The Five Worst Date Bait Breeds

1. Pit Bull. There are lots of sweet, gentle Pit Bulls in the world, and most Pit Bulls love people and are great with kids. No
matter how nice your Pit Bull may be, understand that, with the breed’s fierce reputation, lots of people won’t come near these dogs. Some communities have banned Pit Bulls and related breeds. Expect people to cross the street to avoid you if you have a Pit Bull, even if your dog is a wonderful, friendly, sweet soul.



2. Rottweiler. Like Pit Bulls, too often Rottweilers are given a bad rap, unfairly. These loyal, intelligent, trainable dogs can be fabulous pets for singles and families alike. But here’s a hint: Any breed that is the subject of a cult classic movie named Rottweiler: Dogs of Hell may lose you more friends than it wins you.



3. Yapping Little Dogs. Some people don’t like little dogs, period. No one likes yapping little dogs. These dogs can even irritate their owners.



4. Dogs With Elaborate Hairdos. People who show their Poodles learn to love all the fluff and pompons. Not the rest of the world. If your Poodle or other breed is trimmed like topiary, expect derisive laughter, not love.



5. Chinese Crested. These dogs are usually born naked, except for tufts of hair on their heads, feet and tails. No matter how smart, funny and just plain lovable these little guys are, even many of their owners admit they look a little bit like space aliens. It doesn’t help that Chinese Crested are the perennial winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in Petaluma, California. In fact, a Crested named Chi Chi is in the Guinness Book of World Records for winning this dubious title the most times—seven in all.

THE 10 BEST DATE BAIT BREEDS

1. Golden Retriever. Friendly and non-threatening, a Golden is the ideal date bait dog. With their happy faces, glistening fur and wagging tails, these dogs make humans feel good—and brave enough to say hello to the person at the end of the leash.

2. Scruffy Terrier Mix. Small terrier mixes can be the cutest dogs in the world. Bright eyes, an adventurous soul and the waifish tousle of hair compel people to come over and coo. Bonus points if the dog came from a shelter with a sad story—and has a fabulously happy life with you.

3. Collie. One word: Lassie. Who doesn’t have childhood memories of yearning for this dog? Especially if you’re looking for a love over 40, this dog will bring people to your side.

4. Afghan Hound. Elegant, aloof and hairy, this exotic breed isn’t the kind of dog people will hug. However, they will stop in their tracks and say, “Wow!”

5. Labrador Retriever. There’s a reason Labs are the number one dog in America—we just can’t help but love these mugs. Half of America has a story about a Labrador they once loved, and will share it as they pet your dog.

6. Pug. Very hip thanks to the Men in Black movies, Pugs are friendly, happy, comical dogs who invite a conversation. They’re small enough to be portable, but big enough to be sturdy pals. Note: At Pug parties around the globe, lots of people seem to feel compelled to dress their Pugs in outfits, reminiscent of Miss Piggy. Don’t dress your Pug in clothes if you’re hoping to meet a normal human.

7. Saint Bernard. Nothing has quite the “awwwww” factor of a big, sweet, lovable Saint Bernard. They’ve got the big eyes and round heads that we’re genetically programmed to respond to the way we respond to babies. They have giant size without intimidation, and are a guaranteed conversation starter. (Get used to people asking, “How much does that dog eat?!”)

8. Tiny Dogs With Big-Dog Confidence. A lot of people are turned off by Yorkies, Maltese, Toy Poodles and other pintsized pooches. However, if one of these tiny toy dogs is a confident, friendly little guy who looks people in the eye and sort of shrugs as if to say, “What’s your problem?” you and your dog will soon have a small army of admirers.

9. Beagle. There’s no friendlier face than a Beagle. This breed seems simple and straightforward, kind of a Midwestern working-guy dog in a convenient package.

10. Old English Sheepdog. Fuzzy, furry and funny, Old English Sheepdogs invite a hug. And you’ll spend hours answering the question, “How does that dog see anything through all that hair?” clothes — especially giving female Pugs highly feminine