Dog Breeds

I love dogs. I've always had them in my life and they sometimes feature in my novels. My rural romantic suspense series in particular has a heavy dog thread and feature many dogs from Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Kelpies, and a number of Jack Russell Terriers.

So here's a list of my favourite dog breeds. And if you know me, this list will be of no surprise.

1. Border Collies!!!

Border Collies are my dogs. I have had three border's in my lifetime and I love everything about them. Obviously, they look beautiful with their common markings and gorgeous lush coats. And, of course, they are the most intelligent of dogs.

My first BC was my big sister Laura. She was five months older than me and sadly died when I was in grade two. Then we got Dillon when I was eight. Dillon was in my life for fifteen years and he was the best dog. Very smart, loving, and just an overall good boy. Now, I have Jacob. Jacob is a beautiful boy who loves chasing everything that moves, including flies, and is my loyal baby. You'll often see me tweeting about Jacob.

I also have two BC's in my rural romance novel, where the characters are drawn together by their mutual love for dogs and BC's in particular. Funnily enough, I went through many dog breeds before landing on the BC for this book. Steph and Louis are both based on Dillon, and as the years have passed, they now have a little bit of Jacob in them too.

2. Fox Terriers

Fox terriers are cute little dogs and I've had my little foxy Timmy in my life for 13 years now. Timmy is a funny little fellow, who is incredibly loyal to all his family and loves to snuggle up into you or blankets. Often we'd find Timmy curled up in one of our beds. He's also a feisty little dog who likes the bark at the mailman and play what my brother calls 'the crazy game', where he stirs Timmy up. Timmy also likes to hunt lizards and bugs in the garden. And a fun fact - he's allergic to popcorn!

Overall, Fox Terriers are delightful little dogs who love human company and seek adventure in the gardens. I have not actually had a Foxy in my books, but I have used Jack Russell's, who have similar adventurous characteristics and I've been able to base off Timmy.

3. Dachshund 

Dachshund's are beautiful little dogs and are a family favourite of ours. My mum grew up with Dachshunds and my grandmother had a Dachshund I could visit named Schlitz. Dachshunds are gorgeous because they're easily identifiable and I love their big floppy ears! Dachshunds are fearless and playful little dogs and as they were also bred to hunt, they can  be fiercely independent. But they love their humans, will never leave you alone, and they like to snuggle and play, which make them awesome little dogs. The only drawback with the Dachshund, of course, is the care you need to take with their backs. Considering they're long spine, they are more prone to back problems than other dog breeds.

I have not yet featured a Dachshund in a novel, but in all likelihood I will one day! My favourite Dachshund, of course, is Penny, the face of Peter Alexander. I love his pyjamas!

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These are the most affectionate and cutest dogs you can come across, I think. If you want a lapdog who will do nothing but love you, then that is the Cavalier. I love Cavaliers because they are small, have beautiful markings in their soft coats, and, of course, their floppy ears! Cavalier's are gentle, friendly, and dignified little dogs. If I was to get a little dog one day, I'd definitely get myself a Cavalier.

I have one Cavalier in my novel - her name is Charlie and she is a little princess who hates to get her paws dirty and loves to curl up with Isabella as Isabella reads books. I also had a Cavalier in my manuscript Almost a Princess, but when I realised Alla was only mentioned a couple of times, I wrote  her out of the story because she wasn't important enough ... I know! Shocking!

5. Chihuahua

I know there are a lot of people out there who don't find the Chihuahua cute, but I am not one of them! What couldn't be cuter than the world's smallest dog breed? Whether they're short haired and look like rats or long-haired and fluffy, I just love Chihuahua's. They're cocky, confident, and noisy little dogs, but they also crave affection and love cuddles. If only we could have all the dogs, I'd love to have a Chihuahua too!

I don't currently have Chihuahua's featured in any book, but my character's mother in my rural romance does have twin Chihuahua's Cooper and Colin who are mentioned.