Help me pick a dog

[mere150]

Hey guys,

Thought I would take advantage of the friendliness of the boards with a fun question. I'm going to get a dog in a few months, probably 3 or so. The thing about it is that I am also moving to a new town, I'm single, and I will be living in an apartment. My needs are this: apartment friendly (sorry, no aggressive breeds), I want a dog that can run with me, protective when threatened but friendly when I'm comfortable. I would love a breed that is less than 50 pounds, but I can have up to 75 (keep in mind it's a one-bedroom apt). I want a good companion above all. I'll be living alone in a big new city and he/she will soon become my best buddy.

Any suggestions?

[loser4life]

Re: Help me pick a dog

I recommend going to your local shelter and spend some time with a pooch or two, find one you connect with and take the loving thing home and save a dogs life and Mutts are the best breed

[ValidRouge]

Re: Help me pick a dog

I have to agree that the BEST most loyal, HEALTHIEST dogs I've owned in my life have been strays or rescues of mixed lineage LOL

[Desertthorn]

Re: Help me pick a dog

My mother raised Great Danes, St Bernards and once this stupid Bassett Hound, and ever since I don't do breeds, I go to the pound and get muts. BUT,,, you might like a Beagle, they make great pets and are about the size that you want. They are not little yappers like some of the smaller breeds and good with people.

[mere150]

Re: Help me pick a dog

I'm ok with mutts. I guess my worry there is about house breaking one. Also, I plan on obedience school too.


Are beagles good for running? I need something that can keep up with me for at least 5 miles, with 3 being the least amount I run. I don't plan on taking my dog on long runs, but I want something that is going to enjoy running with me.

Thanks for the input, keep it coming.

[dotsamantha]

Re: Help me pick a dog

I found my dog at a shelter almost 3 years ago. He was 5 at the time, totally housebroken, a mutt with a wonderful disposition. Most good shelters will let you hang with the dog for a little while to see if you get along.

[13_jane]

Re: Help me pick a dog

Hi

I'm an English Cocker Spainels lover! We always had them growing up and most of our family have them too!

They are really energetic dogs, so will run and run! They're "sort" of good in the house!! Mine still chews up letters and things and she's 12!!!

Very loyal and loving dogs! Very good at snuggeling on the sofa! My husband works away through the week sometimes, and I feel very protected with her in the house - ok she'd probably lick the inturder, but still bark at them!

here's a pic of mine and my mums dogs!


jane x

[loser4life]

Re: Help me pick a dog

Jane those poochies are beautiful!
I wouldn't worry about housebreaking a mut. They are just as easy/difficult as any other dog. Also, if you are wanting a pure bred dog, there are many rescue organizations throughout the country that only deal with specific breeds. I am just a why buy when I can save a life kinda girl I have a pure bred Mountain cur that I rescued from a few citiess away, then I moved on to the next state to find a baby to be his friend. I went to kentucky after searching shelters online and found my other baby rusty (a cur mix)! here are their darling pics!
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/M*A*C/100_1171.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/M*A*C/100_1170.jpg[/img]

and here is a baby I helped rescue and adopt out, and he was already housetrainied when I found him!
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/M*A*C/100_1006.jpg[/img]

WELL, I don't know why these images won't work, but I don't have time to fool with them this morning!
Happy turkey day!

[Laurenfra]

Re: Help me pick a dog

I too say go to a shelter. I would lok at any german Shepards or a Shepard mix. They are strong, protective and athletic

[Shilorunamok]

Re: Help me pick a dog

I've been looking into getting a dog too. I found this sight very helpful:

http://forum.dog.com/asp/

[sadie147]

Re: Help me pick a dog

I hae a purebread border collie-- but I would also recommend a mutt, every mutt we've had in our family has been an awesome dog, and very loving. And you'd most likely be saving a life. My dog is awesome but he needs an enormous amount of exercise and play ...i wouldn't recommend b collies for an apt or if they are left home alone during the day.

As far as breed rescues, I have a neighour that has had greyhound rescue dogs. They have 3 and tehyare are awesome dogs. Very Big dogs though..but apparently not very active. outside of their races, they were just kept in cages. they're quite content to lie around my neighbours say, that's what they were used to, but of course are happy to run when they can. I had no idea what beautiful, quiet and gentle dogs they were until i met these ones...they are fairly young when they're racing careers are over, about 3, and are often euthanized.

[presidentholmes]

Re: Help me pick a dog

Oh my!
Well, you have to get a West Highland White Terrier, just like my lil baby Samson!
Ideal apartment dogs, so loving and affectionate, so cute and handsome and great guard dogs.

[ghelen]

Re: Help me pick a dog

Please please please get a dog from your shelter. I worked as a veterinary technician for 5 years and I can tell you that while not always, mutts were almost always healthier than purebreds. Plus, purebreds will always find a home, but mutts, especially from a shelter or rescue, know that you've saved them and WILL pay you back. I recommend one that's at least 3 or 4 since you may not have time to puppy train. Remember that labs, collies, and any type of spaniel (barring cocker) need alot of exercise. Also, remember that the bigger the dog, the more expensive medicine and general vet care tend to be.
From experience, I can tell you that the most aggressive dogs(and this is obviously not always the case, but I've seen hundreds of dogs), tend to be chows, poodles, alot of the terrier breeds, and cocker spaniels. We, as employees knew right away which breeds to be careful of. Also, stick on the smaller side if you don't want to spend alot of money on hips and knees. Beagles are a good choice but know that they are natural hunters and will follow their nose first. A good protective dog is a German Shepherd but they tend to have hip problems. Ear problems come with cocker spaniels, labs, beagles, any type of dog with floppy ears. They are a constant battle so be prepared. If you have any other questions about breeds PM me because trust me, been there, seen that.

[ghelen]

Re: Help me pick a dog

Also, if you list a particular breed, I can tell you from experience what health problems I've seen in them.

[13_jane]

Re: Help me pick a dog

Hi Helen

Are you referring to American or English Cocker Spaniels?? I've never had a problem with any aggressiveness, and we've always had English Cocker Spaniels in the family! Plus they just love exercise!! We can’t even say the words "lead" or "walk" as they get soo excited!!

My friend used to have an American Cocker Spaniel - now he was bad!!! He was very aggressive!!

jane x