Help Mr Mephisto choose a dog - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Mephisto2 · 10-26-2004, 02:42 AM

Well, now that we've moved away from the inner city of Sydney to the outer suburbs (almost countryside) of Perth, I'm ready to buy a dog. After a 4,000km drive, a house renovation and three months settling in, I think I need some unadulterated, unconditional affection from someone... God knows my wife is grumpy enough coming home from work!

So I really need some advice or suggestions on what kinds of breeds I should consider. Personally I like Bulldogs, but they're unsuitable for this climate (reaches 40+ degrees during summer). I also love Borsoi's and Irish wolfhounds, but these things are monsters and will probably be a handful.

I'm thinking of a border collie. They're cute. They're intelligent and they remind my wife (and me) of her last favourite pet. The only problem I see is that they're a working dog and need a lot of exercise and stimulation. This isn't a problem right now, as we have LOTS of room (around 17 hectares). I also work from home most days, so hopefully the dog won't get too bored with me and go mental.

Another option would be a beagle. I think they're kinda cute too.

Once I pick the breed, you guys can help me choose the name too...

And no, I'm not going to call him "Hal"

Mr Mephisto

Irishsean · 10-26-2004, 02:48 AM

What size dog are you looking for, any objections to a small or large breed?

Mephisto2 · 10-26-2004, 03:02 AM

I don't anything too small. A beagle is about as small as I'd go.

And I don't want a monster either.

So, kinda in the middle.

Mr Mephisto

runtuff · 10-26-2004, 03:08 AM

Border Collies are tops if you like working dogs, that can also be family dogs. You do have to keep them busy, very busy, like taking them for a run everyday. They need to burn off that energy or they get into mischief. Another idea might be a Vizsla, or a Weimreiner. They are bigger, shorter coat, working dogs but very affectionate family dogs.

Irishsean · 10-26-2004, 03:24 AM

Might also want to look at a Corgi. Yet another smaller working dog, they have great temperments and are very relaxing dogs to have around. The only downside is they are great con-artists and its very easy for them to give you the puppy-eyes to get an extra treat.

maleficent · 10-26-2004, 03:59 AM

The American Kennel Club's website has some helpful information for you:

The Right Dog for you - -what to look for

Where to find a dog

List of Breeds

The Canadian Kennel Club has a survery on the kind of breed that's right for you --based on the answers to a few questions:
What Breed Survey

K-Wise · 10-26-2004, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishsean

Might also want to look at a Corgi. Yet another smaller working dog, they have great temperments and are very relaxing dogs to have around. The only downside is they are great con-artists and its very easy for them to give you the puppy-eyes to get an extra treat.

Irish is right. I own a corgi (and a half corgi half cocker spaniel). And they really do have good temperment. The one I have is very obediant and loyal. She's almost TOO affectionate in the fact that the second she sees you she will NOT stop yapping until you lay down and let her lick yer freakin face off. I hate that but I love it so I'm torn. She has energy out the wazoo. They're herding dogs so don't be surprised if the little dog jumps up and nips you in the butt or the heels or sumfin. I remember one time we took her out to the back yard and we let her run around a bit and we were walking around and she looked at me, I looked at her, and then she just went nuts and started barking like crazy and running around us in a circle and barking. I was like "WTF is she doing??!" then it donned on me. She was trying to fuckin herd us! Crazy shit. I was like "Lily I'm not a damn goat!" They're crazy dogs but of the 3 we have she's probably the best behaved. When she wants to play she wants to play but that only lasts for a little while before she just plops down on the floor and falls asleep. If you've ever watched Cowboy Bebop the cartoon dog Ein is a corgi and they act exactly as he does on the show. Cartoonist must own a corgi or something. They're 2 types of em. A Cardigan and a Pembroke. We have a Pembroke..far as I can tell the only difference between them is that the Cardigans have a tail.

Ours looks a little like this one

I gotta admit when we got her...we didn't know what the fuck she was. We even though she looked a little funny but she quickly grew on us. Now we see pictures of corgis everywhere and we'd never even heard of em. Apparently they are quickly become a favorite among dog owners.

Asta!!

dobster · 10-26-2004, 04:27 AM

They're our Queen's favourite dog.
http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/ur...RGIS_AFP,0.jpg
For example

Mephisto2 · 10-26-2004, 04:40 AM

I'm afraid Corgis are out. Yep, they look cute, but they are inextricably linked to the Queen of England in my mind, so I can't choose them in good conscience.

Lame excuse? Absolutely.

Funny story about her trying to herd you though K-wise! LOL

Weimreiner are interesting, but I heard they get aggresive. Thanks for the links Maleficent.

Any more suggestions?

Mr Mephisto

warrrreagl · 10-26-2004, 04:48 AM

Here's a really old thread that produced some pretty good results about choosing a dog.

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=11167

Fate · 10-26-2004, 04:56 AM

Boxers. You want a Boxer, very friendly, fun, and emotional.
I remember when my boxer would climb onto my lap, and eventually lay his head on my shoulder, and fall asleep on me, Meanwhile I'm thinking to myself "wtf?" *shrugs*

These dogs love to be outside, they're easy to take care of, they hardly shed at all. During the summer, hose them down with water if it gets hot, they like it. Awesome dogs to play frisbee with. Not too big, not too small. And they're fucking smart.

Mephisto2 · 10-26-2004, 05:01 AM

Yeah, I like the look of Boxers. My wife doesn't particularly like them, but I'm adding them to the short list!

Mr Mephisto

Rodney · 10-26-2004, 05:01 AM

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fun dogs. They need a lot of exercise and attention, but you have the space and you'll be around. They're strong, curious, smart, and basically playful -- which means they're great dogs if they're trained right, and pains in the asses if they pick up bad habits early. Big, muscular, short-haired and basically clean. Seeing a ridgeback come running straight at you is an unnerving experience. Then the damn thing stops, jumps up on you, and licks your face!

For more info:

http://rrcus.org/

Averett · 10-26-2004, 05:08 AM

Being from Australia, what about an Aussie Cattle dog?

tecoyah · 10-26-2004, 05:23 AM

I was gonns say "Australian Sheperd"...damn cool dogs, and very smart....great with families as well

Averett · 10-26-2004, 05:25 AM

^ Those too.. I think bernadette has either Aussie Shepards or Aussie Cattle dogs. Not really sure what the difference is to tell the truth.

Glory's Sun · 10-26-2004, 05:40 AM

Weimeraners (sp?) are very very active. They need more attention and exercise more than Labs do. I prefer Rhodesian Ridgebacks (smart, gentle and bred to hunt lion-meaning very loyal) Labs (preferably black or tan) German Shepherds (their rep is worse than it should be) Now if you want a true working dog a Doberman is the way to go. Dobermans are not guard dogs as many people think. They are workers. They are easily trained and very loyal. For what you want though I'd say the best mix for you would be a Laborador Retriever. Fun, witty, playful and gentle. Good luck in your search and keep us posted.

lurkette · 10-26-2004, 06:51 AM

Try the dog breed selector at www.selectsmart.com as well. You can also look up info on temperament, health problems, etc., at www.dogbreedinfo.com.

Can you say more about what you're looking for besides size? Do you want a dog that is intelligent? Independent? Protective? Good with kids? Can you stand barking? How much room will they have to run? How much time will you be willing to devote to training and exercise?

water_boy1999 · 10-26-2004, 07:18 AM

I would go with Black labs or golden retrievers. I have several friends who own these dogs and I always have been fond of them. Both breeds have very mellow dispositions, are very loving and are very active. Good luck Mr. M.

inharmony · 10-26-2004, 07:22 AM

I had a black lab...he was great however they do chew for the first year or so. They are great with kids and love to play. If you can get past the chewing, they're wonderful pets.

Fremen · 10-26-2004, 09:50 AM

Mr Mephisto, are you looking for a mixed breed or a pure-bred dog?

The best dog we ever had was a Heinz-57.

Smart, loyal, protective, long living, good with children...but on the downside, she liked to chase cars.

feelgood · 10-26-2004, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by water_boy1999

I would go with Black labs or golden retrievers. I have several friends who own these dogs and I always have been fond of them. Both breeds have very mellow dispositions, are very loving and are very active. Good luck Mr. M.

I agree, I live in the country and labs and retrievers are great in those kind of homes. There's lots of room for them to run around, be sure to provide some shade for them as well since they can get tired.

Good luck in finding the perfect dog!

Glory's Sun · 10-26-2004, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inharmony

I had a black lab...he was great however they do chew for the first year or so. They are great with kids and love to play. If you can get past the chewing, they're wonderful pets.

it's quite easy to break them of this though. ( I use to train and help breed them) the key is not to give them any toys in their pen. only let them have toys to chew when they are being worked or played with outside. of course if the dog is going to stay outside then it shouldn't be a big concern

joeb1 · 10-26-2004, 10:26 AM

We have two Weim's. They are very active dogs. But get plenty of exercise with 4 kids in the house. Plus, they like to go on my morning runs. They are very head strong. And will try and run the house if you let them. You just have to be the boss. They are a breeze to clean. Yay for short hair! Love the water, and have quite the prey drive. (You will not want cats around unless they are used to being chased constantly.) Barking is not a problem. Unless you are playing and get them excited. Ours will bark and let us know someone is coming down the driveway.
One important factor about them. I have seen to many miserable Weim's left in a kennel. These are people dogs, they thrive on human contact. It is a must have for this breed.

I have not seen any aggressive behavior from a Weim yet.

Good luck finding the right breed!

amonkie · 10-26-2004, 10:33 AM

If you're worried about temperature, you might want to think about the amount of hair the dogs will have, and whether you'll mind trimming or keeping the hair short at times. I've spent a lot of time with labs, and they've got a very friendly personality, even though some of them will take advantage of your affection and play dead. Kind of hard to get a 90 lb dog to move sometimes

Suave · 10-26-2004, 11:19 AM

GET A DINGO!

Mephisto2 · 10-26-2004, 01:03 PM

Lots of great feedback.

With regards to Weimeraners, I think they're off the list. One of my wife's exes had one and she doesn't like them anymore! I kid you not. LOL

Rhodesian Ridgebacks. I like them, but I've heard they can get aggressive (they fight lions for God's sake!), so not too sure. No kids yet, but the wife is planning on starting a whole tribe, so we have to be careful with kid friendly.

Australian Cattle Dogs/Collies - Also known as Kelpies down here. My wife LOVES these and her parents have one. They are great dogs. However, if you think Border Collies need a lot of exercise, you've never seen a Kelpie go at it. They need to run around 50 to 70km a DAY! they need lots of exercise and activity. In other words, they are a great working dog, but probably not suited to a house (even if we do have a large garden and park next door). They'd be fine where we are now, as we live on the rural property with her folks, but not when we move into our own house.

Golden Retriever/Labs - I don't like these. My experience of them is that they get old and fat and grumpy. I think one of us doing that in the house will be enough for my wife!

Dingo - Erm... no. Did I mention we want to have kids?

Thanks for all this great and through provoking advice!

Mr Mephisto

Glory's Sun · 10-26-2004, 01:06 PM

Ridgebacks are actually quite gentle so the child issue wouldn't be a problem.. other than that you might want to look at dogue de bordeax (it's a rare breed) but you might not like them they are kinda like mastiffs.. so come to think of it that's opposite what you want

I'll try and think of some more suggestions for ya

roachboy · 10-26-2004, 01:22 PM

i would advocate a siberian husky or malamute--they are great--they are a pain---you should not confuse them with dogs, though--they are another thing altogether i have found. malamutes tend to be more chill, huskies a bit smarter....

but this is all simply a function of my affection for su tong the wonder husky, and an attempt to pass something this cool on to another across the medium of the message board.

Suave · 10-26-2004, 01:57 PM

Haha Mephisto. You might still be able to swing it though. From what I read, if you get a really young dingo (the only way to go), you can domesticate them enough to have children around them. Then again, I'm obsessed with dingos so I'm a little biased.

ironman · 10-26-2004, 01:59 PM

You should go for a bull terrier, is not that big (and u can find them in miniature as well) and is as active/inactive as you want him to be. They're very intelligent, though they can be very stuborn at times. Contrary to people's beliefes, they are not agressive but extremly friendly. You should check them out! I do prefer the white ones over the colored ones.

Irishsean · 10-26-2004, 03:57 PM

Hmmm, Gotta throw in a vote for a Basset Hound here. Exercise, smexercise! All they want is a warm place to sleep, food, and some belly rubbing! And they are cute too!

DDDDave · 10-26-2004, 04:36 PM

You mentioned a beagle in your first post but it hasn't been mentioned much since.

I had two while growing up and they were great. They are especially good with kids. They don't bite,, ever.
They will run and hunt all day but then just lay at your feet at home.
They will bark when they hear something but stop when you tell them.
They are smart but are not the kind of dogs to do 'tricks' for snacks. They are too cool for that.

Anyhow, that's my recommendation. It's hard to go wrong with a beagle.

Good Luck.

Mephisto2 · 10-26-2004, 04:56 PM

Yeah, my wife is big into Beagles.

the current shortlist is

1) Border Collie
2) Beagle
3) German Shepard
4) Irish Wolfhound (huge, but very tempting)

Anything else?

Mr Mephisto

Irishsean · 10-26-2004, 05:06 PM

Hmmm, what did you say the average temperature is there? It might be a bit hot for a wolfhound...

And a wolfhound? I thought you said Rhodesians were out because they were bred to take down lions? What do you think WOLFhounds were bred for? =P

Basset Hound man, I'm telling ya!

JumpinJesus · 10-26-2004, 05:11 PM

If I could have a pick of any dog I wanted, I think I'd get an Akita. I'm not sure if this is something you're looking for (considering the weather and all) but I hear they make outstanding pets and are very protective (you know, in case a lunatic escapes from the local psycho ward).

tspikes51 · 10-26-2004, 06:52 PM

I love collies, and stateside I know that they are being put to sleep because of the recent little-shit dog craze and the subsequent not wanting to have a well tempered larger dog. My collie, although he is over 5 feet tall when standing on his hind legs, still likes to try to curl up on my lap. He is wonderful with kids, and loves to play, whether inside or out. He is extremely smart, loving, playful, and loyal. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but I have every reason to believe that if anybody he knew were attacked, he would defend them. A friend of mine had one that was the same way. I definately reccomend a collie or a black lab.

Mephisto2 · 10-26-2004, 07:02 PM

Do you find Collies need a huge amount of exercise?

How large is your garden? Or "backyard" as you Americans call it...

Mr Mephisto

FlatLand Flyer · 10-26-2004, 07:08 PM

The dog we had growing up was a mut that we found abandoned up by our lake cabin. The vet identified it a half Australian Shepherd and half Dingo. It was a great dog though. Medium sized, smart as hell, loyal, loved to play fetch and hunt things, and was quite the player with local females even though he was neutered.

My personal choice for a dog would be a Ferman Shepherd or a Rottweiler.

Suave · 10-26-2004, 09:17 PM

Here's one: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/xoloitzcuintle.htm
It's awesome because: A) It's friendly and looks cool, and B) It has the most awesomely wierd dog name ever

10-26-2004, 02:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	Help Mr Mephisto choose a dog Well, now that we've moved away from the inner city of Sydney to the outer suburbs (almost countryside) of Perth, I'm ready to buy a dog. After a 4,000km drive, a house renovation and three months settling in, I think I need some unadulterated, unconditional affection from someone... God knows my wife is grumpy enough coming home from work! So I really need some advice or suggestions on what kinds of breeds I should consider. Personally I like Bulldogs, but they're unsuitable for this climate (reaches 40+ degrees during summer). I also love Borsoi's and Irish wolfhounds, but these things are monsters and will probably be a handful. I'm thinking of a border collie. They're cute. They're intelligent and they remind my wife (and me) of her last favourite pet. The only problem I see is that they're a working dog and need a lot of exercise and stimulation. This isn't a problem right now, as we have LOTS of room (around 17 hectares). I also work from home most days, so hopefully the dog won't get too bored with me and go mental. Another option would be a beagle. I think they're kinda cute too. Once I pick the breed, you guys can help me choose the name too... And no, I'm not going to call him "Hal" Mr Mephisto

10-26-2004, 02:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Irishsean edited for content Location: Austin, TX	What size dog are you looking for, any objections to a small or large breed? __________________ There are no absolute rules of conduct, either in peace or war. Everything depends on circumstances. Leon Trotsky

10-26-2004, 03:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Irishsean edited for content Location: Austin, TX	Might also want to look at a Corgi. Yet another smaller working dog, they have great temperments and are very relaxing dogs to have around. The only downside is they are great con-artists and its very easy for them to give you the puppy-eyes to get an extra treat. __________________ There are no absolute rules of conduct, either in peace or war. Everything depends on circumstances. Leon Trotsky

10-26-2004, 03:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	The American Kennel Club's website has some helpful information for you: The Right Dog for you - -what to look for Where to find a dog List of Breeds The Canadian Kennel Club has a survery on the kind of breed that's right for you --based on the answers to a few questions: What Breed Survey __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

10-26-2004, 04:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
dobster Insane Location: South London, UK	They're our Queen's favourite dog. http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/ur...RGIS_AFP,0.jpg For example __________________ sig-na-ture 1. One's name as written by oneself. 2. The act of signing one's name. 3. A distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity.

10-26-2004, 03:02 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	I don't anything too small. A beagle is about as small as I'd go. And I don't want a monster either. So, kinda in the middle. Mr Mephisto

10-26-2004, 03:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
runtuff Crazy	Border Collies are tops if you like working dogs, that can also be family dogs. You do have to keep them busy, very busy, like taking them for a run everyday. They need to burn off that energy or they get into mischief. Another idea might be a Vizsla, or a Weimreiner. They are bigger, shorter coat, working dogs but very affectionate family dogs.

10-26-2004, 04:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	I'm afraid Corgis are out. Yep, they look cute, but they are inextricably linked to the Queen of England in my mind, so I can't choose them in good conscience. Lame excuse? Absolutely. Funny story about her trying to herd you though K-wise! LOL Weimreiner are interesting, but I heard they get aggresive. Thanks for the links Maleficent. Any more suggestions? Mr Mephisto

10-26-2004, 04:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
warrrreagl pinche vato Location: backwater, Third World, land of cotton	Here's a really old thread that produced some pretty good results about choosing a dog. http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=11167 __________________ Living is easy with eyes closed.

10-26-2004, 04:56 AM	#11 (permalink)
Fate Crazy Location: Montreal	Boxers. You want a Boxer, very friendly, fun, and emotional. I remember when my boxer would climb onto my lap, and eventually lay his head on my shoulder, and fall asleep on me, Meanwhile I'm thinking to myself "wtf?" shrugs These dogs love to be outside, they're easy to take care of, they hardly shed at all. During the summer, hose them down with water if it gets hot, they like it. Awesome dogs to play frisbee with. Not too big, not too small. And they're fucking smart. __________________ vB code is On Smilies are On [IMG] code is Off HTML code is Off

10-26-2004, 05:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	Yeah, I like the look of Boxers. My wife doesn't particularly like them, but I'm adding them to the short list! Mr Mephisto

10-26-2004, 05:01 AM	#13 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Rhodesian Ridgebacks are fun dogs. They need a lot of exercise and attention, but you have the space and you'll be around. They're strong, curious, smart, and basically playful -- which means they're great dogs if they're trained right, and pains in the asses if they pick up bad habits early. Big, muscular, short-haired and basically clean. Seeing a ridgeback come running straight at you is an unnerving experience. Then the damn thing stops, jumps up on you, and licks your face! For more info: http://rrcus.org/

10-26-2004, 05:08 AM	#14 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	Being from Australia, what about an Aussie Cattle dog? __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

10-26-2004, 05:23 AM	#15 (permalink)
tecoyah Illusionary	I was gonns say "Australian Sheperd"...damn cool dogs, and very smart....great with families as well __________________ Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

10-26-2004, 05:25 AM	#16 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	^ Those too.. I think bernadette has either Aussie Shepards or Aussie Cattle dogs. Not really sure what the difference is to tell the truth. __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

10-26-2004, 11:19 AM	#26 (permalink)
Suave Twitterpated Location: My own little world (also Canada)	GET A DINGO!

10-26-2004, 05:40 AM	#17 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	Weimeraners (sp?) are very very active. They need more attention and exercise more than Labs do. I prefer Rhodesian Ridgebacks (smart, gentle and bred to hunt lion-meaning very loyal) Labs (preferably black or tan) German Shepherds (their rep is worse than it should be) Now if you want a true working dog a Doberman is the way to go. Dobermans are not guard dogs as many people think. They are workers. They are easily trained and very loyal. For what you want though I'd say the best mix for you would be a Laborador Retriever. Fun, witty, playful and gentle. Good luck in your search and keep us posted.

10-26-2004, 06:51 AM	#18 (permalink)
lurkette My future is coming on Moderator Emeritus Location: east of the sun and west of the moon	Try the dog breed selector at www.selectsmart.com as well. You can also look up info on temperament, health problems, etc., at www.dogbreedinfo.com. Can you say more about what you're looking for besides size? Do you want a dog that is intelligent? Independent? Protective? Good with kids? Can you stand barking? How much room will they have to run? How much time will you be willing to devote to training and exercise? __________________ "If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing." - Anatole France

10-26-2004, 07:18 AM	#19 (permalink)
water_boy1999 Fly em straight! Location: Above and Beyond	I would go with Black labs or golden retrievers. I have several friends who own these dogs and I always have been fond of them. Both breeds have very mellow dispositions, are very loving and are very active. Good luck Mr. M. __________________ Doh!!!! -Homer Simpson

10-26-2004, 07:22 AM	#20 (permalink)
inharmony Psycho Location: happy place	I had a black lab...he was great however they do chew for the first year or so. They are great with kids and love to play. If you can get past the chewing, they're wonderful pets. __________________ "You can't shake hands with a clenched fist." Ghandi "Things do not change: We change" Henry David Thoreau

10-26-2004, 09:50 AM	#21 (permalink)
Fremen With a mustache, the cool factor would be too much Location: left side of my couch, East Texas	Mr Mephisto, are you looking for a mixed breed or a pure-bred dog? The best dog we ever had was a Heinz-57. Smart, loyal, protective, long living, good with children...but on the downside, she liked to chase cars. __________________ Google

10-26-2004, 10:26 AM	#24 (permalink)
joeb1 Crazy Location: Over Yonder	We have two Weim's. They are very active dogs. But get plenty of exercise with 4 kids in the house. Plus, they like to go on my morning runs. They are very head strong. And will try and run the house if you let them. You just have to be the boss. They are a breeze to clean. Yay for short hair! Love the water, and have quite the prey drive. (You will not want cats around unless they are used to being chased constantly.) Barking is not a problem. Unless you are playing and get them excited. Ours will bark and let us know someone is coming down the driveway. One important factor about them. I have seen to many miserable Weim's left in a kennel. These are people dogs, they thrive on human contact. It is a must have for this breed. I have not seen any aggressive behavior from a Weim yet. Good luck finding the right breed! __________________ Disco Duck...

10-26-2004, 10:33 AM	#25 (permalink)
amonkie Drifting Administrator Location: Windy City	If you're worried about temperature, you might want to think about the amount of hair the dogs will have, and whether you'll mind trimming or keeping the hair short at times. I've spent a lot of time with labs, and they've got a very friendly personality, even though some of them will take advantage of your affection and play dead. Kind of hard to get a 90 lb dog to move sometimes __________________ Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

10-26-2004, 01:03 PM	#27 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	Lots of great feedback. With regards to Weimeraners, I think they're off the list. One of my wife's exes had one and she doesn't like them anymore! I kid you not. LOL Rhodesian Ridgebacks. I like them, but I've heard they can get aggressive (they fight lions for God's sake!), so not too sure. No kids yet, but the wife is planning on starting a whole tribe, so we have to be careful with kid friendly. Australian Cattle Dogs/Collies - Also known as Kelpies down here. My wife LOVES these and her parents have one. They are great dogs. However, if you think Border Collies need a lot of exercise, you've never seen a Kelpie go at it. They need to run around 50 to 70km a DAY! they need lots of exercise and activity. In other words, they are a great working dog, but probably not suited to a house (even if we do have a large garden and park next door). They'd be fine where we are now, as we live on the rural property with her folks, but not when we move into our own house. Golden Retriever/Labs - I don't like these. My experience of them is that they get old and fat and grumpy. I think one of us doing that in the house will be enough for my wife! Dingo - Erm... no. Did I mention we want to have kids? Thanks for all this great and through provoking advice! Mr Mephisto

10-26-2004, 01:06 PM	#28 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	Ridgebacks are actually quite gentle so the child issue wouldn't be a problem.. other than that you might want to look at dogue de bordeax (it's a rare breed) but you might not like them they are kinda like mastiffs.. so come to think of it that's opposite what you want I'll try and think of some more suggestions for ya

10-26-2004, 01:22 PM	#29 (permalink)
roachboy Super Moderator Location: essex ma	i would advocate a siberian husky or malamute--they are great--they are a pain---you should not confuse them with dogs, though--they are another thing altogether i have found. malamutes tend to be more chill, huskies a bit smarter.... but this is all simply a function of my affection for su tong the wonder husky, and an attempt to pass something this cool on to another across the medium of the message board. __________________ a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear it make you sick. -kamau brathwaite

10-26-2004, 01:57 PM	#30 (permalink)
Suave Twitterpated Location: My own little world (also Canada)	Haha Mephisto. You might still be able to swing it though. From what I read, if you get a really young dingo (the only way to go), you can domesticate them enough to have children around them. Then again, I'm obsessed with dingos so I'm a little biased.

10-26-2004, 01:59 PM	#31 (permalink)
ironman Smithers, release the hounds Location: Guatemala, Guatemala	You should go for a bull terrier, is not that big (and u can find them in miniature as well) and is as active/inactive as you want him to be. They're very intelligent, though they can be very stuborn at times. Contrary to people's beliefes, they are not agressive but extremly friendly. You should check them out! I do prefer the white ones over the colored ones. __________________ If I agreed with you we´d both be wrong

10-26-2004, 03:57 PM	#32 (permalink)
Irishsean edited for content Location: Austin, TX	Hmmm, Gotta throw in a vote for a Basset Hound here. Exercise, smexercise! All they want is a warm place to sleep, food, and some belly rubbing! And they are cute too! __________________ There are no absolute rules of conduct, either in peace or war. Everything depends on circumstances. Leon Trotsky

10-26-2004, 04:36 PM	#33 (permalink)
DDDDave Addict Location: Sarasota	You mentioned a beagle in your first post but it hasn't been mentioned much since. I had two while growing up and they were great. They are especially good with kids. They don't bite,, ever. They will run and hunt all day but then just lay at your feet at home. They will bark when they hear something but stop when you tell them. They are smart but are not the kind of dogs to do 'tricks' for snacks. They are too cool for that. Anyhow, that's my recommendation. It's hard to go wrong with a beagle. Good Luck. __________________ I am just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe... "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Thoreau "Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm" - Emerson

10-26-2004, 04:56 PM	#34 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	Yeah, my wife is big into Beagles. the current shortlist is 1) Border Collie 2) Beagle 3) German Shepard 4) Irish Wolfhound (huge, but very tempting) Anything else? Mr Mephisto

10-26-2004, 05:06 PM	#35 (permalink)
Irishsean edited for content Location: Austin, TX	Hmmm, what did you say the average temperature is there? It might be a bit hot for a wolfhound... And a wolfhound? I thought you said Rhodesians were out because they were bred to take down lions? What do you think WOLFhounds were bred for? =P Basset Hound man, I'm telling ya! __________________ There are no absolute rules of conduct, either in peace or war. Everything depends on circumstances. Leon Trotsky

10-26-2004, 05:11 PM	#36 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	If I could have a pick of any dog I wanted, I think I'd get an Akita. I'm not sure if this is something you're looking for (considering the weather and all) but I hear they make outstanding pets and are very protective (you know, in case a lunatic escapes from the local psycho ward). __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

10-26-2004, 06:52 PM	#37 (permalink)
tspikes51 Fuckin' A Location: Lex Vegas	I love collies, and stateside I know that they are being put to sleep because of the recent little-shit dog craze and the subsequent not wanting to have a well tempered larger dog. My collie, although he is over 5 feet tall when standing on his hind legs, still likes to try to curl up on my lap. He is wonderful with kids, and loves to play, whether inside or out. He is extremely smart, loving, playful, and loyal. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but I have every reason to believe that if anybody he knew were attacked, he would defend them. A friend of mine had one that was the same way. I definately reccomend a collie or a black lab. __________________ "I'm telling you, we need to get rid of a few people or a million." -Maddox

10-26-2004, 07:02 PM	#38 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	Do you find Collies need a huge amount of exercise? How large is your garden? Or "backyard" as you Americans call it... Mr Mephisto

10-26-2004, 07:08 PM	#39 (permalink)
FlatLand Flyer Insane Location: Eastern, WA	The dog we had growing up was a mut that we found abandoned up by our lake cabin. The vet identified it a half Australian Shepherd and half Dingo. It was a great dog though. Medium sized, smart as hell, loyal, loved to play fetch and hunt things, and was quite the player with local females even though he was neutered. My personal choice for a dog would be a Ferman Shepherd or a Rottweiler.