the most affectionate dog but was the absolute dog from hell when out. I swore I'd never have another Dobe but years later of course I did and this one is an angel. She had a litter and the one I kept (with the aim of starting my own line) has a decidedly dodgy temperament despite both parents and her siblings being 100%. I keep telling myself she WILL be the last Dobe I have. I also got a bit disillusioned with the way Goldies were being bred, far too many with large, broad heads and no colour and thought I'd try a smaller gundog, so went for a Sussex Spaniel, who I adore. But really I think my first love is that of the Goldie and will hopefully be getting a new addition this year. I currently have 2 Goldies, 2 Dobes and the Sussex.

Have thought about changing my breed many times as poodles are just a difficult political breed but deep down I knew I would always be standing at the poodle ring with whatever other breed I had chosen by my side so decided just to stick with poodles, although recently I have got a different size of poodle.  My other half has bernese and although I like to watch the judging and enjoy bernese breed club show if I had the choice I would always be at the poodle ring.  At least go and have a look and it will put your mind and heart at rest :rolleyes:

Look Liv, come here, sit down, be honest with yourself, we've had this conversation before

It's a Monsterlander you really want, you are just in denial.....stop looking at things with pointy ears & curled tails........;)                                                                    :D

I only had the one of my first breed, but I realised they were not really the best match for how my life turned out.

I cannot see me ever changing from the breed I have now.

I have had several dogs over the years, mongrel (unknown variety ;) ) as well as pedigree. Each dog brought it's own personality to the home. One in particular was so destructive (ok, that was part Lab :) ) that I swore I would never go there again. I ended up thinking I wouldn't have anythng but a Spaniel, but fell in love with the Munsterlander. I can't visualise any other breed in the home now.

Go with your gut feeling. If, after meeting your new breed :D you decide it's for you, then don't feel guilty. You would stay with your Sibes if you thought they were the right breed for you :)

I've had a few different breeds, but always with a Border Collie and at least one Pharaoh.  I've had a Whippet, a Borzoi, Chinese Cresteds, Hamiltonstovare and now a GBGV.  Pharaohs will always be my first love but there's nothing wrong with a bit of variety :)

Debs

I have always had rough collies a breed which I love  but desperately wanted a bearded  finding was was soooo difficult eventually getting one (now three)was a dream come true for us .
Many Breeders have another breed other than thier first chosen one I love the coton du tulear totally different breed to bearded other than the long coat, I wouldnt swop them but would consider having the two (the price of a pup has put me off £2000) AArrggghh

I was brought up with a Boxer and always had them until late 80's when I began to go to shows with a friend who had Beardies. I handled some of hers and worked them as well then in 1990 she had a litter and offered me a pup as a present. That was Una my first Beardie and i've never looked back since can't imagine ever being without a Beardie now although I didn't set out to get one.

As my Granny said" What's for you'll no go by you" ;-)

I know ..I could never be without beardies they are very collectable!

I changed breeds from Rottweilers to the Akita....I would never be without my Akita - Loki as she is fantastic and such a change from the norm but I have to say I went back to Rotts and now have a 5 mth old boy!! 

I like to think that I will always have GSD's but must admit I'm seriously liking the Bulldog and have been for the past 18months- OH swears blind he's fell in love with bloodhounds :-)  It sounds quite common to have other preferences in dogs too and own other breeds :-)

Stacey x

Rather than change breeds I've added more I started with GSDs, then got one BC, then fell in love with Beardies & ended up at one stage with 6(sadly all gone now) & I will have another in the future, & finally fell for the wickedness of the Cavalier

I don't have a GSD at present, only one BC & three Cavaliers(one lives with his co owenr), but plans are afoot for another BC, another Cavalier & yes another GSD The Beardie will be after the GSD-at least that is the plan todate !

Well I cant see me ever being without a Boxer (or 2)   but I have a real hankering for  a Bracco italiano  and Spinone , I love these two breeds,  one day I  will treat myself.  to one or both

I thought Elkhounds were the only breed for me...until I(well my daughter) was given a shiba.Don't see why I should feel guilty..I have room in my heart and my home for both!!

I love the coton du tulear totally different breed to bearded other than the long coat, I wouldnt swop them but would consider having the two (the price of a pup has put me off £2000)

Not only the price but 2 hours grooming minimum & the Crufts preview programme gave a really false impression about their coat care.

I agree...... I have been looking at this breed for a long time before crufts I enjoy looking after a long coated breed ....

Just noticed your comment about Coton's Starryeyes........must just add what great taste you have as I have one myself!! Yes she was expensive but so worth saving up for (when faced with a choice between a holiday for the year or a coton for life there was no contest!)

I've been to Tulear :) and yes, they had a couple in the Hotel. 

Lucky You  Isabel what condition were the coats in ??

Well it was a few years ago now but my memories were of pretty full coats, not "show ring" sleek but not in a "recoiling" mess either :)  They were not pure white but marked with coloured patches possibly just around the ears but I am dragging up these memories, dark patches but I can't quite remember exactly what, could have been black or dark brown but I would say I rather liked the markings.  The owner was very proud of them and assured me they were pedigrees and I did not know at that point that they are generally white here so did not ask if they were regarded as mismarks in Madagascar, well that might have been rude anyway :)  They were nice dogs friendly enough but being hotel dogs probably bored of having fuss so they did appear a little aloof.

Found a picture of a "patchy" one There are a lot more on the net so obviously an acceptable colour elsewhere not least their own country. I think they look nicer than the plain white myself.  I wonder why the UK lot have gone for standard that just allows slight lemon or grey colour on ears?a

They do breed from the marked ones because the gene pool is so small here & worldwide but for 'ring' purposes the whiter the better!  

Have to agree if I had the time space and money that I would perhaps have the odd other breed, but I need what litlte space etc, I have to even try to do justice to just one breed.

Pull the sled over girl, now what's this talk about traitors. Pah! no such thing. Having and loving a CED doesn't detract from your beloved sibes at all. My first dog was a Keeshond, now I have goldens. Who knows what will be next (me thinks a big leo to pull my zimmer frame would be loverly). They each have wonderful qualities, some faults that are their own, and each is a wonderful experience.

Go to Finland and keep you heart open. If you like the dogs then you'll know there's room in that big heart of yours for another breed. :)

I swapped from Cocker Spaniels to Malamutes My decision was based on my cockers dying young - I couldn't go through it again and wanted to start afresh.

Good luck with the CED, our breeder has them and they are so affectionate and happy :)

Oh Marianne I know just how you must be feeling.
GSDs are not in a good way either and I have never wanted to own anything different but now Ingas hit ten and the puppy strings are pulling again I,ve recently began to think do I really want another shepherd .
Trouble is I can,t imagoine what else I really want there are lots of breeds I admire but I love living with a Shepherd .

I owned, bred, showed and worked GSD'S for over 15 years and then due to an acrimonious and very upsetting divorce not only was unable to keep my dogs ( All in then OH's name and the B*****D insisted on ownership, nothing legally I could do as all registered in his name...be warned...) but also was not able to have a dog for a couple of years due to accommodation restrictions. When my now OH and I got it together he was already a convert to my now breed BMD's and we went for that option....I always thought the next one could be a GSD again.. but now five BMD'S down the line I am completely hooked and even though I sometimes gaze with longing at GSD puppies I know in my heart I am a true Berny person, so go for it.. all dogs are different as anyone who has ever lost one will know.. we feel we would never love another but we fall for the next one every time and breeds are just the same, you will never know until you try, and it's not as if you are chucking out one lot in exchange for another, there will be a change over period so enjoy it.

I have one each of two breeds, a GSP and a FCR. I had the GSP first, and couldn't imagine ever being without one now, but that didn't stop me having another breed TOO! :D After all you've got a Sibe :) and CEDs are sort of family dogs to you too :) Go with your heart. (and have fun in Finland).

have a fantastic time, talk about thorough research! just follow your heart, I always wanted  a GSD which has been a challenging and wonderful relationship but theres nothing like a little variety in life so im keeping an open mind about what i would have in the future.(if only we could apply the same logic to men!)

I have switched from one breed to another purely for selfish reasons, as did my mother (guess I caught it from her ;-)) my reasons were that I had had the most wonderful perfect dog who could never be replaced and another dog of the same breed would have been I felt compared to him all of the time, I was even offered one of his offspring when he passed over, but just could not even think about having him, as much as I loved the breed I found it too sad to carry on with that breed. (soppy old me I know:rolleyes:)

So I took a break and took a long time a good few books and a few breed tours to decide on my next breed when I got my girl she was something new to me and I had a whole new breed to learn from and enjoy.

When her time comes to pass over, I shall probably switch breeds again. I love both breeds that I have owned I think your life is more enriched with different breeds to learn from and I have no comparisms.

I know your a HuskyGal but you have your Eurasier so a CED would really give you a rather spectacular trio IMO I would go for it. :-)

I don't even have a breed to switch from yet (soon, soon...). I have had a lot of fun researching different breeds and every day changing the different breeds I will eventually end up with- I've limited myself to six (for when I win the lottery or marry into the Guinness/Hilton/Trump/insert-wealthy-name family) but these six are changing all the time. They tend to be sighthounds or spitzes though.

I think if you have the space and you have the means then go, go, go! I've just had a look on the internet for them and they're absolutely gorgeous. In fact I may have to rethink my six breeds again... :rolleyes:

I love goldens, I've only had 2 (just on my second) if I was considering another breed it would be a Bearded Collie, I think they are so cute :P

Having a working breed that means 2 hrs a day walking and loads of training every day, and the older we get and odd bits start to drop off a once athletic body, it would make a lot of sense to go for something a little less demanding, but just as wonderful?

Now this is odd I was speaking to a chap at work today who had Boxers and is considering changing to Bostons he is disheartened with Boxers or so it seemed to me on our chat. He has a 12/13 year old bitch and an 8 year old dog, and when they go he says he will move to Bostons (very possibly)

Karen

I grew up with Afghans and a Bichon, I decided on an Irish Setter because I wanted a glamourous dog but with some level of obedience.  I love my Irish boys to bits but I must admit im a bit disappointed to see how few people in the breed take an interest in what the dogs are actually bred for, which makes it difficult to get into working them as the only training days seem to be up in Scotland.  It seems there are people in the breed who dont realise they are gundogs and some wont even let them off the lead for fear of running off or just because they might damage themselves for the show ring :rolleyes: 

I cant decide what my next breed will be, but I doubt it would be an Irish Setter, although I cant imagine not having one. I would like a little parsons russel maybe next year other than that if im enjoying agility alot I might get a dog for that, probably an australian shepherd because I dont really want a border collie.

Collies are amazing & very misunderstood,alot easier to live with than youd think!!!!

which makes it difficult to get into working them as the only training days seem to be up in Scotland.

Oh how I wish...for HPR's it the other way around!

swop you Christine - ive always fancied a munster ;)

I dont have anything against collies they just arent really my type of dog, the closest i would get to a collie would be an aussie shepherd - which are quite different in attitude anyway I think !

swop you Christine - ive always fancied a munster

I've always fancied Steve Leonard - don't always get what you want!  ;) :D

When my husband married me he went from owning Afghans down to Chihuahuas.