Some Reasons To Get Yourself A Pug Mix Breed

Do you try to talk people *out* of your breed?
I spend so much time telling people about the bad points of my breed that sometimes I really have to think about why I love it so much — and why I have so many of them.

I guess for me, there are three reasons I adore my breed:
1. They are beautiful to watch in their element, working as a team in front of a sled.
2. They are primitive: Carved out of their native landscape to assist their people, designed for survival.
3. I worship the archetypal trickster (Loki, Anansi, Raven, Coyote, etc.), and they are trickster figures personified.

I guess my question is, do you find yourself talking more people out of your breed than into it and — if so — what about the breed makes you crazy enough to own it?

Absolutely! I love bassets, their affectionate nature, their intelligence, their unique personality. But I realize that they’re not for everybody, and I don’t want them to end up in unsuitable homes.
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Yes. I see people saying “I want a calm, cuddly lapdog” and then “I want a papillon”. Most papillons aren’t cuddlers, and they’re quite active and playful. Too many people think that all small dogs are the same, and that they’re all going to sit on your lap 24/7.
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I think anybody who truly loves a breed will talk the wrong people out of getting them. I own a mutt, so I’m not a particular breed owner. But I do try to talk people out of getting dogs that are wrong for them and I try to talk people out of getting puppies if I don’t think they have the time or inclination to train one.
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Sometimes when I can tell the person isnt ready, or even if they are I let them know the faults in the breed so they have some idea what they might be getting themselves into. Every breed requires different attention and different care, and thats not for everyone. I know my APBT has required a lot of care and proper management, there are a lot of people out there not willing to put that time or effort into it.

I think it’s always good to list the faults as well as the plus sides of the breed, and yeah I catch myself listing their faults more than anything.

What about them makes me own one? I still havnt figured that out, my husband wanted him and I think I have fallen for him more. He is nothing like I actually expected, maybe thats because we were careful when he was a pup on how we acted with him and raised him. But he has turned into a wonderful dog and I wouldnt have it any other way.
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A vet friend of mine has a Great Dane. I know she loves her but I once heard her so vehemently advise someone against getting one I had to ask why she got her in the first place!
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It really depends who they are and what they are like.

I have Chihuahua's. Chi;s are not for everyone. They do need company more than a larger dog so they may not be for people who are out at work all day and the dog would be alone. Especially when they are very small they can be prone to hypoglycemia which can be fatal if they are left alone for long periods and no one knows they are getting sick. They are very fragile so they probably are not a breed to have with young or boisterous kids. Because they are fragile they may not be good for people with very limited income as a broken leg can cost a small fortune and can;t wait until you can afford to get it fixed. They certainly are not for anyone who wants to carry them around in a bag as they are animals not accessories.

They are good for people who are home all day or a good part of the day. They are also great for elderly people or disabled people who may not be able to walk a bigger dog as much as they need.

They are great for many people, but for many they are also far from being the right dog for them.

If people want then for the right reasons then I will do all I can to help them find a good breeder and share with them what I have learned over the last 5 years, but if they want them for the wrong reasons I will do everything I can to talk them out of getting one.

I love my breed. I want to see them in the care of the right people. Sadly 90 percent of Chihuahua's seem to be owned for all the wrong reasons these days. Either to carry in a purse, dress up like Barbie or to use as ATM's to pump out puppies for profit. You can be sure I would never be having anything to do with encouraging those people go get a Chi.
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I have 5 pit bulls and I don’t really talk people out of owning them I just tell the the truth and try to tell them what they’re getting into.

I love pit bulls because
1.They are loyal and with gaurd your family to the death
2.hey have such a bad rap and I’m just trying to help educate people
3.They are just the best dogs I could ever own and they love all the kids I have comming over.
I just love pit bulls to death and I will do anything to educate people about them and to at least shed some light on the good side of pit bulls.
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Worked ina kennel for 4yrs and own 5 pit bulls.

I have the all-American breed owned by politicians everywhere so they look good in political ads - the golden retriever and supposedly the perfect family dog.

I am told that I should get another breed because they "are not challenging enough" (right….), that they are hyper and not very smart (huh?) or are boring and too common.

First, mine are plenty challenging at times - why do I want more challenge than I already have, second they are aren't excessively hyper and they certainly aren't stupid and as far as too boring or common, I don't give a rat's behind what people think about that.

I love the breed and that's all that matters.
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I love my pit because she is beautiful, strong, and so loving. She circles my legs like a big cat and never lets strange animals/people in the yard without alerting us.

I love my shar-pei because he is cute like an old man. He cleans himself several times a day. (They hate to be dirty). He cuddles with us and puts up with all the other dogs tugging on his loose skin. He sings to us “A Roo Roo Roo A Roo Roo Roo” so we call him RooRoo.

And finally… I love my mixed breeds because they are so cute and unique. You will never find another that has their personality or looks.

I never try to talk anybody out of my breeds. Since many people think they are aggressive, I tell them how sweet they actually are. I do warn people about the time, energy, and dedication needed to train them, but that is true with any breed.
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i always want people to have cavaliers because mine is great
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I tell people about the good sides, but yes, I make it pretty clear that she can be a challenge, and isn't a good pick for a first time dog owner. I think it's only fair that a person know both sides. No breed is perfect, and shouldn't be made out to sound that way. So, yes, I think I talk more people out of owning a Shiba Inu.

Why do I love the breed? For me, it's my Shiba's personality. She's so headstrong sometimes, and we have had some issues, but overall, she's perfect for me. She's independent (I don't like when dogs crawl all over me for attention), and very confident. A timid dog wouldn't fit my lifestyle, because I travel with her frequently, so she meets lots of new people and dogs. She rarely barks, so that keeps my neighbours happy too. And of course the fact that she is gorgeous!
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My black and tan Shiba Inu.

YES!!!! All the time! I have 3 chihuahuas, and most people and teenage girls get them because they want to be paris hilton, dress them up like barbies and put them in purses. I tell people what nasty little things they can be, they bite and growl and snap just as much as any big dog. They can be terribly unsocial, and are hard to potty train. Yet, mine, are the apples of my eye. They cuddle with me, sleep under the blankets every night with me and love running in the yard with the big dogs. they have more personality in one teeny little paw than my big dogs. they have big attitudes, but even bigger hearts.

I had a litter of chi puppies (not planned, the female was supposed to get fixed, i had an appt set up) i went through 32 people for 3 puppies because i was that unhappy with their intentions and reasons for having the puppy, and most wouldnt keep them on the same diet (i feed my animals holistic kibble) needless to say we kept one…….

you always think you can treat your favorite breed better than anyone else can, that if their dog was in your house it would have a better living situation. so many dogs end up killed, homeless, or abused, and if you can sway people away from your breed of choice you may save a life.
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foster mom
owner of 5 dogs
animal nut

Oh yes, all the time. Beagles are little devils on paws.

But I love them for their personalities.
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I think everyone should have a wolf dog, they are so intelligent, loving , loyal and just the best.
I am on my 2nd wolf boy. My 1st was Chewy a timber/german sheperd.
I have Cody who is artic/timber/malamute/huskey. He is 117lb abd just 9 months old. I love his size which bu the time he is full grown he should be like his Grandpa who was 180lbs..Cody at 6 months was 82 lbs, so we figure up and above 165.

Crazy..well I have always been called a rebel by my family and wolf dogs are so mean and vicious..yea right. My dog is the biggest baby. Most people don’t know that wolves are shy and hate to be yelled at!
There are NO bad dogs in any breed , its the BAD owners !!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29035692@N03/sets/72157606499545955/
I would own no other. They are quick and very agile. funny and full of personality.
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When I was showing and breeding afghans I talked people out of them big time! There were far too many really weird people attracted to afghans and far too many who wanted one simply because of their looks and knew absolutely nothing about the breed and didn’t care to learn. I loved them, and still do, but they’re definitely not for everyone and even a huge percentage of those who were attracted to them for their looks, turned out to be much too lazy to groom them!

As for greyhounds, again there’s lots of people who need to be talked out of them. Those people who’ve heard that saying that drives me crazy - greyhounds are 40 mile an hour couch potatoes. People take that to mean that they don’t need exercise and that’s so not true. What it means is that they’re very calm and quiet in the house in between their walks. They also won’t tolerate those people who believe dogs need to be trained with choke and/or prong collars.

I love sighthounds for their beauty, speed, elegance, humor and independence. Also for the creativeness you need to train them.

I’m now experiencing my second herding dog and he’s a whole different creature - very different from my beardie as well. I’m enjoying him so much I just may get a second one in a few years!

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I talk people out of dobermans all the time. People, in general, do not understand how much time, work and dedication it takes to maintain a well balanced healthy dobie. They need lots of attention and they need rules. Most people do not understand what they are goilng to be in store for–and for that reason i try to describe all the lows but also highlight the highs. They are great dogs and if I could I would have more but, they are not for everyone.
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All the time. I dont think just anyone can own one of my breed. I love them so much but they can be big and hard to handle.
I love the siberians but I know I couldnt deal with one at this time.

Loki you are awesome!
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sometimes. even though i have all mutts, their breed personalities can make them difficult.
Zeus is a malamute x. the stubborn mal is coupled with the wolf in him. i don’t recommend them for first timers.
my bernese/lab x has a strong herding instinct. kind of a nuisance during thunderstorms in a cutsie sort of way (though not to the cats).
my ridgeback/mastiff has a strong bullheaded hunting instinct. once he gets a scent, he’s hard to divert.
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If it’s not the right dog for them then yes I do.
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This is an excellent question loki!

Sure I do..

If;
-The reasoning for wanting one is along the lines of “they are so pretty” or “blue eyes”
-They only want one because it’s the latest Hollywood star or because their friend owns one
-They want a guard dog or a “Velcro” dog…(everything that a Siberian is not)

To keep this short.. if you have no idea what a Siberian is, I will not recommend you get one.

In addition to their primitive behaviors, independence, friendly nature.. I also love how the breed looks, but most people really see nothing more than a pretty dog with blue eyes…. And what happens to these “pretty dogs with blue eyes”?
They end up in a shelter somewhere because people cannot cope with such a breed.

Tbh, I care far more about the welfare of this breed than peoples feelings and I will NOT tell you to get one, because I own one and mine is an amazing dog or because that is the breed I love!!

ADD-
I also believe that if you honestly cannot handle the breeds bad points, you cannot handle the breed.
Anyone who can come up with a valid reason as to why they still want to own a breed like a Siberian after one telling them they dig/shed/loud/high energy etc then they IMO are on the right track to becoming a responsible Siberian owner.
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My breed is your breed (:

Absolutely.

We do this because we love our breeds, and if people can see PAST the bad points of the breed, or rather, the negative points of our breed, we know that they’re actually going to strive to be a better owner.

I’d rather talk someone up about the BAD things of the Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheep dog and give someone the idea that they’re hard to care for because of the energy than send them home with the wrong owner.

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Absolutely. I absolutely adore Australian Shepherds, for many reasons. They are beautiful, and so smart. They have a great personality, and are loyal to the end. I also adore herding dogs, in general, and the work they do. I find it amazing.

But, they aren’t for everyone. There are a lot of people who agree with their beauty–and get them for this reason alone. They dont understand the stamina of this breed–nor do they understand their intelliegence. And I think a lot of people get an Aussie and regret the decision because of these reasons.

I also find myself (on here and in real life) talking people out of “mini” Aussies. For some reason, “minis” along with “toy” and “teacup” versions of this breed have shown up frequently–as the “perfect suburban dog”. That’s insulting to the breed–Aussies, *standard* ones, can be happy in suburbs, yes, but molding them to fit in is just ridiculious. They are NOT supposed to be town dogs or lap dogs, they are supposed to be working dogs.

Again, they can be, with someone willing to put in the time and effort to properly care for them. But they weren’t bred to be, and breeding them to be is ridiculious, and in my opinion, insulting.
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If someone says they are low energy and not looking for a dog that requires lots of exercise, then yes… I will tell them not to get a Lab. Lots of preconceived notions about Labs being one size fits all and they really aren’t. Like any other dog they are great for the RIGHT owners, but can be a disastrous if paired with the wrong type of household.
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Yes, absolutely. Always with the Samoyeds I’ve said “They bark, they dig, they shed and they run away.. why on earth would you want a Samoyed?” If they can’t come up with a decent reason- they shouldn’t get one. My Sams rarely bark and don’t really run much (yeah, gotta add the qualifier in there!) but that’s a result of how I’ve raised them. I appreciate the cleverness and agility of a dog who can silently leap to the top of a freestanding refridgerator ringed with various spice jars and manage not only not to dislodge anything that would cause noise but also eat all the candy out of an Easter basket. I find the fact that I have to add a clip to my gate latch because otherwise my Sam will let the other dogs go out running FUNNY! I think its cool that when I cleaned my gutters in the fall they were FILLED with bird’s nests lined with Sammy down. It brings tears to my eyes to see an untrained dog properly doing what comes naturally whether it is seeing a Sam herd for the first time or the joy of their first time in harness and the look on their face that says ” You mean I get to RUN??!!” I get a kick out of my Sam’s wily, conniving, “how do I get what I want” ways. And when we have a meeting of the minds and we move as a team there is nothing like it in the world.

I’m still relatively new to my Bernese as a breed. The first one I trained is now just turning 6 and my oldest is 5 years. My oldest litter is 19 months- still, I tell people “They’re big, they eat a lot, they can be lazy or active and they can have tremendous medical issues– Sadly the average age of death is 7.5 years.. tell me why you want one of these?” For myself, I like the unconditional loyalty, the “keep-trying” attitude, the size, the ability to willingly work when needed and rest quietly when not and the fact that my Bernese regard me as akin to God.

I think what it comes down to for every breed and owner “Do the positives of this breed outweigh the negatives?” I really wish more people would actually look at the negatives rather than getting a dog because of its looks.
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I do when I see or hear someone say they want a calm dog or they want a dog that will be good with their toddler child. Some people have the opinion that Labs are a one-breed-fits-all dog and they aren’t. They are absolutely wonderful dogs, but, people don’t seem to be very aware of their downfalls (shedding, super high energy level, etc.)

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I used to want everyone to own one because I thought my girl was just. so. cool. Ha. I don’t do that anymore and yes, I find myself being completely honest about the breed.

Shiba Inus are not (so far) a really overbred dog and I would like to keep it that way. It is my chosen breed and, although she is just my first, I know I will never live without one again. They are quirky and independent (read: stubborn) and clever and, at the same time, hugely loveable and snuggly…kind of like me…I LOVE being independent and there’s also nothing I love more than affection. She is adorable and so very, very funny…she is my sunshine on those days when the clouds just won’t go away. Plus, like my personal information says, there is NOTHING better than the happy little shrieks of a Shiba when you’ve been at work all day. TOTALLY snaps me out of a bad mood, instantly. She’s a brat and a bit of a princess but for some reason I like that, too…maybe she really IS just like Mom! ;0)

I think they are fantastic dogs for the people who recognize what it takes to raise them and keep them happy. But I will never again blindly tell someone to get a Shiba. That was my silly naivety coming through in the beginning. I know better now.

Manders up there knows what I’m talking about!! LOVE to find other Shiba lovers!!
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I do because as a first time Sibe owner, I learned much of what I know ‘on the fly’ so to speak. Together, my old blue-eyed boy and I have grown so much! I honestly believe that if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have gotten him.

I believe that if a person can’t handle the bad points about the breed in general, they have no business having one. It makes me shudder to hear someone say that they want one because of their beautiful eyes or because they are a striking dog. (I also want to ask where the closest shelter is so that I can go there to adopt their pup in about three months when they dump it.)

I guess that translates to ‘talking them out of it’ — This breed isn’t for everyone.

Mine has taught me to have more patience than my children did! And he gives more love than I could have ever dreamed.
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I am owned by a Pit bull, I love the energy level, their loyalty, and they are just so misunderstood…Bu tyes I find myself talking people out of owning them more then talking people into it because they are so hard headed and society doesnt need more pits with owners who are not able to handle them properly!
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If my breed is the wrong breed for them, yes.

I just love shelties, always did, and can't explain why. Beauty, grace, intelligence, and a bit of clownishness….

They can be noisy, inventive, are very velcro, and need lots of contact with their people. They won't run up to strangers and make you new friends. And inventive should be interpreted to mean they will find a way to do something you don't want them to do just to prove they *can*. They create larger than life-sized hairballs when blowing coat. You could probably make 3-4 new shelties out of the hair you vacuum up when they are in full shed.
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Rescuer, vet tech, groomer and show exhibitor of Shetland sheepdogs for 20 years.

I sure do! Most people only see the pretty coat. I hear, " I've always wanted one of those. they're just so pretty".
That is a major red flag.
They are NOT the dog for everybody, or even for most people.
If I can talk them out of one, I feel victorious..lol
I never smooth over the 'rough' parts of ownership (term used loosely)
I DO dispel myths.
Unless they've lived with one in the past, I require them to read a specific book that follows this lineage.
If they will actually read that book, I feel that it puts them in a group of good prospects. If they call back in two-three weeks and tell me they haven't had time to read it..I can safely tell them that is a good indication they don't have the extra time this time-consuming breed will require.

It's a great feeling to find the right families for my hound puppies, but I
end up talking a lot more out of one. I never try to 'sell' a puppy.

Why do I love this breed? I love the primitive and independent way that they think. I love their highly developed ESP. I love their loyalty to the extreme. And, I think of them as poetry in motion. There is a saying among Afghan people, that they are 1/3 cat, 1/3 wolf, and 1/3 human. . To me, they are awesome, and I feel blessed to share my life with them.

There were only 822 new Afghan pups registered with AKC last year. There is a reason there are so few.
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btdt

YES! People want my breed because its something different and unique. They think that “no hair” means “no grooming”, and assume they are easy to care for.. or its automatically assummed they are hypoallergenic because of the lack of hair.

This breed nees special skin care.. the skin care can take up more time than grooming a regular dog! They are prone to acne, blackheads, dry skin, sunburn, and other irritations. I did actually change someone’s mind about a hairless cat when she saw how much skin care my Crested needed!

This breed is notoriously difficult to housebreak. They are also a very emotional little dog, and if their mental needs are not met, they can become destructive, or drop you a nice little hint in your loafer, or on your pillow!

They are not all as “hairless” as you think.. besides the powderpuff version.. the hairless ones do vary in amount of body hair. Most of the ones you see in dog shows with the flashy furnishings actually have a thin layer of body hair that is shaved for the hairless appearance. Some may have just a strip of hair down their backs.. to being almost completely covered in a single layer of hair. (Puffs have a double coat). The ones that are truley hairless tend to have very little furnishings.

They are NOT hypoallergenic! Its not the hair people are allergic to.. its the saliva and dander.. these dogs still have skin and spit!

I love this breed tho. I dont mind the skin care. I love the quirky little personalities.. my Crested is intune to my emotions, when I laugh he jumps and spins and laughs with me.. when I cry, he snuggles in my lap and comforts me. When I am sick, he snuggles under the covers with me. I love the child-like personality and the neediness. Mine is a true hairless.. so I dont have dog hair all over.. although I compromised brushing and vacuuming for bath soaks, scrubs and special lotions.
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yes! definitely! i don’t want any of my pups to end up in a home where it wont be happy. i worked too hard for that to happen. most people come to me saying oh i just love the air bud movies and my kids do too. we want a dog just like that. and i bust out laughing telling them that this pup wont magically start playing baseball or saving babies out of the street. i tell them your gonna end up with a big hairy dog that will destroy your house, slobber all over you [ goodness! this is all true about my own! lol] and love you to death.

the reason why i love my breed is for their intelligence, looks and devotion to their family. their goofiness and stubbornness are what takes my heart.
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golden breeder for 9 yrs

O- yeah! People see these gentle giants and think they are just great- But I really have to break it down, They do need to be socialized. they will knock almost anyone off their feet- I adore them because I really feel it’s the breed for me. But for most people it’s not!
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I like to introduce people to Portuguese Water Dogs but I don’t think they are for everyone. Mine are simply so sweet, but these dogs are also notoriously expensive to own. I find that quite a few have sensitive stomachs. Only people willing to cater to their needs and give them the best life should consider them. But of course, raising PWD awareness is something I also try to do.
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I don’t really have “a breed” exactly. Both of mine are mutts, and there are a number of breeds I really like. Some that I may own someday, and some that I will be perfectly happy with other people owning and me just looking at wondering how on earth those people deal with that dog. (Loki, you would be one of those people…lol)

Yes, I find myself talking people out of just about every breed imaginable.
I find that the average person does not have the need for, nor the ability to deal with a purebred dog. Frankly, for the most part, WELL BRED purebred dogs are simply too driven for most people, and because they have absolutely no work for the dog to do - they make each other crazy. They have nothing but behavior problems because the dog is so completely unfulfilled.

I almost always recommend rescue or a shelter. Not because I think it’s anybody’s duty to “save a homeless dog”, but because it is the best possible way to get the best possible dog for their needs. They can see ADULT dogs who have developed into the dog they are going to be and they can be evaluated to determine if it is the right dog for them. They can also adopt from a rescue who has had the opportunity to proof dogs in various situations. A home with cats, or small children, for example.
Also, because it’s the best deal for the average dog owner. The dog is vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, etc and is available at a very reasonable price through adoption.

Do I think everybody should get a shelter dog? No. But I do think that the best available dog for MOST people looking for one will be found on petfinder.com and not with a breeder.

As for experienced handlers who are looking to show a dog, etc….when they tell me what kind of dog they want to get….all they get from me is a “oooooohhh…so, you’re just crazy…I see” lol :o)

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OH YEAH well this is because my breed is pitbulls and lately the only people who are getting them are just MORONS id rather a pitbull go with someone who is already knowledgable and expirienced with the breed. the breed cant afford to be owned by idiots any more!
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I guess, without really realizing it, I would too. AmStaff's aren't for everyone. Especially when it comes to training. For me and my family, we've never really owned a specific breed, except for my dad. He used to breed Siberian Huskies but stopped when someone stole them. We rescue and base the dog we want on their personality.

Jessica, you said it!!
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American Staffordshire Terrier Owner

I love goldens…….it’s all in the eyes, temperment, playful attitude, intelligence. However, whenever anyone wants one I hand them this:
http://www.grca-nrc.org/GAP-TOP10.htm
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Mommy to my loving and devoted golden retriever, Pilot! :oP

Many people think of the Flat-Coated Retriever as a black Golden Retriever, or a long haired Labrador Retriever. The flatcoat is really not like those other retrievers at all. They’re all equally as intelligent, but the Flat-Coated Retriever is called “the Peter Pan of retrievers” because of their high energy, and goofball nature. They mature very slowly, and they are great working dogs, but they prefer to make you laugh as they do their job. It is for this reason that you seldom see flatcoats as service dogs. Not the dog for everybody. Too much dog for many of the people I encounter day in and day out.
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I do find myself talking people out of my breed. Even after researching the Belgian Malinois for at least 5 years before I finally got one I’m surprised at their needs and energy levels. Which is exactly why I love them, their energy, their drive, their intensity. Absolutely love it. These same things make this breed hard to deal with for most people.

My lab, wouldn’t trade him for the world. He was a rescue. I grew up with labs, I know that they need exercise, and mental stimulation. Lots of people will get a lab stick it in the backyard and then wonder why its eating the house. They make great family dogs with training and enough exercise, but again aren’t for everyone. They will literally eat your house if they get bored. I love labs for there OMG people to pet me reaction. But at the same time you’ve gotta put alot of work into these dogs or they’ll end up hurting someone with their enthusiasm.
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There’s one answer for your questions. I like breed because i love to walk wit breed. Imagine when me and my breed walking togather on a walkside of a lake..and my doggie are walking in front of me..and playing with enviroment..that’s COOL!!
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Yes, I do, because if I find someone that has never owned my selected breeds, I start off with the bad points, then graduate them to the really good points…and then I try to let them know if this breed is really good for their lifestyle or not.

there are so many people out there that have never even owned a dog, not even as a kid….and if I can educate them and feel comfortable that most of it has sunk in, I will tell them, this breed is perfect for you, if not, I flat say, I dont think this breed will fit your lifestyle and I think in the long run, you will end up getting rid of the dog…….

educate is my key peeve, teach them, help them, and make sure they know what they are getting into.

I love my selected breeds, but I love all dogs, doesnt matter what breed, and mine as you all know are

Min Schnauzers, well they just win your heart, they are so true in their feelings and they let it all hang out to show you just how much they love you……

Akita's, so true, loyal and noble, they just look at you, stare you down, and you can see the honesty in their eyes, no false looks here, only true feelings…..and strong ones at that…..not an aggressive, mean bone in their bodies……

Newfoundlands, Bo, is my first, I inherited him when my son died this year, he is so giving, and can always tell my moods, this breed gives you its whole heart…..does not hold back….and will let you know if you make a mistake around them……true giant companions, that demands your love, and is not afraid to show theirs..

My 2 Rotti's, well these guys are true protectors, and both are a mess, they take my heart every day, and give so much love, it just runs over from them……

and dont buy a puppy cause its cute as can be, but be sure the dog is right for you and your family, so you will always want to keep the baby…….so it wont end up as many do….homeless or in shelters or rescues, think of it as a good investment, a true being to love you and protect you, not just something to show off, and when your tired of it, it is gone…cherish them…….for a dog will never let you down, so lets not let them down….

Crazy, yes I guess so, because, I truly believe there is no greater love from an animal than a dog…..they are honest, dont lie to us, and will always be there when we need them, to lean on when we are sad, sick, or just plain lonesome, a dogs love, it endless, and all they ask for in return is to be loved back and to be treated with respect, and never discard them….to keep them for life, and remember them always when they are gone from us…..in life they are our true companions, in death, they walk with us, and we are still never alone….
References :

Yes I have told many people they are not ready nor will they most likely ever be ready for a Doberman.
People want them because they are beautiful.
They have no clue as to the amount of exercise and training time it takes to get a well mannered behaved social doberman.
They are head strong and willful and they test everyone. If everyone in the house is not on the same program the dog can rule the house.
They are great dogs in the right homes and they can be awful dogs in the wrong homes.
References :
I am a dog trainer and dobe owner for 19 years

Yes, I must reply now after reading PURPLEP's answer. OY VEY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bear with me, I have a nice large puncture wound on my index finger, typing is just a *tad* difficult. Perfect timing, my wound comes from a 'nice, playful wolf dog' who decided to become a bit food-aggressive lastnight.

My scars are my storybook. They are proof that wolf dogs are not what people claim them to be; that is dogs for everyone.

Wolf dogs are NOT a breed. It's a mix of dog and wolf, that's it. A BREED has BREED STANDARDS. There are NO breed standards for a wolf dog… why? Cause it's not a breed. It's a MUTT.

They are NOT for everyone, in fact, they are hardly for anyone. Most people, and I mean up in the 90th percentile *think* they have a wolf dog, when in fact they have an extremely low, low content one - who makes a great pet. Sure, a low content wolf dog may make a great house-hold companion just as any other dog may.

But sadly, most wolf dog content is WIDELY misrepresented - I firmly believe that PurpleP is a great example. Those that misrepresent their animals, either due to the breeder misinforming them, or the owners lack of knowledge to accurately determine wolf content in their own animal poses a danger to ALL wolf dogs, their owners AND the public. One may think that they had or have a 75% wolf dog an it makes a wonderful pet… when in fact it's probably 5 generations or more away fromt he wolf making it, virually, a DOG. Next dog this person gets may be truely a 75%, first generation wolf dog and this owner is in for a HUGE surprise!

True wolf dogs are an extremely dangerous mix. Anyone who argues this has not had the opportunity to involve themselves with TRUE, high content wolf dogs. Wolves have an extremly high prey drive. Naturally they will chase, attack and kill prey. Dogs naturally have no fear of people. Wolf and dog mixed = frequent attemps at chasing and attacking children. Wolf dogs have a never-ending desire to scent-mark and to dig. Due to their high intelligence, they are difficult - if not impossible - for most people to contain. They climb, dig, jump and chew through any enclosure if given a chance, and trust me, they succeed. No one, NO ONE, can contain a high content wolf dog behind a 4-6 foot fence w/o a 2 ft over-hang and 3ft of mesh burried underground. These dogs can easily jump 6 ft from a standstill.

My finger is killing me *waaaa* and this is taking forever to type, lol!

And why would anyone WANT a wolf dog? There is definitely a status symbol one is trying to achieve, or a desire to be 'in-touch with a part of nature', or even to look 'cool'. No one can giveme a good enough reason to have one. If they do, then they surely do not have a wolf dog.

As for me, the reasons I am crazy enough to be owned by this "breed" is due to people such as PurpleP. I am forced to take them, it's not a choice that's been fueled by greed. But it's a choice that I make to try to better the wrong that ignorant people have done.

I am forever cleaning up people's mess… and I will continue doing so. Probably until I die.

Must stop typing now I have soo much more to say, though.

ADD: Ohhh I looked at the link PurpleP was kind enough to share. No wonder her dog is such a great dog! Because it's ONLY a dog! Phew!!!! I rest my case
References :
wolf/wolf dog rescue, owner, rehabber for 22 yrs. because there IS a need.

Loki-

Since we have the same breed… I know exactly what you mean.

Whenever we have rescue events with the dogs out in public.. you can always tell the ones you have no desire to ever fill out an adoption application…

-Wow they are so pretty
-What do you mean they are hard to train… Every dog I have owned has been perfectly obedient…
-I can train the dog to be obedient off leash… you don’t know what you are talking about.
-Digging… ohhh I can stop that easily.
ETC…

And they you realize once again why all of these beautiful Huskies are found in animal control agencies and on death row.

I would much rather wait 6 months to find the right home.. than have a dog end back up in an animal control agency again.

Everyone please go home and hug your beautiful dog one more time!!!
References :
Owner of 7 beautiful Huskies (all but 1 was rescued) - volunteer for Siberian Husky rescue