Is there a breed out there for everyone?

When I was looking for a breed for myself it took about 6 months (I have a tendency to over research things) but I had a list of a few breeds that would suit me and my lifestyle. I am doing the same for my mother now but it's proving to be an impossible task, I have found a few breeds that seem to fit her requirements (well the vague few she has given me), but non seem to be exactly right.

There are so many different breeds out there, do you think there is always a breed that suits what people want/require?
I do wonder if the rise in designer dogs is because people are trying to create a 'breed' to fill their requirements?

Personally I care less about the breed than the dog's behaviour & temperament. I know that certain breeds have a greater tendency to certain behaviours than others & I know that the various breeds have reputations for being good at this, or not so good at that. But age, upbringing, life experiences etc can have a more profound effect on a dog than just because it is a spaniel, or collie or poodle etc.

We've all known lovely examples of a particular breed & horrendous examples of the same breed!

Maybe, if your mother is a bit vague about the sort of dog she wants, that she would be more concerned about having e.g. a short-haired medium-sized dog with no behavioural baggage, than having a particular breed?

I think that's a bit like saying is there a man/woman out there for everyone? Sure, you may have your "type", be that a tall, blonde haired, blue eyed hunk, or a short, petite brunette, but that doesn't mean you'll get along with every tall, blonde haired, blue eyed man you meet. Every dog is different, just like every person, even within breeds.
I think your mother's best bet would be think of the practical, unchangable qualities she needs - things like dog's size. St Bernards may have different personalities within their breed but they're all going to be pretty big, so if her house doesn't have enough space or she doesn't feel confident enough with such a large dog, there's no point suggesting one of them because you can't put them in the tumble drier at a high temperature to shrink them A dog with a high maintenance coat is going to require a lifetime of grooming, a large breed is going to cost more to feed/keep than a smaller breed, etc so that could help her decision, to look at the practicalities. Then look at typical energy levels, traits, etc. - for example, would she have the time to not only give a Collie the right amount of exercise, but to entertain it mentally too? Does she live near livestock, would that be a problem with a herding breed like a Collie, GSD, etc that may be more likely to try to herd or chase livestock? I would probably rule out breeds that you can almost guarantee wouldn't suit her lifestyle, and then approach a rescue with an open mind and see what they suggest. It may be that she suits one breed, or maybe there's no particular breed for her and there'll be a specific dog out there to suit her life perfectly - and a rescue that has assessed their dogs, in a foster home if possible, will have a much better idea of that.
I've always said GSDs are "my" breed but I've had a GSD I've really struggled with and felt over my head, and I've got a crossbreed now (OK, she's a GSD cross, but doesn't really have any GSD traits nor look very GSD-ish) who's surprised me by how well she fits my life. I'd never have considered a Rottweiler but as I read more about them, it seems Kiki has lots of Rottie traits, and I'm growing more and more intrigued with the breed. I've met some other Rottie x GSD mixes and have to say there have been several I'd have taken home in a heartbeat, so it's a crossbreed that's grown on me. I don't think I could be without a GSD but Kiki has opened my eyes to considering other breeds.

every single breed for me wether pedigree or mutt i just love dogs and theyre all charictures in theyre selves and its all down to the upbringing of them

I think it was more difficult for me as I have a lot less choice of breeds due to being asthmatic and allergic to dog hair.

My 2 dogs are the same breed but polar opposites in nearly every way! When people ask me about the breed it makes it very difficult to reply but I usually try to put them off as they are a specialist breed with all the grooming required and also quite high-energy for walks and training etc.

Sutely with about 200 breeds, plus all the new crosses there must be a breed out there that would suit someone but perhaps the problem is there is too much choice!

When I go to the supermarket I moan about this to my husband sometimes-there is too much to choose from but he likes lots of choice.

Perhaps she is being unrealistic in her expectations? what exactly does she want?

With all the hundreds of breeds and crosses out there, I struggle to think that it could be THAT difficult to find a dog to match. Dogs all have similar basic needs at the end of the day regardless of their breed.

I love most dogs.... but I must confess that I have my breeds, the English and Irish Setters and Pointer, I could not envisage a life without any of them... maybe add a few others, I would love a Basset Hound, a Ridgie, a Gordon Setter and a mad rescue Springer would be lovely!!

I agree with the other Posters. I would have thought it was really just down to basics..... small house.... avoid large dogs... hate housework - don't buy a shedder.....
love walking - get a dog that likes it too and so on......
I have 2 GSDs but they are quite different in what they want out of life...........
Hope you find what you think she wants soon though, what do they say about procrastination??? lol

I just love how diverse everyone is on there choice of breed. I love meeting people on walks and them telling me what they love about there dog.There are so many qualities to each is too hard reading from websites what breed suits which sort of person. I for one love how each dog has its own personality and characteristics even within the same breed.
I do however think space, size and how much exercise you can offer is whats important.
A collegue of mines has a chocolate lab and her mum watches the dog whilst shes at work. The dog has now grown too big and strong the 70 year old has been pulled over twice and is fearful of walking.

Theres too much choice out there to find a "perfect match"

What have you narrowed it down to out of curiosity???

Hope this is not the obvious thing to say But are you planning on a rescue or not?? as there maybe the perfect dog waiting in a centre??? Maybe suggest what is wanted to a rescue and the breed might find you??

I have a GSP and I think they are great but he's not just a pet he's a mad working dog , if was going to have a dog just as a pet, a rescue it would be