What were the reasons you chose your dog(s)

[DiNozzo]

We'd always had Yorkshire terriers, and this vile little creature climbed over all of his brothers and sisters to come and see us when we went to view the litter. 18 years on, and he's still as imperious as ever, despite being completely blind.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My two current girls.

 

[Shady]

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was just love at first sight. I loved everything about her, especially her ridiculous ears. I had never wanted a dog before so didn't even have a type preference really or if i'm totally honest knew whether she was a good choice or not , but I took one look at her and that was that. It could have been a terrible decision, but my gut instinct told me it was right, and it was. She was amazing all her life
The Weims because I wanted a good sized athletic breed to match her and they are beautiful, loving and a bit mental, which I like. On my third now and I adore them
My Jessie, about a year old here. who I miss every day
My handsome Odes. 2nd Weim. A lovable idiot who I have never managed to stop counter surfing
Third Weim Molly with Rosie Lee when she was little and adorable. Now big , a bit stupid and super loving to everything.

 

[ArklePigInBlanket]

I love this thread so much, thanks @skinnydipper for starting it. I love all the reasons we have for picking our dogs and I love the pictures even more. Aren't we all lucky to have the best dog ?

 

[Shady]

My current dog is a result of experiences with previous dogs! We first had a springer spaniel bitch who had a fantastic temperament, was fabulous with my daughter when she was young, but was as mad as a box of frogs. She also had the habit of diving into every bit of mud/water available and traipsing it back into the house. Then Mr TGM wanted a Weimaraner and we got a rescue one - never again! Had been badly socialised and was very unpredictable. Only good point was his short coat, so I then wanted a whippet, especially as a friend had a lovely one. But Mr TGM wasn't keen so we ended up with a lurcher puppy who was meant to be short coated but ended up with a very shaggy coat that soaked up every bit of mud and filth. But otherwise she was a lovely dog, very easy going and placid.

Six years ago I finally got my whippet and I have to say she is an absolute delight! So laid back, doesn't need tons of exercise but will walk for miles if you want her to. She is very clean, as she has a short coat and avoids mud and water like the plague! Has been very easy to train and was toilet trained by 10 weeks old. She gets on well with other dogs and people and is even liked by people who normally are afraid of dogs because she is so gentle and 'non bouncy'. And she is beautiful:

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Beautiful . I do really love the look of Whippets and Whippety type dogs. To me they are as beautiful and graceful as Oriental and Siamese cats. I almost opted for one instead of another Weim, but couldn't find a breeder here and was a bit worried my male Weim might break one !

 

[CinnamonChristmasCookie]

Also, springers are clever-certainly got my attention when he wanted to come in.

 

[ArklePigInBlanket]

Fodhla does the same on the boiler house @Cinnamontoast ?

She stands there til I open the door and then almost rolls her eyes as if to say 'finally' even if it's only been 30 seconds.

 

[CinnamonChristmasCookie]

Fodhla does the same on the boiler house @Cinnamontoast ?

She stands there til I open the door and then almost rolls her eyes as if to say 'finally' even if it's only been 30 seconds.

Terrifyingly clever, I’ve never had a dog work this out. Previous dogs do a polite bark or nudge the door.

 

[satinbaze]

Having had CKCS when I was living at home, once I was able to have my own dog I wanted something I could do more with. Breed needed to fill my eye, have working ability and have the type of coat I'm not allergic to. Flatcoats fitted the bill. My first FCR was a combination of show and working bred as the breeder did field trials and occasionally showed. I am now on my 5th flatcoat and cannot imagine life without one. I have competed my flatboats in working trials, obedience, agility and successfully showed them too.

 

[marmalade76]

I didn't choose my dog, she was someone else's cast off that was offered to me and I accepted. She had a litter of half bulldog pups two or three weeks later. She's a Border Collie and a great dog, we've had her 7 years now.

I like intelligent breeds that are easy to train, keen to please and more likely to be obedient. I would not consider any giant breeds, non-shedding breeds, Spaniels (I grew up with an ESS, way too mad for me), any bull breed or anything else with a squashed face 'cause I think they're ugly.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

After my little JRT died ( I was devastated) our working black lab was lonely. As black lab was getting near retirement OH ideally wanted another lab to bring on. By chance his friend had one pup left, a girl fox red, so we went to see her and brought her straight home. An absolute night's a pup but now 3 1/2 she is pretty much perfect!!

 

[Cortez]

I didn't choose my dog, she was someone else's cast off that was offered to me and I accepted. She had a litter of half bulldog pups two or three weeks later. She's a Border Collie and a great dog

Blimey.....I can't even begin to visualise that cross, do you have any photos?

 

[marmalade76]

Blimey.....I can't even begin to visualise that cross, do you have any photos?

They're mingers but their owners love them.
3 of the six, the last two pics are of our favourite one.

 

[iknowmyvalue]

I’d have loved to rescue in theory but just not practical - don’t have an enclosed garden and work full time (which precludes most rescue requirements) plus needed something good in the car, and fairly reliable with new people/dogs/livestock/horses

My family have spaniels, and they’re definitely one of my fave breeds. Perfect size for my lifestyle, a personality I love. I always had my heart set on a red or lemon WCS bitch. Enter my small ginger from a pets4homes advert. Best graduation present ever. she’s now 3yo, and sometimes mad as a box of frogs but I wouldn’t change her for the world.

 

[twiggy2]

Maz was purely the goofy photo the rescue had put up made me go and meet her, she didn't dissapoint and was a goof ball in real life too. I wasn't even looking for a dog.
Belle I needed a part trained collie for gathering and we went and looked at her, have no idea why I caught her home but she was very 'part' trained and aloof, not my sort of dog at all, it took 2 yrs for her to really settle and she will stay for her working life now as she is so frustrating I think she would be shunted from pillar to post and probably subject to some unpleasant treatment in some homes. She is awesome on a good day but somedays she is the most frustrating of work partners, but it always makes me smile when she is so happy and keen to go to work.
Reeva I bought as I was looking for a collie to train from a pup, she is from good working stock which is what I was looking for.
Cap was by my other halfs main dog and out of a working bitch we know well and she is great at her job, he got chosen out of the litter because of his very cross face making me smile.

 

[BBP]

Border collie. I love the brains and the beauty. My collie growing up was ace, came riding/running/cycling with me. (Now ex) Other half wanted an active dog that could join him on long runs and keep him company whilst I was with horses. So we got a collie pup. Ex then left us. So now I have a collie all to myself.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Honestly? I know there are lots of correct answers to that question but I chose mine purely because during lockdown and mental prices he was the only little dog I could afford ? I’m so happy I got him!

 

[EllieBeast]

I grew up with Rotties and they still hold a big part of my heart. We lost our last family Rott in 2018, she was nearly 14 years old and an absolute legend to the end.

When I moved out into my first house, I needed a dog! I was going to go Rott again but my partner at the time had grown up with Dalmatians and insisted that that’s the only breed we could get. Cue Pippa dog, she’s 10yrs old now. The relationship didn’t last and when pip was 3 we parted ways and she stayed with me. The best housemate anyone could wish for. I absolutely adore her, however she only has eyes for my now husband - who she didn’t even know for the first half of her life ??
She’s also very independent and has no great drive to please, she’s very well behaved and you can take her anywhere but I’ve not found her as rewarding as Ivy to train.
Pip-

Ive always taken an interest in shooting and have been out beating since my teenage years, my husband shoots and deer stalks. We wanted to get a gundog, and liked the idea of HPRs for the versatility and ‘one for the pot’ rough shooting.
My husbands boss has a GSP and he was talking to her about him when she asked if he’d heard of the GLPs (German Longhaired Pointer), after a bit of research and a trip to meet them at discover dogs at crufts we were totally sold on them.
Along came Ivy 3 years ago and she is the most biddable, trainable, lovable dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her drive to please is second to none and her natural working ability is an absolute pleasure to watch in action. There are only around 200 of the breed in the UK and it’s such a shame, they’re wonderful dogs!
Ivy-

 

[Shady]

I grew up with Rotties and they still hold a big part of my heart. We lost our last family Rott in 2018, she was nearly 14 years old and an absolute legend to the end.

When I moved out into my first house, I needed a dog! I was going to go Rott again but my partner at the time had grown up with Dalmatians and insisted that that’s the only breed we could get. Cue Pippa dog, she’s 10yrs old now. The relationship didn’t last and when pip was 3 we parted ways and she stayed with me. The best housemate anyone could wish for. I absolutely adore her, however she only has eyes for my now husband - who she didn’t even know for the first half of her life ??
She’s also very independent and has no great drive to please, she’s very well behaved and you can take her anywhere but I’ve not found her as rewarding as Ivy to train.
Pip- View attachment 100751

Ive always taken an interest in shooting and have been out beating since my teenage years, my husband shoots and deer stalks. We wanted to get a gundog, and liked the idea of HPRs for the versatility and ‘one for the pot’ rough shooting.
My husbands boss has a GSP and he was talking to her about him when she asked if he’d heard of the GLPs (German Longhaired Pointer), after a bit of research and a trip to meet them at discover dogs at crufts we were totally sold on them.
Along came Ivy 3 years ago and she is the most biddable, trainable, lovable dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her drive to please is second to none and her natural working ability is an absolute pleasure to watch in action. There are only around 200 of the breed in the UK and it’s such a shame, they’re wonderful dogs!
Ivy-
View attachment 100752View attachment 100753

Both really beautiful dogs EllieBeast, but the pointer is particularly lovely. I have not seen any here in France though the short haired ones are popular in less forested regions than mine ( boar hound country) and I do see a few wirehaired advertised every now and then.

 

[EllieBeast]

Both really beautiful dogs EllieBeast, but the pointer is particularly lovely. I have not seen any here in France though the short haired ones are popular in less forested regions than mine ( boar hound country) and I do see a few wirehaired advertised every now and then.

Thanks so much ? we are very fond of her, there are more on the continent than the uk certainly but they’re much less prolific than GSPs everywhere I think. The GSP’s and GWP’s are lovely dogs too. Quite different in many ways to the GLP- character too, not just coat length ?

Both setter and scent hound were added into the mix when the German Longhaired Pointer was developed- the setter is what contributed to the coat. And they should run at a greater speed than most GSP’s too.

We’re making it our mission to make sure more people know about their existence ?

 

[Ratface]

My second to last dog was a GSD bitch who I had from a puppy to 13, when her back end went. Fabulous dog, did loads with her, training, riding out with the horses, hot water bottle extraordinaire. Vet practice loved her.
I lived in a very dodgy bit of London when I first had her. I used to take her out jogging with me. She had a special "smile" which she wore if she spotted someone who she didn't like the look of . . . We never had any trouble.
Last dog was a greyhound cross whippet. I dragged her out of the hands of a bloke who was trying to drown her in a bucket of water. Didn't want to have the expense of putting her in kennels whilst he went on a week's holiday.
I threatened him with all sorts of hell, damnation and worse and he ran away.
She was also a brilliant dog, trained nicely to voice, whistle and hand/arm signals. Not steady to rabbits, but never caught one. She, too, went at 13 after 9 years of mutual adoration.
Both wonderful dogs. Probably won't have another, as The Kat Who Rules The World would probably make it's life a misery.

 

[Nudibranch]

At the moment I have a rough collie, who I chose because I wanted a good family dog. And she is great with kids. I grew up with borders though, and have a bc puppy arriving in 12 days (who's counting?). He will be a friend for the rough, and hopefully a working sheepdog as well. I'll need as much training for that as he will though! He has grown up in a family so should also be good with kids and he'll be doing a lot of socialisation which imo is more important than the breed.

My first very own dog as an adult was a longhaired miniature dachshund as back then I lived in a city and commuted to the horses for a few years. I just love them but as I said on the dachshund thread I was too heartbroken when he died to get another. Way too many being bred now and I dread to think of the health implications. I need active breeds these days.

I have to say I'll probably stick with border collies. Much as I love my rough, the way many lines are bred now is a disgrace and their massive coats are a welfare issue. I clip mine underneath, otherwise she can be prone to overheating. Even keeping her well combed isn't enough. There also seems to be a bit of a show or nothing attitude in the rough community. They're so much more than that. Or at least they would be if they weren't so restricted by heavy coats. Anyway rant over...

 

[nagblagger]

First 'real' dog that was mine as an adult was a collie, he was perfect in every way. When he died i didn't want a 'replacement' so got 2 various crosses. Although lovely dogs didn't have the same bond so when one died we wanted a small lapdog bitch who would be robust but submissive, no particular breed in mind. Unfortunately i was looking at the rescues in Ireland as we go there regularly and found Nell beagle x Labrador! Never look at rescue sites. 2 years later we have another dog from the same rescue back to the pure collie! More dog photos spam

 

[Shady]

Thanks so much ? we are very fond of her, there are more on the continent than the uk certainly but they’re much less prolific than GSPs everywhere I think. The GSP’s and GWP’s are lovely dogs too. Quite different in many ways to the GLP- character too, not just coat length ?

Both setter and scent hound were added into the mix when the German Longhaired Pointer was developed- the setter is what contributed to the coat. And they should run at a greater speed than most GSP’s too.

We’re making it our mission to make sure more people know about their existence ?

That's really interesting EllieBeast. I wonder what scent hound was added. One of the things I loved the most about the Bleu de Gascogne was her incredible stamina, grace and ground eating movement. I thought the male Weim would be a match and in many ways he was, but no way did he have her stamina despite both being super fit.
* goes off to look up GLP's *

 

[LadyGascoyne]

was it

breed
working ability
dog sports
size
looks
coat
adult/puppy

whatever the reasons, please share

Breed first, I have grown up with border collies and love the breed.

Then type - farm-bred, working type is what we looked for.

We then met the sire and bitch and they were both absolutely brilliant dogs, with great attitudes.

The other puppies were all earmarked for working jobs but Rio didn’t seem to be as bold or forward as the others so we thought he’d enjoy a non-working home. We were right! He hasn’t displayed any herding instincts and is petrified of sheep ? but he has made the best horse, beach, travel, adventure dog ever.

For nearly 14 years! I can’t believe it. 14 on the 30th of this month.

 

[Fools Motto]

The Springer spaniel was bred by my sister in law, and was a present. I wasn't a spaniel fan, but OH wanted one, so I agreed on a black and white as I think they're better looking than the liver and whites... but there were no black and whites in the litter, so I agreed on the 'most livery one'... along came Rosie.... despite many many hours of pure frustration over house training, (which is now 'just her', you still never know what surprises await you in the morning!) 7 years later, she's a good spaniel who makes me smile way more than me wanting to throttle her, and i'd be lost without her.
The whippet/bedlington was a rescue, and I saw her face online, and just HAD to have her! She is adorably dim, with the biggest prey drive to rid the entire world of cats, squirrels and sadly hedgehogs going... but, her eyes just melt into your soul, so any rolling in poo, stealing from the work surface when we slack, or escaping the kitchen (she opens the sliding door - she's got hands it seems) is always forgiven.

 

[EllieBeast]

That's really interesting EllieBeast. I wonder what scent hound was added. One of the things I loved the most about the Bleu de Gascogne was her incredible stamina, grace and ground eating movement. I thought the male Weim would be a match and in many ways he was, but no way did he have her stamina despite both being super fit.
* goes off to look up GLP's *

I’m not totally sure to be honest but I can certainly ask around and find out for you ?
As an HPR owner already you’ll be familiar with a lot of traits, these guys are very soft though. Not particularly defiant or hard headed.

The style and pace of the GLP especially on moorland is an absolute joy and I can certainly vouch for their stamina!
There’s some good info on the uk GLP club website- www.glpclub.org.uk

We are also sad enough to have social media for the dog ? my husband says he did it to promote the breed, I think he just likes talking about his dog! Feel free to look her up @ivytheglp on Instagram and Ivy the GLP on Facebook. Lots of photos and videos of her on there ?

 

[Moobli]

I grew up with Rotties and they still hold a big part of my heart. We lost our last family Rott in 2018, she was nearly 14 years old and an absolute legend to the end.

When I moved out into my first house, I needed a dog! I was going to go Rott again but my partner at the time had grown up with Dalmatians and insisted that that’s the only breed we could get. Cue Pippa dog, she’s 10yrs old now. The relationship didn’t last and when pip was 3 we parted ways and she stayed with me. The best housemate anyone could wish for. I absolutely adore her, however she only has eyes for my now husband - who she didn’t even know for the first half of her life ??
She’s also very independent and has no great drive to please, she’s very well behaved and you can take her anywhere but I’ve not found her as rewarding as Ivy to train.
Pip- View attachment 100751

Ive always taken an interest in shooting and have been out beating since my teenage years, my husband shoots and deer stalks. We wanted to get a gundog, and liked the idea of HPRs for the versatility and ‘one for the pot’ rough shooting.
My husbands boss has a GSP and he was talking to her about him when she asked if he’d heard of the GLPs (German Longhaired Pointer), after a bit of research and a trip to meet them at discover dogs at crufts we were totally sold on them.
Along came Ivy 3 years ago and she is the most biddable, trainable, lovable dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her drive to please is second to none and her natural working ability is an absolute pleasure to watch in action. There are only around 200 of the breed in the UK and it’s such a shame, they’re wonderful dogs!
Ivy-
View attachment 100752View attachment 100753

Ivy is beautiful ?

 

[Moobli]

At the moment I have a rough collie, who I chose because I wanted a good family dog. And she is great with kids. I grew up with borders though, and have a bc puppy arriving in 12 days (who's counting?). He will be a friend for the rough, and hopefully a working sheepdog as well. I'll need as much training for that as he will though! He has grown up in a family so should also be good with kids and he'll be doing a lot of socialisation which imo is more important than the breed.

My first very own dog as an adult was a longhaired miniature dachshund as back then I lived in a city and commuted to the horses for a few years. I just love them but as I said on the dachshund thread I was too heartbroken when he died to get another. Way too many being bred now and I dread to think of the health implications. I need active breeds these days.

I have to say I'll probably stick with border collies. Much as I love my rough, the way many lines are bred now is a disgrace and their massive coats are a welfare issue. I clip mine underneath, otherwise she can be prone to overheating. Even keeping her well combed isn't enough. There also seems to be a bit of a show or nothing attitude in the rough community. They're so much more than that. Or at least they would be if they weren't so restricted by heavy coats. Anyway rant over...

Border puppy pics needed!

 

[DabDab]

Thanks so much ? we are very fond of her, there are more on the continent than the uk certainly but they’re much less prolific than GSPs everywhere I think. The GSP’s and GWP’s are lovely dogs too. Quite different in many ways to the GLP- character too, not just coat length ?

Both setter and scent hound were added into the mix when the German Longhaired Pointer was developed- the setter is what contributed to the coat. And they should run at a greater speed than most GSP’s too.

We’re making it our mission to make sure more people know about their existence ?

Thanks so much for sharing. I've never come across them before but love the look of them.