I'll let you in on a secret -- I love dogs. Anything with four legs and a tail (natural or docked), mutts from the shelter and designer dogs both, and everything in between. I favor the larger breeds, though, and my all-time favorite is the German Shepherd. No one was more surprised than I was to realize that it's a small dog that captured my heart in recent years - the Jack Russell Terrier -- who only looks like a little dog, but has a big-dog personality.
With the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show coming up, I was curious to know what breeds are popular with other women today. Here's what 10 ladies around the U.S. shared about their dream dogs:
"I love smushed faced dogs! Pugs and Frenchies are my top two breed picks, hands down." - Dana, Astoria, N.Y.
"My favorite dog breed has always been Dalmatian, and I would have a bunch of them or a Dalmatian plantation if I could. Dalmatians are smart, protective, and very active. My first, Daisy Mae, was a talker and would stop, drop and roll when you said her 'spots were on fire.' My next one, Maggie, kept the kids safe and the neighbors' cats in trees. My latest, Belle, is my walking buddy; through hot, cold, rain or snow she pushes for her quick paced morning walks." - Cathy, Jamestown, N.C.
"My ultimate breed of dog is pound puppy with some German Shepherd thrown in. I have had pure breeds and pound puppies and the ones from the pound are the best. They love unconditionally and help solve a global issue all at the same time. You can get them at any age you are looking for and they are just sitting there looking for a home. Through the years we have had six different ones and I would not trade a single one for a pure blood." - Cindy, Phoenix, Ariz.
"My favorite dog breed is the Pomeranian. They are cute, cuddly, fun, fluffy, make wonderful lap dogs and companions. If you notice when you go to the circus you will see Pomeranians because they are so smart too. They learn tricks quicker than any other dog breed I've had in the past." - Marion, Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
"My dog breed of choice is the standard poodle, preferably female. We had two before adopting our current male poodle, Gunner. While Gunner is sweet and affectionate, he just doesn't have the edge his 'sisters' had. Sure, the females were sweet and loving. But at times they were also temperamental, difficult to please, scornful and aloof. As a poodle rescue veteran once told us, 'there's a reason they're called bitches.' I understand these dogs." - Teresa, St. Paul, Minn.
"Hands down my favorite breed is the Doberman! I currently have one and live in a loft downtown with a cat. I am currently looking for my second, and if I could have my dream come true I would have a ranch with horses and a whole pack of Dobermans! Seven even has a FB Page!"- Deborah, Los Angeles, Calif.
"Despite being a very petite woman, my ideal dog would be roughly the same size as me and out of stereotypical character. I'd own a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Rhodesians are lion hunting dogs from South Africa with ridges of opposite growing fur on their back. While there are no lions in my area, I love the dog's energy. I am a very active person, and Rhodesians would match my jogging and playful personality." - Sharon, Silver Spring, Md.
"Svelte, with sleek lines, but just enough hair to flow in the wind...athletic, but with an affinity for cuddling ... sweet, but nobody's fawning minion ... smart, but not above being crafty ... Beautiful, athletic, independent, conniving---the dog I wish I was as a person---the Saluki." - Caroline, Live Oak, Fla.
"Cocker Spaniels are my dream breed: eyes of melted chocolate or green pools of love, Velcro cling by my side, yet rough-n-tumble enough to play in the field. All dogs love, but for some reason I feel like cockers have a propensity to take the bond to the next level, an eternal heartbeat at my feet. Cocker Spaniel aficionados and lovers know the true essence of this wigglebutt breed lies in its loyalty, love, and devotion to pet parent." - Carol, Forty Fort, Penn.
"My favorite dog breed is the Labrador Retriever. I have a black one, Bird, who is 12 year old. They are fun, sweet and very smart. I like 'real' dog versus 'pocketbook' or 'boutique' dogs. They are also very intuitive: they know when you're sad or sick, and always try to make you feel better. Just the ultimate dogs, they are beautiful and elegant...and those sweet big brown, irresistible eyes!" - Catherine, Stamford, Conn.
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