Great photograph!
I'll hazard my own guess as to why you might like it so much, or at least why I like it. ;)
Phenomenal composition!
It really ticks all of the boxes, you've got two sets of strong lines that lead you through the picture: the trees, and the edges of the walls and roofs. These lines also nearly lie on the grid lines of the rule of thirds, vertical and horizontal.
The dog is in a great "frame" within the picture, and is posed interestingly.
Nice level of contrast between the black and white parts of the picture too!
All in all, an absolutely wonderful photo!
Thank you! You make me blush 8-).
I think your analysis is a good one! Often, when I'm done making and processing a photo, I try to forget about the rules and tricks and just look at it to see if it is OK, letting instinct take over. It's when I start "sinning" against the rules and also forget about them 8-)
The "rules" are meant to be understood, then broken or followed at will. I'd say your approach is just fine! :P Sticking to just the rules makes for technically "sound" photos, but often the lack that human touch.