Best Family Dog?
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Anonymous
Great point. That's why finding an adult dog with a clearly developed personality as opposed to a puppy is so valuable. |
Anonymous
We have had 2 Viszlas, and while I love my dog, I would NOT recommend this breed for a family with young children. They are extremely intelligent and need tons of both attention and exercise. Since having children, I find it reallly hard to balance the needs of our Viszla with the demands of a young family. So he ends up just sitting at my feet and whining at me while I try to nurse the baby, make dinner, entertain the toddler, etc. It's also not a good breed for a first time dog owner. |
Anonymous
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If you don't have a lot of time to spend with the dog, don't get one of the "intelligent" breeds. They will drive you crazy with their need for attention. I've seen a lot of friends brag about how they picked their dog because it was a more intelligent breed only to end up having a hard time keeping the dog happy and entertained. Border Collies, for example, will not be happy unless they have a lot to do. They will get bored and start destroying stuff around the house.
Try this: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm |
Anonymous
| Dogs within the same breed can vary widely in terms of personality and temperment. Our lovable english bulldog -- who turned 5 this year -- is extremely rambunctious and as she has aged, has become slightly neurotic. We have two children which she loves, but because bulldogs are very protective, she spends a lot of time barking at passersby and even attacks the mail as it comes through the front mail slot. Regardless of the breed, dogs take a great deal of work and the decision to get a dog should not be taken lightly. I will say that we have had very few health problems with our bulldog. |
Anonymous
| Adopt a dog...there are tons that need homes! |
Anonymous
Very good advice Viszal owner! My childless friend has 2 of them as well and he spends at least an hour and a half a day exercising the dogs and I mean intense exercise, often times 10 mile runs and much ball throwing. Even after all that the dog still has lots of nervous energy. They are really sweet dogs, but I think only the most committed dog owners should have one. I think people fall in love w/ their good looks and sweet disposition and don't realize that they are very high needs dogs. I also notice that most Viszla's have some odd nervous habits. One of my friend's dog just cannot control his excitement when anyone comes to the door and pees all over the place. You have to ignore the dog for at lest 30min of coming to the house or else he will pee everywhere with excitement. The dogs to other odd things, but I do see why someone would have one, but I would think if someone has one anywhere, but a rural area should be jogging with the dog 23-30 miles a week. |
Anonymous
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Get a goldfish. No walking. No stalking. No biting. No pooing inside (well just clean the bowl). No having to argue with nutcase DC urban moms as to why you chose your breed (it's 'gold' - period). No getting bitten at dog parks. No rushing home to deal with the canine. Very few vet bills (have yet to meet a goldfish with a new hip). No hair on the sofa (thanks mom and dad - due to your Jacks most people think I wear fur). No pee-pads, no dog-sitter guilt moments, no baby left with dog-food licked all over its face. No 'wet raincoat smell'. Fewer laddered stockings, less chewed stuff. All good.
And in case of demise. FLUSH. Seriously - I have several friends that have got dogs to 'complete the family' and they have been astounded by the work. Think about this before you get one. Dog lovers will go nuts at this but REALLY do think if you want a dog. My Foxie is sitting under my chair, fully understanding that I am up to no internet good. I adore him. He is completely dear to me. But (and he's old) I need to keep him away from my kids. Not because he's ever been vicious but because he's as cranky as I get on occasion and I'd just never want to risk it. So OP do think about the logistics before you take the breed plunge. |
Anonymous
| I would adopt a younger golden. Proven to be best with children. I say a younger because Goldens are hard work for 2 yrs, then they are a piece of cake. They do shed, but not like a Lab. Golden fur just kind of floats around in a big ball it does not imbed itself into everything you own. They are sweet, smart and loyal. And of course they are beautiful. good luck |
Anonymous
| portuguese water dogs are supposed to be great-- anyone with experience with them? |
Anonymous
| Don't have time to read all prior posts, so I apologize if I repeat others. GOLDEN RETRIEVER is the most wonderful dog ... gentle, docile, generally healthy, fairly long life, beautiful, loving to all. And they are always available from rescue group ... www.grreat.org ... note that there are two "r"s in that as it stands for Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training (I think!). We have had several of these lovely dogs and they are very good with young children ... very patient. They are much less muscular than labs and require less exercise and space as a result. |
Anonymous
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I agree with a few of the previous posters to think long and hard about the commitment before you get a dog. Dogs are not like cats that can be left alone. They require a lot of training (not just at the beginning but their entire lives), they require a great deal of exercise, a lot of attention and health care can be quite costly. You also have to rush home from a lot of activities to let the dog out. Dogs who are not exercised or walked for a good amount of time each day can end up being destructive in the house. If not properly trained, they can be aggressive, steal food off the counter, have accidents in the house.
Don't get me wrong - I love my dog and wouldn't trade her for anything, but we spend a good 2 hours a day walking her and tending to her needs. |
Anonymous
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My parent's cocker spaniel bits. Both of my parents have gone to the ER for stitchs from this dog. If they are not from a reputable breeder you run the risk of inbreeding and getting a dysfucntional dog.
My aunt's prize winning golden is dog aggressive. She paid top dollar from a wonderful breeder yet her dog is nuts. He cannot be controlled around other dogs and will attack. He is a serious alpha male. Our German Sheperds (we have two) have never bitten, are docile and loving. They let our toddler climb all over them and are vey gentle. Not all GSD's are looking for a fight. That is a ridiculous thing to say. Both of are dogs are rescues and neither were abused or mistreated. Their owners loved them but had to get rid of them for various reasons. Our neighbors pug is crazy and started destroying furniture when their new baby came. It was very angry. I suppose that could happen with any dog. |
Anonymous
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I absolutely love my pit bull and my german shepherd. Both are so kind and loving towards my babies. They make great babysitters.
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Anonymous
| Shelties & Golden Retreivers |
Anonymous
| Recommendations for best family dog with little to no shedding? |