[nagdu] choosing a particular breed and reasons why?

[Raven Tolliver]

Um, ... ... yes!
And just a disclaimer for the lab-lovers, sorry. What I'm about to say
is probably heresy, and may be on the offensive side.
I myself put in an order for a golden retriever. I requested that
breed because through my experiences, I feel that golden retrievers
have chosen me.
I practically grew up with Leader Dogs in my backyard, and frequently
saw their pups in training, and attended several of their seminars and
programs over the years.
The first guide dog in training I ever saw was a 3-month-old golden
retriever when I was 8. I adored how sweet, calm, and collected she
was.
In my teenage years, I took walks with their dogs a couple different
times, and both dogs were golden retrievers. I was impressed with how
focused and observant they were, and how they looked to their handlers
for direction.
In addition, whenever I visited friends who had golden retrievers, I
was instantly won over by the golden's gentle nature, down-to-earth
personality, and level of obedience.
I have come to understand the nature of golden retrievers, and have
realized how my nature aligns with that of a golden. Like a golden
retriever, I am very sensitive, extremely loyal, gentle-natured, low
to moderately energetic, and I take my work seriously.
I will always choose golden retrievers over other breeds because of
their energy level, work ethic, easy handling, and because I need a
dog who can weather harsh winters without additional covering.
I feel that other breeds are typically higher energy than golden
retrievers, such as German shepherds and labs, and tend to get into
trouble with a lot of down time. Also, some breeds have higher levels
of distractibility compared to goldens. I do not want to work a
labrador or a lab/golden cross simply because they are notorious for
scavenging and excessive sniffing. Sometimes, nothing matters more to
them than food. No, I don't want that dog.
Goldens are typically easy to handle. There is no need for harsh leash
corrections, not that there is with any dog, and they respond very
well to voice commands. Also, goldens take you seriously, whereas labs
tend to be goofy, and retain many puppyish qualities into adulthood. I
have seen too many labs who think everything is a game. It's time to
leave, so they pick up a toy. You pick up their harness, and they run
away from you. You call them, and they don't come, but they're sitting
in a corner and wagging their tail. Labs are also extremely quirky
creatures. I'm talking strange behavior that makes no sense at all.
Some people think it's cute and funny. I am not any of those people.
I understand some of this has to do with a dog's personality,
individual handling skills, consistency, and training maintenance,
but some breeds are more prone to certain undesirable behaviors and
unsuitable qualities in my opinion.
I also understand I have dedicated my  life to a breed that is the
posterchild of allergies and death by cancer. This is why I have
committed my life to natural health and a holistic approach to caring
for my dog.
And for the record, I don't hate labs, I just don't want to ever work
one. In my experience with dog training, black labs are some of the
most stubborn creatures, especially females. I have gone to observe
and interact with other dog trainers in obedience classes, and even
they agreed.
No doubt, all guide dogs must be stubborn to some extent, but there's
a time and a place for that trait, and some dogs don't seem to gain an
understanding of when and where it's appropriate.
-- 
Raven
You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you
have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

On 3/20/15, Pam via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> so just wondering if any of u chose a particular breed as a guide dog and
> your reasons why? i didn't mind what breed i got as long as it suited my
> needs but i was told i would b getting a sensitive dog. i know a couple of
> people who always go for shepherds so they usually have to wait a bit longer
> for a new dog when the time comes.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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