I suppose I should have seen this coming — the wounded feelings, the fierce breed loyalty, the surprising (and, to my way of thinking, xenophobic, uninformed, and over-reactive) anti-German Shepherd sentiment — when I encouraged followers to “weigh in” last month in my Future Dog post:
Hi Doodleman: OK, maybe the name is a little foo-foo for you. But no mention of Labradoodle? Ella is beside herself that she and her breed have not even entered the conversation! Who else did you go cross-country skiing with? No shedding, maybe a little noisy, but comes in several sizes and colors . . . you cannot go wrong! — Tom P.
Dear Ricky: My dad read me your Woof Wack Report from the beyond. OMD — oh my dog! I can’t believe you let your B-Man put those words into your mouth. Such doggerel from someone who should know better. A German Shepherd? Really? They think they are so special, marching around like they’re in charge, waiting to snap your head off and barking orders. Some shepherd; they’re a wolf in dog’s clothing. I’m not saying your person needs to necessarily get a Bichon Frise, the sturdy little companion that I am: playful, feisty, gentle, cheerful, affectionate, sensitive, agile, and athletic. But it should definitely be on the table. We didn’t even make the first cut! We’re really rather good-looking: handsome, but in a cute way that you want to cuddle. Kids love us. Other dogs love us. Everybody loves us. And I don’t really see your person — he could still be “B-Man” if he turned in our direction — dealing with that big, big animal that probably won’t even fit in the front seat. And let’s not forget that all this is happening, the whole Beagle Man schtick, because of a Bichon Frise — ME! If I hadn’t been in Virginia when Robby and the family passed through, then there would not have been a B-Man or a Ricky or even one cross-country trip — much less three! So tell your guy to wise up and get a bitchin’ Bichon. We’re strong; we’re proud; we’re fun. We’re the Bichon Frise. Sincerely — Toby Fox
Do I sense just a whiff of that Napoleonic, I’m-small-but-I’m-awesome vibe coming off Toby? Or did he have a traumatic experience with a German Shepherd in his puppyhood? Whatever, I have to admit he’s not the only one with this ant-Shepherd thing going on:
With 139 other breeds, still a German Shepherd?? More homework for you, Beagle Man . . . and a seance with Ricky — Bernice S.
You can’t call yourself “German Shepherd Man.” Just sayin’ . . . — Leslie P.
The most interesting — and by far most novel — thought came from one of Carol’s book club buddies:
I was fascinated by your write-up of the Norwegian Buhund — sounded like a perfect little dog that I would consider for myself. So I did a little research on the internet. Those photos of the Buhund pups were adorable. But then I noticed that all of them have those tightly curled-up tails. Which means that, well from behind, you’re always looking at their . . . butt-holes. Not all that attractive. — Kathleen M.
Hmmm . . . Funny, Kathleen — I’d never thought about that! But it just so happens that Carol and I spent last Monday evening with Gustav (“Goose”) the Buhund — oh, yes, sorry Eric . . . and his owner — and I didn’t find the rear view close-ups to be especially distracting. As a matter of fact, I’d say I spent at least half the visit on the floor with Goose, rolling around, scratching, and cuddling.
And the search continues . . .
LOOK FOR A NEW BEAGLE MAN POST EVERY THURSDAY. OR PRETTY CLOSE TO THURSDAY. COULD BE WEDNESDAY. OR FRIDAY. LET’S NOT GET TOO OBSESSIVE HERE . . . 
OH, AND BTW, YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
I’m against the German Shepherd consideration as well. Or any breed where you have to belong to a secret club to know what the hell it is. I didn’t speak up sooner because I thought you were smarter than that. So did Ricky.
Live on the edge and rescue a puppy of unknown parentage from a shelter. You can have fun obsessing over what it is, and how big it will get. It doesn’t get better than that.
I love everybody’s comments, especially Tom P , of Ella fame. But I am also a former German Shepherd person. Kimba (as in the white lion) was her name. As loyal as the day was long. She would just as soon show the burglers where the jewels were hidden if she didn’t scare them to death with her looks first. She was just protecting those she loved.
I also think you should meet my new grand-dog Sable. A black lab/mastiff mix. Beyond wonderful! Affectionate, smart, darling and mellow as can be. Would love to have you meet her.
Oh Hank– get it over and get that Beagle pup that you have been secretly thinking about, but can’t admit it. You will never regret your decision!!??
Mary and DTB
How can so many people hate a dog based solely on his/her breed; if that the case you probably don’t need a dog at all.
I knew a pure white German Shepherd named “Bomber” who would have been a great dog if he had been cared for properly. They kept him tied up in the back yard and when he was allowed in the house, he was so excited that his wild tail wagging could destroy every thing on his level. Once, Jacky-his child owner and I took Bomber out for a walk and we had the bright idea of letting him tow me while I was wearing my roller skates. All was well until Bomber spotted a squirrel and took off. I had slipped the leash over my hand and couldn’t let go, so I was dragged two blocks before Bomber gave up the chase. My knees were a terrible mess and I thought my mother would explode. We never took Bomber for another walk again.
Give yourself time Hank to find the right dog for you. Sometimes looking for a replacement for what you had isn’t the right way to go.