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Topic: Which dog to choose...please help!
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Newdog21
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posted October 15, 2003 01:50 PM
Hello, I'm new to the forum. I'm looking to buy a dog soon, but dont know which kind i want. A few of my favorites are Great danes, Rots, Doberman's, American putbull terrier, German Shepards, Boxers, and one of my favorites, Neopolitan Mastiff (wrinkly dog). I need a dog that isn't bouncing off the walls, because i live in a 3 room house. I will be getting the dog as a puppy, no matter what i get. Also I need a dog that doesnt shed a whole lot. Which would be the ideal dog out of my list above? Any help is appriciated. Thanks
Posts: 1 | From: IL | Registered: Oct 2003
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Dawn
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posted October 15, 2003 05:11 PM
All of those dogs are big to be in a 3 room house. Do you have a fenced in yard? If so, how large?
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fullhouse9873
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posted October 15, 2003 11:27 PM
This sounds like my list of breeds when I was looking into a dog. So here's a little bit about a few of them.
Great Dane - very gentle, generally good tempermants, have a tendency to break things because of their size, tend to be couch potatos
Boxers - energetic, need something to keep them busy - they're very smart and get bored easily
Pit bulls (my favorite breed of all) - extremely loyal to owners - sometimes too much, can have aggressive behavior - especially to other dogs (that's what they were bred for), energetic - definately a handful
Those 3 breeds were at the top of my list when I got a pup - so I know a lot about them. But before you decide on what breed you need to ask yourself some questions.
How much time will I be able to spend with my dog? If you're not going to be able to spend a lot of time with him - you don't want to get a very energetic breed. Also - unless you have a large fenced in yard - plan on doing a lot of walking. We have a medium sized house & yard - but we still walk our dogs for an hour a day.
How much training do I want to put in to this dog? You list a lot of breeds that have a tendency to be aggressive. I am a firm believer that a dog doesn't have to be aggressive just because of his breed, but without training - these dogs can become aggressive.
Also - on shedding, all dogs shed. It's pretty much a fact of life. And although short hair is less noticeable (at times) - it's still there. My boxer/pit mix used to shed really bad. His hair was so sharp - that if I went barefoot, I would get slivers from it.
Please, please, please do as much research as possible on these breeds. And do keep in mind some of there bad points. There are too many people that purchase a pup without thinking it through - and then have to get rid of it because of behavior problems. Talk to breeders - I found that was my best bet. Because a breeder wants to see their pup go to the best home that it can - they will be able to tell you if that breed is right for you or not.
Good Luck - and keep in mind that a lot of good breeds of dogs are mixes, check out your shelter or local breed rescue programs.
Posts: 247 | From: Jefferson, WI | Registered: Sep 2003
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Dawn
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posted October 16, 2003 07:51 PM
All dogs shed....except poodles. Sometimes if you're looking for a low shedding breed, you can find a poodle mix at the animal shelter. Now they'll still shed, but not near as much.
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Donna H
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posted October 22, 2003 06:14 PM
It's a common misconception that Poodles don't shed. They DO shed, it just that their fur is tight and curly so it catches and tangles in there coat up instead of dropping out on the floor.
Donna
Posts: 4 | From: Cheyenne, WY | Registered: Oct 2003
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Dawn
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posted October 22, 2003 06:27 PM
Well, my poodle doesn't shed. That's not to say that sometimes her hair doesn't get pulled out, but she doesn't shed.
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kmtell
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posted November 04, 2003 07:51 PM
Here is a good place to go to learn about dogs and the different breeds. http://dogbreedinfo.com From here, you can fill out an online form on what your lifestyle is like and what traits you're looking for in a dog and it spits out a list of breeds that might work well for you. Now, I've read a lot of varying info from one site to the next, but it's a good place to start.
Posts: 11 | Registered: Nov 2003
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lou3
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posted November 14, 2003 08:39 AM
None of the dogs on your list are really suitable for a first time owner or one with limited space in the house.
Pit bulls require experienced handling to prevent them becoming aggressive They have such a tendancy to become dangerous they are actually banned in some countries.
Great danes need a lot of room, but are probably the most suitable on your list in other repects.
Rots and Dobys are both too big and boistrous for a small house - and again require experienced handling.
German sheperds definately shouldnt be handled by an inexperienced owner as they can be lovely dogs in the right hands but if you dont know what your doing they can be ruined.
Boxers will be bouncing off the walls and mastiffs are far too big for a small house.
I suggest something smaller, Clumber spaniels have a sort - of similar appearance to neapolitans but are much smaller and probably suitable for your situation.
Basset hounds are nice and placid for a small house,
Staffordshire bull terriers or english bull terriers are similar to pits but have a much more reliable and amenable temperament although staffies can be a bit hyper at times.
Border terriers are nice minimum shedding dog (as long as you keep them well groomed)
If you really want a big dog get a greyhound as they need minimal room for such a large dog and are nice and placid
Lou
[ November 14, 2003, 11:29 AM: Message edited by: lou3 ]
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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Lucky Puppy
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posted November 14, 2003 08:50 AM
How about going to your local shelter? You could tell the staff what your dog needs/desires are and they might be able to help you out.
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Love Me, Love My Dog!
Posts: 52 | From: California | Registered: Aug 2003
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Freckles
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posted November 14, 2003 09:27 AM
I would vote for the shelter as a source. Wonderful dogs are given up (I have a real struggle with giving them up...."my child is a pill...is there some way I can get rid of him/her?) That's a subject for another time....
The greyhound is another good choice. Have never had one, but have talked with several who have rescued these poor creatures who have been used for racing sport. They are so sweet tempered and act so appreciative of any love and attention they get. Talked to a couple recently walking with two they had rescued and they could not say enough about their new pals. I am a firm believer in the owner being the culprit when a dog turns "bad". Ignorance (we see this even with parent/child....) or impatience or false expectations creates situations that could so easily be avoided with a desire to understand the needs of all us "creatures"! Basically, it is Love.
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Lou in Texas
Posts: 122 | From: Southlake, TX | Registered: Oct 2003
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Dawn
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posted November 14, 2003 09:38 AM
Wouldn't a greyhound be a bad choice because of limited space?
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KiKi
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posted November 14, 2003 10:00 AM
I know of a really great book that can answer ALL of your questions. It's called "The Perfect Match" a dog buyer's guide by Chris Walkowicz. It has every breed know to man and breaks them down into catagories. They have pictures as well. Just to give you an idea of what the book explains: The book gives you Size, Color, Protection Level, Energy, Life Expectancy, How well does it get along with children, How well does it get along with other Animals, Abilities, Shedding/Grooming, Health Problems, Best with/ Not for these type of people. It's a really good resource.
Posts: 18 | From: Aliquippa, PA | Registered: Oct 2003
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lou3
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posted November 14, 2003 11:27 AM
grey hounds arent active dogs, they only need 2 twenty-minute walks a day or one good run off lead, they are quiet and docile and dont need a whole lot of space. As long as they have a comfy cushion to curl up on they're happy
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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Dawn
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posted November 14, 2003 11:47 AM
To me though, 2 20 minute walks is a lot. And I'm sure that they'd need more if they didn't have the room to excercise during the day. That's at least an hour of walking a day if you count prep time.
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niffer16
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posted November 14, 2003 11:53 AM
Another breed that hardly sheds is the saluki.They're very laid back,couch potatoes.Very intelligent but can get destructive if they don't get enough excercise but most dogs will do that if they're bored,especially the more intelligent ones like the shephards.
Posts: 6 | From: Devon | Registered: Nov 2003
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niffer16
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posted November 14, 2003 11:58 AM
I worked in a rescue centre with greyhounds & Lou3 is correct,the breed doesn't need a lot of excercise at all.They are the biggest couch potatoes going!And I don't think 2x20 min walks is that much for any breed of dog but it's ok for the greyhound.All they want is a comfy place to snuggle up (usually your sofa or bed) & a loving owner to give them lots of cuddles.They are truely wonderful dogs.
Posts: 6 | From: Devon | Registered: Nov 2003
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niffer16
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posted November 14, 2003 12:43 PM
oooo,just one more thing.Clumber Spaniels shed like theres no tomorrow!Believe me,I used to own one.They've got a beautiful temperamant but the fur lives on the furniture rather than the dog if you know what i mean!As for particular breeds being vicious,I don't agree with that.I believe any dog is how they are raised.Yes you get the more 'protective' breeds like the shepards but a puppy isn't born with viciousness in it.(Unless you get one from an unreputable place where they interbreed,that can 'dislodge' some genes!)
I think you have to choose what dog YOU want,not what other people say.If you have the time to walk it lots & lots then a large breed is great even with a small house but if you don't then go for a 'lazy' breed.Either way no one is going to agree on one specific breed for you as we all have our own preferences.(Mines a saluki even though it's currently eating my house lol).
Posts: 6 | From: Devon | Registered: Nov 2003
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lou3
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posted November 14, 2003 08:04 PM
2 twenty minute walks in absolutely nothing. A really active breed like a border collie requires at least two hour long walks every day PLUS playtime in a field or garden (up to four hours a day ideally) and most dogs require two 45 minute walks a day PLUS at least some playtime in the garden.
Dawn dont you have poodles? they should have at least two 40 min walks a day PLUS half an hour of training at least 4 - 5 times per week as they are very intelligent dogs that get bored easily .
Lou
[ November 14, 2003, 08:12 PM: Message edited by: lou3 ]
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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lou3
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posted November 14, 2003 08:07 PM
Prep time? call dog - attach lead - total prep time 30 seconds.
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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fullhouse9873
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posted November 14, 2003 11:49 PM
We have been able to cut back on our walks since we got the fence in our yard. I let them out - and the boys run around and around and around. They'd stay out here all day if I'd let them. But we still do the walks - about 45 minutes to an hour, 4 times a week. I think a shelter is a great place to get a dog - but you have to be very careful. Also - if you're considering a "vicous" breed - you always want to get one from a reputable breeder. This way you can see the mom and dad - and you have some idea of what you're getting into. The breeder will also help you with any problems or questions you might have. I know I have called the breeder we got our last pup from more than a couple of times!
Posts: 247 | From: Jefferson, WI | Registered: Sep 2003
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lou3
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posted November 15, 2003 06:53 AM
You should be walking your dogs every day - not just four times a week, a yard is no substitute for the exercise and stimulation a walk gives your dogs. I assume you are also doing half an hour of formal training at least three times a week, all dogs need this to keep them mentally stimulated and help them become pleasant dogs to have around.
Lou
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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Freckles
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posted November 15, 2003 04:30 PM
The comments I am reading about the personality of the greyhounds confirms all that I have heard. Reports I get are they are perfectly content to be with you doing what you are doing...whether it is walking them, or just BEING with them. They seem to have such a gentle soul.
There are always exceptions to the rule ... that's just a given. It works both ways though. Our border collie/red heeler mix (2 1/2 yr. female..spayed) is perfectly content to be a couch potato.. as long as we are with her. This is contrary to all the predictions. She will run and play -- if we are right with her. Being out in the yard without one of us is not acceptable. She is what someone referred to as a "velcrow dog"..sticks like glue. If she gets walked that's fine, if not that's fine, too. (Just don't go off and leave me -- which we hardly ever do). I think we usually get what we "expect". We just need to learn to expect the good and not the bad.
It takes patience, love and above all CONSISTENCY to establish a good enjoyable relationship for both you and your new buddy. One "get a way with it" can wipe out a week's training sometime.
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Lou in Texas
Posts: 122 | From: Southlake, TX | Registered: Oct 2003
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Freckles
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posted November 15, 2003 04:48 PM
Wow! wish I lived in a world that allowed me the luxury of walking my girl 45 minutes every day. She has a full day every week with her buddy, Shelby, and they go at it until they are exhausted. But, she is part of "our" life and she has adjusted to the way we live. Over the past 47 years of marriage my husband and I have had rescue and/or shelter dogs of all kinds of breeds and mixes, and they adjusted to our life style. All of our dogs have lived to at least 15 years, a couple were almost 20, healthy and content. Lots of love, good diet, and soft bed.... satisfies me!!!! If exercising, walking fits into your life style and your dog can be a part of it, that's great. But, I sure don't feel guilty that it doesn't fit our program, and we are all happy and fit as fiddles. Just enjoy and love, love, love that sweet creature you have the privilege of sharing life with.
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Lou in Texas
Posts: 122 | From: Southlake, TX | Registered: Oct 2003
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fullhouse9873
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posted November 16, 2003 11:24 AM
Between my husband and I've we've got two full time jobs, two kids (4 & 1), two dogs and two cats. 4 times a week is about all we can squeeze in for the boys - and they seem content with that. They are outside everyday - chasing the ball (or each other, or the kids). In a perfect world they would be walked every day - but that just isn't going to happen for us. Also with the training sessions - I do one long one with my Husky for about 1/2 hour on the weekends - then just kind of re-touch on the stuff we've learned through the week. We don't have a set time for anything - I may be doing something in the kitchen and tell him to sit or down. This way it's always kind of a surprise - and it keeps him guessing. He has to know his commands - cause he doesn't know when I'm going to use them. The time that we spend walking with our dogs isn't the only time they get. They have constant attention in our house - they are a part of the family as much as my kinds or husband are. We're making do with what we've got - it doesn't seem to bother my dogs at all.
Posts: 247 | From: Jefferson, WI | Registered: Sep 2003
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Dawn
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posted November 17, 2003 04:57 PM
Yes I have a toy poodle. Before she had surgery, we went for a 2 hour walk 5 days a week. Now, she just simply can not do it. I guess instead of prep time I should have said time after you get done. It takes me at least an hour of grooimg to get everything out of her coat that she's picked up on the way. Her and her brother play all day. Most days they are not walked at all. But they do get plenty of self-excercise.
Posts: 428 | Registered: Nov 2002
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