Which dog should I get? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

STORMINORMAN · #16 07-28-2003, 11:24 PM

It is how they communicate with the other dogs on the hunt...

As in "BAAAAaaaaRooooooooo!"

Get a book that lists all the breeds, AKC has their book, my favorites are Legacy Of the Dog by Yamazaki & Kojima &

the ABSOLUTE BEST DOG BOOK, ever! IMHO

The NEW Encyclopedia of the Dog by Bruce Fogle, DMV.

This book has a little pictograph guide for each breed which shows common characteristics like:

Good with children
Good in City
Needs LOTS of exercise (or little)
Needs LOTS of training
Good with other animals
Bad with other animals, etc.

As far as a specific breed is concerned, King Charle$ $panial$ have a few health problems which are hereditary, including a lethal heart condition. Wouldn't be in my top 100 dogs to own.

Mixed breed dogs commonly have less problems, and just as much love! Research and look for a mix that has the qualities you are looking for on both sides, if possible.

Most Australian Shepherd mix dogs are notoriously smart and well-behaved. Poodles (and many poodle mix) don't shed, they have hair vs. fur. A 10 lb. Jack Russell terrier can eat a couch!

"It ain't the size of the dog in the fight..."

Cheers!

suginami · #17 07-28-2003, 11:27 PM

All of the big dogs that have been mentioned earlier would not be appropriate because they need a lot of excersice, and being in an apartment is not the place for a larger breed.

I agree with Placo1.

Get a miniature dachshund.

They don't shed.

They are considered odorless (part of the AKC breed standard).

The females in particular are very quiet.

Because of their small legs, a run around the apartment is enough.

They are a very smart and affectionate breed.

While they are a small dog, they are very sturdy and not "dainty" at all. They have the courage and heart of a much larger dog.

I've had beagles and a few mutts growing up, and I now have a mini dachshund.

She is by far the best dog I've ever had.

elau · #18 07-28-2003, 11:35 PM

What kind of dog you really have in mind? Long hair, short hair, toy or lap dog?

If you like long hair, you cannot go wrong with a Shih Tzu. Great temperment and low maintainence. They look fragile but are very solidly built. Reqires very little out door activities, they can entertain themselves at home and can be house trained.

This is my third Shih Tzu and I just love them to death. Extremely intelligent and don't bark much. Loves to sit with me watching TV and I have her trained to use bathroom in-door. No dog walking in the dead of winter.

MD2B · #19 07-29-2003, 01:20 AM

I had an English Bulldog for 9 wonderful years during high school and college. Tuffy was a wonderful dog. My best friend currently also has an English Bulldog. The breed has a wonderful gentle personality. They are fun and love to play. They love being around people. They will follow you around and sit next to your feet. However, they are very loud snorers and they have foul smelling gas. They are also not very healthy dogs. They all have trouble breathing because they are bred to have compressed upper respiratory airways. They are not the type of dog you could take running with you. Tuffy could play hard for about ten minutes, then he was worn out. Many of them have chronic eye infections. My friend's had a hernia, so the vet recommended a hysterectomy so she will never get pregnant. The vet said if she got pregnant she would likely have another hernia. I love Bulldogs, but I don't think I could ever own another one because they have so many health problems. I went to the pound last week just to look, and It makes me sad to think of all the money people spend on dogs when there are many wonderful dogs for free at the pound just begging to have an owner to love. Many of these dogs will likely be killed. I took a couple of them out into the pound's play area to play frisbee with them, and they were really pleasant dogs. I wish I could have taken "Hunter" home but my life is too busy for a dog right now. Hopefully someone else took "Hunter" home. Also there were many full-blooded dogs at the pound, some were expensive breeds. There was a really nice Weimereimer (misspelled?) and many beagles and some Rotweilers and some labs. I don't think I will ever pay money for a dog again.

Ima55r2 · #20 07-29-2003, 08:58 AM

Try going to the humane society and save a life. They have a some wonderful animals that are just down on their luck. Teddy came from one and he is a real joy.

axlechassis · #21 07-29-2003, 03:45 PM

jack russell terriers are great. (they have a nasty habit of crawling down holes and getting stuck never to be seen again)
the smartest dogs are blue heelers and border collies. My personal favorite is the welsh corgi a small dog with a big dog personallity. Alot of the pound mutts can be just great too. I had a really nice chow/ german sheppard mix.

dtf · #22 07-29-2003, 03:54 PM

Don't get a dog. Borrow a friend's dog for a weekend when ever you 'feel' like you'd love to have a dog. I've owned them all my life and if I ever live my life over it will be without dogs. Most of all don't get any type of male or lab. They will own you. Worse than having a child.

suginami · #23 07-29-2003, 05:18 PM

While I love Jack Russel Terrier's for their handsome appearance and playful personalities, everything I've read about them tells me they would be a bad choice for an apartment dog, especially if left alone for most of the day.

They are a vary active dog, and need to be kept busy. If left alone, the dog would go crazy, and probably tear up the house.

mike690003 · #24 07-29-2003, 05:42 PM

I had a Samoyed, they are smart, cute and well mannered, they max out at about 50lbs and do not shed if they are in a cold climate. I am in FL, and mine shedded, but is was not that bad.

Breed:
Samoyed
Group (AKC):
Working

Country of Origin Siberia
Type of coat thick, soft, insulating undercoat; harder straight outercoat grows through undercoat; shedding year-round
Grooming daily brushing is required to prevent matting and foul odor, ear cleaning, nail trimming, daily handling important to facilitate tolerance in grooming, sheds a lot
Average height 19-23.5 inches
Average weight 45-65 pounds
Activity level very high
Watchdog average ability
Intelligence high
Trainability unconventional training method may be required due to the character of the breed
Compatibility with children Important to start with a puppy if you plan on raising the dog with children. The early socialization is critical to the development of a sound dog. No roughhousing, tug-of-war or chase games with this breed
Character intelligent, alert, independent, friendly, adaptable, gentle, loyal, stubborn, obstinate
Ideal home environment home with fenced yard, should not be left out all day
Ideal owner active, strong, dominant leader with time to train and exercise
Suggestions: Firm and consistent training and socialization must begin early.

DieselHead · #25 07-30-2003, 12:15 PM

Thanks so much for all the responses!

You've convinced me to:

a) Do more reading (which includes re-reading this thread a few times

b) Not get a Jack Russell

c) Get a dog from a rescue shelter

One of my criteria that I forgot to mention is that I'd like to be able to take them to central park, let them go, and not have them run away never to come back. That rules out the greyhound.

If I get a golden but take them out for a walk several times a day and running once a day, is it still cruel?

So much to think about.....

STORMINORMAN · #26 07-30-2003, 12:42 PM

"...I'd like to be able to take them to central park, let them go, and not have them run away...."

Almost any breed of dog can be TRAINED to obey, return, sit/stay, etc., including a Greyhound.

The operative word here is TRAINED. Training for both the owner & the dog.

The responsible owner makes sure his animal is adequately trained before setting it loose....

It takes time & patience, and is well worth the effort!

Cheers!

fz500sel · #27 07-30-2003, 08:14 PM

I did!

jassz · #28 07-31-2003, 12:49 AM

Quote:

One of my criteria that I forgot to mention is that I'd like to be able to take them to central park, let them go, and not have them run away never to come back. That rules out the greyhound.

Don't get a husky either. They have a very strong run instinct. And never tire.

You probably don't want any of the guardian breeds then either. Our vizsla would never stray more than a few feet from us, but our kuvasz feels she has to SECURE THE AREA! That means checking out everybody else. She'd never bite anyone, but and 85lb dog trying to smell you is disconcerting to some. :p

Quote:

If I get a golden but take them out for a walk several times a day and running once a day, is it still cruel?

Far better treatment than many dogs get!

suginami · #29 07-31-2003, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DieselHead
Thanks so much for all the responses!

You've convinced me to:

a) Do more reading (which includes re-reading this thread a few times

b) Not get a Jack Russell

c) Get a dog from a rescue shelter

One of my criteria that I forgot to mention is that I'd like to be able to take them to central park, let them go, and not have them run away never to come back. That rules out the greyhound.

If I get a golden but take them out for a walk several times a day and running once a day, is it still cruel?

So much to think about.....

A shelter is a great place to get a dog. You will be shocked at the number of really good dogs there. I have been to my local shelter a number of times, and there are always an assortment of expensive dogs, like dachshunds, cocker spaniels, retreivers, etc.

I would try and persuade you not to get a larger breed, like a labrador or a retreiver. They require a lot of excersice and wouldn't thrive in an apartment. Also, Golden Retreivers and Labradors have a very long childhood and adolesence. They are frequently very hyper, chew everything to pieces, dig holes, etc.

I think you and your dog would be much happier if you chose a small to medium sized dog, i.e. under 35 lbs.

#30 07-31-2003, 02:26 PM

What about a Schipperke? Sure..I have bad experience with my friends yippt irritating ones, but I have seen really nice ones too.

Quiet, gentle, good with children. Protective of owner. Nice looking. Small.