My breed of choice is the Australian Cattle Dog. I love their energy style (they're go, go, go and then....lounge on the couch), their intellect (damn they're smart), and even their stubborn-headedness (they keep me on my toes). They're dedicated and LOVE their family, but can be a terror if not properly trained or socialized. Mine are good with most other dogs (they used to be great with all other dogs but socializing is a forever thing with ACD's and with my schooling they've been isolated from other dogs for some time now) and most people (don't act creepy around me.....they'll get suspicious) but are not terribly keen on kids (one is ok with them, the other is terrified of them).....of course we don't have kids so socializing them with children was difficult at best.

I've had ACD's for 20 years now and will always have one, but we'll probably get a French Bulldog as our next dog. My husband wants something smaller to hang out with and we need something that isn't tiny & breakable (a Mini Bull Terrier and a Standard Manchester Terrier are also on the runner-up list). We're in the process of communicating with a very good breeder and although it will be a year or two before we're ready we've started the look now.

After doing rescue for 10 years I've decided that I am no longer interested in a rescue dog. The majority of them are from back yard breeders and have a host of issues.....been there, done that......far too many times. We will now only get a dog from a reputable breeder and do lots of homework before hand.

Beandog wrote:
If you spend your time trying to please everyone and ensure no waves are created you are going to end up with egg on your face, half naked in the middle of the street surrounded by Norwegian dwarves singing Kumbayah off key with a WTF expression on your face. 

JohnnyToaster wrote:

Actually, Warmbloods start out their lives as something that resembles a cross between a deer and a rhinoceros. After 6 months of this larval stage they will spin a cocoon, made of a coarse silk, and pupate for about a year. They then emerge as fully mature Grand Prix dressage horses or jumpers depending on their breeding.