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Originally Posted by Rubyee
Thanks for your help.
And to answer the question posed to the dogs I said I didn't want- I think that labs are good dogs, but you see them everywhere. I want a unique dog. I realize that dogs in general are popular, but if I wanted a lab, I could go visit the thousands of homes that have labs and play with theirs.
The other dogs are just dogs that I do not like.
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How do you know you don't like the other dogs? I myself thought I hated dachshunds until I owned one, and now I won't ever go without having at least one in my life.
That said, I want to add something to what others have said... If you are looking for a purebred dog, fine. Once you've decided on a breed, please, please, please research that breed's rescue organizations before you decide on a dog!! You can search through
PetFinder for specific breeds, and they will give you a list of available dogs in that breed, and even limit it to dogs in your area. There are just so many dogs out there needing homes that it is important that folks go to the rescues first before they think about a breeder.
My second point is to echo the thought that there are no breeds of dogs out there that
don't need regular exercise. Beyond potty breaks, regular interactions through regular walks or play time will help you and your dog bond, which also helps socialize your pet so that you avoid such behaviour issues as separation anxiety and destructive behaviour due to boredom. Walks establish you as the pack leader, and helps enforce any training you decide to give your dog.
Your post says you are planning on buying a new house. Are you ready for the budgetary responsibility of pet ownership? You have to be prepared to put out, at the very least, $500 a year for BASIC shots, food, toys, treats, necessities. Not to mention any emergency care the dog might require. Injuries, illnesses, accidents, allergies, health issues, not to mention the initial outlay of having the dog neutered or spayed. Are you prepared to eat ramen noodles for a week and give up a luxury so that your dog can have an MRI? Or xrays because of an accident? Or surgery to save its life? I have one dachshund who has seizures, and requires regular visits to the vet for neurological exams. That's $50 every time I walk in the door. And the emergency visit is $65 to walk in, plus the office visit fee, if he has a grand mal seizure and I need to take him in. Don't forget grooming, if you don't plan on doing it yourself, and obedience classes, again if you don't plan on doing it yourself. Are you going to crate train? What about diet?
Personally, I would rather not live without my pets. They are more work than kids, but the return is greater. My dogs bring a joy to my life that I can't live without. Yes, I've had to sacrifice plenty to ensure their well being, and they eat better than my husband and I do, but they are so worth it.
If you decide you are really ready for a dog, and you still want help picking a breed, here are some tips:
Do you want a dog who can curl up with you without crushing your legs? (ie do you want to be able to share a chair, or a sofa?)
Do you want a dog that will require regular grooming, or a dog that is fairly easy to maintain?
Do you want a dog with a lot of energy or one that is content to spend lots of couch time with you?
Do you want one that is fiercely loyal or one who is pretty open and friendly with everyone?
I agree that some of the more common breeds, like labradors, can be less than desireable.... For me, though, its not because they're common, but because popular breeds increase demand, and increased demand causes indiscriminate breeding, and you find a LOT more flaws in the dogs of a breed that is super popular. Breeders who are breeding in quantity rather than quality don't worry about genetic health issues and personalities, they just want puppies to sell.
So, do you want a dog whose possible health defects are minimal, and if present, easy to handle, or are you ready to deal with hip displaysia or degenerative disc disease if it happens?
Someone posted a link to the questionnaire to help pick a breed.... Its a REALLY good link, and a really good source to help. They give you more than one option based on your answers, and then you can research the recommended breeds from there.
Good luck.