Greyhound.
We "rescued" one that had been a race dog, so that was certainly a factor. But I've never met a more F'ed up dog. Peed on the couch all the time and ran away like a bolt of lightning at the slightest fright. Don't rescue one unless you're a doggy shrink. |
Yorkies! Grew up with one that was an amazing dog in every way. Tried to find a good one through my late 20s & each & every one was a nightmare, yappy, hard to housebreak, possessive, etc. |
I have to defend the pugs here....best dogs ever. Not all have health problems. They are small, fun, smart, awesome dogs. Mid atlantic pug rescue (mapr) or a reputable breeder. I have 2, one from a breeder in hannibal, NY and one from mapr. Negatives shedding, some snore ![]() |
The food thing...so true. My beagle/golden mutt has eaten an SOS pad, a whole box of heartworm pills, a box of chocolate. We keep our kitchen gated to keep him out of the trash. He has an iron stomach and never had gotten sick. On the plus side, he does not bark at all except when I get the leash out for a walk. We also have a Husky mix. Still rather young but one smart dog. I appreciate that a lot of people are pointing out that it is hard to own smart dogs. Many people fall in love with a certain breed but have no intentions of training and properly exercising their dogs. I love German Shepherds but they are too smart for me. Would love to own a Vizsla but could never get it the proper amount of exercise. |
Pugs are not smart. |
We have a Yorkie - she's lovely, smart, loving but was hard to housebreaking, BUT I was successful (took 9 months). I worry about her, she doesn't go to dog parks and I've had to really watch my DC with her when he was a toddler. She's a rescue, we've had her since she was a puppy. She will attack people she doesn't know, and can be happy. But sweet as can be. Small dogs are just easier, their walks aren't as long. I run with our other dog.
We also share our home with a mix hound, one we adopted sight unseen from a GA shelter. He's just a pure gem, he's a precious dog. Larger than what we wanted, because of our little dog, but he is what he is. He was approximately a year when he came to us, and did lots of damage to our house, e.g. Chewed on rugs, furniture, eye glasses, really anything that would fit into his mouth. He also dug holes underneath our privacy fence and would go inside our neighbors house. He's since stopped all of his bad behaviors, he's now 3. He's not a heavy shedder, but I brush him daily with a furminator. I couldn't imagine a sweeter, calmer, or loving dog - he's just precious. He also is nice around other dogs, unlike our Yorkie. Beagles are used in labs, because of their gentle nature. Perhaps as a puppy, they might be difficult, but in general, hounds are GREAT with children. Both our dogs are trained, they are a part of our family, and they know it. They're not close to each other ![]() |
+1 for all the people who say "smart dogs can be difficult for a beginner" Our Doberman was so smart that he knew when we spelled out W-A-L-K. We would start with the W, and he would get all excited. So funny ![]() +1 for the breeds which are both smart and determined to have their way! There is something to be said for dumb! or so smart they act dumb --Golden Retrievers. |
Our last Jack Russell could climb our back yard fence like a cat. A six foot tall wooden fence didn't keep her contained. She would jump and pull her way out. We had to do undercover surveillance to figure out how she would end up at the front door. Other than that she was great!! |
OP, I have had many Dobies and bred them.
They are indeed an odd breed. VERY smart, almost scary smart. They don't always show you what they know. They are best for a single person, but can do well in a family, but the family can't just suddenly add members. They have a strange loyalty that is almost like a controlling spouse. You know that in a jam they will have your back covered, truly a guardian. No one should be crazy enough to hurt a Dobie's family members. HOWEVER, you have to be a good dog trainer to get into this relationship. They are not super hyper, but they walk (sentry like) around the house a lot. Yes, when they hate someone it runs deep. They listen, and they are relatively clean (for a big dog). I truly miss mine and I will never forget how they cared for me. Now I have kids, we go with a goldendoodle...not a bad dog. |
This made me laugh and cringe as we attempt to train our 4 month old bichon. We've reached the point where he'll pee outside and on puppy pads in the house---that's some progress! Pooping is another story though---that's exasperating. Love him to pieces, though. |
We've had numerous ACD's and have a cross right now. I love them, but they're definitely not for everybody. |
Yes, Jack Russells are intelligent and crazy....check out my website: www.jack-russell-lover.com for help |
beagle, dachshund! never again! |
OP here. I loved that dog more than any other dog, ever. His picture still in our living room. We rescued him from the Breed rescue at age 4; he had his issues. I never knew a dog could be as smart as he was. Everyone cried when he died (of inherited liver disease) We have kids now, too. Maybe another Dobie when they grow up. Just an amazing breed, but not always for a beginner. |
I've met some. The 3 I met through relatives and friends were good dogs. Smart, easily trained, respectful of guests [me] and children. When little DD used to play at a house where one lived. At the same time in her life DD was injured by a goldendoodle out of control while under leash [held by owner]. Sadly I think some people get these dogs and just don't train them since they think a breed for the kids and pretty. Those dobie owners took the dog seriously and training began at possession-usually 8 weeks. |