Thinking about getting a dog

[bpassmore]

I have seen several threads in here about the pets we all own, and I have been thinking real strong lately about getting a dog.

I have a few questions that you guys can help with.

1. What is your preference, full breed, or mix? I have heard pros and cons of each with various conversations, but I would like to hear your opinions. Some of the best dogs I have seen are mixed breeds, but they seem to be frowned upon in certain circles.

2. I have a special needs daughter. She is 100% fully cognizant and very smart, she just cannot walk without her walker or wheel chair. What opinions do you have with regard to have a puppy/ or 6 months to 1 year old dog joining a special needs family? They have service dogs, but we don't really qualify for the programs, and the cost to buy a service dog is astronomical.

3. We want an indoors dog that is capable to offer protection to my wife and daughter when they go walking and in the yard. I am thinking a Lab or Golden Retriever. What do you think? What other breeds should I be considering?

Thanks for any insights you can provide! Please post pictures of your pets as well.

 

[Jman]

1. Get the dog that is best for you. Purebreed or mix, neither means anything much, other than some people think that you can better predict a dog's behavior by its breeding. WTF "frowns" upon a mixed breed dog? Sounds like a moron to me.

2. No experience here. Other than perhaps avoiding some of the clumsier big dogs, I have no advice.

3. The best protection a dog gives, I think, is as an alert system. A dog that is very aware of its surroundings, and will politely announce that someone is coming is what I would seek. If you want the dog to be imposing, then you need to get a bigger dog that has an attitude. That need can be filled by a wide range of dogs.

Doberman? Very neat and tidy dogs, very loyal, take to training well, and scare the bejesus out of anyone who doesn't really know dogs, as well as some who do.

On the other hand, there are tons of mixes that will also fit the bill--you just have to find the right one.

Good luck!

 

[yzftaco]

I'd say no lab or rottweiller they have a tendancy to "lean" on you when you give them attention. If your child can barely stand that would be a bad mix..

I only like Mutts because they are more likely to not have some kind of herditary disease from being bread pure..

German Shepperd? although they have lots of problems with their hips when they get older...

 

[raydouble]

WTF "frowns" upon a mixed breed dog? Sounds like a moron to me.

Elitists

Get a shelter dog, so many are just thrown away.

 

[bpassmore]

Elitists

Get a shelter dog, so many are just thrown away.

Adopt a Yellow Labrador Retriever: A976491: Petfinder

Im looking into her right now. Gonna go by today.

 

[malcb]

Think about the breeds used for service dogs, they usally just use a few breeds for a reason, they learn and are attentive to whats going on.

Problem with very young labrador / retrivers is getting past the boistrous puppy stage.

When I was about three years old we had a Collie, very clever dogs, ours was a working dog retired from a farm, wouldn't live inside even in winter.

 

[Tofudebeest]

1) Rescue, do not buy.
2) Mixed breeds tend to be healthier, the phenomenon is called "hybrid vigor", because poorly-bred pure breds have all kids of breed-specific genetic problems, (the classic example being hip dysplasia in German Shepherds). WGAF what people think of mutts, if your trying to impress people with a pure bred dog, I am not the guy to give you any advice.
3) Go for personality over appearance. Retrivers are not particularly well suited to be guard dogs. A tennis ball will pretty much disarm them.

Personally, I'm partial to chow mixes because of their stunning intelligence, healthiness, and appearance. They tend to be dog aggressive, but if you know how to train canines, this is easily overcome. They're awesome family dogs with tons of personality and will defend you with their life.

 

[splitshot]

Problem with very young labrador / retrivers is getting past the boistrous puppy stage.

We rescued Husker at 2 1/2, and didn't have to worry about that stage. As far as a leaner, he just plops down and want's he belly scratched. I heard somewhere that Beagles are great dogs too.

 

[rmcmanus8a]

I am very happy with my Boxers.

The famale (Molly ,brendle, 2yrs, 55Lbs) is a mix between a Boxer and a Greyhound. Great with family and amazing energy levels. The male (Marcos, fawn, 1yr, AKC, 65+Lbs) is geat with my 2yr old son. He is much more relaxed than Molly.

Rescue dogs can be great. Marcos was pretty much a rescue (4 owners in 9minths). Sometimes they have some issue that attention will cure.

I am gone alot (USMC) so it is nice to have the dogs with my wife and kids. Boxers are not an agressive bread, but they have the tools for the job. I love to open my door to a stranger as I hold one dog with each hand and watch them back track. Marcos has one hell of a bark.

A bored Boxer is a bad Boxer. They needs tons of attention. Give them a job and they will do it. They are a working breed for a reason.

Very entertaining to watch!

 

[bpassmore]

I am inclined to get a rescue dog over a pure bred. Those people that "frown upon" don't even own a dog. Elitest is a good description. Thank you for your opinions on this. I love learning about others experiences.

 

[rmcmanus8a]

If it has not been said yet.

Stay away from pet shops and puppy mills!

 

[PhilC64]

My Golden Retriever is a retired US Customs dope sniffer. Amazingly smart animal and very docile. The leaning issue is a learned trait that can be undone by consistent training. Don't be afraid of a mid to large breed eother. You want your daughter to be able to interact with the animal so make sure she is involved with the training. There are a lot of reputable trainers that can accommodate to her.

Good Luck!

 

[crushers]

Labs are not noted for a protection dog but they are GREAT around kids (well most are)

i like mutts, the muttier the better...

stay away from Collie breeds since (from my experience) they nip at kids... herding instinct but some people think they are going to bite...

smaller dog probably better in your situation but not a rat dog...

pure or mutt as long as it shows you affection then you are golden...

in the end make sure you can cope with a dog, they have needs too. think a second kid and you will be close...

cheers and best luck in finding a puppy (dog) to fill the need...

BTW, also realize the dog will die quicker (you think kids grow fast? dogs are here and gone in a blink of an eye) than you think and the hurt is PAINFUL... are you sure you want to experience it first hand?

 

[NLXTACY]

what about male vs female?

 

['74 UA FJ]

what about male vs female?

Females tend to be more protective, often times. Males are larger than females of the same stock.

 

[Mars]

How to Express a Dog's Anal Gland | Expert Village Videos

Something to keep in mind.

 

[bpassmore]

How to Express a Dog's Anal Gland | Expert Village Videos

Something to keep in mind.

didnt need to see that.

 

[calstyl2]

Any of the hunting breeds, German Shepards.
Take a trip to the pound and see if you fall in love with a mutt, make great dogs.

 

[Gold Boy]

jack russells are tons of fun, very protective and loyal, just not very big.

 

[calstyl2]

jack russells are tons of fun, very protective and loyal, just not very big.

Biggest little dogs around, I have had three and loved them but they require lots of constant attention, not a dog that can spend days alone........
My next one will be a Visilla or Weimi, My Jack does make for some great laughs though.