What breed dog to get?? HELP!

[pricescope]

Maya - Diamondfans Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
She will tell you about them later, i just point you to the positioning of this dog - see it's beside the fridge...

.

 

[Kaleigh]

I have met Maya several times, she is such a sweetie. I have Bichons, they are great with children and are wonderful companions. Plus they are hypoallergenic. My kids have pretty bad allergies and can''t have a smooth haired dog like a lab etc.. I grew up with yellow labs. They are such a sweet breed. But I am a big fan of rescuing dogs too. Those dogs really know you have saved them and will be forever grateful to you.

 

[pricescope]

well she is the kid of df

 

[Kaleigh]

Hehe, Irina those pics are all of Maya.

 

[larussel03]

FI and I own a mutt that we adopted from the shelter about 3 months ago--she's lab, pitbull and possibly something else mixed and she has a great temperment. LOVES other dogs and people, but is very strong willed but somewhat good with the training...aside from jumping on people/things but we're working on it and she's slowly getting better. But she IS hyper as hell, so we have to run her at least once a day (FI bikes while she runs full speed) and take her on at least 2 20-30 min walks a day. I love walking her, so this isn't a big deal for us. If she doesn't get enough exercise she'll be up all night looking out the window and growling at bunnies and deer and waking us up to go out. She's very loving and loves cuddling.

We can leave her at home while we're at work, although sometimes we do come home to an accident which the vet attributes to her not getting enough exercise prior to leaving her alone, so we're taking her on longer morning walks now, which seems to keep her happy and keep accidents at bay. She does have a little bit of separation anxiety, likely because she was previously abandoned, but she has improved so much already.

If you don't have a particular breed you're looking for, I would very strongly reccomend adopting a shelter dog, my parents always have and FI and I did and they've always been great additions to the family. I think that mutts often live longer with fewer genetic issues also than purebreds do, although that depends alot of the time on how reliable your breeder is, I guess.

 

[larussel03]

Date: 12/17/2006 1:46:57 PM
Author: widget
Well, I''m a mutt fan, myself.

There is something to be said about adopting a dog who''s past puppyhood, so you can ''see'' his/her adult temperment ahead of time.

Here''s a scanned picture of the best dog I ever had (hope widget doesn''t see this): Spencer. I adopted him from a shelter when he was two. Definitely part Rottweiller, maybe part Golden (?). He was kind, gentle, wise, mellow, and SCARY LOOKING! hee hee

widget

I''ve heard GREAT things about rotties. I"ve only had limited experience with them, but the 2 I knew (wiht unrelated owners) were super obediant, loyal and big mushes. I''d love to get one some day.

 

[mrssalvo]

Our local vet owns a puppy adoption center called Love at First Sight where they take puppies only. I did a ton a research when we decided to get a dog and found that with 2 older kids and my hubby and I planning on having more I needed one that would be excellent with children. I also wanted to adopt a dog but really wanted a puppy b/c I wanted to train it exactly how I wanted her to be. We found Zoe who is a lab but no papers at that place. I''d say the biggest con is the shedding. it''s year round for us and she''s inside most of the time so I have to vacuum every day to keep it off our hardwood floors. We have a wellness plan at our vet that for about $15 a month she gets all of her yearly shots, 2 free comprehensive exams a year and free office visits any time so that really does save us money. I spend about $30-$50 in food and treats for her. I do recommend some type of training or you can do it yourself if you have the time to really train then on how to walk without pulling, not to jump etc. They are a very smart bread and reliable which is why they are used a lot as seeing eye dogs but you do have to be very strict and firm when they are puppies. They chew, chew, chew on everything for the first couples of years and should be crated when your not home. We made the mistake of leaving Zoe out of her crate when she was too little and we came home to chewed baseboard corners. I had a very unhappy hubby, not to mention the danger the puppy can get themselves into. We definitely made the right decision for our family but there are many other breeds I''d love to own that are just as wonderful.

Diamondfan, love you choc. lab. someday, when we have more land for them to run on, I''m going to get one, but one big dog with a yard our size is enough.

 

[littlelysser]

My FI and I own an Ibizan Hound.

Ibizans are large dogs - about the size of a greyhound. They are sighthounds - which means that they are quite different from other breeds of dogs.

Izzie is incredibly smart, very sensitive, independent, aloof with strangers, and honestly, he is the funniest, silliest and best dog ever. Our breeder describes them as relics with a sense of humor. Sighthounds (salukis, borzois, irish wolfhounds, scottish deerhounds and Ibizans, just to name a few) are not like a labrador - they are just a different kind of dog.

Izzie can learn a new trick in about 3 minutes...but whether or not he'll do it again, well, that is up to him.

He was completely housetrained at 8 weeks.

Izzie is a quirky soul. He is a bit afraid of hardwood floors (he walks backwards on one of the halls in our house...who knows why...). Plastic toys are also a bit scary. He (at 60 pounds) prefers to sleep on top of very near us.

And he's gentle and just amazing...plus, he is just beautiful. I've attached a pic. When we take him for a walk, we are routinely stopped by people - sometimes folks driving down the street will pull over - and ask what kind of dog he is. And to see him run - well, it is really a thing of beauty.

Anyhoodle - Ibizans aren't for everyone - but if it sounds like a breed you might be interested in, I'd recommend researching them further...

We think the Izzman rocks!

 

[bae7]

We have a six month old yellow lab. I AM NOT a dog person but I am so totally in love with this dog. We also did a lot of research and so far he totally lives up to a lab''s reputation. We read that males were very dependent dogs and liked to be near you. Well, he sleeps right at our feet (who ever is closest). We went with a breeder who takes temperament into account. Our pup is very gentle with our daughter, which is amazing for puppy. He''s very quick to learn and VERY eager to please. He has never chewed up anything but then we are crate training him so at night that is where he sleeps. When he''s older we expect to take him hiking with us. This is a generalization but IMHO holds fairly true - Bench labs (ours), which are stockier and shorter, not so long a nose, are not quite as hyper. Field labs, which are taller, leaner, longer nose = tend to be a little more active. Good luck with your seach - very exciting no matter who you adopt!!

 

[Dee*Jay]

We adopted what we thought was a mutt from the pound that ended up being a rare breed from the southern United States called a Carolina Dog. Their closest genetic relative is the Australian Dingo. I''m actually not advocating that you get one of these dogs (they have "issues" LOL) but I am hoping that you might consider a visit to the local shelter, as a few other people have suggested. My husband volunteers at our local anti cruelty society and he comes home every Saturday afternoon and tells me about all the dogs and cats that need homes.

How could you resist a face like this?

 

[Dee*Jay]

Of course when they get comfortable with you and their true personality emerges you might go from Mr. Big Sad Brown Eyes (above) to Mr. Perky Ears Full of Mischief!

 

[mtrb]

Please adopt. There are soo many dogs with great personalities that are put to death each year. People are now paying 1-2 thousand dollars for designer mutts while so many are put to death. Rescue, and dont support the puppy farms that are interbreeding and killing the ones not chosen by people to keep the prices up...

Please, and thank you.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Aurelia, I forgot to say that if you decide to go with a breed you can also check with your local shelters and with rescue organizations for that breed to see if they have any dogs available. You would be amazed at the pure breeds that come into the shelter that the HH volunteers at. Goldens, Labradooles, Beagles -- all kinds!

 

[pricescope]

Date: 12/17/2006 5:52:12 PM
Author: mtrb
Please adopt. There are soo many dogs with great personalities that are put to death each year. People are now paying 1-2 thousand dollars for designer mutts while so many are put to death. Rescue, and dont support the puppy farms that are interbreeding and killing the ones not chosen by people to keep the prices up...

Please, and thank you.

Ditto, boycott puppy mills!

ETA: i worked with dogs and i've never meet a breed (or mix) i don't like. (re-phrasing that diamond quote). So i can't recommend one breed, it's too hard, but the good thing is you have more choices in case you go to a shelter.

 

[LdyNghtWng]

We have 2 right now. Got the Lab as a children''s dog 10+ years ago, and he''s been great, the most amiable dog around, and less hyper than the goldens I know, not to mention, needs no special grooming. Lately he hangs out with my elderly mom, and is great and undemanding for emotional support and companionship. he is physically rugged, and so gentle he never bit us, even as a teething little puppy. He can carry a water balloon for ages without it breaking!

But the dearest to our hearts is Nikki, our sable German Shepherd. She''s from an obedience line, not a show line, and bright as a small child. She was less than a year old when my dad was living with us, dying of cancer, and she, on her own accord, stationed herself by his hospital bed and guarded him day and night, coming to get me whenever he called. She takes care of the household to this day lol. She is incredibly devoted and loyal, very playful, even now and 3 1/2, great with younger folks and kids.Of all the dogs we have ever had, she is our favorite, and all the kid''s friends adore her.

Cons: It''s hard to get a good shepherd, you need to check out the parents and family lines a bit to be sure you aren''t getting an overbred one, and I am allergic...and she sheds 365 days a year, and still likes to sleep in my arms.

 

[musey]

Date: 12/17/2006 4:57:26 PM
Author: *~Sweetpea~*
I''ve heard GREAT things about rotties. I''ve only had limited experience with them, but the 2 I knew (wiht unrelated owners) were super obediant, loyal and big mushes. I''d love to get one some day.

My neighbor has a female rottweiler, and let me tell you, she is SCA--RY!!

First time I met her, she clamped down on my arm for a good minute and a half before letting go, all while her owner was saying "Oh, silly Alphie, no mouthing!" umm don''t you mean biting?!

Maybe she is just poorly trained, but those bruises and scratches have equalled me NOT liking rottweilers very much!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 12/17/2006 5:57:59 PM
Author: Dee*Jay
Aurelia, I forgot to say that if you decide to go with a breed you can also check with your local shelters and with rescue organizations for that breed to see if they have any dogs available. You would be amazed at the pure breeds that come into the shelter that the HH volunteers at. Goldens, Labradooles, Beagles -- all kinds!

I agree, there are lots of dogs available for adoption in most breeds. Do some research, you''ll find these organizations easily. My oldest is a rescue of sorts, long story. My second came from what I thought was a reliable breeder, but in PA, most are puppy mills. And that made me so angry. I mean who would think the Amish would scam me??? I have learned my lesson and will only adopt from now on. Too many great dogs are out there that just need some love and TLC..

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/17/2006 4:57:26 PM
Author: *~Sweetpea~*


I''ve heard GREAT things about rotties. I''ve only had limited experience with them, but the 2 I knew (wiht unrelated owners) were super obediant, loyal and big mushes. I''d love to get one some day.

We looked into those, and had a breeder tell us they do not like high pitched noises, it makes them irritable. We had small children, and he recommended not going with one until the youngest was about 12. Don''t know if it''s really true or not....

 

[pricescope]

www.petfinder.com organized very well and for your local search too. We used it while looking for a German pointer or a setter, and then that crazy mix of something fell on our laps so i can''t tell how the rest of adoption would go, but the search was good. That''s Sharik jumping.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/17/2006 6:08:43 PM
Author: musey

Date: 12/17/2006 4:57:26 PM
Author: *~Sweetpea~*
I''ve heard GREAT things about rotties. I''ve only had limited experience with them, but the 2 I knew (wiht unrelated owners) were super obediant, loyal and big mushes. I''d love to get one some day.

My neighbor has a female rottweiler, and let me tell you, she is SCA--RY!!

First time I met her, she clamped down on my arm for a good minute and a half before letting go, all while her owner was saying ''Oh, silly Alphie, no mouthing!'' umm don''t you mean biting?!

Maybe she is just poorly trained, but those bruises and scratches have equalled me NOT liking rottweilers very much!

Interesting. MY SIL had one, I called it the Devil dog. He bit several people, unprevoked. Never knew what he was going to do. I wouldn''t even let my youngest go play with his cousin because these people were the same way. They were told to put it up when he came over, found out they didn''t, that was it. They didn''t "get" that he was dangerous, just thought he was being protective.

I just chalked it up to a bad dog, or owners? But now I wonder...

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/17/2006 6:22:48 PM
Author: Pricescope
www.petfinder.com organized very well and for your local search too. We used it while looking for a German pointer or a setter, and then that crazy mix of something fell on our laps so i can''t tell how the rest of adoption would go, but the search was good. That''s Sharik jumping.

Great pic! That''s a pretty high jump.

 

[Dee*Jay]

The dog that my husband has come the closest to considering as a sister for The Demon was a Rotty from the shelter. Unfortunately she had some health problems that the shelter thought were uncureable, which is honestly why she was probably brought in in the first place (we even offered to take her "as is" and pay whatever it took ourselves to make her better), but she was truly a sweet sweet dog in the short times that we had with her. Broke my heart to find out that she had to go to the great kennel in the sky...

 

[pricescope]

Thank Ellen, i think he has a RR in him.

 

[larussel03]

Date: 12/17/2006 6:23:05 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 12/17/2006 6:08:43 PM
Author: musey

Date: 12/17/2006 4:57:26 PM
Author: *~Sweetpea~*
I''ve heard GREAT things about rotties. I''ve only had limited experience with them, but the 2 I knew (wiht unrelated owners) were super obediant, loyal and big mushes. I''d love to get one some day.

My neighbor has a female rottweiler, and let me tell you, she is SCA--RY!!

First time I met her, she clamped down on my arm for a good minute and a half before letting go, all while her owner was saying ''Oh, silly Alphie, no mouthing!'' umm don''t you mean biting?!

Maybe she is just poorly trained, but those bruises and scratches have equalled me NOT liking rottweilers very much!

Interesting. MY SIL had one, I called it the Devil dog. He bit several people, unprevoked. Never knew what he was going to do. I wouldn''t even let my youngest go play with his cousin because these people were the same way. They were told to put it up when he came over, found out they didn''t, that was it. They didn''t ''get'' that he was dangerous, just thought he was being protective.

I just chalked it up to a bad dog, or owners? But now I wonder...

I think it could be a combo of both,maybe. Maybe an owner who did not properly discipline or train the dog, or maybe a dog from an overbred line with temperment issues. It''s so hard to tell, with super strong dogs like those, however, I do think it''s up to the owner to be responsible and make sure that they are properly trained because they are so strong and can do damage.

But there''s no denying how beautiful they are : )

 

[ursulawrite]

I have a Boston Terrier as well. What can I say? She is my snugglebunny, my jogging companion, my fetch supremo and my court jester. She adores strangers, kids, other dogs, cats, horses. She doesn''t have the flatulence issue because she''s fed an organic food and is as healthy as an ox. She doesn''t bark, hardly sheds and is content to go at my pace, be it a two-hour walk or a two-hour slob on the sofa. So, that''s my twopenneth for the BTs for what it''s worth

If I was looking for a big dog, I would either go for a shelter mix, a Flat-Coat Retriever or a Gordon Setter.

 

[justjulia]

Here''s the best dog we have ever had. She is a Rottie-Lab mix and gentle as can be. Of course, she scares the pants off of people on sight, but she''s really a big baby. When she stands up, her face pulls down and she has more of the chunky Rottie look.

 

[littlelysser]

As a person that got a pure bred dog from a great breeder, and a faboo little muttski from a rescue - I agree with what many of the posters above me have said.

Rescue pups can be pretty fantastic too. Cricket, our rescue, was dropped at a high-kill shelter at 4 weeks old. And she is one of the sweetest dogs ever. She is so full of joy it is just crazy. The thought that she could have been killed because she was an oops litter or for whatever reason, it just makes me sad.

Puppy mills are horrible places. And so are back yard breeders, in my opinion. A breeder should breed only to better the breed - and for love of the breed. They should have the lineage of their dogs and should have all the relevant health tests done for the dogs they are breeding.

Should you decide that you want a pure bred dog - which isn't a bad thing, in my opinion, make sure you get one from a good breeder. They are out there...it just takes research to find them.

 

[pricescope]

Date: 12/17/2006 7:28:43 PM
Author: ursulawrite
I have a Boston Terrier as well. What can I say? She is my snugglebunny, my jogging companion, my fetch supremo and my court jester. She adores strangers, kids, other dogs, cats, horses. She doesn''t have the flatulence issue because she''s fed an organic food and is as healthy as an ox. She doesn''t bark, hardly sheds and is content to go at my pace, be it a two-hour walk or a two-hour slob on the sofa. So, that''s my twopenneth for the BTs for what it''s worth

If I was looking for a big dog, I would either go for a shelter mix, a Flat-Coat Retriever or a Gordon Setter.

How do you know Gordons Ursula? Did you have one, if so please post pictures? We had owned one for almost 18 years.

 

[dtnyc]

Date: 12/17/2006 6:22:48 PM
Author: Pricescope
www.petfinder.com organized very well and for your local search too.

I have to second petfinder.com and shelters! I found our 2nd dog at a shelter through petfinder.
We have 2 1/2 jack russell/ 1/2 shih tzu mixes. Daisy (7 years) and Dixon (8 months.) Daisy is 12 lbs, Dixon was almost 16 lbs when we got him fixed the day after T-giving, so he is going to be a little bigger. It''s the right size for us- small enough to be "portable" but not so tiny that they seem fragile.
We love them- and were so excited to find a "match" for Daisy. Dixon was at a shelter in NJ and had been turned in by a family that bought him at a petstore. Daisy was an "accident" and I knew the owner of her mother. Both are total sweeties and love kids, people and most other dogs.
Daisy does not like cats, but I believe Dixon would be OK w/ them.
Both are GREAT in the car, Daisy is good on planes as well. They are fun dogs- love to run and get along well together. Inside they are good lap dogs who love to snuggle.

Here they are sacked out on my bed - Daisy has the brown eyes and satanic eyes, Dixon has the black ears.

 

[monarch64]

I just want to reiterate the "please adopt or rescue" statements made by others. WE would DEFINITELY have rescued or adopted another dog or puppy if it had been in the cards for us. However, we already had one crazy beagle with separation anxiety and some other strange issues and we need to make sure we found the right match for him, as well as us. We researched for well over a year to find the right breeder, and during that time of research we looked at many different rescue and shelter facilities trying to make the right decision.

We ended up finding a small-time breeder in WI, a family of 5 with small children, and the eldest daughter (14) actually takes care of the puppies...they also have a small farm and the puppies were well-socialized and not confined. It was a good fit for our dog, first and foremost, and for us and our household. You really have to consider carefully all variables of your lifestyle when looking for the right dog. And you certainly have to consider whether the right dog will be happy in your home...that is something a lot of people don''t consider at all...they just want a dog so bad and don''t even think about how the dog is going to react going from where it''s used to being to your home, which could be such a different environment. Plus you have to be ready as a household yourselves to do all the work involved with raising a great dog...from vet care to training, to unexpected things that seem to always occur (health wise or other). It''s a very serious thing and many people do not see it that way--they fall in love with the idea of having a dog, or a picture of a dog, or whatever, and make their decision based on that feeling, and sometimes it works out, but many times the dog has to go back to foster care or the breeder because it just didn''t fit in with the household.