Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like Golden is the only real answer here. They are genetically designed to be perfect in every way except for the massive shedding.

But these other dogs are all good runners up. Also add springer spaniels to the mix. I think generally speaking, the sporting dogs are pretty solid choices because they were designed to hang out with a human to help the human and follow subtle signs from the human, but not to work all day long (so don't get as antsy as the herding or terrier breeds). Also, the soft mouth for retrieving breeds is a major plus.

I find your answer presumptuous, just as I find Golden Retrievers predictable in both appearance and personality. They are sweet and biddable but also boring. Give me a dog breed that is more independent and has more personality.

+1. Not to poo poo a great family breed, but all the Goldens I have ever met (and I have known a lot), are all the same. Exact same dog.

The most elegant, intelligent, loyal, athletic and beautiful dog I ever owned was an English pointer. It is the dog on the logo of the Westminster Kennel Club. I prefer medium breeds to smaller dogs. I don't like dogs that tend to become overweight at a young age and have health problems, so that rules labs out. I don't like heavy shedding, so sadly no to German Shepherds and Goldens, two wonderful breeds. I don't love dogs with lots of hair on their face, covering their eyes, or squished faces. I like border collies and the look of a vizsla, but both breeds are too high strung for my liking. Irish setters are just gorgeous. My sister's standard poodle is smart and sensitive and an all around great pet.

If I ever get another dog, it will definitely be an English pointer.

lagotto romagnolo

Anonymous wrote:SIX pages and not one mention of the English Bulldog!?

English Bulldogs are BY FAR the goofiest (personality) dogs on the planet. Mine is, anyway. They are total love bugs, and they do love to be lazy, which is great for those times you don't want to move out of bed.

OK, OK... They are super greedy; plus they shed, smell, and drool terribly. Otherwise, they're darn near perfect.

I love my English Bulldog! She’s so sweet and lazy, but so affectionate. She thinks my children are hers. I don’t think she’s greedy but she’s definitely stubborn. Which can be hysterical. And when I give her a dog chew, she lets it hang out of the side of her mouth and she looks like Churchill.

Anonymous wrote:What is your favorite dog breed and what do you love about the breed?

I like larger dogs, esp. tne sporting breeds, and generally breeds that tend to stay slender as they age and do not shed too much. Think setters, pointers, Weimeraners, spaniels, standard poodles, etc. We have a pointer who is an amazing family dog. German shepherds are great but shed quite a bit.

We have a small Italian Greyhound. There's a reason you don't see a lot of them - they're high maintenance, princess type dogs. He has more cold weather coats than I do, and he needs them, as his build is very delicate. But if you're home all day, you couldn't ask for a better snuggle buddy. They're bony little things, with long slender legs, beautiful and graceful. And yet they fold themselves onto your lap with no effort. He's funny, full of personality, gets along great with the cats except when he's chasing or teasing them. He's gentle and sweet. He is fully house trained and he listens to us when we tell him not to do something, which is a big change from the cats.

Our Irish Terrier is the absolute best dog. My husband and I were just patting ourselves on the back that we have stumbled onto the perfect family dog!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Terrier

Dalmatian’s are the best! Super sweet with kids, fun, outgoing m, athletic, loveable. Do require some attention and really want to be part of things

English Springer Spaniel!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dachshunds. There’s no better dog.

Full-size or mini?

Both. But mine is a standard. 15 pounds.

I love mine so much. Small dog but BIG attitude!

Love my husky! She’s so sweet, loyal and fun!!

Anonymous wrote:I’ll add a third vote for coonhounds. We’ve had a redbone and a treeing walker and they are the most loving, friendly, tolerant dogs ever. Great with kids and with other dogs. My only complaint is that they can be very good driven (will counter surf). Otherwise, they’re big, snuggly babies.

Agreed. My bluetick was a really good boy.

I’ll add a third vote for coonhounds. We’ve had a redbone and a treeing walker and they are the most loving, friendly, tolerant dogs ever. Great with kids and with other dogs. My only complaint is that they can be very good driven (will counter surf). Otherwise, they’re big, snuggly babies.

Belgian Tervuren

Shibas.

Cute and foxy looking