Clueless about dogs -- what type to get as our first pet?
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Anonymous
| I also say small dog that doesn't shed. We have a havapoo. He is super loyal and very friendly with kids. |
Anonymous
| We lived in a cape code on 1/10th of an acre and got a miniature schnauzer. We had allergy issues, which limited the breeds we could get. But having a mini schnauzer, I'd never have anything else. They are smart and stubborn, which is a personality that worked for us but doesn't for some people. We wanted a dog that would bond with the whole family rather than just one member, and schnauzers do that. A lot of small breeds are a problem to house break, we've never had an issue with our schnauzers. And, they're fantastic mousers. Or at least ours have been. I had no idea dogs would kill pests and present them to you like cats, but our schnauzers do! |
Anonymous
| I have a corgi! She is so great and they are very smart dogs. She was easy to train as a puppy. She doesn't require a whole ton of walking, but they can gain weight easily so I really have to monitor her treats. Many days she doesn't get a walk, but we play and run around in our big backyard. She really is a couch potato during the day. She doesn't give kisses but she will lay right against you. I love her so much. I've never really seen a corgi with a bad temperament. |
Anonymous
What dogs have you, DH, kids met? You all must know people with dogs. Spend time with them - ask friends about their friends with dogs and visit them. Part of your post was about corgiis and goldens. Beyond cuteness they have different dispositions from each other and other breeds. Corgies are not so friendly outside the family, busy working dogs herding. Goldens are similar to labs but are bouncier and less forceful sometimes. Neither are usual big killlers of mice, rats, other dogs, cats. If a pup is frightened by something they can retain that fear-ie falls down steps, a person [then afraid of similar type] hits it etc. That's why a good breeder and a fresh pup is a very nice thing. One of my kids [young adult] has been around lots of friend's dogs who were rescues. Deeply prefers the breeder route based on personal experience with now a very solid lab. A lab pup can be less work than a hard to housetrain breed. Housetraining a small poodle is a whole other experience than a bichon. Our labs and friends corgis and goldens would be very unhappy alone all day. Lots of people take dogs to a local shopping center. Which dogs are amenable to petting by strangers? How do they respond to people on walks? Our lab sits and lets tiny kids and elderly pet him. A lady said her dog was a wheaten-cute but a terrier and don't approach. As a kid I knew 4 families with schnauzers. Spent alot of time with each and never once pet them. |
Anonymous
| ^^^My corgi is super friendly to everyone, even outside the home. She must not know she's a working dog. She's never snapped at another dog and she lets everyone let her at the park or at softball games. She even participated in a scavenger hunt and made tons of new people friends. That they are aloof or unfriendly outside of the home is a terrible generalization of a smart and lovable breed. |
Anonymous
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Please ignore the PP who said they adore their German Shepherd. I am a lifelong shepherd owner and I can tell you, for sure, they are not the breed for first time dog owners. I LOVE them, but do yourself a favor and don't get one.
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Anonymous
| You should get an adult dog which will allow you to bypass the puppy years of diarrhea, nipping, chewing furniture, etc. . Your family should go to a rescue to be matched with a bunch of dogs from which to choose. It takes time to bond, but you'll be so happy with your new best friend! |
Anonymous
| Do some googling -- if it says that breed is not for beginners -- don't do it. Seriously. |
Anonymous
| American Pit Bull Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Bullmastiff, Bulldog, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd Dog, Australian Cattle Dog, Dalmatian, Weimaraner, Rottweiler, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Akita, |
Anonymous
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^^ those were the do nots. Here are the suggested: Golden Retriever, Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cockapoo, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Papillon, Shih Tzu, Puggle, Pug, Maltese, Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Pomeranian,
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/veterinary-professionals-vote-on-the-best-dogs-for-new-owners |
Anonymous
That's funny--I read this list before I saw the post below it and thought "that person is off their rocker!" these are a difficult breeds (for different reasons. Germans are fabulous but just have sooooo much energy. They really do want to work all day long.). I'd also add jack Russell as a difficult breed--very neurotic, like the woody Allen of dogs. |
Anonymous
Yorkies are very easily injured, so not good for rambunctious youngsters. Pugs are fabulous but snore like a bulldozer. And the only Maltese I knew was a huge PITA, but maybe his owner encouraged that--she was a single woman hat carried him around in a purse and he hated anyone that came near her. |
Anonymous
| The easiest dog is the Bichon -- that is why so many people have them. Small, non shedding docile. |
Anonymous
| Cavapoo. |
Anonymous
Housetraining. With the rise in popularity many people who had poodles previously got them. Going from a child who is toilet trained by 2.5 to one in diapers for what seems like an eternity. |