Attn: Dog Lovers

[ilindy]

I know there are a lot of dog lovers on this board and many of you know quite a lot about dogs so I thought I would pose this question here. We may be looking to get a new dog in the near future but I am not real sure what breeds might be best for us.

I prefer one with short fur that doesn't require a lot of grooming nor is excessive in the shedding department. A medium sized dog (40-60lbs) is preferred as we don't really like little dogs but don't want a "horse" in the house either. Both of us work so it would be home alone a good bit of the day but would get quite a bit of attention from us and the two kids when we do get home. We have a medium-sized, fenced-in yard but it would be inside most of the time. We are not interested in purebreds and most likely will hit all the local animal shelters when the time comes but it would be kinda nice to narrow down the breeds we'd be looking for. Any thoughts and experiences with your recommended breeds are really appreciated! Thanks!

(PLEASE NOTE: We are not looking at getting a specific dog right at this minute so don't tempt me with ones that you know are available. It's bad enough that I've been taking a peek at the shelter's websites. )

 

[thunderstruck88]

Sorry I am going out today and getting me a cat I like dogs but prefer cats and I am standing up for all the cat lovers here Good luck with your dog picking out Going to name my cat either Harley or Zorro Good luck with picking aname out also think Snow and Rock and Roll

 

[anonomoose]

It has been my experience that a good mutt, is a good dog. Anything with a hound in it often have higher than average hair oil...and that could be smelly.

Problem with H. Society dogs is that you usually don't get the "background" to the dog, and sometimes they have some bad habits including separation anxiety. Good news is that some are old enough so that they have already gone thru the chew stages so your prized coffee table leg is probably safe.

Some of the lab mixes are high strung, and can have troubles with hips, and watch out for a dog with jowls...unless you want drool all over the house.

I hate to say it but often you are better off to see the momma and the daddy dog to see what the likely "outcome" of the pup will be.

While lots of the pure breeds are expensive and can have issues, there are lots of them that are not so expensive and make darn good pets.

I have had English Setters all my life and I have never had one that bit anyone or was anything other than a nice family dog...just be sure not to get one out of the old hemlock stock that has jowls....you already know why. If you do go with an English setter, go for the small end of the sizing...28-35 pound range. This will also let you likely see Momma and Daddy...which is very helpful when you are going to have that dog, in all likelihood for 10-15 years.

There's my two cents worth....I am sure you will get more.

 

[ezra]

check out www.petfinder.com I like terrier's and terrier mixes they have allot of personality.can be hard headed but who dose not with a personality. I have a Scottie and a mutt.on a side note I cant believe how many people give dogs away after having them for yrs and yrs it is sad. I don't get it I go to the store now days and the board is full of 10 yr old dogs they cant keep W.T.F. I would move to a crap hole with my dogs before moving to someplace that wont take pets.but like you said purebreds do tend to have some hereditary probs that most mutts do not have.btw my mutt Izzy is almost 14 with no sign of slowing down Ernie the Scottie is 8 and finally starting to recover from a torn acl that cost me over 2k stub legs and deep snow and a hatred of squirrels did not make a good mix for him this winter it is not ez to keep a dog from running jumping or standing on 2 legs for 4mo

 

[thunderstruck88]

I know most of you love dogs on here and thats ok Just wondering if anyone on here owns a cat?

 

[rodehard]

The recommendation for petfinder is a good one. We like Rotts but they shed and can get large. We have always gotten females which seem to have a better temperment and are typically sweet and good with kids.

Please get one from a shelter or rescue group. Those dogs have typically had their share of abuse and need some love and a good home.

 

[yamahauler]

I would agree on the terrier breed. We have a Westie and she is awesome. You have to have their hair cut about every 3 mths or so, depending on how long you want it to get and how short you cut it. They have plenty of energy, very loyal, almost no shedding...or none you will see. Although, with this breed, I would definitely get a pure breed. We want to get a scottie too. Our Westie is small for the breed at only 16 lbs, but females are around 20 or so and males around the 25.

 

[yamahauler]

I agree on the shelter dogs need a good home BUT you run a high risk of unknown issues as the past history of the dog is non-existent. If you are willing to deal with the risk, then I would go for it.

 

[favoritos]

I know most of you love dogs on here and thats ok Just wondering if anyone on here owns a cat?

We went with cats because of our work schedules. Would love to have dog, but too many long days are just not fair to the poor fellow waiting to get to the poo run.

To answer the first question, we both have volunteered in shelters. Ask the people that are there every day or fairly often. They know the animals. Do not go in and pick a dog on emotion alone. We got a kitten that way.(Dang thing is the devil)

You are doing the right thing by asking questions first. Keep doing your research and try to narrow down a few charactaristics that are important. I am a firm believer in not needing to narrow it down to a single breed, so mutts work. Heck, go to the local dogpark and stalk. J/K, but there are many ways to see how animals act and react.

 

[Admin]

Find a good shelter and you will know more about the dog than visiting the mom and dad every day for months will tell you and way more than buying a pup will.

Good shelters know the personalities of the animals there and only think of the welfare of the animal when the adoption process takes place. Thus they will be able to tell you all about the animals personality traits. They are not going to let an animal with certain issues go to someone that is not willing to deal with those issues. The last thing they want is for that animal to come back or worse yet, become abused because of the issues.

-John

 

[steelhead]

We have a 5 year old "golden doodle". (1/2 golden ret. and 1/2 standard poodle) He joined our family before the mix became trendy. He has the perfect personality for a family dog, very gentle and intelligent. Lives to be petted. Zero shedding which was really important for us. Couldn't be happier. Size will depend on the parents. We purchased our from an Amish farm family over in Wisconsin.

 

[russholio]

Anything with a hound in it often have higher than average hair oil...and that could be smelly.

Not necessarily....Basenjis are hounds and have short hair, minimal shedding, and no odor.....but they're definitely not for everybody!

 

[Skidooski]

ilindy,

Hope the best for you with your upcoming addition to the family. My only opinion and from past experience, what ever dog you end up choosing, keep him/her well socialized with other people, children and dogs/pets. You will have a lot less potential for any aggression issues.

We just purchased an ivory lab pup and are making sure he is around people and animals as much as possible. He's very playful and those milk teeth are sharp!

 

[cdsprague]

We have had a Lab, Rott, and Mastiff. All were great dogs. Of course they all can get big! The smallest was the Rott, and she was 105lbs. We never thought we would get a "small" dog. Now we have 2 Puggles! They are a little smaller than your 40-60 lbs. your looking for but are great dogs! Lucy the older one is 31 pounds and Chloey is 25lbs. I guess if you wanted to get to your 40lbs. limit you could always feed one more! They are a mixed male Pug and female Beagle. The older one we have has the beagle face with the pug body, and the younger one is the opposite. They are really good dogs! They pretty much go everywhere with us! That is nice being a little smaller.

 

[lvr1000]

I have cats

I know most of you love dogs on here and thats ok Just wondering if anyone on here owns a cat?

I do own three cats: T-cat, Z1 Jag and Z1 Turbo LE LXR. I also adopted (notice I didn't say "own") two red Dobermans from a Doberman recue.

Most recues have the dogs stay at different homes to learn the temperments, likes and dislikes, and other quirts of the dogs. For us, it was important that they don't get car sick since most weekends they travel a couple hundred miles. And on vacations, 900 to 3000 miles.

And from the cats (four legged variety) that I'm familar with, can you really "own" a cat? They seem to run the homes I've been in.

 

[anonomoose]

Find a good shelter and you will know more about the dog than visiting the mom and dad every day for months will tell you and way more than buying a pup will.

Good shelters know the personalities of the animals there and only think of the welfare of the animal when the adoption process takes place. Thus they will be able to tell you all about the animals personality traits. They are not going to let an animal with certain issues go to someone that is not willing to deal with those issues. The last thing they want is for that animal to come back or worse yet, become abused because of the issues.

-John

While spending time with the dog can give lots of info toward personality, it does not give you early background which can cause the dog to have some issues that even someone who spent lots of time around the dog for a few weeks, might not notice or that even manifests itself over the period of time the dog is at the shelter. Some dogs don't do well with the separation anxiety that comes from being abandoned by the first owner...and this can translate into over protective behavior since they do NOT want that to happen again. Over protection can mean biting anyone who gets close to the new owner or owners off-spring.

My uncle was a vet and he was always taking dogs from owners who "didn't need the dog anymore"...been bit without warning, simply walking with my uncle on a sidewalk...no warning. We had lots of discussions about dogs that needed a new home.

Raising a puppy is a pain sometimes, but the dog won't have some of the issues that perhaps, got the dog to the shelter to begin with. Of course this does NOT have to be the case and doesn't mean everyone should steer clear of shelters, but understand that there is a risk there when you do. If a shelter is conscientious, they will tell you that they don't know EVERY trait the dog has. Course, checking out Mom and Dad dog, doesn't assure that that dog won't kill chickens either!

 

[caged_beagle]

My Dad had always had Brittanys while I was growing up and we had a few litters too. I have had 2 as well since I have been on my own. The first was from of my Dads litter and she was a doll to raise. The second is one that we rescued from the following website.

http://www.americanbrittanyrescue.org/

They are a great breed, very smart and very loyal. But they are also very hyper when young. Thats why adopting Bentley, our current Britt was such a great idea. For one, you're rescuing a dog that needs a home and two you can usually pick an older dog (3-5 years old) that will be more laid back.

Check out the website and look at these pics......how can you go wrong?





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[briano]

cdsprague, I have a puggle too, he is an awesome dog and I would recommend one to anyone. I was not even wanting a dog when I got mine but my buddy was giving his last pup away and I fell in love with him right away. They are very good dogs to have around kids or anyone and they sure do have a personality. I know a few people that have them now and they are from different breeders than mine and they are all goofy and loveable. cdsprague does yours howl like a beagle sometimes when they get excited? it is funny to heat this cute little dog howl when playing or he gets excited for a treat. So back to the point I would recommend a puggle for a pet to have around kids, or to be left alone in the house for a while, we keep ours in a large dog kennel when we are working otherwise he is with us. He was very easy to train to go outside and has no accidents in the house.

 

[polarisrider1]

Terrier breeds make great dogs. I have a Boston Terrier and a "laid back" Jack Russell. the jack is normally a hyper dog. They shed little and make great pets. Bostons have issues from breeding such as reverse sneezing but make great pets. We also have a King Charles Cavilier and they shed a lot. But he love me, so I deal with him. lol

 

[ezra]

While spending time with the dog can give lots of info toward personality, it does not give you early background which can cause the dog to have some issues that even someone who spent lots of time around the dog for a few weeks, might not notice or that even manifests itself over the period of time the dog is at the shelter. Some dogs don't do well with the separation anxiety that comes from being abandoned by the first owner...and this can translate into over protective behavior since they do NOT want that to happen again. Over protection can mean biting anyone who gets close to the new owner or owners off-spring.

My uncle was a vet and he was always taking dogs from owners who "didn't need the dog anymore"...been bit without warning, simply walking with my uncle on a sidewalk...no warning. We had lots of discussions about dogs that needed a new home.

Raising a puppy is a pain sometimes, but the dog won't have some of the issues that perhaps, got the dog to the shelter to begin with. Of course this does NOT have to be the case and doesn't mean everyone should steer clear of shelters, but understand that there is a risk there when you do. If a shelter is conscientious, they will tell you that they don't know EVERY trait the dog has. Course, checking out Mom and Dad dog, doesn't assure that that dog won't kill chickens either!

I dont buy it I have had both shelter dogs and non shelter dogs raised from pups.I think you can get a dog with separation anxiety from a shelter but a dog with that prob is very self evident with in the first 5 minn of being dropped off.and that behavior can be had buy a pup right from the get go I have seen it.allot of dogs that were abandon buy their past irresponsible owners know there getting another chance and are very happy loyal dogs.I have spent some time in shelters and rescue groups and believe me you know a dog with issues right off the bat.and for those of you that think dropping off your lab mix with a cheep bag of food and a few toys because you did not put in the time to train it or it is just inconvenient or what ever is going to find a good home think again!and think very hard the next time you want to destroy a life because your snot nose brat wants a puppy.the only thing I say is it is not ez to sit there holding a dog telling him the only truth he has known.that he is a good dog and it is not his falt when the vet is sticking in the needle. that is what happens way more than finding a home for a good dog.