Dream breed. Discussions

They're not supposed to be that big. 18" dog, 16" bitch. But they seem to be breeding them bigger. a 21" dog is not uncommon.

They're rare here too, infact, I've only ever met one, and that was years after I decided I wanted one! But they're more common in the US. I'm pretty positive that Oliver is part IT

In light of the last year or two's experience in regards to dogs my perception of what I want has entirely changed, a happy healthy companion who's happy enough to turn off in the house yet is happy for get up and go when it's required, of a great temperament, great health, and with no inbreeding. Any breed or dog that fits that, is welcome in my home. I couldn't personally care all that much for what champion said pup may of come from or what great names are behind the dog, that's not to say I'm again pedigree dogs at all as I really am not but through my own experiences I've learnt that names, reputation, and the ring don't necessarily equate to the best bred animal. And that what could be the perfect dog could of come from, a registered and pedigree, bitch that may of never set foot in a show ring or in a field trial etc as opposed to seeking out the biggest, flashiest and best. That's not to discredit anyone or start any arguments, I just feel the best dog doesn't always come from the public perception of the best in regards to a lot of breeding practises. My perception of what is actually important for dogs, in my life, has entirely changed due to my own personal experience.
That said I would quite like a Border Terrier at one point in life, and my OH would like a showbred border collie but whether the two ever make it into our lives I'm not sure

I always thought the "Irish" to be a taller lighter framed dog than the "Kerry" to be honest, have not looked at the standard though

Csv
Estrela
Gsd
Smooth collie
Japanese Akita inu

Id never be without a basset....but I wouldnt mind at one stage...

Shiba, BMD, hairless CC and I would love so much a BC (not all at once )

I'm slowly working my way through my dream list. I've had a poodle, but one day will own another. I've got my dobermann, and hopefully will always have one in my life. I'd like a chinese crested next and a chuiwawa ( however you spell it)

I have had my favourite breed and that is and always will be the GSD - my favourite being a certain long coat black and tan but after loosing him at 3 to HD I wont have another any time soon.

I also like labs and BMD

CsV for me ... waiting for the day when I am in a position to own one then there will be no holding me back

I think they are if this one was typical? However, yesterday I was with Parker outside a charity shop and a lady came up to speak to me about him (She knew he was a Kerry-swoon!) and she said her neighbour had an Irish terrier called "Taxi" and he was about the same height as Parker.

Of course individuals within a breed vary, Izzy is a much smaller bitch than Cherry was.

Haven't looked at the breed standards but one of my books (a reliable one) says they are both the same size - 16-19".

I always thought the Irish were smaller, but that may be because I knew an Irish terrier bitch AND a Kerry Blue dog, that were both regulars at the park I went to, and the Kerry was decidedly taller. Of course he may have been on the tall side for a Kerry, and the Irish may have been a small girl!

But I did get to see them - not exactly side by side, but close - plus also both dogs were playmates of Merlin before he hit his teenager period.

A Kerry bitch I met at an agility class seemed significantly smaller than the KB dog I already knew... Now I think about it, she was about the same height as the Irish girly.

I'd have another dalmatian, a newfie, a bearded collie, a border terrier, an alaskan malamute, a shih tzu, a lhasa, a great dane, a rottie, a staffie or maybe just a few more border collies

I'd love another Akita but it's not the money that is the problem but the time :-(

A Griffon Bleu De Gascogne:






I love them but I don't think they're in this country yet so it would cost a bob or two to import one! Probably won't be long now though as the Bassett and Grand are here already and the Pet Passport rules have just been relaxed!

Nice looking dogs, off to do some research.

I did a thread ages ago (and I'm talking years) and a lot of people didn't like them, so it's nice to find a fellow admirer!

I love them, I think there are a lot of kennels in France and the Netherlands, but I'm not sure what it would cost to import one? It'll cost less now though as you don't have to wait for the rabies blood test any more (I don't think?).

I've not heard of these but have seen someone with 2 "Grande Bleu de Gascoigne" hounds on our local park. They were stunning but so big!

That's right, but the dog/puppy cannot come over until 21 days after the Rabies vaccination, and in most countries this is not given before 12 weeks of age, or 3 calendar months in others.

Not a problem for some breeds, but with those that need a great deal of socialisation in the 7-14 week time frame, you would need to make sure the breeder was willing to do that for you (and you can trust them to do so).

I met a Grand Bleu last year in my town, the shorthaired sort, was quite astonished and they certainly are a striking breed. However I noticed he walked with an exaggerated John Wayne swagger from behind, feet very wide apart, which didn't look natural nor comfortable - he was a rescue so maybe he was not a well put-together example of his breed?

Would you ever buy a puppy from a breeder if you couldn't trust them to socialise one of their own properly though? :?

Not the type of dog I'd own, but the type of dog I'd admire.

I'm just not a sent hound person.

No I'm not particularly, but owning a Springer Spaniel I don't think it'd be much different. And by that I mean screaming incoherently at my dog who is 3 fields away on a scent......