Insider Secret To Picking A Dog Breed

[@mckaynine1209]

Everybody has their favourite breed of dog. What's your favourite breed and the best and worst thing about them? (And don't worry, this is Vegas - they'll never know what you've said 😉🤫)

[@drawntoicehockey]

Mini dachshunds are the best for me. I don't have experience with standard dachshunds, but minis are definitely medium-low energy, which suits me, because I'm quite busy. They can endure a lot of exercise on occasion, but they won't demand it and definitely need a day or two to recover after using a lot of energy. They have lively and assertive personalities, which makes them fun to own. They enjoy mental stimulation, which they get from obedience training or scent working. They're scent hounds, so playing games where they have to search for items or pick a requested item out of a group based on scent alone can be fun to do at home without going to scent classes. I've found training really engages them when there's an element of problem solving involved. They're quite independent so they won't demand constant attention in their downtime, but they are very affectionate and loving towards their owners, and enjoy daily cuddles on the sofa. Not the best first time breed, but a fun breed if you're wanting a bit more of a challenge on obedience training and looking for a rewarding bond with a dog. They do need you to be more assertive than they are in order to crack the obedience, and I find it really rewarding because you and the dog learn so much about each other through negotiating that.

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

Your emphasis on dogs being individuals is much appreciated. Also, the advice to talk with veterinarians and trainers before choosing a breed, is absolutely correct. As for your comments on different breeders, you are 100% right. Every time a breed gains in popularity, unscrupulous breeders appear, and all but destroy the breed. The only purebred dogs I have had, have been Border Collies. I grew up with one and didn't realize just how different she was to most of them. She was energetic, but not crazily so. She had a good size backyard to run around in, but not huge. The first BC I acquired on my own, was a rescue who was born blind in one eye. Sadly, she had constant infections and was on medication almost constantly because of it. She developed cataract in the other eye. As she became more and more blind, she also became very nasty. She was only 3 years old when she had to be put down. I currently have another BC, and this one is different again. More typical of the breed. Even at 13, she requires at least 2 walks a day, at least 2 hours long each time. My other dogs have been a real hodge podge. The only common factor being energy level - medium high to high. The exception being the other dog I still have. That one was an absolute whirlwind of activity when young, and difficult to train. Breeding? Border Collie crossed with Rat Terrier! She will be 15 in February, and still tries to jump, bounce and run. Sadly, her legs are starting to go on her. All those years of extreme activity are catching up with her. I've had a terrier/poodle cross, many with Labrador Retriever in them, a couple with some hound blood, a Cattle Dog cross, and others with Border Collie in the mix. The Cattle Dog cross was extremely protective of my grandchildren, and kept the BC I still have, away from them. Sadly, we lost him two years ago. Of all the dogs I have had, one in particular stands out. The one I had just before the three herding dogs. She was half Border Collie, quarter Black Lab, and quarter Black and Tan Coonhound. She had the best traits of all three breeds, combined in one fantastic dog! The BC brains, the sweet nature of the Lab, and I can only assume her guarding instincts came from the coonhound. (Not really up on Coonhounds!) She was wonderful with everybody, except intruders. They got the "don't even think about it" attitude! Having the size of the coonhound didn't hurt. Sorry this is so long!

[@phyllisharris8911]

I choose a mixed breed every time. Hybrid vigor, no over breeding and a darned good dog.

[@SugaryPhoenixxx]

Mixed breeds have always been the best dogs for me as well. Most of the dogs I have owned showed up as hungry strays.

[@mckaynine1209]

My mixed breed dogs have been real gems 😊. In your experience have you been able to discern any general traits? I've had a village dog who looked and behaved like a hound and I currently have a terrier-type crossbreed who is the poster child for terrier attitude and energy. Makes me and the Danes exhausted! 😂

[@traceyowen2437]

Loved your video I did have a boxer and a staffie plus a jack Russell unfortunately thay passed away this year and I miss them loads but now I have two puppies and thay are sisters and thay are jack Russell's

[@OmarHawartheh]

Beagle 🐕👍❤🐱🐱

[@wiseowl1580]

@6:07 What other "Spaniel varieties" would you consider in the lower energy category? Please.

[@mckaynine1209]

Perhaps a Sussex spaniel or a Springer (not from field/working lines)? Cavaliers are seen as toys, but are technically spaniels, so maybe that's an option too?

[@Itsprincesslaniii]

Cavalier! Sleepy little ones ❤ ( I have one)

[@wiseowl1580]

​@mckaynine1209 Deeply appreciate your response. My husband and I lost our Golden in Oct. We've been completely devastated and looking for the right pup. The King Cav was our top choice until we learned of their SM/Heart problems. We also desired the rare Clumber Spaniel but afraid with such serious eye concerns we might not be able to handle that. We obviously understand that we all have health issues but deep down we want a smaller version of our Golden, which doesn't seem to exist. We are getting older, and Bubba was very active until the end. After researching his origins we know he was bred with the water Spaniel (as well as Bloodhound, Flat Retriever, etc) So when you said there were lower energy Spaniels I nearly spit me coffee out. I will look into the Sussex, and the show line springer? Again, really really appreciate the info. 💚❤️🎄☃️❄️

[@aliciahorohov3031]

Hello, you're absolutely right that dogs are individuals. I grew up with dogs and now have 2 cats and a 5yr old son. I want a dog that will be good around our son and our cats, a good family companion dog. We're a bit of a calm house compared to other families with a 5yr old. I want a medium to low energy dog that is people oriented and easy to train. My in-laws think we should get a puppy instead of a dog that's already house trained and such. We both work full days Monday thru Friday. What breeds should we look at? Should we get a puppy or a dog that is already trained?

[@Adamjski71]

German shepherd no other dog comes close to perfection

[@CB-vg1wq]

Hello. I really liked listening to your discussion of breeds. I am thinking about obtaining a Spitz breed. I am looking at the American Eskimo. Do you have knowledge of this breed? I think there is a German breed that is very similar (whose name i can nit recall) but you may know as well.

[@mckaynine1209]

Thank you 😊. Maybe the German Spitz Mittel? Have never worked with them or the American Eskimo, so can't share an educated opinion, but from what I've read I'm guessing both would be higher energy and likely to be more independent in nature? Not as intense as a husky though?

[@warbound8492]

English mastiff, boerboel, bullmastiff are really good choices for both family protection and companion they extremely good with kids especially English mastiff only they don't live as long as the boerboel who also is extremely good with kids, English mastiff is best for very low energy, boerboel are bit more active. English mastiff has layers of responses to threats, boerboel more reactive to threats they very serious about protection, English mastiff will defend but biting is there last resort if all else fails, then they have a 175lbs to 285lbs problem their hands, I've seen English mastiff kill horses and cattle protecting owner in Texas.

[@mckaynine1209]

They are indeed! We work with Boerboels a lot, so know the breed well. I'm a HUGE fan of bullmastiffs. I agree, English mastiffs are a great low energy protection dog. That's amazing what you say about the horses and cattle. Gulp! My Danes once took out an adult waterbuck. I was impressed and horrified at the same time. We forget that these big dogs are so powerful (and so very kind and gentle to us). Humanity really scored when it buddied up with dogs.

[@MrBigmufff]

I find a french bulldog with boxer gene (his mother is french bulldog boxer mix) I love Bulldog but i dont like french bulldog health problems specially breath problems and flatulence But since i saw this guy I fell in love I dont know Is it good breed for me? I live alone I want a dog to walk with him and can train him /her And can stay at home alone for one working shift ( with proper crate training) Is anybldy here to help me? Between this french bulldog mix and olde English bulldogge Which one is better and more suitable for my lifestyle?

[@vn7976]

Any thoughts on Samoyeds

[@mckaynine1209]

Great choice for a medium energy dog. Can be quite independent. The grooming tho... if you find it relaxing to groom a dog, then it's a great choice 👍

[@connannbarbarin3033]

every Samoyed i ever meet had high prey drive. Plus, they bark A LOT.

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

@@connannbarbarin3033 My neighbour had one, when I was growing up. Rarely ever barked. When it died (of old age), they got another one. Same thing. So much has to do with the bloodlines, but also the owners.

[@connannbarbarin3033]

Any thoughts on Bully Kutta or Malakli? I am looking for companion/guard dog living in cca 1 mil city in the South-East Europe in a house with a yard. I had Cane Corso and a Rottweiler, but i want bigger. I liked Cane Corso more.

[@mckaynine1209]

I'm not familiar with either breed, so I can't give you an educated opinion. Sorry... Cane Corso can be great with an experienced handler. One of my favourite client dogs is a Cane Corso. Do you have Boerboels available where you are?

[@connannbarbarin3033]

@@mckaynine1209 Boerboel would be easier to get. I almost got one instead of my Rottweiler but the breeder had some problems and I couldnt w8 for a year. Boerboels are a bit short and i would like something taller. I really liked Gammonwood Mastiffs but that is over now. Honestly i love mastiffs but their health is so bad. I blame WW2. My Cane Corso (with great pedigree) only lived to be 3, but he was awesome. I think that Bully Kutta or Malakli have better chances of getting old. Their regions werent all that affected by ww2 and their breeding was a lot less "organised" and their are many rumors of adding this breed or that breed (which i welcome).

[@annaarchos8619]

why are there not one but three french bulldogs in the thumbnail - a breed with many and severe health problems that you really shouldn't pick..?

[@mckaynine1209]

I hear ya, but as part of my professional code of ethics I cannot make veterinary-type statements. Health concerns are extremely valid though and that's why I say many times in the video that people must speak to vets as well when it comes to choosing a breed.