My Favourite Dog Breed: A Trainer's Dilemma
As a dog trainer, one of the most common questions I get is, “What’s your favourite dog breed?” It’s a question that never fails to make me pause because, honestly, it feels like being asked to pick a favourite between cake and chocolate—impossible! Each breed brings its own unique quirks, charm, and (let’s be honest) challenges to the table, and I’ve learned to love them all in different ways.
But if I absolutely had to narrow it down—and trust me, this is difficult—there are four breeds that always manage to steal a little extra piece of my heart but they have more in common that meets the eye and it's these trainers that win me over.
they all have an undeniable zest for life - enthusiasm with a capital E. They all have the "Peter Pan effect", staying forever young. There's just something about them—the energy, the goofiness, the determination to turn every situation into a hunt for something. Loyal, loving and when they curl up beside you, wagging their tails as if to say “wasn’t today brilliant?”, you can’t help but smile.
the Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Springer Spaniel, and Cocker Spaniel. Let’s take a moment to celebrate each one, shall we?
The Irish Setter: The Elegant Mischief-Maker
Ah, the Irish Setter. Picture it: that sleek red coat, flowing like something out of a shampoo advert, legs for days, and a prance that would make any dog owner proud. But behind all that glamour and elegance is a dog that loves a good laugh—at your expense, if they can manage it. Irish Setters are notorious for their cheeky nature, often acting like they’ve had three espressos for breakfast.
Training one is a test of patience, to say the least. They’ll learn a new cue in no time, but whether they decide to listen to it… well, that’s another story! They’ve got a bit of a cheeky streak and a sense of humour that shows in those mischievous glances they give you before they bolt in the opposite direction. Yet, their zest for life and boundless enthusiasm for play makes them incredibly fun to work with. Every training session feels like a mini adventure. The absolute clowns of the dog world.
The Golden Retriever: The Eternal Optimist
If there’s one breed that epitomises the phrase “man’s best friend,” it has to be the Golden Retriever. These dogs are like the golden retrievers of the dog world (pun absolutely intended). They’re calm, friendly, and seem to have an almost magical ability to make anyone feel like they’re the best person in the room. There’s a reason you see so many Goldens used as therapy and assistance dogs—they’re just that gentle and empathetic.
When it comes to training, you couldn’t ask for a more eager-to-please dog. They’re quick to learn, willing to try, and incredibly forgiving when you don’t get it quite right. But let’s not forget: Goldens are food-motivated to an almost ridiculous level. I’ve had Goldens that would do a backflip if they thought it would earn them a treat. Keeping them focused is easy; keeping them from turning into butterballs, however, is another story! Still, their love for humans and their positive attitude towards learning make them an absolute joy to work with.
The Springer Spaniel: The Energiser Bunny of Dogs
Then we have the Springer Spaniel. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting one, you’ll know that these dogs neverstop. It’s like they’ve got a spring (pun intended) in their step that propels them from one adventure to the next, always on the lookout for their next job or game. They’re working dogs through and through, and boy, do they love to work! You throw a ball, and they’ll bring it back a hundred times, no questions asked.
Training a Springer is an exercise in stamina—for both you and the dog. They’re smart and driven, which makes them excellent students, but they also need to be kept mentally engaged, or they’ll start making up their own games (and trust me, you might not like the rules they come up with!). I love the challenge of keeping a Springer’s mind busy; it keeps me on my toes, too. And the bond you can form with one is deeply rewarding because they throw themselves fully into whatever task you give them, be it scent work, agility, or simply being your loyal sidekick on long walks.
The Cocker Spaniel: The Pocket-Sized Dynamo
Last but certainly not least is the Cocker Spaniel. Don’t let their size fool you—what they lack in height, they more than make up for in personality. Cockers are like little bundles of joy, always ready to charm their way into your heart (or into that biscuit tin you thought was out of reach). They’ve got a cheeky, loveable nature that’s hard to resist, and they know it.
Cockers are incredibly trainable, but don’t be surprised if they occasionally get ‘creative’ with the rules. They’ll listen when it suits them, but every now and then, they’ll throw in a little twist on the cue just to see if they can get away with it. Their cleverness is part of their charm, though, and once you’ve cracked their code, they’re a dream to work with. And let’s not forget those expressive eyes that seem to communicate volumes without them saying a word. It’s impossible to stay cross with a Cocker Spaniel for long, no matter how many socks they’ve ‘borrowed’.
So, Can I Pick Just One?
Now, after all that, you’d think I’d have come to some kind of conclusion, right? Well, not exactly. It’s hard to choose when each of these breeds has something special about them. The Irish Setter keeps me laughing, the Golden Retriever melts my heart, the Springer Spaniel keeps me active, and the Cocker Spaniel, well, they’re just endlessly entertaining.
The beauty of working with different breeds is that they each teach you something unique. Every dog, regardless of breed, brings its own personality, challenges, and moments of joy. It’s why I love my job so much—no two days are ever the same, and no dog is ever boring.
So, when I’m asked to pick a favourite breed, my honest answer is: I can’t. I’m incredibly lucky to spend my days with all sorts of wonderful dogs, from the goofy to the gentle, the energetic to the mischievous. And truthfully, that’s exactly the way I like it.
What about you? Do you have a favourite breed, or do you, like me, fall in love with every dog you meet? Let me know your thoughts—unless you’re an Irish Setter, in which case, you’re probably too busy chasing something across the park!
Im part of an amazing blog circle with other dog professionals - please click on the link below to read a blog by Jemma at "Whistle & Wag dog training" to read a blog about their favourite breed
https://whistleandwag.dog/the-working-cocker-spaniel
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