What Breed Of Dog Should I Get?
Posted by: Alan in Dog Health Problem, tags: Breed, Should, What
I’m getting a dog in a few months and don’t know exactly what to get. I’ve already researched dog breeds and still don’t know what to get. My friend already has 3 labs so I really can’t get labs and copy him and a golden retriever would be nice but they shed too much and my mom would hate that. I can still get a golden if I want though. I just want a medium sized dog that is really smart and not aggressive at all. I really don’t want to get a fence for my yard because it’s already a relatively small yard and has a lot of hills for sledding. I really would not like to have to groom my dog or trim the fur too much. I will have to leave it for about 6 hours everyday maybe more on the weekends so hopefully the dog doesn’t have problems with that. So far I have narrowed down the choices to A Siberian husky, golden retriever, Finnish Spitz, Finnish Lapphund, or German Shepard. Also, the German Shepard is really susceptible to health problems so I kinda want to stay away from those dogs but I really like German Shepards. The two finnish dogs are really hard to find there were only 2 finnish lapphunds in the united states on petfinder.com. that might just be a little problem lol. ok if you have any suggestion please tell me thanks
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February 6th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Dorkie
February 6th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
get a german shepherd i have on they so smart but remember to train them (they don’t have any problems but they are real family dog) but remember to get a one from a breeder but also can cost up to $1000 is aus dollars i have no problems with them
toy poodle (cute as)
February 6th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Most huskies need a fenced yard, they are escape artists, as are most dogs in the spitz family. Why not go to your local animal shelter and find a nice mixed breed dog, they have mixes of every sort.
February 7th, 2010 at 12:37 am
even though your friend has labs, you can still get one, i have 2 and they are great dogs, you know what they say Copying is the sincerest form or flattery.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:46 am
Just get a German shepard that is well bred and you dont need to worry about health problems
Try a boston terrior or a bulldog
The you could try Border Collie they are good smart meduim sized dogs
EDIT: I actually think the beagle will b better
February 7th, 2010 at 3:10 am
Bedlington Terrier
Cocker Westie
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Hairless Khala
Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO)
Schnoodle
February 7th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Aussie Shepard all the way!
February 7th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
i think you should get a pit bull. They are made out to be mean dogs,but they aren’t.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Maybe a boarder collie…very smart dogs.
February 7th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Out of your list of dogs, Shepherds, Labs, & Goldens shed a lot and need to be brushed daily. Beagles are escape artists and must have a fenced yard. They will escape and run like the wind and never come back because they follow their noses. Don’t get a beagle! Border Collies can be great dogs, but they need a lot of energy and will become destructive if not exercised and if left alone a lot.
I don’t know about the Finnish dogs, but your mom probably doesn’t want to pay that much.
I would recommend a terrier type dog. Somebody else said a Wheaten Terrier and I would agree with that. Also Scottish Terriers, Westies, & Cairns don’t shed a lot. Can go outside on leashes and be happy with short walks. They like their alone time and wouldn’t mind that you were gone at school although they would be happy to spend all day with you.
Terriers should be brushed once weekly and have their hair groomed short every 7 weeks (about $40 at the groomers). I would really suggest looking at terrier breeds. Most of the dog breeds you suggested are really high energy and unless you want to walk a couple miles a day, they might not be the best dogs for you.
February 7th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
There are a couple of problems here. All breeds shed and require grooming. Not necessarily bathing a lot or trimming, but brushing is a necessity for all breeds of dogs. If you don’t want to brush your dog and do its nails regularly, then you need to commit to taking it to a groomer, which costs money.
Secondly, having a fence is critical for a dog owner. Otherwise, you have to walk it on a leash daily for its exercise (which is a good idea in any case). But if you have a fenced yard and a dog door, your dog can at least get out and walk and breathe fresh air while you are away. A responsible owner does not allow its dog to roam the neighborhood unattended.
Just fyi, German Shepherds are one of the most shedding dogs you can get. You won’t be happy with that.
Medium to large dogs need exercise to stay healthy and happy and avoid trouble. Siberian Huskies are one of the most destructive breeds you can get. Especially if you leave them alone. I could tell you a lot of stories about huskies, including my physical therapist’s dog who destroyed her waterbed on the second floor which went on to flood into the first floor through the ceiling…
The Golden Retriever is your best bet on that list, but sadly, they are very people oriented, and leaving a dog alone as much as you say is very unhealthy for it. In fact, even though I know you love dogs and wish to get one, I don’t think this is going to be a good thing for you if you are out all day and most weekends. I am not saying it won’t work. But honestly, you are not a good candidate for dog ownership. They really need a ‘pack’ to be around. They are social animals.
I am a dog lover from way back. I did like you and got dogs when I was not able to be home much. Separation anxiety creates horrible destructive patterns. I know it is hard to wait until you can provide the perfect home life, but it sounds like you aren’t ready right now. Please reconsider it.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Sorry, but I disagree with all the Border Collie suggestions.
They are a very smart dog, very easy to train but I’m not confident they are the right dog for you.
Firstly, your yard. Border Collies are high energy dogs, they need a big area to run around. They also have herding instincts so they may take off if your yard is not closed, actually, any dog might. A large closed yard is probably best for them.
Secondly, you’re going to be gone 6 hours a day. Border Collies are very dependent and active dogs, they don’t like to be alone doing nothing. They need someone who can spend all, or most of their time with them, possible even giving them a ‘dog job’.
Thirdly, not sure you would be overly happy with that big coat of theirs.
Did I also mention they’re high energy dogs? So many Border Collie end up in the pound because their owners are not able to keep up with them. I don’t know if you’re able to handle that, you never mentioned anything about what energy level of dog you want but I just don’t want you to be in for more than you bargained for.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:54 am
I agree to the Border Collie, VERY SMART dogs. I have 1 and he is a doll. Also you should look into Mini Australian Shepherds I have 2 of them and I will never change my breed. Smart, Loyal, basically train themselves, they do not shed as much as the normal long haired dog, and very loving towards others, yet will protect you even with theyre small size. They are also able to go from a small house to a larger house anywhere. However, they do like to be active so hills would be perfect for them. Basically big dogs in a medium to small dogs body ranging from 15-35 pounds. All dogs are a lot of work, and just to inform you even more, golden retrievers are shedding queens! More than you think bigger dogs have hip problems and other health issues that can cost lots of money and hard desicions
February 8th, 2010 at 7:11 am
I highly recommend the German Shepherd!
I have two – and they are more intelligent than a lot of people I’ve met!
All dogs are suceptable to health problems, and it’s important to check out the dog’s pedigree (a reputable breeder will provide this information). It’s also important that the parents are on site so you can check their temperments, health, living conditions, etc.
The dogs you like seem to be high-energy dogs, which could be a huge problem if you are gone most of the day! A dog left alone for an extended amount of time will be BORED…and will end up driving you nuts with chewing, barking, digging, etc.
Good luck with your decision!http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c316/j…
February 8th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Honestly i would not suggest any of these dogs for your lifestyle. All of those dogs have a decent coat and will shed and need to be groomed. Also many of the breeds you stated are going to need way more exercise than a small yard (and your husky will run away). These breeds will get board for the 6 hours they will be home, and they will destroy your house. I would suggest something like a soft coated wheaten terrier. They have long hair but they dont shed much as long as you brush them 1-3 times a week. Most dogs will not fit alol your criteria, so i would suggest thinking about what is really important to you in a pet, because you might not find all of this.
Sorry i couldnt help more
February 8th, 2010 at 10:43 am
If you have enough room for a loyal dog, or you can walk them, try a long-legged beagle. They will be good at staying in your yard with a small amount of training. They hardly shed, they are really sweet, and are ok with you leaving sometimes. A perfect dog. Just give them a bone or toy to play with while you are gone. Please consider getting a long-legged beagle. They are also the size that you want. They aren’t short like you think of when you hear beagle. Look up some pictures of long legged beagles. Trust me, you will be happy with a beagle!
February 8th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
i can help u there since one of your finals was a husky i have a husky and i can tell you there very smart and yes they shed but only before and after winter and you only have to brush them once a week when the shedding time occurs …. my husky (rocky) has a really strong bond with me and my dad…… here is the down side i have a small yard to but that increases the chance of your dog running off…huskies need a large area to run but as long as you keep him or her chained up you should be fine