If Cars Were; Now with 5 New Cars!!

"POD" (podimus) 08/24/2013 at 09:47 • Filed to: If Cars Were, Dogs, Ariel Atom, Greyhound, Karmann Ghia, Type 34, Dachshund, Hilux, Labrador Retriever, 2000GT, Shiba Inu, GT-R, Rottweiler

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Welcome back to If Cars Were. The weekly (or semi weekly, or whenever I'm struck with inspiration) feature where I equate some of my favorite vehicles to something else. In !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I mentioned that I'd be retiring the original 5 cars (the AZ-1, the Toyotaru Twins, the Focus ST, the Speed3, and the NA Miata). It's time to share a new set of 5 vehicles that tantalize my senses and get me all twitterpated. What will the 5 new cars be? And what will they be compared to? Well read on dear reader and find out!

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To set the mood, lets talk about the car; that indispensable tool that opens the world to us. A good car is like a good friend; loyal, ever ready to serve, and always happy to see you. It's there in the garage waiting for you in the morning, and it shines like a beacon in the parking lot waiting for you after work. Yup, the car is awesome. So what is equally loyal and awesome?

Dogs.

So lets take a look at 5 of my other favorite cars compared to man's best friend.

The Ariel Atom:

Skeletal, minimalistic, power sent all to the back. Needle-nosed front end, and more or less evolved for speed. The Atom does one thing, and it does it well. It goes fast. Not only does it go fast, but it does it with minimal technological advantage. It keeps the formula simple, it combines good power with a light, agile chassis. So what dog could match up with this road rocket?

The Greyhound:

An old breed originally used for coursing game, this dog is lean, fast, and can accelerate like few other land mammals on the planet. From a standing start, a Greyhound can reach a speed of up to 45 mph within its first 6 strides. The only other mammal that can accelerate faster over a short distance is the cheetah, and since it's a cat, it's exempt from this list. When going full tilt the Greyhound's heart rate can reach 300-360 beats per minute; this means that its heart can contract and refill with blood five times per second. A truly phenomenal feat for a large breed dog.

So lets move on, next on the list is an old classic. This one was one of my Father's first cars. It still sits in his driveway and I long to get her back on the road.

The Type 34, Karmann Ghia:

This image was lost some time after publication.

With a German legacy, The Type 34 sports long flat lines with prominent wheels. The Type 34 was distinguished from the Type 14 primarily by the extra set of fog lights out front. While this car was never fast, it was playful. Its more aggressive body lines, however, were betrayed by it's paltry overall performance. It is stylish though, and it's fun to have around. The Type 34 never wants for attention, and attracts passers by where ever it goes. So what hound could match up to this classic?

The Dachshund:

This hyper wiener-dog was bread by the Germans to have a long slender body with short legs to allow it to chase badgers into their dens and rend them asunder. The temperament and body language of the Dachshund give the impression that it does not know (or care) about its relatively small size. Even though the Dachshund is not a performance breed, this sprightly hound certainly carries itself as if it were.

Lets patter on. This next vehicle on my list is probably the most loyal vehicle ever made. It will suffer any neglect, any mistreatment, and still loyally start and work for it's owner (disclaimer: I in no way condone the neglect or mistreatment of cars or animals, it's bad, don't do it. Seriously, don't.). No, it's not a Toyota Camry, but it is a Toyota.

The Hilux:

This is a working vehicle. It is designed to be reliable, utilitarian, and ready to put in a hard days work (did you also read that last sentence in Jezza's voice?). After running around the farm for the day, the Hilux patiently waits, snug in the shed, for another hard days work tomorrow. It is the bread winner of the family. So what dog could match the durability, the loyalty, and hard working goodness of the Hilux?

The Labrador Retriever:

It's a Canadian breed, so you know it's going to be nice and helpful! The Labrador Retriever is even-tempered and well-behaved around young children and the elderly.

It's a versatile working dog skilled in hunting, tracking, detection, disabled-assistance, carting, and therapy work. This is the kind of animal you keep in the family for the long haul. It is ever loyal, durable, and ready to please. The Lab is just as comfortable on the farm as it is in the city, it is the Hilux in dog form.

So, doggedly moving on; this next car is classic Japanese. Compact, good looking, intelligent, and aloof.

The 2000GT

While this isn't Toyota's first sports coupe (that honor is bestowed upon the Sports 800), it is, one of the most recognizable Toyota coupes ever made. The 2000GT is also smart, so smart that it was featured in a Bond film.

So what Japanese dog is compact, intelligent, and once removed from the original?

The Shiba Inu:

While it is true that the Shiba is an ancient breed, only a few of the original line exist. After WWII, parts of Japan were left in turmoil, and the Shiba (sadly) was a viable food source. Equally disheartening, this proud dog was also subject to the viral disease Canine Distemper. As such, the Shiba Inu of today is thought to descend from only 3 bloodlines. Much like how the 2000GT is thought to have descended from the Sport 800 (and the GT-86 is thought to descend from the 2000GT). The modern Shiba Inu is a true second generation compact Japanese pooch. The Shiba is smart, tidy, and independent. Shiba-sama is a dog that gives respect where it is earned.

This brings us to the last car on this new list of "If Cars Were". While the anchor spot on the old list was the lithe, toss-able, NA Miata, this new list needs something a bit venomous and dangerous.

The GT-R

It's brash, it powerful, and it launches with authority! No one would ever accuse this car of being light, or fluffy. It is purposeful, yet still can be family friendly. It does have 4 seats, it can be driven nicely, and it isn't soulless. So what four legged familiar fits this bill?

The Rottweiler:

A torque filled dog that is much more agile that it looks. It's docile and friendly to those that are familiar with it, but to the uninitiated, it will bite back. This is a breed that can be family friendly with a bit of work and indoctrination. It's power, poise, and grunt make it a good match for the GT-R.

So there is my list. 5 new cars and the Dogs I think that would best suit them. Agree? Disagree? Have combinations of your own that you'd like to propose? Leave them in the comments!

Want to burn me at the stake for blasphemous remarks and general stupidity, leave that in the comments as well, but keep it civil, personal attack comments get dismissed. Remember, this is just a list and a personal opinion.

Afterwords:

To those that read this far, I thank you. I know this is a car forum, and so this is off topic, that said, indulged me.

If you, or those you know, are thinking of taking in an animal, please adopt. The photos of the Greyhound (Rex) and Black Labs (Sadie and Petrie) in this post were taken by me, and are of my personal rescue dogs.

I've had the joy of stewarding these animals for several years now, and they have brought no end of entertainment and joy.

My plea is simple, if you think that an animal could fit in your home, please at least look at adoption before getting a puppy. For those that are curious I'd be happy to share my trials and difficulties with Rex. He is a retired racing Greyhound that was kenneled for over 20 months and deemed unfit for placement in a home before I took him in. With a lot of time and hard work, Rex is now sociable, and I have no concerns with him around people. In the words of the infamous Mark Twain:

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."

(Fair Warning, shameless Top Gun Anthem ahead)

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I'll step off my soapbox and conclude by thanking you for reading.

Otto > POD 08/24/2013 at 09:54

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Heh.
I liked your list, the Shiba Inu I think suits the GT2000 perfectly.

POD > Otto 08/24/2013 at 11:18

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Thank you!

Excellent pairing! Both of those are snow animals.

Roadster Man > POD 08/24/2013 at 11:43

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Well written! I was just telling my friends how badly I want a Shiba Inu when I finally get a dog.

POD > Roadster Man 08/24/2013 at 11:50

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Thank you!

I love Shiba's. Amazing dogs with quite the personality. I took that photo of the Shiba featured in the post at a farmers market. As it turned out, the owner and I live in the same part of town so I see him walking the dog often.

Sheba's make great pets, just make sure you get one from a breeder that does genetic testing to keep the inbreeding quotient low. That can be a problem with this breed.

Clown Shoe Pilot > POD 08/24/2013 at 12:14

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your grey looks like my grey!

looks like yours had a case of happy tail though.

here's mine from when he was just a puppy, oh so very long ago -

POD > Clown Shoe Pilot 08/24/2013 at 12:19

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Great looking hound! I love tiger brindles!

Yes, Rex had a case of happy tail. He was missing most of his tail when we got him. Looking at the stub quiver when he is excited, I can see how he got it.

Thanks for sharing!!

Here is another shot of Rex thinking he's the boss:

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > POD 08/24/2013 at 12:42

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Great post! But I think you meant Toyota 2000GT not Toyota GT2000.

POD > Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS 08/24/2013 at 12:46

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Thanks, I'll correct that now.

Kookanoodles > POD 08/24/2013 at 13:27

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Because class.

POD > Kookanoodles 08/24/2013 at 13:39

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Yes, quite.

Great pairing!

Otto > Kookanoodles 08/24/2013 at 17:56

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I had an Irish setter. Two of them, in fact. Loved them. Good dog!

Kookanoodles > Otto 08/24/2013 at 18:03

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We had one when I was little, god did I love that dog. Very nice, and absolutely beautiful.

Roadster Man > POD 08/25/2013 at 00:48

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Very interesting. Do you know what kind of personality they usually have? I'm dead set on owning a Shiba in the future although I know nothing about them. I'll keep the genetic testing in mind. I have a friend who just adopted a dog that seems to be inbred (hip dysplasia at a young age), so I know it's a general problem these days.

POD > Roadster Man 08/25/2013 at 01:07

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In my experience, Shiba's are intelligent, independent, and clean. Almost like a cat really. They will come to you when they want pets. They are content entertaining themselves, and they don't like to get dirty. They will walk around puddles when you take them out. They can be good with small children, but it's best if you can acclimate them to children when they are a pups.

Their intelligence lets them learn commands well, but they are also stubborn. Consistency is key. You need to set yourself up as the Alpha of the household, don't dominate, but be the leader. Place boundaries on what behaviors are OK and which parts of the house/furniture it can freely access. You also must consistently enforce this. In this way the Shiba is very similar to the Greyhounds I've rescued. They will respect boundaries, but they will constantly test those boundaries.

Overall the Shiba and the Greyhound are probably my two favorite breeds, and it's because of their temperament. If you are able to put in the work, the Shiba is an amazing dog!

Satish Kondapavulur > POD 08/31/2013 at 17:46

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Loved reading this!

POD > Satish Kondapavulur 08/31/2013 at 17:50

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Thank you! I've been inspired reading your lists, so you deserve most of the thanks!

Satish Kondapavulur > POD 08/31/2013 at 17:58

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As long as the writing brings a smile to your face, you'll enjoy writing anything. And I just had to read how you'd relate the car to the dog.

Squid > POD 09/01/2013 at 03:46

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I whole heartedly agree with adopting. I adopted my chow-golden mix about 4 years ago. I had a rough time getting her to get in line but now she is as sweet as can be. she also makes a good partner for sitting shotgun in my miata.

Jackgoff > Roadster Man 09/01/2013 at 10:09

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I've owned a Shiba Inu for 5 years lets go over a few things about this dog.

1. It is NOT an off leash dog!

2. It will kill other animals in its yard!

3. House breaks easily

4. Doesn't eat or devour everything in sight like most dog, usually a fussy eater.

5. THIS DO WILL SHED AN UNCONTROLLABLE AMOUNT OF FUR! I brush every few days and it still looks like I've never cleaned my floors. The DAILY comb...

Vanillaface > Otto 09/01/2013 at 10:57

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Perfect pairing they look very similar

Dogsport2.0 > POD 09/01/2013 at 11:56

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Great article, and thanks for pushing the adoption option. Lots of great dogs looking for homes out there. Now my addition to the list...

American and dependable. Ready to work or play, to go anywhere, to do anything, and a great companion for any adventure you have in mind.

POD > Dogsport2.0 09/01/2013 at 11:59

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Thank you! I try not to soapbox, but when it comes to animals, well, I had to.

Awesome paring!! I agree completely!

AeroStang > POD 07/29/2015 at 19:14

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Please add Moscow Watchdog with a Russian tank. Since attempting to adopt a Caucasian Shepherd and find an MW who needed a home, I’ve become obsessed- this will help educate for the brwwd! :)

MAXIMUMVRM > POD 07/29/2015 at 20:17

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The Akita inu , shibas bigger relative, almost went the way if the dodo during WWII due to pelts being used to keep soldiers warm. But thanks to Helen Keller we have them in America.

POD > MAXIMUMVRM 07/29/2015 at 20:38

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Glad they were able to be saved, they are a beautiful dog!

MAXIMUMVRM > POD 07/29/2015 at 20:47

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Here are mine a Akita mix and Shiba mix. Both rescues

POD > MAXIMUMVRM 07/29/2015 at 21:10

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Those are some good looking rescues.

POD > AeroStang 07/29/2015 at 21:39

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Nice combo!

AeroStang > POD 07/29/2015 at 22:09

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He’s such a good boy. Unless you are the stranger who cuts between me and my neighbor, then he is on hind legs pounding on the door. 8 more months until full grown!