Getting a dog, need opinions!

[LuvMyBoa]

The best dogs that I have ever owned have been mutts... and you can't beat the runt of the litter. In addition to the Foxhound mix, I also have Bailey... who is a Lhasa-Poo (Lhasa Apso and Poodle mix). She is absolutely the smartest dog that I have ever known, very cuddly and snuggly when she wants to be, but she has an independent streak a mile long when she wants to. When I took her to the vet for the first time @ 8 weeks old, he said "Ohhhhh.... she's gonna be a brat, this one!" And I'll be danged if she isnt! Nah... she's a wonderful wonderful dog And brilliant, bordering on genius!!! Look out MENSA!

She doesn't shed at all, and is VERY much a people dog. We'll take her to the dog park and she'll take off to the gate when anyone new comes in...funny thing is that she'll run right by the dog and greet the owner(s)! Hehheh... just love that little dog. She's only 10lbs... on the small side... She doesn't shed at all, we groom her every few months with bathings inbetween. Did I mention she's smart as can be??? Such a great dog!!

[haroldo359]

i have either a long-haired chihauhau or a mutt. don't really know what he is. but i wouldn't take anything for him . i am wary of dogs that get big AND potentially aggressive. i don't want a dog that might hurt somebody.

[alphafem]

I have 2 pugs. They shed A LOT!!! I have had a Rott she was an amazing dog. In my opinion the all time best dog for protection and companionship is a Doberman. They are extremely trainable and they are the only breed bred solely for human companionship. I have had Dobies my entire life. They are 5th on the list of intelligence. They do not require a lot of specialized training. They become very keyed into what their owners want even without being told. They are very socia and smartl a Dobie may train you if you are not careful. If you or your girlfriend will have a lot of time to spend with the puppy, I would suggest a Dobie. They need exercise but a moderate yard will accommodate them. Most of the time he/she will want to be right by you. They do shed.

The difference between and Rott and a Dob is that a Rott will act then ask questions. A Dob will always ask questions first. My Rott was a 90 lbs lap dog with time your will be too. They also shed a lot.

Basically short hair dogs shed. If you want a dog that won't shed get a terrier or a poodle. If a person is allergic to dogs the can still own a poodle or terrier. Long haired dogs don't shed the same a short hair dog but they require grooming. Long hair dogs shed kinda like people short hair dogs SHED. Labs & Rott hair can be a pain.

[Amiechan]

Originally Posted by lethargiic

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Shar-peis are cute dogs no doubt, but they smell, no matter how much you bathe them to get that "wet dog' smell out its always there because of the oils their skin produces.. they have very sensitive skin and can dry out easily.

Well.. I've never had any problems with my little 50lb guy smelling bad. He gets a bath every 2-3 weeks.

A boxer is my next pick. TrinityWolf's boxer is awesome... I wanted one after meeting his, but Chris really wanted a Shar-Pei.

[faze]

I myself am found of the retrievers very intellegent,friendly,protective over there family and loveable

[alphafem]

Golden Retrievers are great dogs they are... I wanna say 2 or 3 on list of intellegance. Labs are lower but still in the top 10 as are Rots.

[python04slayer]

Dogs are cool, Ie owned:
2 Dobermans
1 Rotwieler
1 Chow x Dingo
2 Greyhounds
1 Black Lab x Pit Bull
1 Snauzer??? Dont know how to spell

My favorite is te Cow dingo cross, shes really nice and has never bit, but Dobermans are cool too I wouldnt mind having one aroung the house again, and Greyhounds are really lazy, really quiet, and can run REALLY fast when they want to. Not much I have to say about the rest though...

[Reptscue]

QuenteK25, I'm not trying to rain on the party. Just telling the truth.
I'd have to say the Border collies are the smartess and aussies are a close second. But that's just me.
Hey Faze, I have never seen a golden that would harm a fly. Any that I have met would show a burgular where the gold and cash would be.

[NocturnalCreations]

I have had a Rott, Pit Bull and now I have American Bulldog's. If you want an all around loving pet and something that will keep anyone from trying to come in your house check out these guy's. I bought my male from the lady below she has some awesome dog's.
http://www.americanbulldogs.net/
Tim Rash

[Bry]

You want a cool dog, man? Get an Irish Wolfhound. Yes, they get big, but they are not particularly active. At least, not as active as other large breeds. They don't require a large yard either, a small yard with a house will do. They are the gentle giants of dog breeds. Very loyal and I find them to be friendly to just about everyone. But, they can be protective as well. And if anyone gets any ideas about breaking into your house, who's gonna argue with a 200-pound dog?

Standard poodles are cool too. Just, please...don't do the stupid poodle cut that makes them look like Q-tips. They shed very little, are very trainable, and are ranked as the smartest of dogs, with the German Shepherd a close second.

Bry

[ShakiraFuego]

The best suggestion that I can offer is to attend a local dog show. You can meet (legit) breeders of nearly all of the AKC registered breeds and ask any questions you may have to find the perfect breed for you.

I actually took an AKC breed selector test on Animal Planet 2 years ago and found one of my perfect breeds, The Pharaoh Hound. I finally acquired my show puppy in July. You can find the selector here: http://animal.discovery.com/guides/d...r/selector.jsp

[mnolan9876]

my choices would be a doberman- extremely loyal, smart, only have bad reps from the idiots who raise them. Ive grown up with them, and i trust anyone around our dobermans as long as they arent breaking into our house. Golden Retrievers- smart, gentle, great family pet as well, if you get a good breeder you dont have to mess with the overactive backyard breeder dog. We own a nursing home and these are our dogs of choice for rehabilitation. Also if you want a dog that no one else will have that is just HUGE and looks great go with an old victorian bulldog, very cool dogs.