Getting a dog, need opinions!

[natas]

I have never had my own dog, but now I finally have the chance and I am stumped on the type of dog to get.

I am closing on a house next week and this is why I made this decesion. Anyway the back yard isn't huge, but its not tiny. Should be plenty room for a small to medium dog.

Here are some of my favorites:
Blood Hound
Pug
Rottweiler <-- My gf really wants a dog that can protect her in case she is alone
Boxer
American Foxhound
Wolf Husky

I know those are totally different dogs and with a wide variety of personalities. Anyway if you guys have any opinions please feel free to pass them along

[Ed_r]

I've ALWAYS wanted an English Bull dog.

Boxers are pretty cool.
Rotties get big for a small yard.

others have no oppinion on

[natas]

Yah I love Boxers man, but every boxer I have met has been so freaking hyper. I do like the hyperness, but I am sure it can get real annoying after a while

[stckinlodi]

if i could have any dog first it would be a rottweiler then probably a boxer if u like Wolf Husky u would probably like akitas(sp?) the ones ive see seemed relaxed and the wolf husky will probably dig alot trying to get out if its not a real big yard the best dog ive ever had was a german sheapard/ chow chow mix (real good protecter too) i miss her had to get rid of her cause got to big for the house we were in and didnt think it was fair for her keep us posted on what u choose

[stckinlodi]

here is a link to the AKC breed list http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/breed_list.cfm hope it helps

[reptilemama]

I think I'd go for the pug or the bloodhound. Rotties, boxers, and foxhounds need a LOT of obedience training- Foxhounds and boxers because they're hyper and need an outlet for their energy, and rotties because they can be VERY stubborn, and you MUST make sure they know you are alpha dog. I wouldn't even consider a wolf hybrid- they have a VERY strong pack instinct, and are very string-willed. It's very difficult to keep proper pack order with a wolf hybrid, and they will always be testing their place in the pack, to see what they can get away with. They're not like domestic dogs at all, and aren't good pets for anyone without a lot of experience. I understand the protection thing, but any dog that will bark will deter a theif. Most dogs usually considered protection dogs need a lot of training because they are stubborn and independent. And for whatever dog you get, I highly suggest obedience training. The socialization that you get in a good class is definitely worth it. And as a vet tech, I can tell you that a well trained dog makes our job *so* much easier!

[Stormyva]

The best dog is a pound dog ....doesnt really matter what breed or color. When you go to the pound and look at the dogs the right one will jump out to you. Not to sound corny but when you see the right dog you will know.

[WhiteLips]

I am EXTREMELY partial to Bouvier's (Bouvier des Flandres), they are laid back, intelligent,gentle- kids luv 'em (they look like bears), very protective of family & property overall very cool dog (I currently have two). They are a bit on the large size (90+ lbs.)- but it's amazing how they adapt... I started in a condo in Miami now I have an acre of land they adjusted, they love to go on walks or runs with you!- there are Bouvier rescues that have these great dogs available (different ages)- I also have a longhair dachshund we just call him devil dog..... A well trained dobermann is a GREAT dog, I had one for 10 years she was the best!
Reptilemama is absolutely right whatever dog you end up with, getting it trained up is a must do! Questions to ask yourself- do you mind frequent grooming or dog hairs all over (go for a short hair), do you mind a dog that requires a lot of attention or a more independent type of dog, some breeds are attracted to all the "icky" stuff in your backyard- dead things, mud, etc how do you feel about frequent floor (and dog) washing (the dachshund rolls in anything smelly- part of "dog" behavior) Good Luck dogs are really great to have around!

[lethargiic]

interesting choices but i would not go for a rottweiler.. they are big dogs that require alot of attention and room. And they have problems when they are bigger with their hip joints, aka hip dysplasia, something well known in the mastiff breeds of dogs.

and as mamacita said...the wolf-hybrids...that's a no no unless you know what you're doing and they are not very trust worthy. They can get really territorial.

Pugs = respiratory problems..

bloodhounds...no. my friend had one and spent a lot of money on her because she had ear problems and easily got infected.

foxhounds...they're noisey dogs, and suffer from separation anxiety as puppies.

If you want a decent size dog that's not too big, and not too small...get a doberman!! excellent dogs, very well mannered and they are very protective but not possesive. My friend owns a dobie, and he is like a spoiled baby, but when someone he doesnt know comes a-knocking, man Dale can bark and scare someone good.. lol

another excellent dog is the german shepard. They are awesome with kids, and honestly i prefer them over labs. German shepards first instict is to protect their masters..but they are very laid back. highly trainable and very very obedient. they do need room to move, but its nothing that a morning jogs can't take care of.

[lethargiic]

Originally Posted by Stormyva

The best dog is a pound dog ....doesnt really matter what breed or color. When you go to the pound and look at the dogs the right one will jump out to you. Not to sound corny but when you see the right dog you will know.

lol my dog was a pet shop dog... and he's awesome. he's siberian husky/australian cattle dog mix. and he's got the blue and brown eyes.. he's adorable and a good dog but he got separation anxiety and ADHD, i kid you not.

[BWSmith]

Get a Yorkie, it suits you LOL

[Rmk1999]

We had a husky wolf hybrid. She was like the acception to all the husky and wolf stigmas. She never ran away which everyone told us she would. When she was young she found her place in our family and as far as I can remember never challeneged for authority. But she did dig holes here and there....not all the time. Absolutely wonderful dog....best one I've had. Now we have a pure bred husky and she's acting basically the same as our old dog. My suggestion is husky...Just be ready to destroy a couple of vacumns in dealing with HAIR!!!

[John_White]

The schipperke is an amazing dog, the best dog I ever owned. It's somewhat husky like in appearance, intelligent, affectionate. A great family dog and protector. It's been said that "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the fight within the dog that counts" this personifies the schipperke. Low maintenance, no predisposed medical conditions, the schipperke is one of the longest lived dogs. My last one lived almost 20 years. For additional information see: http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/shipper.cfm

[natas]

Well I brought the Wolf Husky into the Mix because my Girlfriend has alot of experience with them. She has owned a few of them in the past....but she did admit that they can be trouble makers.

[trinitywolf]

Hey Shane., good list!

My suggestion would be to go out and get the book The Perfect Match : A Dog Buyer's Guide. That's how I choose my dog, and I could not be more pleased. That book gives you real information you want to know like medical conditions, upkeep, personality, grooming.

On your list I am partial to boxers (which of course is what I have). They are puppies their whole life, but if you make the commitment to train them, which you should do with ANY dog, they are wonderful companions. Boxers are great with kids, they are family dogs which means they see the family as a unit and don't tend to be predisposed to any one person, and their health issues are low.

Train, train, train...I can't say that enough. It will make your relationship with your dog much more rewarding and it's very nice to be able to take your dog in public and know it will behave.

Anyway, that book is well worth the money, b/c it's all about what YOU can and cannot tolerate out of a pet. I love my dog, but for someone who wanted a quite, laid back pooch, they would be quite disappointed.

[LuvMyBoa]

American Foxhound... absolutely beautiful dogs but can be flighty. Anne marie and I have an 80lb dog that we found as a 4 week old puppy as he and his littermates were thrown from a moving car. We aren't positive as to what mix he is, but are fairly sure he is German Shephard/American Foxhound. He looks like a Beagle trapped in a german shephard's body. Absolutely the most handsome dog ever. The seperation anxiety we endured with him caused us to get rid of him on three occasions but he always found his way back to us. We were unable to leave him alone until around 2years of age... and even now he can't handle being alone for more than 5 hours or so.

Sorry, got off topic... I think a Foxhound makes a beautiful pet, but like most hounds, they require extensive training and attention to obedience. They have noses that just don't quit... guinness picks up the tinest scent and it completely grabs his attention. He also has dog agression, but he was also attacked as a puppy while he was in someone elses care. Love foxhounds tho... can be great companions.

[BWSmith]

ya sold me John. I want one now. My guard cats suck.

[John_White]

Of course you could go with Sony's AIBO-ER-7

[natas]

Haha I remember when those things came out. From what I hear now you can actually program your own stuff in and teach em to dance and stuff

[lethargiic]

hmm dont those things pee oil when they get anxious?