The grandest dog that I have ever been around was a Belgian strain, long coated GSD male. We got him at 8 weeks old. He was immediately house broken and was born knowing that he had a job-- protecting this home and family. He scared many, but never bit anyone. If he thought someone was too close to the house, he would grab their pants leg (men only) and stand there wagging his tail until I intervened.He was serious and deliberate around all others. The only one he would "let his hair down" with was me. Perceptive to the point that he could instantly read my attitude and emotions and know whether he should play loony tunes or be serious. Compared to todays GSD he would look like a mutt. He was big, blocky and massive-- no overdone slope to his back. He died over 40 years ago and this maudlin old man is tearing up as I type this. The GSD I see today are nothing like him.
We have had 3 goldens as house dogs. Dani our current 'family member' has finally grown out of the teenager phase and is settling down. All have temperment wise basically been clones with the same strong personality traits and also the same drawbacks. She will probably be our last house dog.
Yeah, we said that when Livvie died too. Same breed, same type, same personality spanning a period of 30 years.
Beagles, now, that's what I do. Started with my father's dogs 60+ years ago. Attended my first field trial in '59 and was immediately hooked. My end of the sport has changed radically. We have gone from a fully functional animal to one of questionable value as a hunting dog. Many of the dogs that I finished for their championship in the past would be difficult if not impossible to finish today, and many that I have finished recently would have had problems placing in the past. In our striving for "quality of performance" we have fostered mediocrity. All that having been said, I recently finished a male that truly "suits" me. He placed in 80% + of the field trials that he competed in. Pretty good for a performance test with all the variables involved-- the greatest being judges and preconceived opinions of how a hound should follow the scent trail in pursuit. This dog made everyone look at him. My sport in its many forms is declining. Hunting and outdoor animal related activities seem to be on the way out.
Veterinarians-- where to begin. I go to a great veterinarian. The problem is that he is approaching retirement. There are several other vets in his practice, and none have his common sense. Vets have greater resources at hand for diagnosis, yet many lack the observation and diagnostic skills of the 'old guys.' One thing is consistant across the board. Prices are astronomical. I only go to a vet for situations that I can not handle, and yes, I do know my limitations.
Good thread, Jamie! I have great concerns regarding the future of animal related hobbies. We obedience trialed our last golden and will probably do so with the present dog. We have attended several obedience trials lately, and the numbers and qualiy of dogs competing seems to have declined dramatically. Wish I had the answers for improving things.