I am normally a big breed kind of dog owner. I've always had German Shepards, Labs, Great Danes, & Rottweilers. But now have a Beagle Chihuahua mix. He's a big guy for the mix - 24 lbs. Most people say when they see him that he got more Beagle body than Chihuahua.

I couldn't/wouldn't own any toy dog. They're just too small. I'm afraid my 6'2 teenage boy would step on it or something. And when my cat weighs more than my dog that could lead to problems LOL. Besides, I think my Bengel cat (20lbs) would think it was a toy & hurt it. He & my dog play/rough house & that's just about a perfect match. Also not a huge fan of the smaller schnauzers, hairless dogs or French Bulldogs.

Having owned Rottweilers, I really am loyal to this breed, they are so intelligent, loving and fascinating but I really like all dogs. Ok, perhaps I would never own a chinese crested, sorry to me it does not look too much like a dog, no offense! and I also would not own a toy breed becasue they look too vulnerable and get hypolglycemic easily and seem to shiver a lot!

Originally Posted by TexasRanger

Small/toy breeds. I'm 6"1, 215lbs and whenever i'm around small dogs i feel like Lenny with his mouse. I'm always afraid I'll step/sit/accidently crush the dog.

This.

I've been raised around Dobes, Shepherds, Great Danes, labs, etc. I love big dogs. I find their temperments suit me more. It's funny, I like my dogs when they're puppies, so I guess the size isn't the issue.

Still, if the right basset hound came along, I don't know if I could say 'no,' whether I love big dogs or not.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by petra'smom

Having owned Rottweilers, I really am loyal to this breed, they are so intelligent, loving and fascinating but I really like all dogs. Ok, perhaps I would never own a chinese crested, sorry to me it does not look too much like a dog, no offense! and I also would not own a toy breed becasue they look too vulnerable and get hypolglycemic easily and seem to shiver a lot!

I own Miniature Pinschers and they suffer from none of what you state and have owned and raised them for many years with again, none of what you describe.
In addition, they are not vulnerable unless improperly bred.

I see this thread has been going for quite some time and some people that posted may not even be active here anymore..., but I thought I'd chime in on not only what I see some others have said, but my own opinions.
I work in the kennels at my vet clinic right now and though I really love this particular Beagle that comes in, I wouldn't own a beagle. Their nose is constantly to the ground and their bark drives me a bit insane. Super cute though! Hmmm what else has come in that I am not too fond of...I've had a couple real mutty dogs that have been pretty neurotic....and there is a black lab that drives me to wear ear protection.
I don't need to worry about what dog I wont be owning for many years to come though...I have 5 of my own at the moment and they are all under the age of 5...I've got awhile!

1 - I knew I'd end up coming across the Pit Bull discrimination...Like "Splinters" said "any breed can be vicious if not raised right", but what I would like to point out is:
Kids can run fast, which could cause any dog with a prey drive to run and nip at them...that's not being vicious, that's being true to their breed. Or how about the Dachshund that was in the news some time go for eating a baby's genitals off...why did he do this? Not because he's vicious, but because the baby had a dirty diaper and the dog saw that as a yummy treat. Kids can be very naughty around dogs and that can lead a dog into a sticky web...

2 - these are all for "wouldbedogowner":
- Pit Bulls do not have a "vicious, vicious nature" how absurd...
- You need to study up on jaws...Pit Bulls do NOT have the strongest jaws..the Rottweiler does. And I bet you think that the Pit now takes a second...wrong again...that would be the German Shepherd. THEN comes the APBT. You talk a lot of nonsense...
- WHERE are you getting that the APBT is the "#1 killer dog"??

3- these are @ Yogi...
I love that you posted the "Find the Pit Bull" link...I use that on people all the time.
I also love all of the great points that you have made throughout this post..

4 - My Miniature Pinscher is the one who is going to run up and grab someone by the pant legs, NOT my Pit Bull mix (who is mixed with a Rottie by the way). Yogi, I'm really loving all of the incredible points you are making.

5 - My Pit mix is in love with all children...she is fascinated by them and is very gentle and low key when they are around.

6 - Pits make HORRIBLE guard dogs! This is NOT what they were developed for at.all. Pits love people, so to give them the duty of protecting a house is ridiculous. And German Shepherds...those are great guard dogs...I have one and she protects our home with great pride. My Doberman?? HA she'll run away from you...she is the biggest scaredy cat I've ever met in my life. My Doberman has never even so much as play bit at me...not ONCE! You wouldn't worry about a Lab?? I would. I would worry about a lab being way too rough with a kid - at least until it is out of its puppy stage (which can be 3 years old or later).

7 - I also feel like a true dog lover does not discriminate...probably has favorites, but doesn't judge any breed as a whole.

Originally Posted by Yogi

In my breed, Miniature Pinschers are perceived as cute little dogs which is the eyes playing tricks on the mind. People negate the size and in turn commence assuming.
This is so true...Miniature Pinschers are LARGE dogs in a small body...Yes, they are adorable, but they can be big trouble!
This is a large fault that unfortunately only humans possess and in turn lead to getting something they did not bargain for.
Over handling of this breed in many cases results in a dog prone to biting as it is the only defense the breed has and therefore turns to it.
My Miniature Pinscher has been handled quite frequently and sleeps in my bed every night...she's never bitten me or any family member...
Understanding not just the breed but its classification ie: terrier, would eliminate much of the confusion people have when it comes to getting a dog.
Americans in general are prone to just buying because it is the fad or it is cute and end up getting themselves in a mess. This is the common end result when people buy terriers. What is needed is a complete understanding of the breed so in turn you can be aware before hand if the dog is going to be a handful requiring a lot of exercise to appease it therefore wearing it out so it does not go postal on the condo or a breed that in fact can suffice on being walked twice a day for 20 minutes and when you are not at home is sound asleep
My Miniature Pinscher will stay asleep under the covers all day...but...and could care less who comes calling when you are not there. She most definitely cares who is walking by the house...
If people read up on dogs like they should when purchasing a car or for that matter leasing a condo or apt because the of the cost, location, space etc. the majority of people would never get a dog or would have a totally different breed than the one they just grabbed because it fit in their purse or on their arm or for god knows what other ignorant reason.
This is why I feel that one of the most important parts of my future career as a dog trainer is to give thorough breed consults.
A dog is a dog, like people they all have their quirks and these are the little things that are the unexpected but if you get the RIGHT one as far as breed goes and in all it lives up to the basic understanding as you thought it would, then the little quirk is just that a little quirk and is of no consequence in the final analysis. The ultimate goal is this animal is your responsibility for its lifetime. It is not thrown away when things go bad or go wrong but is worked with, cared for and nurtured because the ultimate reward is something that nearly every one desires but few ever really receive and that is unconditional love. With that being said, what exactly is your reason for wanting a dog again?

For me it is simple, I have no faith in people and have never given anyone reason to believe otherwise. Ditto
Those that know me will attest to this. With dogs and cats I find solace knowing that someone at one point did something right and the unconditional love that is received from them can and in my case is immense. No matter what mood I may be in, tails continue to wag or in most cases, nubs continue to wag. Cats continue to purr and for me that is all I need to make me realize things are not that bad. Even if it means cleaning a litter box or excusing a dog for messing on the carpet. Because when all is said and done, these creatures provide something to me that most only dream of but never quite get when it comes to people and that is the unconditional love. I really like this...

Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

Also Yogi, why do you like the dogs like the Dobermans and Pits so much anyway? What is it that they provide that a cuddly dog say a bichon or a wonderful lab or retriever can't provide you?

Not to answer for Yogi, but my Doberman loves to cuddle under the blankets...
My Pit/Rott loves to lay in the middle of the bed with her head on a pillow like my husband and I.
My GSD just loves to be in the middle of everything and cuddle away.
Why do people like them so much?? Because they LOVE US so much. You would know that if you ever gave them a chance.

Originally Posted by wouldbedogowner

Well, Yogi, there seems to be a debate going on with you and vetgroomer concerning the nature of the Pit. My feeling remains that he has an ingrained vicious nature. If you're looking for a dog to rip someone to pieces, he's your go-to dog.

Yeah...my Pit Bull is just all about ripping people's throats out...How naive can you be?!
Until you have had first hand experience with the APBT I would think it be best to keep your opinions to yourself. You don't get experience from other people who discriminate and you don't get it from reading a book...you get it from getting out there and meeting them.

[Lara's mom]

I wouldn't have a pit bull or a pit bull X. They are a banned breed (the only one) where I live and they have to be leashed and muzzled at all times which I really don't think is fair to the dog. Also, when one is out in public with these dogs, people shy away from them.

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by tristanichole

I see this thread has been going for quite some time and some people that posted may not even be active here anymore..., but I thought I'd chime in on not only what I see some others have said, but my own opinions.
I work in the kennels at my vet clinic right now and though I really love this particular Beagle that comes in, I wouldn't own a beagle. Their nose is constantly to the ground and their bark drives me a bit insane. Super cute though! Hmmm what else has come in that I am not too fond of...I've had a couple real mutty dogs that have been pretty neurotic....and there is a black lab that drives me to wear ear protection.
I don't need to worry about what dog I wont be owning for many years to come though...I have 5 of my own at the moment and they are all under the age of 5...I've got awhile!

1 - I knew I'd end up coming across the Pit Bull discrimination...Like "Splinters" said "any breed can be vicious if not raised right", but what I would like to point out is:
Kids can run fast, which could cause any dog with a prey drive to run and nip at them...that's not being vicious, that's being true to their breed. Or how about the Dachshund that was in the news some time go for eating a baby's genitals off...why did he do this? Not because he's vicious, but because the baby had a dirty diaper and the dog saw that as a yummy treat. Kids can be very naughty around dogs and that can lead a dog into a sticky web...

2 - these are all for "wouldbedogowner":
- Pit Bulls do not have a "vicious, vicious nature" how absurd...
- You need to study up on jaws...Pit Bulls do NOT have the strongest jaws..the Rottweiler does. And I bet you think that the Pit now takes a second...wrong again...that would be the German Shepherd. THEN comes the APBT. You talk a lot of nonsense...
- WHERE are you getting that the APBT is the "#1 killer dog"??

3- these are @ Yogi...
I love that you posted the "Find the Pit Bull" link...I use that on people all the time.
I also love all of the great points that you have made throughout this post..

4 - My Miniature Pinscher is the one who is going to run up and grab someone by the pant legs, NOT my Pit Bull mix (who is mixed with a Rottie by the way). Yogi, I'm really loving all of the incredible points you are making.

5 - My Pit mix is in love with all children...she is fascinated by them and is very gentle and low key when they are around.

6 - Pits make HORRIBLE guard dogs! This is NOT what they were developed for at.all. Pits love people, so to give them the duty of protecting a house is ridiculous. And German Shepherds...those are great guard dogs...I have one and she protects our home with great pride. My Doberman?? HA she'll run away from you...she is the biggest scaredy cat I've ever met in my life. My Doberman has never even so much as play bit at me...not ONCE! You wouldn't worry about a Lab?? I would. I would worry about a lab being way too rough with a kid - at least until it is out of its puppy stage (which can be 3 years old or later).

7 - I also feel like a true dog lover does not discriminate...probably has favorites, but doesn't judge any breed as a whole.





Not to answer for Yogi, but my Doberman loves to cuddle under the blankets...
My Pit/Rott loves to lay in the middle of the bed with her head on a pillow like my husband and I.
My GSD just loves to be in the middle of everything and cuddle away.
Why do people like them so much?? Because they LOVE US so much. You would know that if you ever gave them a chance.


Yeah...my Pit Bull is just all about ripping people's throats out...How naive can you be?!
Until you have had first hand experience with the APBT I would think it be best to keep your opinions to yourself. You don't get experience from other people who discriminate and you don't get it from reading a book...you get it from getting out there and meeting them.

just to point with regards to Miniature Pinschers, it is essential to note that there are Miniature Pinschers and there are Min Pins or Mini Pins. Though they are in a sense the same breed, the latter terms are reserved for the ones that do not comply whether it be in size or terrier demeanor with the true Miniature Pinscher. The latter terms are given to the smaller undersized ones or ones that do not exhibit the true terrier nature. I have raised, bred and rescued these for many many years. Mine are pure terriers as the breed is and though yes, will sleep under the covers at night in bed (instinctively, all Miniature Pinschers will burrow as this comes from feral breeding where hay in barns were their source of heat), in no way can be used as an indicator as to whether they are in the true Miniature Pinscher status or in the Min Pin/Mini Pin status.
If the dog is true to its breed, recall is difficulty and to be expected. They will instinctively bolt after any quick moving small object. They are prone to being extremely independent and prefer to initiate contact not have it forced on them. On the other hand you have the Min and Mini Pins which comply more with the "Toy" breed philosophy. More loving, easier to handle overly affectionate lap dogs. In these, they see a rat or mouse generally show no real interest or if do will chase but have no idea what to do with the prey once they have caught up to it. This breed was not a house pet but bred as a feral dog. Its instincts to perform the job it was bred for is extremely high if bred properly. I breed ratters not the Min/Mini Pin variety. None of my ratters are under 11lbs and all are in the true size range of the actual breed not to the standards set by the MPCA who along with the AKC had no idea what this breed was or for when it arrived. Had they, they would have continued to show the dog in the Terrier group which they did for one year until the MPCA petitioned for the toy grouping and proceeded to refine and down size the dog. My ratters are territorial and yes, can be very overprotective. They are naturally guard oriented which is indicative in this breed if true to the Miniature Pinscher. As for not caring if someone comes calling when not there, I do not remember that remark. Mine will go nuts to defend against any intruder. Either that was a misquote or I failed to express the statement correctly. I think this was in regards to breeds not specifically Miniature Pinschers but my comments were regarding looking at and studying breeds in general that will fit the lifestyle. I did not state Miniature Pinschers.
They are in fact rated the 3rd worst breed for apts. I think if you re-read my comments it states Americans buying breeds with basically little concern and ending up with breeds that do not fit into ones lives.

http://minpin-and-manx.sampa.com/

Originally Posted by Yogi

If the dog is true to its breed, recall is difficulty and to be expected. Her recall is...nonexistent...*sigh*
They will instinctively bolt after any quick moving small object. They are prone to being extremely independent and prefer to initiate contact not have it forced on them. I will agree with this only when it comes to strangers or people she sees on occasion. When it comes to people that she feels are her family...initiating contact is completely fine with her.
On the other hand you have the Min and Mini Pins which comply more with the "Toy" breed philosophy. More loving, easier to handle overly affectionate lap dogs. This only applies here when it comes to her family, no one else.
In these, they see a rat or mouse generally show no real interest or if do will chase but have no idea what to do with the prey once they have caught up to it. We have a rat and we have Chinchillas...Libby is NOT to be trusted around any of them. No way, no how.
This breed was not a house pet but bred as a feral dog. Its instincts to perform the job it was bred for is extremely high if bred properly. I breed ratters not the Min/Mini Pin variety. None of my ratters are under 11lbs and all are in the true size range of the actual breed not to the standards set by the MPCA who along with the AKC had no idea what this breed was or for when it arrived. Had they, they would have continued to show the dog in the Terrier group which they did for one year until the MPCA petitioned for the toy grouping and proceeded to refine and down size the dog. My ratters are territorial and yes, can be very overprotective. They are naturally guard oriented which is indicative in this breed if true to the Miniature Pinscher. As for not caring if someone comes calling when not there, I do not remember that remark. No, you said the Min Pins wont care if someone comes calling, Miniature Pinschers will...mine DOES. Mine will go nuts to defend against any intruder. Either that was a misquote or I failed to express the statement correctly. I think this was in regards to breeds not specifically Miniature Pinschers but my comments were regarding looking at and studying breeds in general that will fit the lifestyle. I did not state Miniature Pinschers.

Really enjoying talking about the Miniature Pinschers - I bet its super noisy at your house when someone comes over!!! LOL

[Yogi]

Ok, I see where the quote re: reaction from people calling is. Min Pins generally do not where Miniature Pinschers are in fact guard oriented. In the smaller versions we have seen for years the nervous yappy issue. Miniature Pinschers on the other hand are not seen as yappy. Their barking is a sign of what it actually deems a threat as opposed to incessant yapping found in the Min or Mini. Thus the Miniature Pinscher is not prone to just barking for the sake of or out of fear or nervousness.

I see exactly what you are saying - I've come across the yappers...the ones that just bark for the sake of it. Libby doesn't do that though, thank God! She barks as a warning that something/one is there that she deems "unfit" haha.
She is more of a guard dog than any of my large breeds - my landlord says he thinks she is better at it and and more scary than any of the others here. Not to say she's vicious, she's just good at holding people off. Sometimes I wish this weren't the case, but it is what she is - there's no breaking that.