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So within the next couple of months, probably after the wedding, my fiance and I would like to get a dog. And I'm trying to figure out what kind of dog to get. And I know all you bees will have lots of opinions and advice! So here's how we live and if you have any other questions, throw them my way!
yesterday i spent a bit of time looking up bullmastiffs and rhodesian ridgebacks.... they seem like great breeds.
leaving the rhodesian alone for that lenght of time might be a problem but if you raise them to enjoy independant play they should be ok
I have an English mastiff and he's the sweetest dog imagineable. My son used to pull his ears and ride him when he was 2 yrs old and my big fella just let him do whatever and is loving and sweet.
I also have an awesome medium sized dog, who is a boston terrier. He's sweet and smartest darn dog ever (well the mastiff is super smart too). Both are adorable guys and can do fine in or outdoors.
I adopted my fluffy pup 2 years ago and his birthday is in august along with my son. We didn't plan to have him. He's my little "accident" and he's a havanese! About 13 pounds and happy, loving, and lively and an indoor dude.
My son has had asthma in the past (he's growing out of it) but these dogs never caused any sneezing or wheezing at all.
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since you live on a lake, what about a water loving dog like a retriever or portuguese water dog like the obamas?
My mastiff loves water. So does the havanese (little fluffball above) and the boston terrier.
All 3 of my boys would run and jump in a lake! Simon the mastiff has done so and even in a shallow river once!
Look into a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier!
My finance and I purchased a puppy last year - at the time we knew little about the breed but after doing our research we fell in love. They fit into your critera and are the CUTEST puppies ever.
Medium Sized - 30-35lbs, Allergy-friendly (for visitors who can't deal with pets), super social with other dogs and people, incredibly smart and energetic (loves going for decent walks), and they don't shed (bonus). We crate trained her (in our 1000sq apt) since we both work all day and have had few issues. One thing to look out for is their breed typically does not like cats, but our dog has been around them since she was little so has had no probs!
Since they are allergy-friendly dogs they come with a bit if a price tag if you buy them from a breeder or a pet store, they do have rescues in different areas, you may just have to be patient!
We used to have an English mastiff, and I think they would fit in perfectly in that sort of setting! We had two (a boy and a girl) and they played really well with my sister and me (I was 4 or 5 when we got them). My FH and I currently have an English bulldog, whom is the SWEETEST baby you will ever meet. They aren't mean at all and are very good with children. If you live near a lake though, you might want to keep an eye on one as they don't swim. I might also recommend a Newfoundland. They're waterdogs and very very child friendly. I was a toddler when we had one and he was one of my favorite dogs of all time. My family currently also has three Scottish Terriers (brindle, black, and wheaten) and they get on pretty well by themselves during the day when they're alone.
I have a poodle so I am biased (but know you dont want a toy or teacup dog) but my aunt has Labradoodles and they are awesome! Great with kids and other dogs, very friendly, doesnt shed and hypo-allergenic. They have different sizes so a standard dog is huge but a smaller one is around 15-20 lbs. Their large one is probably like 75 lbs and looks Bear in the Big Blue House :)
Get a shelter mixed breed dog! There are so many loving puppies and adult dogs that need homes, and they are just as wonderful as pure-bred dogs. I have two pitbull mixes that are the loves of my life (besides my future husband of course :)
Mixed breed dogs are less likely to have genetic problems too! If you do set your mind on a certain breed, many shelters and rescue organizations have pure-bred dogs.
There are many english mastiff rescues nationwide too.
Many people don't realize these little cute wrinkly faced pups grow up to be the sweetest gentle giants in the world!
Here's one like my big huggy bear, Simon:
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I think you should go to a shelter and check them out. We got our pitbull from one and he is the best dog! No seriously, when we took him, one of the girls cried and the mail lady was there and said if something ends up happening where we can't take care of him to call her and she will take him. I agree that there are so many dogs who would make amazing pets and they are stuck there.
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Based on your description, I would recommend a Newfoundland. Although the large size may scare you away from this breed, it is one that is worth looking into. Newfies are good tempered and are great with kids and meeting new people. They are probably the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. They are water loving dogs (almost too much). The main reason I recommend a newfy for you is that their activity level will probably fit your lifestyle. Unlike many smaller dogs that can be hyper all day long. Newfies are content as long as they get some activity on a regular basis. As a working dog they were bred to wait until instructed to do their job. So your newfy will lay around all day and be ready for a walk or swim when you get home. They are very smart and aren't prone to anxiety, so with normal training to get through the puppy phase a newfy won't eat all your furniture while you are at work. You may also want to look into bermese mountain dogs.
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I don't know how to post a picture but I know the pefect dog for your situation. Google Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We rescued Berrigan over 2 years ago..he was a stud dog. He is the smartest dog you'd ever meet and he is easy to live with. Literally, he was housebroken in 24 hours. Also, he is happy to walk on a lead...would never bite or nip and if children get too much for him he just goes away. Plus..he is beautiful. It's an expensive breed so I'd consider rescue but I promise you won't be disappointed. He's not big at all but not a toy or mini breed...Oh and he travels really well.
I would really caution anyone considering a newfoundland dog.
I own one and love him more than anything, but they are DEFINITELY not for everyone.
They do love kids, they are extremely gentle and kind when trained properly, and they are very loveable and cuddly. But you need to put a ton of time and effort into training.
Training classes 2x a week for the first 3+ months are a must, because your puppy will soon be 100+ pounds and incredibly strong - even my very well trained dog has knocked me on my butt because he was excited and wound up.
They are more expensive than your average dog. I have him professionally groomed every 4 weeks (around 100 dollars) as well as a thorough brushing every 2 days. He needs special food that runs me 120 dollars a month. Plus due to his weight (140 lbs) any vet treatments are very expensive (he got a skin infection and the treatment was over 300 dollars).
They drool (and anyone advertising a dry mouthed newf is lying through their teeth). I have to wipe his mouth a lot.
They shed a lot ... like hair tumbleweeds floating around!
I vacuum at least 2x a week, then during the "high shedding seasons" - spring and fall - it can be as much as every day.
I would look into a labrador or golden retriever ... they are very popular for a reason!
Somebody page Doctorgirl into the house on this one!! I think she has a Bernese!
Those are so cute! But a boston terrier puppy is adorable too! Look at this wittle face! And this little (he's brindle like my boston, Ringo) fella too!
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Wow so many suggestions! I'm leaning toward going to a shelter and getting a rescue mixbreed but I love labs (our neighbor has two yellow), and newfoundland's (if we get it while I'm still unemplyed training wouldn't be a prob.), or a retriever. What about a border collie?
Get a rescue dog! I guarantee if you go to your local shelter you will find a cute puppy you love, and you'll be helping a dog in need at the same time. Bonus for you, it's also cheaper. I got my pit bull mix from a shelter and he is the sweetest and cutest dog ever. I literally get stopped on the street 1 - 2 times a day by people wanting to tell me how cute he is. And I live in brooklyn - there are TONS of dogs on the street.
yahoo!!! We have a rescue dog and we ADORE him. He is a mutt, but you can do a cool little DNA cheek swab test to find out what they are. Ours is half chesapeake Bay Retriever and half chocolate lab. LOVES to play, LOOOOOOOVEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS to swim, and is so kind and gentle with kids. He is hyper bc he is still a puppy, but thats any breed. Here is our baby Brutus!
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We are fairly active and we want an active dog-but not high strung! My fiances parents have a shelty and that dog is psycho!
I do have a Bernese Mountain Dog, and I think they are the best dogs on the planet... very easy to train and gentle... great with kids... but you have to really be dedicated because they are big and strong and can do damage with out realizing it.
Oh, and they shed... like the dickens. It'll be in your butter, milk, cookies, you'll pull it out of your mouth when you lay down to go to sleep at night. But at least Berners don't drool and they love to cuddle ;)
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doctorgirl - LOL at your description of where you find your bernese's hair ... it's like that with Charlie ... hair in everything ... I wonder (in a gross way) how much of it I have eaten without knowing.
I'm going to 2nd a newfie (newfoundland dog) They are GREAT dogs if you can get past their size. They don't need a lot of space though and they are THE dog breed for kids. The dog in Peter Pan was a newf and they are generally considered a "nanny" dog and are often used as therapy dogs. They do, however, shed quite a bit and most drool (though my mom's doesn't). They don't do very well in warm weather all the time, so they must be kept inside during the summer, not out in a kennel. They do LOVE to swim as they were bred for water rescue. They love to play and run and go or walks, but they will be content to laze around the house when you are gone. They are definitely the type of dog that just lays by the door waiting for the family to get home! Portugese Water Dogs have similar temperaments, but they are a bit smaller (maybe lab sized?) and they don't shed as much. They have poodle-type hair. A golden retreiver or a lab may work as well, but they do go through a puppy crazies stage. They don't really settle down until they're about 2 years old, which by then many people have given them away. Good luck!
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Please, please, please check out your local rescue/shelter. There are lots of dogs that end up in shelters that never find a forever home simply because they aren't the "breed of the moment". Mixed breeds are great - they're generally very healthy and don't end up with many of the genetic disorders that purebreds can have. When you do visit a shelter, keep an open mind. Take the time to meet with each dog; you'll find one that's perfect for your life. We did. We originally wanted a puppy, but ended up not being able to get into the puppy room due to a parvo outbreak. While we were there, we played with a dozen or so dogs... and one of them just stole our hearts. She was a year old, and the sweetest, most loving dog we'd ever met. She just celebrated her 5th birthday and we're thankful every day that the puppy room was closed that day.
Here's our girl; she's a Shepherd mix with a little boxer and hound in her.
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Border collies are very smart and need lots of training to engage their big brains. They get bored easily and all that pent up energy might turn detructive if they are left alone all day. They are herding animals and will try to herd anything, children, birds, guests. It's pretty funny to watch them do it though.
GaBGal!! I came in to say JUST THAT!!! And you beat me to it. I had a Chessie for 11 years and loved him. I was 7 when we got him but I think my mom got him from a breeder. A quick Google search gave me this rescue site:
Here is a pic. I will say they're stubborn (at least mine was) and a bit aloof at times. But like I said, that may have just been our Thomas lol.
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We have a very fluffy cat. She sheds year round so we are used to having pet hair flying around. Like I said, I'm definitly leaning towards a mixed breed but you guys are starting to sway me with a newfoundland! But like I said, our house right now is only 800 square feet. My fiance and I sleep in a double bed with two cats. So I'm not sure if a real big dog is the way to go right now!
I want a puppy SO bad!! My fiance said he will get me one to have while he is deployed but so far I haven't been able to find one. I have a Golden Retriever which is a great breed. She is the best dog I have ever had, everyone else says so too. But she is on the older side, she is 13 years old so she is starting to feel her age, plus she is as much my grandparents as she is mine.
I am with you that I don't want a small dog. I would love a Great Dane...they are expensive though. Blah. I just want a puppy! Lol.
I do NOT reccommend a border collie for you. They need a TON of exercise and need to RUN. Most need a job to keep them occupied or else they may destroy your house out of boredum. Being gone most of the day would be very bad for BC.
As for the newf, since I didn't see the previous post, I agree that they aren't for everyone, but neither are Labs and golden retreivers ;) They do need training, but I didn't find it to be particularly difficult. If you have had no experience caring for or training a dog, you may want to enlist the help of someone because of a newf's size, but otherwise, they aren't too bad (I was about 15 or 16, maybe a tad older, when I took on the majority of training my mom's newf). They do need to have some training though because as mentioned, they are LARGE and their weight alone can be overpowering. I personally found walking our newf with a head halti (like what you would use on a horse. it is easier to control them by controlling their head than the whole weight of their bodies) to be particularly useful and it basically stopped the pulling as soon a she got accustomed to it. You just have to be careful because they could twist around and slip out of it (I didn't have this problem, though in the beginning she did try). Also about the dry mouth... They do exist in a sense (as I said, our newf DOES NOT drool at all. drips her water all over the place after she drinks, but doesn't drool), but I would strongly caution against buying from any breeder who advertises that they are. they generally aren't very reputable and are not breeding for the right things (temperament and solid structure). They don't all need special food, but if they do, it will cost more than a smaller dog would since they need so much, and the vet bills also cost more since it often goes by size (and needs more medication, etc). They also have a shorter life span than some other dog breeds. Generally, the large dogs have the shorter life spans. A newf is generally expected to live 8-10 years. Buying from a reputable breeder will help lengthen the dogs life span, but there is never any guarantee, as with any dog. They can also have hip problems (as can any large breed) so it's very important that the dog maintain a proper weight.
We have two chihuahuas (well, one and a half Chi/half Italian Greyhound!) and the second was a rescue- I HIGHLY encourage adopting a rescue dog!!! There are so many that need good homes!
However,
I absolutely do not recommend Chihuahuas for couples that want children. I believe that's common knowledge, but I think ALL dogs under 15lbs should be kept away from kids. For two reasons: one, they are so small that the groping, irresponsible hands of kids scare them and they can resort to aggression to escape or defend themselves, and two, kids are just too rough on them- I've seen rescue Chi's with broken legs because some idiot parent bought their kid a Chi, and they did something stupid to it (I've seen an incident where a kid threw the dog off a porch and broke it's leg- stupid freakin kid). But you don't want a small dog, so that's good!
Norwegian Elkhounds are a lovely, super-sweet breed, and I had them when I was growing up. Such lovely dogs! Great temperment! Also Weimeraners, though they have oodles of energy. Greyhounds are also great, but they are one of those oddball dogs you have to have a thing for! I personally love Great Danes, and haven't met one that I didn't like yet, but they are big, and will pass sooner due to their size (bigger the dog, shorter the lifespan). If you have a small house, I've seen them walk by tables and knock things off! But you said they are too big anyway, so, lol!
I do not recommend letting anything smaller than 20lbs roam free (due to predators, you'd be surprised what would go after a small pooch). I don't recommend a particularly energetic dog unless you have a fenced in yard or plenty of time to walk them and give them the exercise they need. With water- a friend had a Scottish Terrier known for his love of water and swimming abilities. Then they moved to a house with a pool, and the poor thing jumped in and drowned one day. So no matter how strong a swimmer, they should be watched carefully! I don't think kids under 6 and dogs are generally a good combination- kids can irritate animals unintentionally, and no matter how sweet the dog, they can give a surprise aggressive reaction if frustrated enough. Unfortunately, accidents do happen :/
*Also, avoid the words teacup, "-doodle" anything, or combined dog breed names, and allergy free, and such- these are advertisement words, and have extrodinarily bad results when used. There is no such thing as a teacup anything, just dogs bred small and unhealthy, designer dog "breeds" use creative breed name combos to make and sell puppies (a bit unethical), etc. etc. not trying to get preachy, but the effects of such sales tactics are unfortunate :/
I hope you find a pup that is perfect for you! :)
If you are getting a job soon, I definitely would NOT reccomend a Border Collie. They are great dogs, but because they are so smart and high energy, they need a lot more mental/physical activity than a lot of other breeds. If you are planning on getting a FT job in the future, probably not the best breed for you.
Someone also mentioned Labradoodles. Please be aware that these are NOT a breed. They are mutts, pure and simple. If you like the looks/personality of this mix, check out a shelter near you. Way too many people are suckered into buying "Labradoodles" and "Goldendoodles" and "Puggles" and "Cockapoos" and...well, you get the point...because they think they are getting some rare or new breed. Also, if a dog has fur, it WILL shed, despite claims to the contrary. And no breed is hypo-allergenic, although many are less likely to trigger allergies, (this is also dependent on the individual person).
I suggest checking out petfinder.com for available dogs near you in the breeds that most interest you. Also, please do research on any breeds you might be interested in before commiting to one. If you think breed might be for you, but aren't quite sure, (or even if you are), consider fostering one or two from a local rescue group to get some experience with the breed without a lifetime commitment to one. Or, if it turns out to be the right dog for you, there's no shame in "Foster Failure" (adopting your foster dog). Our own dog is a "Foster Failure." :)
Also, several websites have dog breed selectors, which allow you to enter various information about your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a dog, and will give you some suggestions as to what breeds might be good for you. They are not perfect, but can give you a starting point for your research at least.
Good luck!
@Miss Apricot-I'll have to check out some of those websites. Thanks!
Thanks so much ladies! You have given me a lot to digest. I think I really want a rescue. I also left out a very big piece of information-not intentionally. I have never had a dog. My fiance had dogs growing up though. I also know that most of the traing and care will probably come from me. I have taken care of a friends dog for a period of about 6 months when she was working crazy hours. But I've never owned or cared for my own dog.
I love animals! Maybe that id why I worked at a pet store for so long even with my allergies trying to kill me. But anyways, I wanted to jump on the rescue dog wagon. Me and my FH adoped a dog from a no kill foster shelter and he is GREAT! He is a boxer mix, about 80ish lbs and a lick monster. I know people give boxers and pits a bad rep, but if you teach a dog to be good they are.
If you go the adoption route, just keep your patients and dont give up. most of the dogs you will run into have been abused in some way. If you love them they will snap out of it and love you too. Our baby had really bad seperation anxiety when we first got him, like busting the metal crate bad, but he learned that we were coming home and got over it. He was house broke when we got him, but he still had some accidents just because of being in a new place and all that.
I love that you guys are wanting to adopt. If you have any questions let me know. And just remember to keep your patients and ask questions. Make sure the shelter answers all of your question: Does he/she do well with other animals?, are they house trained? crate trained? any medical conditions? recent vaccination forms, tests... I think that about does it! Good luck
Please if you do anything tessa, adopt a dog. If you rescue a dog it could very possibly be saving their life. I work for an animal rescue and it's heart breaking to see some very healthy and wonderful dogs go unadopted. There are hundreds of shelters, rescue groups and adoption drives. Go to a Petco or Petsmart on any weekend during the day and you should find one. As for breed, there are so many out there to choose from. Lab mixes are great. Our little one is a lab/beagle mix. She's 2 and a half now but here's a pic of her as a puppy. She was great to train, calm and lovable. Her only issue is wanting to stop and sniff everything on her walks.
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EAQ -- that is HYSTERICAL! FI's parents have a Cheasepeake Bay Retriever and he can be stubborn too. He's gettin ga little old and has arthritis but he is a great dog!
My parents have a yellow lab and he is HUMONGO! Definitely see if you can get a look at the dogs parents first and check out the paws if its a puppy to see how big it will likely become.
I personally won't get a dog from a shelter but this is DEFINITELY just me. I think every animal needs a home so go see what you can find. The reason I will not go to a shelter is because my aunt's dog who they adopted had a flashback/episode and attacked my 85 year old grandmother (literally bit right into her neck... less than an inch from the jugular) and then AGAIN attacked my mom giving her a black eye. They think he had a flashback or something triggered his memory and he got violent and defensive. I'm wary of adopting since you don't know the animal's past and there is a risk of something like this happening. But again, this is my personal decision from experience.
I echo everyone else's comments regarding getting a rescue/shelter dog. We have a pit/spaniel (supposedly) mix and she's WONDERFUL. I grew up with purebreads but after getting Charlie I will never get another dog that's not a rescue.
I would say a beagle or a cockerspaniel - both are good medium sized dogs and cockers are usually pretty intelligent. Neither should have too many fears of water but they are not labradors so don't expect them to go jump in the lake with you. Both of these usually do fine with moderate excercise. I would recommend if you have never had a dog going to a breed rescue group (just google the breed and the area you live in - they have these all over the country) to get an older dog that is already house broken and just needing a good home. I also like breed rescue groups because usually these guys are not living in a shelter with minimal human contact they are usually living in a foster home and their personalities are more known than most shelter dogs. I am in vet school right now so we do see a lot of cases where people got animals and then just abandon them on the steps of the school (yes people really do this - they will tie them up and just leave them there). Make sure that you are ready to commit time and money. If you are having any financial issues make sure that you can afford this.
<h4>My average food bill for my 2 dogs can be high! Not to mention the cost of vet care - If you get a puppy you are going to have to do rounds of shots and they have annual vaccinations. Since you live near a lake you probably need to have your animal on a heartworm preventative year round (unless you live somewhere really cold - and then you don't need it in the winter). Also because you live near a lake odds are that you have snakes. Dogs love to mess with snakes - fortunately a snake bite usually doesn't kill but is expensive to treat. Grooming is another issue for each of my dogs it cost between $50-75 everytime. And if you have to kennel them for any reason (vacation, house guest etc) you can look at about 20-30 per day. </h4>
I say all of this because I see tons of owners who abandon their animal or elect to have them put to sleep for conditions or issues that are 100% treatable but expensive.
I am now off my soapbox.
<h4>
I say adopt, I understand GaBGal's reasoning for not wanting to adopt, and respect that. Something like that would deterr me from adopting too. Most mutt's from the adoption center are great. Make sure you go to a repatable shelter and talk with the people who work there about your needs. Also spend some time (a few visits) before you take one home for good. Hope you find the perfect little pup for you!
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I have two pound puppies. My pit bull swims like a champ! (the black and white one) We haven't gotten her to jump in but she loves to run down the boat launch and swim all over the place! My brown mix is quite...buoyant :)....but she would rather wade in the water than do too much swimming.
I've grown up around labs/retrievers. My sister's lab is crazy and scary, my dad's golden retriever is incredibly stupid and is not much for the water....with any breed you can get a bad/weird seed.
I definitely say visit your pound!
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