Here is Jake...what a clown:

Here is Lexxi, stressed out because she hasnt been petted for 30 minutes and I am making her sit still for the camera:

And the both of them:

 

I can only comment on the breed(s) I have personally had in the past. I have to say, without a doubt, that my number 1 & 2 picks for breeds would be:

1. Austrailian Blue Heeler
2. Austrailian Shepard

Both breeds are very closely related to each other, but it has been my experience that the heeler is more gifted in intelligence. But the shepard makes up in loveability. I still pick the heeler #1 for numerous reasons:

1. shorter hair than shepard
2. SO DA*N SMART!!!!
3. easily house trained, even as adults
4. FANTASTIC frisbie dog!!!
5. Exclusivity (Not many people know much about them)
6. Personality (I swear that dog could smile)

After all that being said, I think my next dog will be a boxer or a mastiff, just because I would like to experience a different breed. But I will have another heeler before long.

Anyway, I am bored and thought someone would appreciate my opinion.

Thanks,
Ox

 

I had an Aussie, and they do smile. Most people think they are bearing their teeth, however. They are wonderfully friendly. A little too friendly for what I like, though. She liked everybody. and if you yelled at her, instead of correcting herself, she would suck up to you by placing her head under your hand in an effort to make you pet her. I hated that. The Rock (my Rottweiler) agreed with my "don't tell me you're sorry, just don't do it again" motto.
They also 'herd' everything. They like to keep all the animals in one place, no matter if they are house animals or outside ones, they want to be able to see 'em all at once. For entertainment, we'd watch her trying to round up the ducks with the cats. The ducks were easy, the cat was like "I don't think you know who I am"

 

Get yourself an Austrailian Shepard.
One of the smartest, most loyal, loving dogs ever.

 

Here are my Labs - brother and sister



runnert

 

I have an Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie. My vote is for the Border Collie! Best dogs in the world. They are not recognized by the AKC so they haven't been in-bred to death! We walk him down the street without a leash, he listens to commands and is the BEST dog in the world! Smart... omg, smarter than me.

The only drawback to having a Border is they are high energy and like to play catch ALL THE TIME. He'll drop the ball at your feet and then STARE at you until you throw it.

My Aussie and Border had puppies a couple years ago, and from what I understand, they're all doing well in their new homes, and the owners couldn't be happier.





Jenn in OH

 

Rock Pick,
You can`t go wrong with a Lab. We had a chocolate one for 14 yrs and was one of the best dogs we had. On the other hand as stated by
Marc Carpenter you cant go wrong with a Australian Shepard either. We have 2 now and they are the smartest and quickest learners. They are super with the kids (8 and 14) are friendly to everyone, LOVE the water, and will play non stop if you want them too. They are protective of the kids with strangers but not aggressive in any manner. We are currently looking for a Brown Tri to make a trio of them as soon as the breeder has the right pup. Currently we have a Blue Merle(in front) and a Black tri (in back). They do shed also but its manageable

Get to post my pic now from this a.m...

 

Boxers are worth considering. Well tempered, great with kids,


they fart a lot (with noise) so they provide hours of entertainment.

 

Thanks guys... keep em' coming!

 

I have to agree with the Bully. Best dang family dog I've ever had (I grew up w/a golden ret., a german shep. mix & a collie/german shep mix that looked like Lassie). Winston lets Veronica (our 16 month old) pull his ears, take toys from his mouth, eats from her hand, use him as a step stool, sleep on him, you name it. He has all the appeal of smaller dogs w/puit being an ankle biter. He scares people if they see him laying in the doorway (however our fave pizza place's deliver guy loves him & always asks to pet him). As far as sheading goes, I never notice his hair until I empty the lint trap on the dryer. His only "trick" that I've taught him is that when he wants something he shows his "teethers" (his fangs). Talk about people getting scared. Winston gets along w/all animals (sorry he was raised w/4 cats) except male dogs, then he gets very dominant (my sister's St. Bernard & her in-laws black lab are both afraid of him).

As a puppy:

Gorwn up:

 

I got a kick out of this picture....

Is the Border watching South Park? If so, I'm definately going to have to get one of those. LMAO!

RP

 

BTW, bullies like the water as well but make sure they have a life jacket because they don't float! We've already discussed it & when it comes time to get another dog we are getting another bully. My husband even mentioned that we use the same breader Winston came from since we have enjoyed his temperment so much.

 

RP - She loves South Park!

I make them watch "Pet Star" on the Animal Planet Station and encourage them to take notes.

OT - We also have exotic birds (see my gallery for pics) and we've started teaching the African Grey phrases from South Park. Actually he kinda picked them up himself, so we just went with it. So far, he's mastered "what what WHAT?!?!" and "wanna get high" (towlie). We're working on "Hidey Ho" right now with him. He'll get it by the end of the week.

Soooo, if you're looking for a pet than can talk, I suggest an African Grey... lol

Jenn in OH

 

2000 FordStyle, I know what you mean.
I have a Blue Merle, as a matter of fact she is our 3rd Aussie.
And by far the most intelligent one. You are right about being
protective with the kids, we have two 10 and 14, or should I say 3 counting Sydnee Leigh ( the dog) who is 6.
She has a better vocabulary than some humans I know. The shedding can get to you, but with regular bathes and grooming it can be controlled.
A good diet of Purina Pro-Plan and regular exercise and you get yourself a friend for life.
The only thing I do not like about her is that she is so damn jealous. If I try to hug my wife or one of my daughters, she is all over me.

 

Marc Carpenter -

Dontchya just LOVE the aussies? Our Snickers is a tri-red. She thinks that she's a lap dog... lol...

She doesn't do any tricks tho. Oh wait, she will run and chase Zeke (the Border) when we throw the ball. She'll chase him, not the ball. Then she'll come running back and want to jump in your arms. I've actually tried to catch her a few times, but she has so much speed that it knocks me over.

She also lets the boys (7 years old) pet her all over! She lays on her back and lets them scratch her belly... all day if she could. She's such a good girl... I'm a proud mommy...

Jenn in OH