This is a Dog Town

San Francisco is a dog city, hands down. People love their dogs here. Perhaps it is because the younger generations are not getting married and having children like they used to. Dogs are great companions and are always a good conversation starter. Stern and unfriendly looking people melt when brought into contact with a happy and good natured dog.

It was a beautiful day in San Francisco today, one of the first warm and sunny weekends we have had in months. Everyone seemed to be making an effort to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Of course, everyone brought their dogs with them and it was (as it always seems to be) a virtual parade of dogs around the Mission and the Castro. Here are a few of the dogs I saw on parade today.

The dachshund is one of the quintessential city dogs. Small, curious, affectionate, and they do not require much exercise. The only downside to a dachshund is you are not going to get anywhere in a hurry walking one of these cute little pups.

The chihuahua was the "it" dog to have over the past 5 years. Celebrities had them, the Mexican family next door had one, Paris and Britney both had them, and they have to be one of the cutest dogs ever. If you do not get to exercise your chi one day, it is not a big deal. They are a little bit yappy, but OH so cute.

The beagle has always been a favorite of dog lovers everywhere. With the breed's recent first Best in Show win at the Westminster Kennel Club, I predict sales of beagle puppies will soar. They are such adorable dogs, but the baying does get to be a bit much. Suzanne has always wanted a beagle named Brody. What do you think Suz?

This is the hot dog of the moment, the French bulldog. I saw at least five of these today and everytime I am in the Castro, I see more of them. They are very cute dogs and they seem to have fun and energetic personalities. They also are much cuter than the slobbery British bulldogs.

I must admit, I have never been a fan of the pug. There was something about them that was so odd looking. The other thing that seemed annoying to me was that lesbians and older gay men seemed to have a preference for the breed. However, I was sold when I had the opportunity to play with a pug puppy for an hour or so one day at a friend's house. I now see why people love them. They are an absolute mess of a dog. They are funny looking, they are short and roly poly, and they slobber everywhere. They also seem fairly content to just play around and do not seem to require as much exercise as a bigger dog.

The newer "made to order" age of dogs has arrived. Careful selective breeding produced the dog above known as the puggle, a cross between a beagle and a pug. I have yet to see one of these in person, but they look adorable. I am sure it will not be long before these replace the French bulldog as the puppy of choice in San Francisco.

Ok, poodles scare me. Especially the non-miniature ones. I find them really ugly and freaky. Look at this one. You can read the expression on her face. "Get me the hell out of dodge...and do not cut my hair like this again."

Labs are such great dogs on so many levels. Smart, loyal, beautiful, strong, sweet. They are a classic. You can never go wrong in having a lab. My only hesitation in getting one would be that they require a lot of consistent exercise. My schedule does not allow for this kind of time commitment.

This is a dog I can see myself owning in a few years. I saw one in an animal shelter and fell in love. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are from Africa and they were used on cattle stations and farms. They also would be used in packs to hunt and tree lions, so hunters could shoot them. They are a very nonchalant and aloof dog, very quiet, and not much seems to phase them. I suppose after hunting lions, not too much would phase me either!

Each time I see someone with a cute dog, I want one of my own. I hope to make the plunge in another year or two.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Cuidate.