What breed of dog should I get?

[OzoneFuelieX]

I know you've probably seen a lot of these posts, but I really need help.

I'm 16 years old and I own two cats and two horses. I'm trying to get a dog too, but I have no idea which breed I should get. I spend at least 45-60 minutes a day outside mucking and doing barn chores. Dad jogs three miles ever other night, and is also interested in hiking with the dog. I can be bit lazy, though, and don't really want a hyper-active dog. Right now, we don’t have any fences up for dogs, just horse fences. Dad is very picky about his lawn.

The most important attributes would be clean, cat safe, somewhat quiet, and won't mess up the house. A guard dog would be a plus, and keep in mind dog like a blue heeler may not be good because of the horses. My favorite dog, size and shape wise, is a Beagle, but I understand they are loud and very active. Dad is more interested in a larger dog for hiking, while I like medium-sized dogs. I'm willing to take the bigger size, though. We've looked into Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but I don't know a lot about them.

I understand that a dog takes a lot of work and commitment, but I think I'm ready. Please help me; I really want a good dog or puppy. Thanks!

[peptodog]

a lab? maybe a labradoodle. BTW if you get a labradoodle make sure its 2nd generation that means its lab and poodle and then they breed those pups with another poodle.

[OzoneFuelieX]

Eh.. I'm not wild about the poodles, no offence. And I've heard labs can be very energetic and clumsy. Is that true?

[Dax]

Rotti's are great dogs. They are good working breeds - can guard, like horses & cats if raised with them. They are quite calm but will easily be able to accompany you on hikes or jogging. They do shed and require early socialization and strong leaders.

[Moo]

Also, since you have cats and horses, I would reccomend getting a puppy. That way, you can raise it to adapt to your style of living, and it can grow to tolerate your otehr animals. If you were to bring in an adult dog, it may already have issues with other animals, and you may not be able to correct the behavior.

[OzoneFuelieX]

Thanks for all your help! I agree, getting a puppy would be the safer thing to do. I've been reading up on house training and such. I hope my cats will adjust alright... And I know a beagle probably wouldn't be the right dog; I just like their small form and floppy ears. Dad says that rottis are aggressive. Is that a stereotype? If so, why are they on the news a lot for attacking people?
Border collies are nice looking dogs. Their coat looks a little long, though. Do they need a lot of grooming?

[Dax]

I have never meet an aggressive rotti. If you buy one from a good breeder and spend time training & socializing you won't have a problem.

[goombaya]

A Viszla might be a good fit for you. Theyre goood family dogs are pretty clean, and are athletic. Not terribly big, more of a mid sized dog. Not really hyper though

[Moo]

Rottweilers *can* be aggressive, as *can* all other dogs. The only thing with Rottis is that when they are aggressive, they have the size and strength to cause damage. There was a Rotti at the ferry terminal near where I live recently, that was aggressive and it ate a Yorkie. Well, I've been attacked by the agressive Malti-poo down the street and it didn't break the skin. Difference is the size and strength.

Border collies have a medium coat. I don't think that they need much more grooming than regular brushing, and more brushing when the undercoat is shedding. I believe that they shed less than shorter hair dogs, if that makes a difference to you.

[weimlover0816]

Border collies are a herding breed, so, I don't know how this would go over with the horses. Have you considered a Golden Retriever...? finding a good breeder would be key, though, as they have been over-bred recently. I disagree that labs are "injury prone". Labs from good stock are excellent... they have good pedigrees and parents are thoroughly checkd for genetic disorders (HD, etc) Labs are also active, hunting dogs that DO enjoy hiking. Any dog is a lot of work, and will get "hyper" if they don't get enough exercise (mental and physical). I would suggest going to your local shelter, filling out an application 9where you can specify all of the things you listed to us as important) and be put on a waiting list for a puppy.
Good Luck!!