Least favorite breed.. for ME.. would be mastiff. Because of the massive size, and mostly the drooling. The drooling puts me off.. same as with saint bernards.

I love my friends mastiffs... they're great. Glad they don't live in my house, though. :)

My dogs tend to live to ripe old ages. As a result, they also tend to become pretty immobile in their latter years, often requiring assistance negotiating stairs and the like. There are seven stairs leading up to my front door, and I am currently closing in on 52 yrs old.

All of that said, I have decided that I no longer want to take on dogs that weigh more than 50#. I currently have a 55 lb girlie who I've been carrying up and down these stairs several times a day all summer and fall while she's been recuperating from multiple cruciate surgeries. That's what convinced me that I'm ready to downsize a bit.

As I continue to age, I expect my dogs will diminish in size. I love the herders, so I anticipate that my next downsize will be to shelties and smaller herder mixes.

I do love the giant breeds, but they aren't practical for me now.

Laurie

OH -- that reminded me -- the droolers. I love them to pieces .... but I can't stand the drool . Bless those peopple that carry around towels and wipe them off !!

I couldn't do the drooling dogs. I know there are many very nice breeds but I couldn't do slobber on the walls, furniture, me, etc. I also wouldn't want a large breed. I'm only 5'0" and 110 lbs. I wouldn't want to struggle with one on a leash while he's being trained. I guess I'm a little dog person.

Most of them. I can't understand why anyone would want 98% of the dog breeds that are out there. I have a breed where most of the owners discourage newcomers from getting the breed. It's a somewhat rare breed, only 500 registered last year in the US. The more people said not to get this breed, the more I wanted one and was tempted by the challenge. So far I've not found it to be too challenging. The grooming is a lot of work but other than that if you're willing to give it 110%, you can have any breed you want. I just don't understand why people like those guard dog type breeds.

what Laurie said.

My middle-aged Lab has a thyroid problem.

He weighs over 100 lbs, & I weigh 120.

What breed do you have Quirky ? I'm sure you spoil your babies like the rest of us do ! Tell us what you have that you love . (You know - I have taken alot of your posts wrong ....I'm SO sorry . I thought you were one of those "know it alls" . Please forgive me --- You have given a rare breed a chance to experience LOVE.

"Most of them. I can't understand why anyone would want 98% of the dog breeds that are out there."

That cracked me up! There is so much truth in humor :-)

The little dogs seem too busy and bouncy and in your face. If I want to trip over something, the cats will work. And I commend dog owners who can put up with foam and drool.

I'll stick with my 60 to 70 pound dogs and if I have to carry them up the stairs (I have) I'll call it my weight bearing exercise. A friend my age (late 50s) just bought a new home with master bedroom on the first floor so that she won't have to carry the dogs upstairs as they get old.

Any of the terrorists, uh Terriers, from small to huge. My personality and theirs just don't make a good fit.
My most favorite are herding dogs, and most are not AKC herders, but developed by cross-breeding the Australian breeds: Kelpie, Heeler, Dingo and crosses thereof. McNab is an excellent cross, but hard dogs and I love them.

I guess i would'nt really want one of the droolers but if i had to i would take him.

I live out in the middle of nowhere and i need my 50# Dillen to scare strangers tho he would just love someone to death. He does put on a good show of meaness for a little bit.

The only dog i just would'nt have is a pitbull. Sorry pitbull owners.

Do'nt know if i could keep up with a terrior but what i would'nt give for abt. half their energy.
vickie

terrorists not a huge fan of hehe, as they are what you call "independent workers" they don't need a human around to do their "job" run around every where and kill things.

Had one proudly bring me a kitten it killed. GOOD BOY?????

I love herding dogs but the energy of a Border collie is a bit much, I don't agree that becuase they like to "chase" things they will chase cars, herding dogs where breed to herd, not chase things, two VERY DIFFERENT THINGS!

But my husband knew a dumb heeler that would bite the tire on a tractor and make the whole trip around holding on to it with it's teeth until it flopped him on the ground hard.

they where breed to "work" the animals not wildly chase after them, I own two herding dog mixes and one herds the other does not. the herding dog was breed to drop what it is doing, in their case stop "chasing" and come when called. thats means "drop" something they find very interesting and come to their master. something that if the dog was bred to chase would not do such as hounds.

Which is one breed I love to hate as I love their Good ol' boy personality but dislike that they are hard to trian for they like to chase things and was bred for it, that and the fact they are fearless.

Heelers are a bit tuff, AS don't like the long hair, Corgis don't seem like real hreding dogs to me, but don't tell my Friend who breeds them hehe.
Gee I guess I'll take a good herding mutt.

I'm not a huge fan of the huge drooling breeds . . . especially the overly-friendly ones. Also, I've never found Pugs or Bulldogs to be particularly attractive. However, if a dog has a good personality, then it is attractive and I would consider adopting it . . . beauty is only skin deep, after all.

Toomuchglass,
I have a Bearded collie. (And also a mixed dog too that I got from a shelter and would get another dog just like him if I could.) Around the time I got on a waiting list that shaggy dog movie was out and people were worried it was going to be like another 101 dalmations kind of thing so the beardie folks were very protective at that time. The truth is I really did my homework and I didn't even see the movie til it came out on home video, long after I got the puppy. I drove 4 hours away to visit a breeder who didn't have any pups, but just to see and experience them first hand and to try grooming them. It was time very well spent.

I was looking for a combination of things. I wanted a medium sized shaggy and huggable companion that was rugged enough to take on outdoor expeditions and have a friendly bouncy personality. And liked the idea of having a unique dog because I crave attention. And I got exactly what I asked for, 100%. My Cousin/CIL had an Old English sheepdog when I was in my teens. I thought that was the coolest dog in the universe and for the life of me didn't understand why everyone didn't have a shaggy dog that looked like a teddy bear. About 3 years ago I learned of the bearded collie when I filled out an online questionaire from yahoo pets and it put bearded collie at the top of my matches. Since I believe everything I read online I thought that must be the breed for me. Rare dogs are not easy to get. Selecting a breeder was a bit of an ordeal. This really isn't the easiest dog to manage and I can see why people say they can be manipulative because they're smart and can learn ways to get you to do stuff they want to do! I look at it like a puppy is a big gob of clay and you have to sculpt it into the well-mannered, non aggressive, friendly dog that loves everyone and everything and isn't 'fraid o' nothin. When you're willing to stop at nothing to accomplish this goal then like I said, you can have any breed you want.

In the spring, he'll turn one and well sign up for agility training and intermediate obedience and see how we can put this dude to work.

And yes I would be surprised if I didn't come across as a know-it-all most of the time and that's because I honestly think I'm never wrong and don't understand why everyone doesn't do things exactly the way I do! Hey pretty nifty that I can admit that, right? I'm very receptive to debate and correction though.

I absolutely adore big dogs, but any of the really energetic ones, wouldnt cut it for me. I would need a lazy big dog. I don't mind drooling, but Im just a little person too. And dogs like to jump, especially while they're still learning. And theres something unnerving to me about being face to face with a hyper slobering dog on its hind legs. If it can stand up and put its paws on my shoulders, I dont want it. Too big for me.

And nothing small and fluffy. Which is odd, I love little fluffy kittens, but I cant stand poms, or pekinese. I also hate chihuahas. I think they're the only dog I truly would never ever have. I would never actively go out looking for a pom, or pekinese. But if I came across one and fell in love with it, I would take it Im sure. But I just dont like chihuhas. Maybe its because they're so shaky and sorry looking all the time. I guess I just dont like looking at a dog that looks like its being beaten all day, or is scared of everyone and everything, despite all the cookies and play time it can handle.

I saw a girl at the pet store the other day who had three chihuhas in one of those little carrying bag things, and they all just sat there and shook...I just really dont like those little things!

I didn't want a big dog - partly because of no room and no yard, and partly because I'm small and I've seen too many women with big dogs they can't control. I didn't want to become one of those women.

I didn't want a "too-smart" dog like a border collie because they need a lot more attention and training than I can give, since I work full time. I wanted a more independent and laid-back breed.

I ruled out droolers and shedders. I ruled out toy dogs like chihuahuas as I was afraid my big DH may step on it!

I ruled out dogs that could jump the wall around my patio.

So I narrowed it down and narrowed it down. And I got my doxie. He's perfect for me. Small but not tiny, smooth-haired, no shedding. Laid-back yet can take all the exercise I want to give him. Very sweet. Trained not to bark or bother people, so I take him to my office with me. Dachshunds have a tendency to be stubborn and domineering. They need to be well-trained.

I actually have a fondness for terriers like Westies, but I wouldn't have one unless I had a big yard. Yes, they can be terrorists, LOL. But I see good ones and I see bad ones and it always boils down to the owner. Terriers need a strong, dominant owner.

I also don't like drooling dogs. Also no bulldogs or basset hounds. Not too crazy about any with the pushed in faces. I love all the "terrorists", but would probably draw the line at Jack Russells. We've had schnauzers, welsh terrier, and now an Irish terrier - he is the most stubborn of the lot, but he's only 9 months.

It would be a lot easier to go back and tell you what I would have. I don't care much for English Bulldogs or Pugs. Most of the toys just don't strike me as real dogs altho I do rather like Pappillons. Poms are very cute and I thought once about getting one until I realized if you shave them they turn into Chihuahuas. Most hounds don't appeal to me even after having Greyhounds. Don't care much for Retrievers either altho I have known some Goldens I liked quite a lot. Most of the breeds I really like are either Working, Herding or Terriers. But I think the all time number one that I personally could not live with would have to be a Miniature Schnauzer. I love Giant Schnauzers but most mini's just get on my nerves big time.

Lisa

Our local kennel club has a couple in it that has Beardies. The ones I've met have been pretty nifty characters.

Lisa

The terrier mentality is a bit much at times. Negotiations typically involve a jar of peanut butter.

I really think it depends on the personality. I've always had large breeds (retrievers, dobermans) and currently am owned by a great dane (drool is a way of life - haha!!). I've never really been drawn to tiny breeds but have dog sat a pappilion, a skipperke and a min pin and mini doxie and they were all delightful! I don't think I have the patience for grooming tho, so I'd say any breed that requires extensive grooming wouldn't work for me.

I have been raising Corgis, both Pembrokes and Cardigans for over 20 years. If you've have ever seen Queen Elizabeth with her herd of dogs, those are all Corgis, mainly Pembrokes. Cardigans have tails, Pembrokes don't. These are extremly intelligent dogs who will easily learn 75 or 80 words and spelling doesn't work. They are vigerous, muscular dogs that are very loyal. They are basically a fairly large dog on short legs and are herding dogs that require exercise. If you like dumb dogs who just like to lay around, don't get a Corgi.

Although I think they are very cool dogs, a border collie would not work for me ('cause I don't have sheep, LOL). I just don't have the time or space to give them what they need to be happy. And they are also way too smart.

Any dog that requires intensive grooming, say more than a weekly brushing and a bath 1-2x per month. Also, teensy dogs would risk being stepped on by their klutzy owner. So, no toy breeds and no fru-fru dogs.

Give me a short-haired Heinz57 rescue any day and I will be a happy camper.

I can't really say there is a breed that I'd refuse if the individual dog has a great personality and is in good health. But I'd never go out looking to adopt a Cocker Spaniel, West Highland White Terrier, or Bassett Hound because they have way too many problems with allergies and skin conditions and their personalities for the most part are not worth the trouble. Boxers I absolutely adore, but I wouldn't go looking for one to own because they die of cancer way too young and I just can't take that.

Quirky --- now I know you are so cool and such a dog lover ! OK-- you have my permission to know it all ~~
LOL ....

I wouldn't get a border collie either, I don't want to have to get a flock of sheep to give it enough to do. Those blue heelers are sure cute though...I wouldn't get a really big dog either, like a newfoundland, even though I think they're really nice dogs, because of their short lifespan. I'd rather spend time walking a dog than grooming it, so I wouldn't get one that needs to be groomed either. I could live without those little yappy ankle biters too.
Jen

When I was faced with getting a new used dog last year I knew I should scale down. It would be much easier to have a dog I could pick up and take to the vet when needed.

I really, really wanted a bull terrier. Never met one but that would be my dream dog. Didn't want a puppy though and wouldn't justify $1500.00 for a dog when there are so many out there.

I wanted one to take to the lake so the smushed nose ones were out because of over heating.

Bottom line, I couldn't imagine not having a Rottweiler in my life and there are plently of them in the pound so that's what I got.

My sister is on her second rescued Beardie.

I could not have a big dog either. I'm 55, have a bad neck and live in a 3 story townhouse. I have a 20lb Lhasa Apso. With the right training these dogs are ideal for anyone. They don't shed a hair, have big dog personalities, and are very intelligent (although Fuzz accepts our love on his own terms) Have had him for 11 years and he has arthritis and sometimes can't manage the steps without pain, so I pick him up and carry him. He loves it. We just love him to pieces! I would get another in a heartbeat!!

I was always a big dog fan. Labs or Danes.

I never thought I could enjoy a small dog, especially a terrier, but then one day this tiny runt of Jack Russell adopted me, (he was in need of a serious owner) and ever since then I have an appreciation for all small dogs.

I love them all, but I do draw line at drool. We babysat a lab with drooling problem one weekend for an acquaintance. I certianly couldn't live with that drool, day in and day out.

I love shih tzus. Even though they are small, they seem to have the hearts and character of larger dogs. They don't yap and they don't jump. They like cats and even act like them sometimes. They don't need lots of exercise but do love walks. They are portable dogs that you can put in a pouch or a back pack. They take only maybe 15 minutes to bathe and if you keep their coats trimmed, they require minimal grooming. They seem to live fairly long lives, don't drool, and are even fairly inexpensive. Their personalities are sweet and happy and they dance when pleased.

I am not a fan of the Terriorists either, my mother owns one, and that dog has way too much energy for me, open a door and she is out before you even see her go, Neighbors have some they keep on a chain outside (instead of walking them they put them on a chain to go to the bathroom) everytime you walk past they start snarling and barking. just not fond of them. But I never say never, if I found a dog no matter what the breed that decided I would make a nice owner, well I would take it, I am a pushover for animals regardless of the breed.
munkos, you would probably be astonished by my Chihuahua, I always said I would never have one either, my friend raises the Long Haired Minitures. So my son has a 2lb dog. she only shakes when it is below 50 and she is outside, same as my Shih Tzu and if you try to go in the boys room at night to check on them if you try to touch them she will attack you (she never bites, she just warns you to leave her boys alone while they are sleeping) that little dog is not afraid of anyone, but I will probably never own another one, she is unique and I am afraid another one would act like the shaking mass of nerves you described:)

From personal experience I don't care for Schnaunzers & St. Bernards. I pretty much like all breeds - big or small. Even though I'm not a big person (5ft 8in, 120lbs with many health issues) I prefer intelligent, active dogs. I love GSD's with a passion. Have since I was ten years old, & dreamed of one day having one of those magnificent creatures!!!!!!!

No big dogs. 40 lbs max for me. I like dogs that I don't have to buy a truck to transport.

I don't like dogs with smashed in faces much. Although I have met some I like personally, I don't think I could stand to hear them wheezing. They seem to have such a hard time in hot weather.

Don't like german shepherds much, they kind of scare me, I have known so many over the years that were vicious.

Would never ever own a dog that was even part pit bull.

Exceedingly yappy dogs, like schnauzers, and chihuahuas. Although I don't mind dogs that bark, just those non-stop high-pitched yappers.

I like the terrier breeds and I like (and have owned several) dachshunds. Longhaired ones because they are more mellow than the smooth haireds. But unfortunately the american breeding trend is to breed them smaller and smaller miniature sized. WAY too small for me. So I doubt I will get another unless I can find a breeder of the standard size ones (rare in america).
No teeny tiny dogs that you could kill if you accidentally stepped on it.

cicidae: Most shih tzus that I have known have such great personalities. My aunt had two, my co-worker has two, my sister has one. So friendly.

Owned a border collie. Great dog to train, too high of an energy level unless you have a big fenced in yard. This goes for most shepherd breeds and hunting breeds as well.

No retrievers, for some reason that oil on their skin makes me sneeze. And I live on a river so those retrievers would not get out of there I am sure. Nice and stinky.

Cocker spaniel: that breed has been ruined by overbreeding. I have known several that have severe personality problems. Completely untrainable.

I just happened to wander over here from the Garden Web and saw this question. Several breeds I would never own...cocker spaniels, labs (had one that was well trained and raised with kids, yet bit someone on a bike and cause a fairly serious injury). Also, I tend to not like small dogs. I accidentally ended up with an American pitbull terrier (had I know what she was when I got her I never would have kept her). She is the BEST dog I've ever had. After much research, it is the only kind of dog I ever will have with children in the house. However, I would never trust her around other animals. This is no problem since she is my only pet.

Ditto on the drooly guys and pit bulls.
I seem to like the uncommon breeds. We're on our 3rd Keeshond. They range from 35-40 lbs., but have the bark of a bigger dog..and the teeth too. They get along well with all ages and other animals.
Another breed I saw at a dog show, a Chinook, intrigued me. They're big dogs, but very docile. I have yet to see one out in public.

I would never own one of the rotties or pit bulls and probably would draw the line at german shepherds and dobermans too. But I love ......terriers! They are so alert, intelligent and fun. My two are nothing like people seem to think terriers are. They are well behaved, sleep a lot, quiet and rarely jump, unless it's into my lap when I pat it. They don't chew, or do anything destructive inside or out.

I love boxers too. We had two when I was growing up and they have the sweetest personalities.

But most breeds, naw...I don't think so. Drooling, long hair, big dogs, yappy pekinsese types, or overly delicate dogs would not work with me.

I do like dauchsunds a great deal too. We had one growing up that lived to 17 and he had so much personality.