There are over two hundred breeds of dog, from teeny, tiny Chihuahuas and toy breeds, up to giant breeds like Saint Bernard or English Mastiff. As a dog lover myself, all breeds of dog are stars in their own ways to me. However, most of us have a breed that especially appeals to us, that connects to us in some way. These are dogs who would do anything for us and dogs for whom we would do anything.
I would never have imagined that French Bulldogs would turn out to be the number one breed in America! Until recently, they were fairly obscure, and I had never seen one until we got a dog identification guide book. Talk about love at first sight. When we got our first Frenchie, Gabby, I was actually astounded at how rascally and friendly and loving she was, she never disappointed.
Only recently nosed out of first place by French Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers are still among the most versatile and beloved dog breeds. Labs were the top dog in the US for 31 astounding years, until 2022 when they were edged out by those rascal French Bulldogs. However, there is a good reason why Labs have been popular for so long. Labs are notorious for their generally happy dispositions and ability to fit in with the family.
There can surely be no breed of dog that works harder than the German Shepherd. This dog was originally developed and used to herd sheep, probably in the same way that a Border Collie does. Herding sheep not only requires stamina and strength, but also a high degree of intelligence. These are all characteristics of the German Shepherd.
Is the Rottweiler a dangerous dog? The simple answer is NO. While Rotties are large and strong dogs, they are not intrinsically vicious. This doesn’t mean that they are a good fit for someone who just likes the way they look. Rottweilers have, from their early beginnings, been working dogs. Originally, their ancestors were used in Ancient Rome to herd cattle. As time went by and other dogs were mixed in with the original stock, they developed into the dog we know today.
Are you a hunter looking for an adaptable, tough, and attractive dog? You may not need to look further than the German Shorthaired Pointer. This breed is good not only for pointing out small game such as birds and rabbits, tracking animals, but also for retrieving downed game either on land or in the water. This dog also enjoys interacting with children, and is a reliable watch dog.
Most Dachshunds today are family companion dogs. The average Dachshund owner has probably lost sight of the fact that these lovely little dogs are actually keen hunters. The name of the dog comes from the German words ‘dachs’ meaning badger, and ‘hund’ meaning, of course, dog. The short legs of the Dachshund were developed to make it easier to fit down into a badger’s sett or burrow.
Whether they are called Mixed Breed, Crossbreed, Mutts, Mongrels, Hybrid Dogs, or Designer Dogs, they all have one thing in common: they have at least two ancestors of different breeds. These dogs can make excellent pets, every bit as good as a pure breed dog, and they repay the love and devotion of their owners in like kind. Whether the dog has a noble and exalted appearance or is downright funny-looking, they are still dogs, and as such have a special place in our hearts.