Rubyee

We are buying a house soon, and want to buy a dog. It is a smallish house, and we would walk it almost every day but other than that it would be indoors with us. We are having trouble deciding on a dog. There are two we are really stuck on, but since none of our friends have dogs, let alone the specific breeds of dog, it is hard for us to make a decision.

This is where you come in- sell me on your dog. Tell me about your breed, what its like- pros, cons- and please be brutally honest. We don't want to buy a dog that doesn't work for us- I have seen too many dogs put down because people don't do research and get the wrong dog.

Owners of bichons, poodles, labs, long haired dogs, things that get carried in purses, and shits need not apply.

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shakran

you need to tell us more about your lifestyle. How often are you home? What kind of temperment do you want? When you say you would walk it almost every day, that raises a flag. Dogs need exercise EVERY day. Some require far less than others, but they still need attention daily. Plus, how will you arrange for the dog to relieve itself if you don't walk it one day? Will you have a fence? What is your price range for a dog? What is your distance range? I had to go 600 miles one way to get mine because that was the closest good breeder.

There are LOTS of questions that need to be answered before you start thinking about breed. ..

maleficent

Really think about whether or not you want to make a committment to a dog.... dogs usually need to be walked multiple times a day, every day... not just when the weather is nice... It's also a big financial commitment....

rather than going for a specific breed, i'd go to the local animal shelter and find a dog to adopt you.... even spend some time volunteering at the shelter to make sure that it's what you really want.

Pet owner ship is a lifetime commitment -it's a child that you don't send off to college... and can't take as a tax deduction...

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snowy

Yes, go to the shelter and find a dog there. At the shelter, you will only spend approx. $100 on an adoption fee, and there are always a variety of dogs looking for homes.

My dog is a shelter dog. He is half black lab, half greyhound. He is the perfect mix for the occasionally playful. Being half greyhound, he is inclined to be a couch potato, but being half lab, he also has a good play drive. If you want to play, he wants to play. For his size, he really does not require much work or exercise. He was easy to train and is still well-behaved seven years later. I should note that when Jack does run--he runs like the wind. It's BEAUTIFUL.

However, as a puppy, his nickname was "Houdini Dog." He had such a strong desire to be with the people that he would escape his dog run and try to get into the house. Also, if greyhounds get loose they try to lead you on a merry chase. We countered this by ignoring him Since he wants to be where the people are, he invariably just gives up and comes inside when he notices people aren't following. Now that my parents no longer live in a house with a dog run, Jack is an indoor dog for the most part (as he desperately wants to be wherever my mother is). He attempts to act, for the most part, like a human. It's kind of freaky sometimes.

He is very loving, caring, and wonderful fun. I would definitely recommend mix-breed dogs--they have fewer genetics-related health problems than purebreds. You'll find all kinds of wonderful dogs at the shelter, and they're all in need of homes.

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Sweetpea

dogs are A LOT of work... hours a week. i agree, i need to know more about your lifestyle before i can suggest a breed.

here is a VERY helpful Link:

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/

It has a tremendous amount of info that i think you'll quite helpful, plus honest breed reviews.

sweetpea

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Charlatan

dogs are a pain in the butt when it comes to looking after them... but sometimes the trouble is worth it... OK it's worth it.

/me loves my cat more.

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yellowchef

I love dogs but I do not lead a lifestyle suited to caring for one. My parents knew when my brother wanted a dog that they needed to do some things to better take care of a dog. They installed a pet door to allow the dog to go in and out as she wanted, which enabled her to get as much(or as little.. she was lazy most days) exercize as she wanted and also didnt encourage her to use the bathroom inside. They also made an effort to come home on time and help my brother walk the dog. We were young when we got her and even though she was small my mom didnt feel right telling us to just roam the neighborhood alone with her so at least one parent came home ASAP to help. We started getting up earlier too... in order to walk her.. so dogs are a TON of care.. but worth it.

Im with Charlatan I dont like dogs as much as I like my cats.. but they are pretty cool. Theyre a lot of work and I know I couldnt provide for one right so I dont have one. Make sure you can take care of it properly.. thats the biggest issue..

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the voices in your head are not real--but they still have some really great ideas.

always remeber you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. But..you CAN choose the insane asylum where you have them all put away!

Rubyee

Well, the idea was for you to tell me about your dog breeds, not to pick one for me.

But if you insist-

When I say everyday- I am not taking the dog for a walk when it is ten degrees outside and blizzardlike, nor when I am puking my guts out with the flu. I have all intentions of taking it ten to fifteen blocks each and every day that I can, but some things can't be helped.

I have a fence all around my house. When I am not at home, it will be in the kitchen/dining room with a pee pad if it can't hold it in. I don't like the thought of kennel training a dog, so I suppose a doggy door could be installed if it was A) a dog that couldn't jump the fence and B) secure.

As for temperment- that is why I am asking- because I am not around adult dogs that I want to own. I don't know what they are going to be like. So I am asking you to tell me your experiences with them.

I walk dogs at the local shelter all the time, and I like the idea of a "cheap" dog, but I also like the idea of knowing what I am getting myself into. With a shelter dog, you could start out with a nice dog but end up with something different because you don't know what it is made of.

So I appreciate that you don't want me to rush into things, but we have done a lot of research and know what we want to spend and how far we are willing to drive. I just want your opinions on some different breeds.

Oh, and I have two cats, so I have to start with puppy so that they feel comfortable enough to show him who's boss.

yourpurebredpuppy has been a big help to me, too, but I want the feedback from an actual owner.

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Martian

My mother's boyfriend breeds bulldogs (english) and bullmastiffs. I grew up around these dogs, so even though I don't have one right now I can give you the skinny.

The trouble with bulldogs is they're highly individual. There aren't really any breed traits when it comes to the dog's personality. Some of them are calm, some are hyper. Some are aggressive, some are lazy.

They're pretty low maintenance as far as dogs go; you walk them, feed them and they're pretty much okay. They do like to hang out with people, but they're not the sort of social dogs like, say, retrievers or a lot of small breeds; they enjoy your company but aren't dependent on it.

My biggest caution when it comes to bulldogs is not to underestimate them. They're not very tall at the shoulder, but they have a lot of mass. They're capable of knocking a teenager or small adult on his/her ass; they also can get a bit rough when they're playing. If you have small kids or other small dogs, this may not be the breed for you.

They're also quite possessive, especially when it comes to food. Do not, under any circumstances, sneak up on a bulldog that's feeding. It's a bad idea.

In terms of health, they're not the most hearty breeds. Jaw and respiratory problems are common and they have trouble with hot/humid weather. I've known bulldogs that have succumbed to the heat on long car trips. If you don't want this to be your (very expensive) dog, make sure that you have air conditioning available in this sort of weather.



Bullmastiffs, on the other hand, tend to be very calm animals. They're also quite intimidating and make good guard dogs; while generally harmless, they do have a powerful bark that they're not afraid to use. They're not overly aggressive, however. I've seen a few nips, but I've never seen a bullmastiff ever get really worked up.

They are big dogs and they're lazy as all get out. They like company, but again aren't overly dependent on it. If you're taking a day trip, the dog will be fine in the yard, so long as she has a source of water and some food.

A bullmastiff is a good dog for families. They're generally very tolerant of children and small animals, especially if they're raised in that environment. They're the sort of dog that will stretch out on the living room floor while you're watching a movie (usually on your foot).

Bullmastiffs sometimes have respiratory problems and hip trouble is quite common among the breed, as it is in most large breeds. For the most part they're okay, although they're not especially long lived. Typical lifespan for this sort of dog is about five years - eight is getting pretty old.



In terms of purebred verus shelter dogs, purebreds do have some advantages. They tend to be more predictable, because you know the breeder, the breed and the environment. There are fewer variables in the dog's upbringing.

Purebreds are, however, prone to many more health problems than halfbreeds or mutts. That's mostly because of the in-breeding that went on to make them the way they are. Defects among a pedigree are often passed on, so if you get a purebred dog of any breed make sure you meet at least one of the parents (preferably both, although that's not always possible). Talk to the breeder about the line's history. Many breeders will have been breeding that line for several generations and will be very candid about any potential health troubles. It's in a breeder's best interest to make sure you know exactly the sort of dog you're getting, as well as to raise good dogs and make sure they go to good homes. A good breeder will interview you before even agreeing to sell you a pup and should never sell a pup less than six weeks old. If you're offered a younger dog, start looking elsewhere.

And final notes on the sort of commitment you're getting into. I know you say you've done your research, but make absolutely sure that this is something you want to do. A dog is a huge commitment and will have an impact on your wallet as well as your life. You need to be prepared to walk the dog every day; there is no missing a day, no matter the circumstances. If you're indisposed, you need to make alternate arrangements, whether that is letting the dog out into the yard or having your wife or a friend or whoever else do it for you. You also can't go on any sort of a trip without making arrangements for the dog.

Dogs don't care if you're sick, if you're busy, if you're tired. They don't care if you have better things to do or if the deadline on that presentation is tomorrow morning and you just have to get it done. Their needs are consistent and they won't make an exception. Effctively, when you get a dog you have to include that dog as a factor in your schedule for as long as she lives. You give up a lot of freedom when you get a dog. The reward is worth it, but only if you're in a position where you're willing and able to put that sort of effort into raising and caring for the animal.

In a lot of ways, having a dog is like having a child, only this child never grows up. Until the day she dies, she will be getting into things she shouldn't, making messes, puking on your shoes, having the occasional 'accident'... you need to be prepared for all of this. I'm not trying to scare you away, but it's not something to be considered lightly. Having grown up in a household where dogs are bred and sold, I've seen my fair share of familys that are absolutely in love with the idea of Fido, but have no grasp of what the reality of owning a dog is like. Most of them left empty-handed.

Pictures stolen from the internets, as I don't have any pictures of the dogs from our kennels.

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I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
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- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

jwoody

Mine's a 2yr old Pattrdale Terrier.



Needs to be walked twice a day due his amazing energy levels. I take him on a lead to some nearby fields, where I let him off so he can sprint until he passes out.

Gets very aggresive towards other dogs, regardless of their size.

He could definitely jump your fence... and he'd probably go and kill something (or himself) while he'd escaped.

Very friendly with anyone who will play with him.

------------------------

Some people are suggesting that you take a dog from a shelter. While this is a noble gesture, I would recommend buying from a breeder instead.

A lot of the dogs in shelters have some serious psychological issues which will require a lot of attention.

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Glory's Sun

Labs are pretty easy to maintain but they need exercise. I guess that's why so many people have them. Anyway, I've been around alot of different breeds and if I had to pick one.. I'd pick Rhodesian Ridgebacks. They are graceful, and easy to train. They aren't that much bigger than a lab and they are unique. I think the coolest fact is that they were used to hunt lion in Egypt way back in the day.

I'm not a fan of little dogs at all. I had a beagle and a weiner dog when I was little and geez were they trouble some. As long as you don't get a poodle we'll be cool

Reese

Currently I have a mutt that looks like a cross between a chow and retriever. I don't really know what he is but he's very loyal and friendly. He's got flat, thick black hair with bluish/black spots on his tongue.. Not that you'd ever find another dog like him

I'm a big fan of hounds. Beagles are probably my favorite especially as an inside hound. They're smart, playful, energetic and good with kids and strangers. They're prone to ear infections and can become overweight because people overfeed them(duh) or if they aren't active enough. Wikipedia says they're also prone to Distichia which is a problem with the eyelashes, and Epilepsy but I haven't had any experience with either. They'll also go crazy if left alone so they're probably best in pairs. If there's one thing you don't want is a whining beagle at your door. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't really think it's the right dog for you.

Btw, Do you have anything against poodles, labs and the others you mentioned? I personally believe the chocolate lab is the best looking dog ever.

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StanT

I am owned by a 10 year old Newfoundland named Picabo.




Newfoundlands are incredibly smart, docile and just know that the whole world loves them. She makes and ideal dog for a weekend warrior like me. Hiking 20 miles over the weekend and laying around during the week, is fine by her. She is extremely good with children, though she does tend to herd the smaller ones. She needs daily (short) walks and a run, but is otherwise low maintainance.

However, if you object to messes, you want a different dog. She can shake slobber at least 10' off the ground, she leaves black fur everywhere, and she can carry an incredible amount of water or mud into the house when she gets wet.

JustJess

^^ I second Stan - I used to have a Newfie. They are super smart and are happy just being in the same room with you. They are amazingly patient and kind to children, and mine was rather enamored of kids, actually. But yeah. The fur. Oh, the fur. You could make rugs out of that, just from shedding. When you give them baths, you really have to work at getting water down to their skin, as they're water dogs - webbed toes and all.

But beautiful and smart and kind and patient. LOVE newfies.

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Carno

Go to the pound and get a dog.

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Jimellow

I recommend getting a dog from the shelter and saving its life, but if you insist on getting a purebred dog, I always thought I would like a rat terrier:







These aren't pics of my dog, but instead some I found online.

I'd definitely recommend small dogs over larger dogs though.

Dogs require a ton of commitment and time to be raised well, and I wouldn't recommend a dog to anyone unless they are prepared to devote lots of time to it. Anyone can get a dog and lock it in a kennel outside all day, but that isn't being a good owner.

Good luck.

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Charlatan

Newfies are great dogs BUT you have to be ready for the hair and the stink.

I've had a few different dogs in my day but I have always found that mix breeds are the best. Seems to weed out the potential for craziness that many purebreeds have.

Here's Zero. He's a Lab/Dane cross. He is the size of a lab but has the attitude and shape of a Dane.

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vanblah

I have always had mutts. I really prefer the "self-bred" dog over the (mostly) over-bred dogs. Our current mutt is a mix of lab, pit-bull and chow.

She is quite possibly the most awesome dog I have ever met. Smart, loyal, friendly, brave (at least when someone is knocking on our door) ... all of it.

Rodney

Small, part-terrier mutts have always worked for me. In particular, my parents had a small terrier/Corgi mix that was the perfect inside dog -- friendly, gentle, playful, sometimes excitable but never out of control. Small, but compact and strong.

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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yellowchef

I had a weenie dog and boy was she lazy... but she liked to romp around with the cat lol...

she wasnt a pain.. she dug under the fence gate a few times, my dad stopped that by burying some cinder blocks about 1 foot under the new sod we put down a year after we moved in to the house...

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the voices in your head are not real--but they still have some really great ideas.

always remeber you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. But..you CAN choose the insane asylum where you have them all put away!

Glory's Sun

Well if unique is what you want go with the Rhodesian

Charlatan

I agree with Gucci... there is a Rhodesian Ridgeback at my local dogpark... he's smart, well-behaved and very cute.

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Hash_Browns

I have a Border Collie/English Shepard mix. He's our little mutt and we love him. He's been great with my kids, infant to so far 6 yrs. (he's been around since the oldest was under 2 yrs.). He does herd my kids in the yard, and chases them in the house when they start running around screaming, and he will nip at elbows and ankles, but he's never hurt any of them (although I hate to say it...if it stopped the screaming..haha!) He is supposed to be a very active dog, but seems to do well with being in the house most days. Just don't leave the garbage can where he can get into it when you aren't home. He craves attention, but sheds like crazy!
I know there is more I could add, but you get the general idea I think, my puppy worked out great for my family and he was rescued! I am a firm believer in : 'it's all in the upbringing, how they were raised'.

Good luck and have fun! Before you know it, your puppy will find you, but don't rush into anything you don't think you are ready for!

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clavus

Get an adult rescued dog from the SPCA. You can find out the personality ahead of time, and return the dog if things don't work out.

I have a Boxer/Ridgeback(?) mut. She is very patient, kind and obedient. She possesses enough intelligence that she doesn't do anything asinine, but she really isn't terribly bright. "Fetch" is completely beyond her, let alone "roll over." She's very good with kids and our cat, but chases the neighbor cats. She loves to go for walks and runs.

She is protective and has a ferocious bark, but has never bitten anyone. She hates the mailman with the white-hot intensity of one thousand suns, and thinks the doorbell is a sign of the apocolypse.

While she loves to run and play, she is equally happy snoozing in the sun, or curling up in a corner. She is not one of those dogs who feels it is her life's mission to lick your hands and nuzzle your crotch. Tell her to go away, and she does.

Good dog

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Bryndian_Dhai

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.

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william

My current dog is a Chinese Shar-Pei. To be honest, these can be tricky dogs. The books say they are very friendly, but mine is very sensitive to her surroundings. There are those she likes, and those she don't. To the family - very protective. Anyone else, especially new people, it's a crap call. I've been around her enough to know how she'll act, but my fiance still freaks if we aproach someone we don't know.
Another note to the smarts - she chooses to do as she learns. She learns and understands quite well. She just doesn't always choose to act on that. A dog for everyone? No. I've owned various breeds throughout my life, and it's not a breed for everyone. On the one hand, low-maintenance as far as walks and exercise go. On the other, she feels as much as part of the family as everyone else.

Plaid13

I have had a couple dogs and have many friends with dogs many diffrent breeds and i can honestly say... get a mutt. something thats furry with a cold nose. short fur medium sized mutts are the best in my opinion. Small dogs get made fun of by all the real dogs on the block when the cats beat them up. and while big dogs are fun and loveable alot of them have hip problems as they get older and they dont live as long. If you have a nice lovable silly looking mutt when people ask you what kinda dog that is you can tell tell them the long list of diffrent breeds in it and start a decent conversation with a total stranger but if you had a purebeed it would seem kinda like bragging oh thats a purebread whatever. Random unplanned neighborhood dogsex always makes for the best puppies.

xepherys

I'll toss in my vote for Dachshunds... mini or standard, short-, long- or wire-haired. They come in a lot of colors and patterns (dappled are pretty unique looking). We have two mini, a long-haired black/tan and a short-haired brown/dapple. They are GREAT dogs, fun loving, great with kids (if that ever becomes an issues for you), great with other animals. They are hounds, so by nature they are VERY curious. This can be an annoyance when they are first brought into a new home, but OMG are they worth it. They're cute, and playful and sweet. We love ours to death.

For pics, go to: http://www.xepherys.net/gallery/Pets

Many of those are puppy pics and they're a bit bigger now... roughly 15 pounds. They're small, but they aren't "pocket dogs" and are a bit more robust than dogs such as Chihuahuas and the like.

TivaBella

I'm definitely a fan of the mutt. My sister & I co-owned a huge gentle giant of dubious origin. She is the best dog I have ever known. Unfortunately my sister got custody when she bought me out of the house we owned together. I miss her terribly but I get unlimited visitation since I just moved a few blocks away.

Interesting fact I heard recently that makes a strange kind of sense. I have heard that big dogs make better "apartment" dogs since they are much less hyper than small dogs and require less exercise. Of course, as has already been mentioned several times here, all dogs need exercise, but it is true that big dogs tend to be more laid back as a rule. Since you mentioned that your new house was quite small, I thought it might be a helpful hint.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Owning a dog is a huge amount of work, but they become such an important part of the family that, after a while, it doesn't seem so much like work anymore. It is a labour of love.

Fly

ohh foreshame Charlie...........the cat?


man i feel sorry for zero now that i've heard this.

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BASTARD

SterlingStudios

Fly

here is shadow......

black lab/springer spaniel cross.

both parents were purebreeds.....mom was the lab,dad was the spaniel.

while shadow was a puppy,she chewed on every fucking thing in the house.and we took her to lessons and dialed the problem right in.

strictly an outside dog....she has 2 acres to play on so.......she is quite happy playing with the other animals her so......she seems more than content with her life.

the poops are quite large so......that is a consideration if you have her in the house

.......and a dog........needs to be able to run,and run lots.

good luck in your hunt for the next member of your family.

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BASTARD

SterlingStudios

astrahl

The way the dog acts will be mostly dependent on how you treat him/her. Watch The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is a genius when it comes to dogs.

A mutt is going to be the best since they have the hybrid vigor and can come in any dog shape and dog form imaginable.

Best of Luck and keep us up-to-date

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paul94040

I didn't know what a Border Collie was until I went to the pound and got a Border Collie mix.

Pluses: VERY smart, understand you very well, high energy, want to please, great frisbee dogs, good with kids. Just amazing how smart they are and what they'll do to make you smile.

Minuses: Need daily exercise (true for most dogs, but especially true for Border Collies), and VERY smart (so without some discipline, BC's will look for loopholes in the rules).

Overall, a great dog choice if you've got some energy.

TotalMILF

GET A MINIATURE DACHSHUND!!!! :-)

They're small enough to cuddle, but big enough to play with. They have a very pleasant disposition, and they're great with kids! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE our dachshunds! Here's me and Blue, our short-haired dappled:


Coconut (our black and tan long-haired miniature doxy) and puppy-Blue:


They're the sweetest, most affectionate dogs I've ever seen, and they don't shed much (especially if you get a short-haired). They're the bestest!!!!