what dog breed do YOU recommend and why?

[expat]

Grew up with Labs. Great dogs.

We purchased a Standard Poodle in October 0f 07. Exceptionally good dog. Smart, easily trained, athletic, not food motivated, doesn't shed, good with kids, and doesn't even act like a puppy very often. Walks on a leash like he's always been on one. Highly recommended. They are supposed to make good hunting dogs too. We don't do or plan on doing the "poodle cut" just trim him up ever couple of months.

Some guys still give me crap about owning a poodle, until they meeet him. He towers over most Labs at 7 months old. (although he looks big, he's really just tall though)

 

[expat]

Those are pricey, and pretty hard to find aren't they? I had a friend looking for one, and couldn't find one anywhere.

Ducktollers are pretty common in Canada. I know of at least 6 here in my little town. Good dogs, but I think they shed a lot.

 

[nuclearlemon]

our last dog was sheltie or border collie or your best guest is as good as ours mix. she was smart, agile and kept us on our toes


we did like her size and temperament. she was about 35 lbs. here she is outpacing my parents border collie

what breeds are we staying away from (so far)?
border collie
beagle
blood hound
pit bull
most terriers
i hope i didnt offend anyone with these breeds but their is a certain part of each characteristic that is just not for us.

QUOTE]

just curious, if you think your last dog was possibly part border collie, why is border collie on your bad list?

i have a border collie, blue heeler mix and he's great...very smart, very loving, loves the outdoors, good behaviour (well, except for when he bit the mailman:whoops, easily trained. definitely a great dog for anyone.

i also have a rottie, that i love also, but she's incredibly hard headed and definitely not for everyone. she's my fourth rottie and three of the four would require a special kind of person, so i wouldn't recommend one unless you really were prepared and wanted one.

 

[ranger]

Go to the shelter and rescue a puppy from there. Best dogs I've ever had were always mixed breeds......

 

[D'Animal]

I also have a rottie, that i love also, but she's incredibly hard headed and definitely not for everyone. she's my fourth rottie and three of the four would require a special kind of person, so i wouldn't recommend one unless you really were prepared and wanted one.

So where did she get the hard headed part from?


All the rotti's I've been around are all bark and then they are the biggest cuddle/lap dogs I've ever seen.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Grew up with Labs. Great dogs.

We purchased a Standard Poodle in October 0f 07. Exceptionally good dog. Smart, easily trained, athletic, not food motivated, doesn't shed, good with kids, and doesn't even act like a puppy very often. Walks on a leash like he's always been on one. Highly recommended. They are supposed to make good hunting dogs too. We don't do or plan on doing the "poodle cut" just trim him up ever couple of months.

Some guys still give me crap about owning a poodle, until they meeet him. He towers over most Labs at 7 months old. (although he looks big, he's really just tall though)

We get the kennel cut, same length all over poof on the head and tail. I wouldn't go more than six weeks without getting him cut and combed out. Otherwise he will get matts and that's not good for them. Also make sure the groomer uses a depilatory powder in his ears. If he swims a lot smell inside his ears once in a while. If they get infected you will smell it, it doesn't happen that often with most of them, they were bred as water retrievers after all. It's fairly easy to treat, a good vet will teach you how. Or just PM me. That about the only health problem we have ever had with them.

The poodle cut was originally the working cut for these dogs. The hair has oils on it that repel water, the mane acted as a PFD because it trapped a lot of air. The poofs at the joints were to keep them warm in cold weather. everything else was shaved short to reduce drag when they swam. They are the only dogs I have ever seen that will swim just to swim. When we go to the lake Jake is out 20 yards off shore swimming around before we get the chairs set up.

They will also point. Up until the mid 30's they were the most popular hunting dog in America. Not many dog are good for both waterfowl and upland game.

I could go on

 

[octongue]

last dog i had was a Shepherd/Yellow Lab mix. Best dog ever. saved her from the pound when she was 7 years old (no one else would take her -everyone wants puppies). Last owner was an older woman who didn't really walk her or show her exercise. She would never stop playing, like she needed to catch up for all the years of boredom she suffered. Unfortunately she liked cats...too much. like, she wanted to eat them. the wife and girl couldn't deal with that. so she went to a friend's farm. she's still happy and awesome.

point is = maybe don't discount 'older' dogs at the pound. you do have to be rather picky though, so your dog doesn't eat your cat.

 

[chicago]

Weve got a bull mastiff (gunner) 125 lbs and craps are no bigger than any lab poop ive seen.
Gentile, obedient and loyal. Love him to death!
Theyre inherently very MELLOW, and do not require a great deal of activity which is great for us.
The down side is they only live for around 7-10 years and they can be prone to bone and joint problems as are all large breed dogs.

Also, he is not the best traveler, but Ive heard that is not all of them.

Sorry to hear about you dog.

Good luck in finding a new one!

Chicago

 

[Cruiserdrew]

We get the kennel cut, same length all over poof on the head and tail. I wouldn't go more than six weeks without getting him cut and combed out. Otherwise he will get matts and that's not good for them. Also make sure the groomer uses a depilatory powder in his ears. If he swims a lot smell inside his ears once in a while. If they get infected you will smell it, it doesn't happen that often with most of them, they were bred as water retrievers after all. It's fairly easy to treat, a good vet will teach you how. Or just PM me. That about the only health problem we have ever had with them.

The poodle cut was originally the working cut for these dogs. The hair has oils on it that repel water, the mane acted as a PFD because it trapped a lot of air. The poofs at the joints were to keep them warm in cold weather. everything else was shaved short to reduce drag when they swam. They are the only dogs I have ever seen that will swim just to swim. When we go to the lake Jake is out 20 yards off shore swimming around before we get the chairs set up.

They will also point. Up until the mid 30's they were the most popular hunting dog in America. Not many dog are good for both waterfowl and upland game.

I could go on

It's interesting to me that every one I have ever known with a standard poodle thinks they are great dogs. They just look so.....well, you know, cute. I'm not sure how it would go next year if I showed up at the duck club with a poodle. "No really guys, it's a water dog and the puffs are to keep it's joint s warm."

Definitely need a new dog myself. Probably another Springer or a Brittany. 9/10 dogs in my neighborhood are labs, most of them hopelessly stupid. I can't get a lab. In a relative sense the Springers can do calculus and labs can't even add. Labs have one redeeming quality, and that is they will fetch a stick all day, every day. Also thinking about a Chesapeake-had one as a kid. Anyone have one in a warm climate?

 

[OZCAL]

Grew up with Labs. Great dogs.

We purchased a Standard Poodle in October 0f 07. Exceptionally good dog. Smart, easily trained, athletic, not food motivated, doesn't shed, good with kids, and doesn't even act like a puppy very often. Walks on a leash like he's always been on one. Highly recommended. They are supposed to make good hunting dogs too. We don't do or plan on doing the "poodle cut" just trim him up ever couple of months.

Some guys still give me crap about owning a poodle, until they meeet him. He towers over most Labs at 7 months old. (although he looks big, he's really just tall though)

Our six month old standard is HUGE.

She is really smart. I walked her to town tonight, "sat" her in the middle of town on a busy sidewalk, walked a block away and she was still sitting there, waiting for my signal. I gave the "touchdown" signal (no vocal) and she ran right to me.

She only eats when there is absolutely no human or animal left to play with. Besides her kibble morning and night, she devours a raw lamb bone four or five days a week.

She learned to fetch on the third two minute session. I taught her to fetch with my son's (age 5) hands on mine, so he learned how to teach her to fetch at the sme time, so he can avoid "unteaching" her.

At home she obeys him, and when he is giving her commands my wife and I don't interfere. Even if he asks her to sit - come - sit - stay - down - sit - come - stay - down - she has a coniption fit trying to keep up with him - it's hilarious. A few days she had gotten ahold of a piantbrush I left outside, and he ran out to retrieve it, and had the foresight to replace it with her chew rope. My wife feeds her and cleans her ears out, and I pick up after her. My son just enjoys her.

Vices - still jumps up on people, still "mouths" you when she's playing. Both are slowly extinguishing through shunning and the odd swat.

My wife clips her with the big Wahl electric clippers. Expensive, but makes it easy. You have to pull the hair (wool, really) out of their ears too. She puts a topical numbing agent in their first, then uses needlenose pliers. All in all, maybe 15 minutes a week of grooming, and maybe the same over the course of a week looking for ticks.

Oh, she never smells bad and has never really had a bath.

I think we are going to let her hair grow in to a natural. She doesn't shed!

Oh, girls are all over it when I walk her. Wish I had one when I was 25...

 

[OZCAL]

It's interesting to me that every one I have ever known with a standard poodle thinks they are great dogs. They just look so.....well, you know, cute. I'm not sure how it would go next year if I showed up at the duck club with a poodle. "No really guys, it's a water dog and the puffs are to keep it's joint s warm."

Definitely need a new dog myself. Probably another Springer or a Brittany. 9/10 dogs in my neighborhood are labs, most of them hopelessly stupid. I can't get a lab. In a relative sense the Springers can do calculus and labs can't even add. Labs have one redeeming quality, and that is they will fetch a stick all day, every day. Also thinking about a Chesapeake-had one as a kid. Anyone have one in a warm climate?

Poodle hair grows fast and thick; you can cut into any shape dog you want

 

[2020 Rocks]

In response to PHBeerman.

Not sure it was a kennel, to explain, he is actually my stepbrother, but we have been friends since I was 5, then his dad met my mom, and the rest is history. I have always referred to him as my brother becasue I have known him as such since memory began. Technically my Stepgrandmother's brother is the one that lives in Idaho who breeds labs maybe once or twice a year. I could try and get his contact info if you are interested, or get you in touch w/ my brother in denver as he has a litter on the way, minus one pup coming my way.

 

[sirenmoses]

Another doberman owner here, had'em for 10+ years now. Can't imagine life w/out at least one, preferably two (they make better couch armrests in pairs).

My first dobe never met a person or dog he didn't like, and I've still got a wall full of his ribbons from agility. He didn't like camping or whitewater rafting, cuz of the cold & lack of softness. My second dober learned to 'give' the ball courtesy of a 3yo.

The downside of dobers is hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. Of 13 dobers I lived with 7 years ago none are still alive.

Also lived w/a standard poodle, and heartily endorse them.

The 'neighborhood' dog is a Rhodesian cross. He howls if penned up, so he roams around the valley, and comes up to me for loving when I'm in my driveway. Zorro has recently taken to protecting my place from the UPS & Fed Ex trucks, along w/my dobers in the yard.

 

[cleanpool2]

Whippet is a fine dog, the short hair does great for the house
smart, quiet, laidback dog, but loyal
or a greyhound is the same traits and short hair.
and lord knows they need homes to save their lives after racing
each state usually has a greyhound rescue.

 

[rusty_tlc]

It's interesting to me that every one I have ever known with a standard poodle thinks they are great dogs. They just look so.....well, you know, cute. I'm not sure how it would go next year if I showed up at the duck club with a poodle. "No really guys, it's a water dog and the puffs are to keep it's joint s warm."

Definitely need a new dog myself. Probably another Springer or a Brittany. 9/10 dogs in my neighborhood are labs, most of them hopelessly stupid. I can't get a lab. In a relative sense the Springers can do calculus and labs can't even add. Labs have one redeeming quality, and that is they will fetch a stick all day, every day. Also thinking about a Chesapeake-had one as a kid. Anyone have one in a warm climate?

Was the word you were looking for Ghey? If your male ego is that fragile a Standard probably isn't for you.

You should spend a half a day with Jake before you discount a Standard's.
You don't have to give them the poofy cut, that comes from when they spent all day in the field then slept in an unheated kennel. If we get together for a run before you buy I'll make sure Jake comes along.

I've never hunted any of my dogs but from all reports your friends will be believers when they see a Std in action. My neighbor came over to my house one day and apologized for all the s*** he had given me about the two Std.s I owned at the time. He had been watching Field trials on ESPN.

On intelligence, Standards are working on Quantum physics compared to other breeds.

 

[rrdogma]

Peepers,

Sorry about your girl. She sure looks like she was having fun racing the Border Collie.

I think it is great that you are looking for a dog based on how it will fit into your lifestyle. You are way ahead of the game. Too many people choose a breed based on looks and are then frustrated with a dog that does not suit them.

From your list I would highly recommend the Standard Poodle. They are fun strong dogs and they don't shed. As others have mentioned, you don't have to keep them in show coat. The kennel or puppy cuts are actually very normal looking. Standard Poodles are both brave and loyal. They use them as police dogs in some areas. The Standards also have a great sense of humour. And they really are absolutely brilliant, smarter even than a Ridgeback

The only thing I would caution you about is in assuming that a mixed breed dog will have the temperament of the breed whose phenotype is dominant.

Good luck in your search!

Kelly

Edit: I grew up with Dobes and Rotts. Had Old English for many years and now have Rhodesians. My oldest is ten and I will never be without one again.

 

[Cattledog]

Hey Peepers,

If you consider a cattledog, understand they are not the best dog for being around strangers alot of the time. If they meet someone they don't like the will bark constantly and will likely bite if given the chance. For the most part they don't like most strangers without proper introduction from their alpha. Even then they are very mistrustful of strangers after the introduction.

They will nip adults and children, it is in the breed AKA Blue of Red Heeler... Nipping is how they drive cattle/livestock as a working dog. Constant training from puppyhood can "break" the trait but it will be a training topic for the life of a ACD.

They do not tire out quick, many new ACD owners underestimate the breed's energy level. A fit cattledog will be happy/demand to run/work HARD for 5+ hours straight. Over and over. Hey they are a working dog that drive cattle in very large rugged terrain, they have energy....

As a family pet they are the most loyal dog you could imagine. They will never turn on their pack/family. They will protect the pack until death. I.E. want the kids to play in the yard unattended, no stranger will be able to enter the yard without killing the ACD first.

I would never recommend a ACD to a first time dog owner, too much dog/training. If you have people over often pick a different breed. But after you have a ACD in your life you won't own another breed.

Good Luck.

 

[gpx433]

My vote is for a springer spaniel. People friendly, athletic, and dedicated. Have two of them now. Also have a Gordon setter. Good dog too, she just thinks she is bigger then she is! Had a english setter in the past would be my second choice after a springer. Setters just need room to run they are not a town dog.

Josh

 

[landtoy80]

Chesapeake bay retriever.
I had a Chesie, GREAT DOG.
She died of cancer a 5yrs.
If you get one a female makes a better social dog than a male as the males can get possessive of the owner as they get older.
The females just love people.
We didn't have kids when we got her (Timber) but when we were around kids she was drawn to then and wanted to play.

Timber loved to: swim, hunt, hike, 4wheel (had a Toyota PU), ride in truck, play frisbee, sleep at you feet, answer the door, chase chipmunks and carry around the biggest stick/log she could carry (her hind end would almost be off the ground as she walked)

Go to a Chesie club meeting and you will see what I mean.

 

[chicago]

Was the word you were looking for Ghey? If your male ego is that fragile a Standard probably isn't for you.

You should spend a half a day with Jake before you discount a Standard's.
You don't have to give them the poofy cut, that comes from when they spent all day in the field then slept in an unheated kennel. If we get together for a run before you buy I'll make sure Jake comes along.

I've never hunted any of my dogs but from all reports your friends will be believers when they see a Std in action. My neighbor came over to my house one day and apologized for all the s*** he had given me about the two Std.s I owned at the time. He had been watching Field trials on ESPN.

On intelligence, Standards are working on Quantum physics compared to other breeds.

I like Jake!
He's a sweetie!
He freaked my out while staring her and growling while she was eating on Barney Riley, but aside from that....
Hes cool!

Chicago