He is a great Dane/chihuahua cross. Most of his facial features come from the Dane side of the family. But the chihuahua in him flattened those features out just a bit (apple shaped head and all) and keeps him from getting too big. It was a totally accidental cross and and a couple of the pups in the litter had to be bottle fed because the dam's teats were just to big for their tiny mouths.

Oh you guys are great. I like the Great Dane/Chi cross, or maybe I'll make up some funny unknown "designer breed"... and of course I can talk their heads off until they cover their ears and run. My goal is to have LJ basically ignore people, so they won't be enticed by the wagging rear half and yapping when people approach.

Angie, I was meaning what other people say, sorry that wasn't clear.

Havin' fun with this :-)

You know, this thread has gotten me thinking about my own behavior. I ask people all the time what their dog is, if it's not readily apparent. I'm friendly at heart, and enjoy meeting new people and their dogs. To me it has been a way to make conversation and hear their story as we meet up and walk in the woods. Maybe I'll stop asking. Never thought I'd be pissing people off.

Linda....I think most people have the same intention as you do. My golden ret response isnt meant to be mean, its just funny ad or dont have time to explain.

There was a day when we all knew our neighbors and the world was a nicer, safer place. Today you can see the same person on the bus or in the coffee shop, etc every day for a year and never even know their name. I think it's nice that you approach and talk to people, you keep it up gal.

 Quote: Linda Patch

You know, this thread has gotten me thinking about my own behavior. I ask people all the time what their dog is, if it's not readily apparent. I'm friendly at heart, and enjoy meeting new people and their dogs. To me it has been a way to make conversation and hear their story as we meet up and walk in the woods. Maybe I'll stop asking. Never thought I'd be pissing people off.

It does make you think! There are times I like to meet people, too, especially in the neighborhood. And there are times I am training and trying to get Maggie to focus on me and ignore the other dog and person (so I am ignoring them). So then, I am sure I am rude! What a balance. I also at some point want to be able to talk to people at the park with a calm dog at my side.

What if they remember my rudeness??

I don't mind getting asked at all, but I do have to giggle at the things people say my dogs are. I often ask when I am not sure and I like to talk to other people about dogs (duh!)

The issue I think is people who make stupid judgements.

I was at the park one day with my son and Loki. A couple of small kids approached us and asked if the could pet my dog.

Loki LOVES small children and automatically lays down when he sees them and will often flop over for belly rubs
I didn't train this, he just lays down so kids can pet him.

He is laying there like a starfish with his tail wagging soaking up some kid affection when another woman comes over, hands on hip, and raises her voice to me saying that I have no business letting my dangerous dog at the park around children, that Dobermans are not safe and could turn at any second!!

First of all he isn't a Doberman, or even close to one.

Secondly he is obviously not a danger to the children, even if he was a big scary mean Dobie.
Thirdly I was right there, and so was the mother of the kids and there was seriously no reason to be concerned.


The fox question truly almost made shoot diet coke out my nose.

It's funny how many people think Dobermans are mean and scary. I like them because I think they have one of the EASIEST doggie temperaments, but are still a "real" dog. Stereotypes!

I get asked a lot if my Doberman is a Great Dane mix because he's so tall. I think part of it is that he looks bigger because he's walking next to a short person. He's really only a couple of inches above the German standard.

I had his picture taken with a Great Dane friend and he really looked quite small.

I have actually been asked once if he was a pit bull because he has cropped ears....crazy but true!

She's a new, improved, tall Basset

I don't mind people asking about my dogs. What I mind is self proclaimed experts telling me everything they think I need to know about them. And the people who tell me that their dog is soo dumb and could never do that. Trust me, if you put the time into your dog that I put into mine, he'd probably be very "smart".

I feel like I should say that I am 100% certain Loki is safe with children and happy about the attention from them, if I had any doubt whatsoever I would not allow it, and I always supervise closely when it does!!!

I don't know how anyone would look at your dog and think basset hound LOL, at least Loki is actually black and tan.

Yote looks very soft and cuddly (he is with us), so people tend to want to hug him or really go overboard and he gets nervous. I know people think I am a bitch when we are out with him, but it just isn't worth it.