April 10, 2015

Five Intriguing Dog Breeds

Manchester Terrier, photo via Wikipedia
There was a question circulating among my dog friends on Facebook recently asking what five breeds you would love to have. I gave it some thought, since I am always considering dogs past, present and future. On any given day, I see four or five dogs on various shelter and rescue and sites that I'd adopt in a heartbeat.

Every dog I've had has endeared its breed or mix to me. I think Lasya, my Chow/GSD was the perfect mix. I adore Norwegian Elkhounds because of Freya. I'm crazy enough to want another Border Jack, and if all Potcakes are like Boca, I'll take a dozen more.

I haven't had very much contact with four out of five breeds that I've listed - they have simply piqued my interest and intrigue me for one reason or another, some on the esoteric side.

Ibizan Hound: I think these dogs are just stunning, with their tall, graceful bodies, their gentle sighthound temperaments and the EARS. The wire-haired variety is especially unique. I have always been drawn to Spain and its animals - the Andalusian horse captured my heart decades ago, and I took the trip of a lifetime to southern Spain in 2013. The Ibizan Hounds and Podencos are unfortunately in great need of rescue in their home country, and I dream of retiring there and helping them.

Chinese Crested: This is a recent obsession, due in part to a friend rescuing one and learning how fun and trainable they are, but mainly because they look like they were created by Jim Henson and they actually need to wear clothes.

Swedish Vallhund: My beloved Norwegian Elkhound crossed with a corgi. Wolf corgis. Hipster corgis.Viking corgis. I would name my Swedish Vallhund Tyrion Lannister (with the season premiere in two days, I have Game of Thrones on my mind). 

Manchester Terrier: Ruby has given me an appreciation for terriers, and I've always thought that Manchesters were the perfect size in their snappy black & tan suits. Often mistaken for Min-Pins even though they are quite a bit larger, I think they would be a lot of fun (and probably a little trouble, too).

Australian Cattle Dog: The least exotic on my list, I grew up in cattle dog country and several of our family dogs were heeler mixes. I love the herding group in general; Australian cattle dogs are sturdy, smart, and just the right amount of naughty, plus they are always available through rescue.

It's more likely that I'll continue to adopt my dogs rather than seek out one of these somewhat rare breeds (except for cattle dogs), but there are rescue groups for nearly everything. I think these sorts of lists are the fun equivalent to fantasy football for the dog enthusiast. 

What about you? Which five breeds would you love to have someday?

28 comments:

  1. I've always been a mutt girl, but Barley has endeared me to all things mixed with border collie--I once saw a Border Corgi on a rescue site and I think that would be fabulous. My first dog was a golden retriever mix, so I also have a soft spot in my heart for them. I'm totally with you on the Cattle Dog--Barley has taught me the value of having a dog with a little bit of naughty inside--and the Swedish Vallhund--they are adorable! I'm also a sucker for French Bulldogs--their breathing issues might not make them the ideal choice for a hiking buddy, but I could watch videos of them snoring all day.

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    1. I've seen some corgi-cattle dog mixes that were the cutest things ever. Frenchies are adorable - they have the big, upright ears I love, but you are right that they don't have the stamina for strenuous activity.

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  2. I am perfectly happy with my brilliant Shetland Sheepdog :) My "bonus" daughter used to breed Chinese Cresteds. I am not a huge fan of their visual appearance (they look like something out of a Dr.Seuss book to me lol), but their personalities and loving natures make them grow on you. Barks and licks and love, Dakota www.dakotasden.net

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    1. I guess I am attracted to the Dr. Seuss look! I love all the herding breeds.

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  3. I think it's so cool that we have the same taste in unusual dogs! :D

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    1. I've never met one but I am sure I would like them...they are dogs!

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  5. Lol all good picks. One breed is actually starring in an article I have been writing. Thanks for a great article.

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    1. Which breed, Jessica? I look forward to reading it!

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  6. Afghan hound, any Belgian, Laika, Shiba Inu, CSV. The Afghan doesn't fit with my "type" but I absolutely love them.

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    1. I had to Google two of those, Rebekah! I know what you mean about Afghans - they are so beautiful!

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  7. I think I might be well matched to a cattle dog, who could run all day long next to my bike :) Cool breeds!

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    1. I've seen some videos of mountain bikers (the extreme, trick-riding kind) whose cattle dogs accompany them!

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  8. One of my favorite breeds is the Cattle Dog and each of our dogs is part Cattle Dog. I love that they are so recognizable and that I meet so many others who love this breed. I met a woman this morning :)

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  9. It's fascinating to learn how many different dog breeds there are. I'm always surprised to see information about ones I've never before heard of. And Chinese Cresteds don't look much like dogs LOL but I've heard they're awesome companions!

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    1. There is a variety of Chinese Crested that has hair - they are called Powder Puffs - but I like the hairless ones better. It's their unique look that I'm attracted to.

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  10. Very interesting article - I didn't even know some of these breeds existed! I especially loved your description of the Chinese Crested as Jim Henson characters.

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    1. There are so many unusual breeds - every time I go to the big dog show here in Denver I learn of something new.

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  11. Okay so I totally want an Ibizan Hound. I was just thinking about them the other day - how weird! Lots of cattle dogs around me since I do agility - so many of my friends have them! One breed that I will have one day is a Shetland Sheepdog. I just love them so much.

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    1. Shelties are often stars in the agility ring! A friend of mine had a pair of senior shelties, they were sweethearts.

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  12. I'm not really sure what breed of dog I would get if I was choosing a dog. Like you, I would likely adopt a dog. Though I am a cat person,I've had a couple of dogs in my life and I tend to prefer larger dogs. Knowing me, I would end up with a Saint Bernard just like my Grandma used to have.
    -Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

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    1. I used to prefer big dogs but since fostering a Chihuahua and adopting Ruby, I've come to love the smaller ones. I figure I can have more that way!

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  13. When I was a kid, I always wanted an Afghan Hound. I've met one of those Swedish Vallhunds before and he was such a cutie!! Very similar to a Corgi imo.

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    1. I love corgis! I'm surprised how many people are attracted to Afghans - it must be those beautiful coats.

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  14. Hmm. OK, here goes (in no order):
    Wire-haired dachshund
    Pembroke corgi
    German shepherd
    Pit bull-type
    Great dane
    Boxer

    Oops! That was six breeds. I've seen all of them but one (wire-haired doxie) in local rescues. Heaven help me if I ever see one of those (because I lied! I listed them first because I want one BAD)! :D

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