Comments on: What Breed Of Dog Should I Get?

By: Mina

Mina — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:55:09 +0000

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

By: MandyC

MandyC — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:43:28 +0000

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!

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:16:57 +0000

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

By: gsd

gsd — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:11:10 +0000

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…

By: Manning18my hero

Manning18my hero — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:54:29 +0000

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

By: Angel

Angel — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:24:07 +0000

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.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:57:10 +0000

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.

By: "Hoodie Girl"

"Hoodie Girl" — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:13:39 +0000

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.

By: __A_YAHO

__A_YAHO — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:41:59 +0000

Maybe a boarder collie…very smart dogs.

By: I love my family!

I love my family! — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:42:05 +0000

i think you should get a pit bull. They are made out to be mean dogs,but they aren’t.