So there we were, sitting at a traffic light with a bucket of fried chicken on my girlfriend's lap. Shuffling across the crosswalk was an older gentleman and his tiny lap dog. Just as they pass the Fiat 500, they both looked over their shoulders at the tiny 500 then keep walking. "That's the dog equivalent of this car," I said. She disagreed. "It should be one of the smoosh-faced yippy dogs," she replied.
"I think I just came up with tomorrow's post," I said triumphantly. Click through to see what I equate the rest of our long-term fleet to...
Ford Explorer and an Old English Sheepdog: Large, with poor visibility (Courtesy of James Riswick)
1985 Porsche 911 and a German Shepard: Obvious comparison, but perhaps this dog is a bit older and a little arthritic.
Mazda Miata and a Shiba Inu: Smaller dog with lots of energy.
Mini Countryman and an English Bulldog: Mini touts its cars as having the Bulldog stance. Fair enough. (Courtesy of Bryn MacKinnon and James Riswick)
Jeep Wrangler and Archie the dog: This is Scott Jacobs' hunting dog. Purpose built and loves the great outdoors.
Volvo S60 and an Afghan Hound: Slightly weird and expensive.
Ford Mustang GT and a Doberman: Sinister, athletic and just damned fierce.
Toyota Camry and "dog": Just a nondescript dog. Maybe a mutt. I dunno. But it's a dog.
I thought about a dog equivalent for the Volt. Maybe a cross-between a cat and dog (hybrid, get it?), but I feared what I might see if I googled it.
I'm sure some will have their own opinions on what dog should go with which car, so feel free to comment on these or any other long-termer.
Mark Takahashi, Automotive Editor
zcalvert says:
11:17 AM, 01/18/12
maybe a Weimaraner for the NSX... lean, athletic
a Mastiff for the minivans... big, lovable, quiet, a bit ugly
Now we just need the Mya long term vehicle comfort comparison...
zcalvert says:
11:19 AM, 01/18/12
oh,
either a Malamute, Husky, or Norwegian Elkhound for the Jeep... big and dumb, but really good at their intended purposes.
rotaryboff says:
11:39 AM, 01/18/12
Not sure I agree on the Mustang/Doberman. I've always thought o the Mustang as fun, approachable and playful, but also capable of serious performance. Like a Labrador Retriever (black, in this case).
rotaryboff says:
11:40 AM, 01/18/12
Otherwise a list that is "Spot" on! :)
jukiemcjuke says:
11:43 AM, 01/18/12
The Camry would have to be a Labrador. It's the only dog I can think of that's so prolific even the best examples of the breed can be purchased for next to nothing.
I think the English Bulldog is an apt comparison for the Mini, not only looks-wise, but both seem to suffer disproportionately from congenital defects.
With it's chunky physique, compact dimensions, and odd looks, perhaps the Juke is best exemplified by the French Bulldog.
Lastly, I think the Doberman should be the Porsche because it's more sporty than the Shepard. The Shepard is less flashy and more working class, much more like the Mustang.
robert4380 says:
11:45 AM, 01/18/12
Wait wait wait... so you were driving with a bucket of fried chicken? So YOU'RE the one who got the fingerprints all over Erin's Mazda3!
bankerdanny says:
11:49 AM, 01/18/12
I think I would go for the more muscular, but still athletic Rottweiler over the Dobie (Urlacher dog vs Ed Reed) for the Mustang.
throwback says:
12:12 PM, 01/18/12
excellent choices, love the Mustang/Doberman combo
mtakahashi says:
02:05 PM, 01/18/12
I thought of a Rottweiler for the Mustang, but decided on the Dobie. My rationale: the Challenger would be a Rott because it's burly and not as nimble. That said, I wouldn't want to be chased down by either.
bankerdanny says:
02:35 PM, 01/18/12
Ah, see the Challenger is a Mastiff. Grace, power and bulk.
larthallor says:
08:20 PM, 01/18/12
> Toyota Camry and "dog": Just a nondescript dog.
Hahahaha. Perfect.