Thank you all for your insights, opinions, experiences and recommendations.
We're going to meet an aquaintance of my Wife's, who will bring along her Doberman. This came from a very respected pedigree breeder I.e purebred and free of common genetic defects and bred to maximise the best traits in the dog. I'll let you know how I go.
I do find it interesting that while some people are terrified of dogs, some have experienced a bad encounter or had someone close to them experience one, that I still believe most times the dog owner has an equal if higher responsibility than the dog. Unless you've got a Pitbull, American or otherwise, or perhaps a Rottweiler, who are renown to be very susceptible to high pitched noises that drive them to react badly, I think with correct breeding, good, consistent training and a calm house hold will allow you to have a measured calm dog of almost all breeds. I read somewhere a post that said something like, "some people are suspicious of dogs, but I totally trust a dog that doesn't like a person." That really rings true to me. Personally, I can't stand little yappie dogs like Jack Russells or Yorkshire Terriers or a Shitzu - they can be right little bastards and are well known for sourly attitudes and taking a nip at people. Anyway, enough of that. Much to think on.
Thanks again everyone. I was quite surprised by the amount of feedback and passionate discussion. Yet again we prove how awesome this forum is, we can agree to disagree, but we do it with class! 8)
We're going to meet an aquaintance of my Wife's, who will bring along her Doberman. This came from a very respected pedigree breeder I.e purebred and free of common genetic defects and bred to maximise the best traits in the dog. I'll let you know how I go.
I do find it interesting that while some people are terrified of dogs, some have experienced a bad encounter or had someone close to them experience one, that I still believe most times the dog owner has an equal if higher responsibility than the dog. Unless you've got a Pitbull, American or otherwise, or perhaps a Rottweiler, who are renown to be very susceptible to high pitched noises that drive them to react badly, I think with correct breeding, good, consistent training and a calm house hold will allow you to have a measured calm dog of almost all breeds. I read somewhere a post that said something like, "some people are suspicious of dogs, but I totally trust a dog that doesn't like a person." That really rings true to me. Personally, I can't stand little yappie dogs like Jack Russells or Yorkshire Terriers or a Shitzu - they can be right little bastards and are well known for sourly attitudes and taking a nip at people. Anyway, enough of that. Much to think on.
Thanks again everyone. I was quite surprised by the amount of feedback and passionate discussion. Yet again we prove how awesome this forum is, we can agree to disagree, but we do it with class! 8)
Keep the Faith