Gt.ooh Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 Hey everyone, you've been awesome with your support. I wanted some unbiased opinions on a dog. 1) Dog just under/over 1 year from a adoption? Or Puppy? 2) I'm living with my parents...I live in a basement suite, but have access to the rest of the house at any given time. So it won't be cramped up in a suite all the time.. 3) I don't want a dog that sheds, if not at all 4) A medium sized dog would be right for me..I don't like small, Love big breeds but it's not practical. Those are the main points...Please add, and give your opinion.
Gdunkman Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 Two of my favorite breeds are huskies and Irish setters. I lived with a long-haired duchshund for a year, he is my ex's. He was a nice guy, basically almost an Irish setter with short legs Now I have bad memories about this breed as it reminds me of my ex. Now she has two dogs of that type.
Author Gt.ooh Posted November 4, 2010 Author Posted November 4, 2010 I agree, I love huskies.. I also love mastiffs. Just too big for me. I need a dog that will fit right in the middle. Forsure woul excercise everyday/second day. I was leaning towards a pitbull, labrador cross. I love the look, and with the lab in it should be a little easier to train..
Cuchara2 Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 Personally I love Labrador's or Beagle's because they're really energetic I grew up with a Beagle and it was the coolest thing ever haha.
br0ken_w0lf Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 If you don't want a dog that sheds, don't get a Husky! I've got two of 'em and there's constantly hair everywhere, it's insane... Best advice I can give you is to get a dog that matches your energy level. If your idea of exercising it is to walk it for 10 mins. a day, then try to get a dog that doesn't require a lot of exercise, otherwise the dog will burn off its energy with your shoes, your furniture, etc. If you plan on jogging with the dog or doing long walks daily, you can get a more high-energy dog. Lots of resources on the Internet that can classify dogs based on exercise requirements. Just remember that whatever you get, it's a huge commitment and you want to make sure you have the time, patience, and love for a dog for the next 10-15 years. Oh, and puppy vs. shelter dog? Please, please rescue a dog from a shelter! There are way too many dogs out there in shelters that are in need of good homes. And, while you're even still trying to decide on a dog, start watching The Dog Whisperer on TV. Seriously.
worlybear Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 It's all in the eyes! You'll just know when you make that connection- I currently have a cross spaniel/terrier (spanner? ) and she is brilliant-loyal and soppy like a spaniel and energetic and feisty like a terrier. Have to admit she's not the best-looking dog in the world but she has loads of character. Had her from a pup (she's 4 now). She was local and cost the grand total of £20.Worth every penny!
threebyfate Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 Before getting a dog, consider your ten year plan. Where will you be in 3 years? How about 7 years?
worlybear Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 Oh and by the way, don't know if it's the same for you guys, but here in England pit-bull and pit-bull crosses are the most abandoned and most difficult to re-home.
VeveCakes Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 Almost all the dogs listed are very high energy and would be miserable in a basement apartment. Setters are very high energy, huskies are very difficult to train. They are natural leaders and do not like to take orders. Labs are great but also high energy when young and usually come with loads of health problems. Almost every dog sheds. Like one of the other posters said, you have to think long term. Do you have someone who can watch your dog when you go out with friends? If you want to go on holiday? Do you have at least 1000$ in the bank in case of a vet emergency? Please do not buy. ADOPT. Check out petfinder.org. I recommend a Greyhound, little hair and actually very lazy. Awesome, loyal dogs. Another choice would be a mini schnauzer. Not a lot of shedding and not too hyper. Very cute.
Tractor Posted November 4, 2010 Posted November 4, 2010 I too will recomend rescuing a dog. Do not support puppy mills. I live in the country and about 5 years ago someone dumped a pregnant female lab/border collie/who knows what else mix. We adopted her got her spayed got the puppies to good homes. None of this is cheap. Pure breed dog sometimes,(most likely) will have health problems due to interbreeding. Mutts generally have fewer problems,learn easier, and are IMO better around other people. When you take in a stray, its funny they seem to be grateful that you saved them from a misreable life of suffering. When the ex and child left the dog went through some seperation anxiety, now she goes every where with me. BUT.... as others say it is a long term commitment. Dogs offer unconditional love. Here is the definition of true love. Put your dog and your girlfriend in the trunk of your car. Drive around for about an hour. Open the trunk. Which one is glad to see you.
Author Gt.ooh Posted November 5, 2010 Author Posted November 5, 2010 I think I will adopt. I've found some great dogs online here about a year old which would be perfect. As far as the basement...I have access to the rest of the house...a dog off leash park. We live on a 1/3 acre.. There's room to run, and have fun...I also really want to get out and about meet new ppl. So still really strongly leaning towards pitbull/labrador. Also any new girl I meet...the dog is with me. If they don't like it too bad. It will be a good way for me to stand my ground on what I want, and the dog.
Author Gt.ooh Posted November 5, 2010 Author Posted November 5, 2010 I'm going to a shelter tomorrow to look at a pitbull/lab cross one year old. I let ppl know how it goes
Recommended Posts