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

DieselHead · #1 07-28-2003, 12:27 PM

Hi,
I've been looking into getting a dog within the next few months and I'm really torn about which one I'd like. He or she will spend most of their time in the city so it can't be a dog that needs lots and lots of exercise (although I live near the park, but it's not the same). I'd really like a golden but I'm afraid that keeping him/her in an apartment would be cruel. I'm also thinking about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (but they're upwards of $2000) or a Beagle. Know anything about those two? I'm basically looking for a dog that doesn't require too too much exercise, doesn't shed a whole lot, and who will be quiet (no yippie dogs please). I'm open to suggestions. Thanks for the help. This will be my first dog so I'm really excited.

Alex

Snibble · #2 07-28-2003, 12:37 PM

I love English Bull Dogs... I would like to own one some day. Perhaps this would be an option for you? If you want one thats smaller, and would like to rub it into some folks on this board.... get a French Bull Dog. hahah.. just messin'

No but seriously, Bull Dogs are nice. I don't think they are that big. I like Boxers too... but they are big and need lots of excersice. Now... if you do plan on getting a dog, get a real one... not some wussy little dog that just sits there wanting attention and care. Might as well get a cat in that case:p

TTaM · #3 07-28-2003, 12:39 PM

Get a Doberman Pinscher. I have had 5 dogs, and the Dobe was by far the best dog. They are nice dogs with a vicious stereotype. My dog wouldn't hurt a fly. Just watch out, with the wrong food, they can get gassy. There are plenty of "rescue a dobe" organizations out there that I would look into if I were you.

Kestas · #4 07-28-2003, 12:46 PM

There are no purebreds that I like. Get a mixed breed. I lucked out with my beagle-mix. Not very demanding, healthy, not a barker, and doesn't yip.

rickg · #5 07-28-2003, 12:54 PM

We've loved our Dalmation. Very good personality, if not a bit overactive until she got older(she's now 11). The bad thing, which will probably keep us from getting another, is the shedding

rickg · #6 07-28-2003, 01:52 PM

My mom had Miniture Schnauzers. Great dogs!
I have a couple cousins that have Scotties. That's probably what we'll get next.

Limited Edition · #7 07-28-2003, 01:57 PM

A little off topic but it has to do will buying a dog:

While in Tennessee, I see a sign in front of a house:
"Talking Dog for Sale." I ring the bell and the owner tells me the dog is in the backyard. I go into the backyard and
see a black mutt just sitting there. "You talk?" I ask.

"Yep," the mutt replies.

"So, what's your story?"

The mutt looks up and says, "Well, I discovered this gift
pretty young and I wanted to help the government, so I
told the CIA about my gift, and in no time they had me
jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies
and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be
eavesdropping.

I was one of their most valuable spies eight years running.
The jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't
getting any younger and I wanted to settle down. So I
signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover
security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters
and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings there
and was awarded a batch of medals. Had a wife, a mess of
puppies, and now I'm just retired."

I am amazed. I go back in and ask the owner
what he wants for the dog.

The owner says, "Ten dollars."

I say, "This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you
selling him, so cheap?"

The owner replies, "He's such a liar.
He didn't do any of that sh$t"

Frank X. Morris · #8 07-28-2003, 02:16 PM

Howdy Alex,
Look at Bull Terriers(the Spuds McKenzie dog). The are the "Clown Prince" of the dog world. There is also the miniture Bull Terrier. Rayson has some and he can tell you about the breed. He also has a website with some nice pics of the pups. As far as prices on purebred dogs you have options. If you are not going to show the dog then try to look for a legitiment breeder and ask if they have any "pet" quality dogs.

jassz · #9 07-28-2003, 03:54 PM

We did a lot of research before we got our two dogs, and I recommend you do the same. Both on breeds, and on breeders (if you go that route). A lot of people breed dogs for all the wrong reasons. The one criteria I had for a dog was "No crotch sniffing"... HA! Little did I know about dogs. I should have got a dog that's only a foot off the ground. :p

Anyway, you will have your own criteria that you are looking for. We couldn't decide between two different dogs when we did our research, so we got both.

They are both completely different in nature (one is a kuvasz, the other a vizsla)(neither one would I recommend in your situation, but they are wonderful dogs), but I am really glad we got TWO dogs. For one, they are alone during the day, and dogs are very social creatures. I think there is far less destruction brought on by loneliness if there are a pair. For another, we get a wonderful mix of qualities between the two breeds. Something to keep in mind, as two isn't twice as much work.

As far as good breeds to have in an apartment, I think a Basenji might be a good choice as they can't bark. Neighbours won't love your dog the way you do, and will be far less tolerant of barking. Voice of experience here.

Schnauzers are another nice breed I am told.

Why don't you check out a dog show? That's another thing we did in our breed research, and it was very helpful (keep in mind though that most people, esp those that show, will think that whatever type of dog THEY have is the best breed going.

)

Good luck!

brookspw · #10 07-28-2003, 04:29 PM

Get the one that doesn't:

-- Keep your neighbors up by barking.
-- Wake your neighbors up by barking.
-- Crap in my yard.

Other than that -- get whatever you want.

I personally had an Australian Shepherd. Smartest dog I've ever seen.

Snibble · #11 07-28-2003, 05:12 PM

My friend's dog in Poland.. his name is Toffi. Coolest mutt I know

JohnEspeed · #12 07-28-2003, 05:30 PM

"Make a fast friend...adopt a greyhound"
When they aren't winning any more, many are put down unless adoption agencies find them homes. They are very affectionate, quiet(they just don't bark!) shed very little, and contrary to what you may think, don't require alot of exercise. They are quite content to sleep all day on a soft bed (often referred to as 45mph couch potatoes). The only drawback I have found with my dog Simon, is that you can't let him off the leash unless it is in an enclosed area. They are sight hounds and will bolt after a squirrel, hitting 45mph in 3 strides!

BrierS · #13 07-28-2003, 07:47 PM

Love this thread . . . knew there was more than one reason I joined today.

I own and love an English Bulldog (Brier as in my user name). As one person wrote, "they may drool." My four-legged family member doesn't drool in the comparative sense, yet after eating, drinking or even smelling food he likes, the floodgate does open up some. Additionally, the best of them are apt to have chronic problems (above the sticker shock). Snore? Do they ever!

Another suggestion was Basenji because they do not bark. They whistle.

Adopting a Greyhound is a great idea yet keep in mind they are a sight hunter. When they see something move the chase is typically on.

Being in the country, I can have any breed and have had many. However, the best have been mutts. They are less apt to have genetic problems.

The best suggestion I read was "research" because you can find several breeds compatible to your environment. From those you may find yourself falling for a mutt.
Best of Luck
Steve

placo1 · #14 07-28-2003, 08:15 PM

I'd consider a Doksen (sp?). They don't need the excersize, they don't shed, they're small enough to bring up/down stairs by hand and they're friendly.

We have a Basset which meets almost all your needs except for the shedding. Great happy dogs that love sleep and belly rubs.

#15 07-28-2003, 08:39 PM

although i have owned several breeds, i am currently best "friendless"

whatever breed, i would suggest a rescue or shelter dog.

also, although i didnt like small dogs before, i have known several pairs that had great dispositions (sp?) due to by my guess by being paired. i lived next door to a gal that had a pair of westies that changed my perception of small dogs for the better. nothing worse than the spoiled little yippy brat!

contrary to popular belief, many large dogs are very content in a house, but do require walking and exercise (same as any dog). i lived with an irish wolfhound (the largest breed) for a while, and he was very happy to be inside most of the time. he could however clear a coffee table with one sweep of the tail! im 5'11", and his head was taller than me standing.

you would be dumbfounded by the number of dogs that are "put down" every week at the shelters.