Contemplating a dog

[bpitt]

Well, my youngest keeps saying , 'puppy,puppy'. My oldest kinda wants one, too. The wife wants a dog that'll bark at anything, like intruders, cars pulling down the driveway. (I told her that that's what the Mossberg 500 3in magnum with 00 buckshot is for). So basically, we're contemplating getting the kids a dog for Christmas, one that will also serve as a kind of 'advanced warning system' for people who pull down the drive, or go walking by out on the road.(So I can get the shotgun ready! LOL) It also needs to be kinda 'protective' of the kids.

We've had dogs in the past, some good, some not. I had a Norwegian Elkhound, made the best squirrel dog, but he stank, like really bad. He was gentle around kids, but ate like a horse. We've had a peek-a-poo mix little dog, he stank, but would bark at anything, which we kinda liked, and, he was good to the kids. We had a little poodle when we first got married. She was a good dog, house broken, would sleep on the wifes feet at night, all cuddly and all. But, I ain't keen on an 'inside' dog.

I've thought about a little fiest, you know, something I could squirrel hunt over. The doesn't really want one of those. A friend has a maltese, beautiful dog, but you gotta brush 'em like everyday, plus, when outside, the dog's hair would get matted pretty quick, I'd imagine.

The wife suggested we look at the local shelters, which we'll probably do. But, I wasn't sure just what kinda breed would be fittin'. We've got a 1 y.o., a 7 y.o., me, and the wife. We've got plenty of yard, but no fence. So I'll probably end up getting one of those buried wire fence things.

Anybody got suggestions on what kinda dog?

[jkspatty]

labs are great with kids, but might topple over your 1 yo. I'm not sure they are great watch dogs either, but generally very friendly and loving, as are retrievers. Now the best dogs for alerting you to someone or something on your property are chihauhas(sp) god knows those dogs have some awesome hearing. They are not that great with kids and they tend to cling to one person in the family, plus they really are inside dogs. Just do not get a cocker spaniel, they REALLY do not care for children. Try Pine Belt Animal Rescue in Lumberton. Oh, beagles are great with kids too.
Good Luck on your search

[Fish-Bait]

If you go to the shelter take a ball with you and bounce it down the aisle and watch what kind of reaction you get. Get a cur.

[mac]

I love Boxers. Female Boxers are protective of the home, and the breed is notorious for being great with kids. They look scary, but they're big sweet kids. They're the best breed alive, in my opinion. They do require lots of physical exercise and attention because they get bored if they're ignored.

If a Boxer's not the one for you, how about a Boston Terrier? They like to bark at everything, and they're cute and smart.

OR a Jack Russell. Those dogs have great personality.

We can't have a Boxer again because like I said they require lots of attention, and we're both gone to work most of the day. My Boxer died this past March, and I won't have another one until we live on 20 acres and can leave them outside unsupervised without having to worry about it. Now we have two mutts that are bro and sister. Their mother is an Alaskan Malamute, and the father is a Yellow Lab. They're really good natured dogs-- they bark when anyone comes into the yard, but they're gentle with us.

Check the shelters.

[Fish-Bait]

I love Boxers. Female Boxers are protective of the home, and the breed is notorious for being great with kids. They look scary, but they're big sweet kids. They're the best breed alive, in my opinion. They do require lots of physical exercise and attention because they get bored if they're ignored.

If a Boxer's not the one for you, how about a Boston Terrier? They like to bark at everything, and they're cute and smart.

OR a Jack Russell. Those dogs have great personality.

We can't have a Boxer again because like I said they require lots of attention, and we're both gone to work most of the day. My Boxer died this past March, and I won't have another one until we live on 20 acres and can leave them outside unsupervised without having to worry about it. Now we have two mutts that are bro and sister. Their mother is an Alaskan Malamute, and the father is a Yellow Lab. They're really good natured dogs-- they bark when anyone comes into the yard, but they're gentle with us.

Check the shelters.

Boxers are protective, but they fart waaayyy to much.

Boston Terriers are very hyper.

Jack Russels are the most hyper s.o.b.'s I have ever been around. My brother has one he is tryin' to give away. It's name is Kalo. That dog has to be the most spasctic thing around. I tried playin' with him to see if he would calm down, he didn't.....I just gave him half of a miller lite so he would quit barking.....It worked.

[eyescene]

Ranking of Best & Worst Dogs for Security (http://petrix.com/dogsec/topsec.html)

[mac]

You are right. Boxers fart a lot. Every time mine would jump up on the couch, she'd fart. Poor stinky thing.

Our neighbor had a Jack Russell who used to roam the neighborhood and hung out with my Boxer. One day she started sniffing at his area, and he lifted his leg as high as he could, like "Go for it, babay!" We still laugh about that. He wasn't too spastic. I think they can all be different. I've never met another Boxer that was as freakin' needy as mine. If I could get a Boxer that was a little less needy, I'd definitely take it.

A friend of mine has a Boston Terrier. He's really smart, protective, and not too needy. He's not real hyper either. Of course he was a few years old before I met him, so maybe he grew out of it. Most calm down as they get older. I wish I could find a five year old Boxer that needed a home.

A slightly hyper dog might be okay for little kids. I mean, they wouldn't want one who'd just lie around. They'd probably enjoy one with some spunk.

[dollfus46]

Well, my youngest keeps saying , 'puppy,puppy'. My oldest kinda wants one, too. The wife wants a dog that'll bark at anything, like intruders, cars pulling down the driveway. (I told her that that's what the Mossberg 500 3in magnum with 00 buckshot is for). So basically, we're contemplating getting the kids a dog for Christmas, one that will also serve as a kind of 'advanced warning system' for people who pull down the drive, or go walking by out on the road.(So I can get the shotgun ready! LOL) It also needs to be kinda 'protective' of the kids.

We've had dogs in the past, some good, some not. I had a Norwegian Elkhound, made the best squirrel dog, but he stank, like really bad. He was gentle around kids, but ate like a horse. We've had a peek-a-poo mix little dog, he stank, but would bark at anything, which we kinda liked, and, he was good to the kids. We had a little poodle when we first got married. She was a good dog, house broken, would sleep on the wifes feet at night, all cuddly and all. But, I ain't keen on an 'inside' dog.

I've thought about a little fiest, you know, something I could squirrel hunt over. The doesn't really want one of those. A friend has a maltese, beautiful dog, but you gotta brush 'em like everyday, plus, when outside, the dog's hair would get matted pretty quick, I'd imagine.

The wife suggested we look at the local shelters, which we'll probably do. But, I wasn't sure just what kinda breed would be fittin'. We've got a 1 y.o., a 7 y.o., me, and the wife. We've got plenty of yard, but no fence. So I'll probably end up getting one of those buried wire fence things.

Anybody got suggestions on what kinda dog?

I spent almost a year researching what kind of dog would suit me. You're making a commitment for about 12 to 16 years. If you want a dog to stick in the yard and forget about, go to the dog pound and save one of those. If you want one that is part of the family, I'd suggest you take the time to research the characteristics and attitudes of the different breeds and fit one to your lifestyle. Some dogs require a lot of brushing. Some shed badly. Some breeds are subject to skin allergies and higher vet bills. I'd take my time. I do know that the smaller dogs, generally speaking, tend to be finicky and not good with small children. From my research, I narrowed my decision to: Small dogs: Pug. Large dogs: Lab or golden retriever. All are great with small children, and at the time I had a 7 year old in the house. I realize different people look at dogs differently. Some see a dog. Others see a family member. My choice wouldn't necessarily suit your situation. Good luck. Rescue one if you can. You'll feel good about yourself.

[eyescene]

Boxers are protective, but they fart waaayyy to much.

I bet they don't out fart the Weimaraners! pew wee!
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/818/596763.JPG

Weimaraners are beautiful, but they are the most nervous dogs I have ever owned. But you can't find a more excellent guard dog.

[dollfus46]

If you go to the shelter take a ball with you and bounce it down the aisle and watch what kind of reaction you get. Get a cur.

That's a great idea. I have a "Golden I'll Go Get It or I Might Not." It's a special breed of Golden Retriever, I think.

[fuzzis]

I love my Klem special. :kekeke: (a black lab something or other)

She's pretty protective of me. There was that camping trip to Ocean Springs where she decided she didn't like one of the guys who stopped to chat and let him know in no uncertain terms that it was time for him to move along...and she generally keeps herself between me and strangers.

[bpitt]

I was thinking something small, like Toto on Oz. The wife want's something kinda scary, like the Mastiff. I dig Mastiff's, but I figured I needed a bigger yard for such a large dog. I'm not sure 2 acres is enough for him/her to roam. Plus, have you priced a mastiff lately? Geez, they're high.

I could just drag up a couple of deer dogs, but that'd piss the wife off bad.

[dollfus46]

I love Boxers. Female Boxers are protective of the home, and the breed is notorious for being great with kids. They look scary, but they're big sweet kids. They're the best breed alive, in my opinion. They do require lots of physical exercise and attention because they get bored if they're ignored.

If a Boxer's not the one for you, how about a Boston Terrier? They like to bark at everything, and they're cute and smart.



OR a Jack Russell. Those dogs have great personality.

We can't have a Boxer again because like I said they require lots of attention, and we're both gone to work most of the day. My Boxer died this past March, and I won't have another one until we live on 20 acres and can leave them outside unsupervised without having to worry about it. Now we have two mutts that are bro and sister. Their mother is an Alaskan Malamute, and the father is a Yellow Lab. They're really good natured dogs-- they bark when anyone comes into the yard, but they're gentle with us.

Check the shelters.
Great choices, too, Mac. Boxers look so mean but are very sweet natured and playful. Boston Terriers will wear you out wanting to play. HA!
Yeah, dogs require exercise. That's why I take Ian to the park each day. Goldens need a minimum of 45 minutes of good exercise a day. Easy when he'll chase the ball. Other than that, he's a house dog.

[bpitt]

I want a dog that I can 'house train'. It will come in sometimes. I have to go out of town and work sometimes, like to Baton Rouge, or New Orleans. The wife doesn't like being home 'alone', even with my small arsenal of guns. So I figured we might could get a dog, that would stay outside most of the time, but come in occasionally. Say, one or two nights a week. I don't mind getting a big dog, just as long as it's good to my kids.

[Natural Sunshine]

Labs are great...I have two and they are great with kids...but for the first two years of their life they will chew on ANYTHING!!!

[bpitt]

I was the proud owner of a trained lab once, for about two weeks. An acquaintance had to move out of town and was moving into condo's that didn't allow dogs. He was a big duck hunter, and hated to part with his lab, but, a high paying pharmaceuticals job doesn't come along everyday. So he let me have his dog. Two weeks later, he was gone. I honestly think somebody stopped and loaded him up. He was awesome, he'd sit, stay, heal, load up, fetch, etc.

[mac]

A Boxer is out of the question then. They're inside dogs. There are lots of dogs you could do that with though. Our mutts are good like that. Only thing is that we don't like letting them come past the laundry room because they're always dirty after being outside. We crate them in the laundry room.

[wilebill]

If you get a plush, stuffed dog, make sure there are no holes in it where there shouldn't be any.

[onlyme]

Well, my youngest keeps saying , 'puppy,puppy'. My oldest kinda wants one, too. The wife wants a dog that'll bark at anything, like intruders, cars pulling down the driveway. (I told her that that's what the Mossberg 500 3in magnum with 00 buckshot is for). So basically, we're contemplating getting the kids a dog for Christmas, one that will also serve as a kind of 'advanced warning system' for people who pull down the drive, or go walking by out on the road.(So I can get the shotgun ready! LOL) It also needs to be kinda 'protective' of the kids.

We've had dogs in the past, some good, some not. I had a Norwegian Elkhound, made the best squirrel dog, but he stank, like really bad. He was gentle around kids, but ate like a horse. We've had a peek-a-poo mix little dog, he stank, but would bark at anything, which we kinda liked, and, he was good to the kids. We had a little poodle when we first got married. She was a good dog, house broken, would sleep on the wifes feet at night, all cuddly and all. But, I ain't keen on an 'inside' dog.

I've thought about a little fiest, you know, something I could squirrel hunt over. The doesn't really want one of those. A friend has a maltese, beautiful dog, but you gotta brush 'em like everyday, plus, when outside, the dog's hair would get matted pretty quick, I'd imagine.

The wife suggested we look at the local shelters, which we'll probably do. But, I wasn't sure just what kinda breed would be fittin'. We've got a 1 y.o., a 7 y.o., me, and the wife. We've got plenty of yard, but no fence. So I'll probably end up getting one of those buried wire fence things.

Anybody got suggestions on what kinda dog?

I am partial on Schnauzers, any size. We have an oversized Mini who is great with the kids but also a good watchdog. They do bark a lot though but it seems as if you are looking for a dog that will yap at anything that walks/ runs/flies by. Since he is a smaller dog ( 15 1/2 inches shoulder height ) he does have limitations as far as physically defending you in an emergency although they will never back down - big dog soul in a little dog body. The were bred to hunt rodents and going after squirrels is still their favorite pastime.
If I had a big house/yard I would definitely go for a Giant Schnauzer. They are wonderful guard dogs ( the German police still uses them in their K-9 units ), extremely loyal, great with kids and are calmer than their smaller cousins. The only drawback is that they need to be clipped several times a year. That's easy to learn though. Schnauzers, however, are very much family dogs and don't like to be left alone outside. I call Rufus my "velcro-dog", always by my side ;)

[IGID]

Here's my choice. They are great with kids and extremely smart and can be trained to do anything and act however you want.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/mms50/Copper085.jpg

[eyescene]

I am partial on Schnauzers, any size. We have an oversized Mini who is great with the kids but also a good watchdog. They do bark a lot though but it seems as if you are looking for a dog that will yap at anything that walks/ runs/flies by. Since he is a smaller dog ( 15 1/2 inches shoulder height ) he does have limitations as far as physically defending you in an emergency although they will never back down - big dog soul in a little dog body. The were bred to hunt rodents and going after squirrels is still their favorite pastime.

If I had a big house/yard I would definitely go for a Giant Schnauzer. They are wonderful guard dogs ( the German police still uses them in their K-9 units ), extremely loyal, great with kids and are calmer than their smaller cousins. The only drawback is that they need to be clipped several times a year. That's easy to learn though. Schnauzers, however, are very much family dogs and don't like to be left alone outside. I call Rufus my "velcro-dog", always by my side ;)

But they are not mostly outside dogs, which is what he wants. The heat will get to them and the cold does too! I'm not sure anymore which breed is OK outside most of the time.

[onlyme]

But they are not mostly outside dogs, which is what he wants. The heat will get to them and the cold does too! I'm not sure anymore which breed is OK outside most of the time.

True. To me, all dogs should be part of the family and be able to live inside. I just don't get the "outside family dog" concept. In this MIssissippi heat no dog should be left outside in the summer. I feel sorry for all those mutts I encounter here in the summer lying under bushes, panting for dear life - sometimes literally. Train the dog and inside living shouldn't be a problem.

[mac]

Here's my choice. They are great with kids and extremely smart and can be trained to do anything and act however you want.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/mms50/Copper085.jpg

What kind of dog is that? Kinda hard to tell with his face smushed like that. He looks like he just took some bad acid.

[eyescene]

ummmmm what is it a Doberman or a lab or a what?

[Fish-Bait]

It's a lab.

[mac]

All this dog talk is making me miss my girl. :sniffle:


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/303244588_c5fca1c419.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/300368026_5dcbe61e84.jpg

[mac]

Here are the two mutts we have now, except they're much bigger.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/1152855937_1a9d78cd2b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1124/1290751442_707575aace.jpg

[Fish-Bait]

here is one of mine. Sugar, chocoalate lab.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/Fish-Bait_bucket/sugar.jpg

[eyescene]

oh Mac she was beautiful!!!

[IGID]

He's a Chocolate Lab. Great dog. Part of the family.


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/mms50/Copper.jpg

[eyescene]

and I was just going to ask about your others....they are cute but not beautiful like her.

[mac]

here is one of mine. Sugar, chocoalate lab.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/Fish-Bait_bucket/sugar.jpg

Holy crap she's gorgeous! The other chocolate lab is beautiful too! I've got to leave this thread! I need to remember that I've got two perfectly good mutts who love me.

cough cough butifyouhearofanyonetryingtogetridofafullgrownBoxe r,PMme :)

[jkspatty]

here is one of mine. Sugar, chocoalate lab.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/Fish-Bait_bucket/sugar.jpg
I want sugar!

[jkspatty]

I love doggies!

[Kddn]

Springer Spaniels are very loyal and great inside/outside dogs. They are protective of their family and great with kids. I've had two over the years and am looking for another one now for my kids for Christmas!!! Just somehting to look at...

[bpitt]

I've got an uncle who's a k-9 dude, or was, with the Bay St. Louis police. He's got two 'retired' dogs and one active, I think. I could probably get one, but would have to learn German, as that's what he commands them in.

[fuzzis]

Springer Spaniels are very loyal and great inside/outside dogs. They are protective of their family and great with kids. I've had two over the years and am looking for another one now for my kids for Christmas!!! Just somehting to look at...

My best friend has a sweet, sweet springer that unfortunately suffers from "springer rage syndrome" (http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/daggressp.html). Every now and again, Bailey has these episodes where he's extremely violent. There's no rhyme or reason, and he can be as docile as can be one minute and about to rip your throat out the next. Both Shan and her husband have suffered some pretty severe bites over the years while trying to get Bailey to a place where he's not going to be a danger to someone else.

They have elected to not even think about children until Bailey is gone (which won't be much longer...he's 10 and suffering from cancer right now) because they don't want to take the chance that he's going to hurt a child. :(

[bpitt]

I dig springers, heck, I could bird hunt over one. I also dig corgi's. Anyone know anything about them?

[Chichiguita]

Boxers are protective, but they fart waaayyy to much.


---The same could be said for a lot of us...:kekeke:

[hendrixfreak70]

I am partial to Rottweilers. They are a special breed. Mine is just in heat and keeps trying to get out. Dogs of all persuasions are coming out of the wood works.

[Chichiguita]

May I present:
Theophilous B. Thunder...(Theo for short--and "Biggy T" is his rapper-name...)

[Kddn]

My best friend has a sweet, sweet springer that unfortunately suffers from "springer rage syndrome" (http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/daggressp.html). Every now and again, Bailey has these episodes where he's extremely violent. There's no rhyme or reason, and he can be as docile as can be one minute and about to rip your throat out the next. Both Shan and her husband have suffered some pretty severe bites over the years while trying to get Bailey to a place where he's not going to be a danger to someone else.

They have elected to not even think about children until Bailey is gone (which won't be much longer...he's 10 and suffering from cancer right now) because they don't want to take the chance that he's going to hurt a child. :(

I have never heard of that...that's pretty scarey!!!

[aquafine]

May I present:
Theophilous B. Thunder...(Theo for short--and "Biggy T" is his rapper-name...)


Love the rapper name!! :laugh::laugh:

I HIGHLY recommend checking the humane society/shelters for puppies. I think alot of dogs can learn to be protective and well behaved if trained from an early age. It will make you feel good "rescuing" an animal and probably save you $100. Also, as silly as it sounds, the Dog Whisperer's advice really worked for our dog. Everyone she meets is really impressed by how well behaved she is for a lab mix.

I have a lab, beagle, maybe boxer mixture from the humane society. She has slept in my bed since day one and will wake up (from under the covers where she sleeps) at any little sound at night. She's the best security system I have. She barks her head off any time a guy that's not her daddy comes in my house (i'm pretty sure her daddy taught her to do that). She's instinctively tree's squirrels on her own but alas is a little timid around gun shots =(

I know schnauzers are very protective too! I have a little scar on the my ankle from my boyfriend's dog. He was tickling me and the dog bit me thinking I was hurting him!!! But she's a sweetheart otherwise.

Good luck!

[TheKing]

Weimaraner

me and my woman have (well...my woman has it...i kinda inherited it) a pitbull mix and some sort of mastiff/i think bloodhound mix

the pitbull is a good dog...but insanely protective...its ridiculous

the bullmastiff only barks when something is truly going on and he is a playful, but amazingly stubborn dog....

but we all know the best dogs are mutts that you just find or wanders up to your house

[RGDoherty]

Ranking of Best & Worst Dogs for Security (http://petrix.com/dogsec/topsec.html)

Figured my bully's would be high on the list, but didn't know they'd be the top.

Chap.....

http://www.geocities.com/robertgdoherty/photos/chap02.jpg

[TheKing]

Figured my bully's would be high on the list, but didn't know they'd be the top.

Chap.....

http://www.geocities.com/robertgdoherty/photos/chap02.jpg


while i know for a fact that bullmastiffs are solid guard dogs

i dont trust that list on the basis that they put this stupid dog on the list

http://www.akc.org/images/breeds/komondor/lg_artwork.jpg

[mac]

There's a difference in a security dog and a dog that will be friendly with your kids but alert you when someone's come onto your property. I'm not sure the security list is where I'd look. Most good dogs will let you know if someone's on your property. I say pick one that looks scary but isn't. If people know the mean looking dog sleeps in your house at night, they're less likely to chance coming in.

[Ted]

Well, my youngest keeps saying , 'puppy,puppy'. . . . . . . . . Anybody got suggestions on what kinda dog?Native American Indian Dog (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/nativeamericanindiandog.htm) - if ya can find one.

The past few years I've gotten pretty fond of the Catahoula Cur next door. (Edit: Part Catahoula. ;))
Good dog. :smt001
I don't know how they are around kids.

[TheKing]

wait

native american indian dog?

isnt that a redundant name?

[eyescene]

while i know for a fact that bullmastiffs are solid guard dogs

i dont trust that list on the basis that they put this stupid dog on the list

http://www.akc.org/images/breeds/komondor/lg_artwork.jpg

Looks can be deceiving. :ohnoes:

[Ted]

wait

native american indian dog?

isnt that a redundant name?Seems so to me too - but WTH. :smt001

[countrygirl]

here is one of mine. Sugar, chocoalate lab.

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/Fish-Bait_bucket/sugar.jpg
You have a smart dog there...I can tell by the look in her eyes and the way her ears are perked. I have a lab mix that gets the same looks...

[countrygirl]

Please, please, please do a little research before you get a dog for your family. Yes, labs are great with kids if they are a little older and AFTER they are about 2 years old. They chew everything and stay in the puppy stage for about 2 years. If you want a dog that is sendentary, get a bassett hound...Jack Russels are very smart and not as nervous as some other small dogs.

Do you want a short haired or long haired dog? Do you want a dog that doesn't shed? Small dog or large dog? Full blooded or mix? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before getting a dog. Remember that getting a dog is almost like getting another child. Dogs require lots of patience, attention, and training. They are not something you just get and put in the back yard and forget. One thing you also should take in to consideration is the age of your children...

[dollfus46]

Labs are great...I have two and they are great with kids...but for the first two years of their life they will chew on ANYTHING!!!

Yep. Ian ran up quite a tab his first year with me. Proces are approximate:
Vacuum Cleaner - $300
Eye Glasses - $375
2 Comforters - $300
2 heating pads - 60
1 matress - $300
Numerous sox and underwear $60

Do you know how lucky that dog is to still be alive?;)

[pinkytuscadero]

Yep. Ian ran up quite a tab his first year with me. Proces are approximate:
Vacuum Cleaner - $300
Eye Glasses - $375
2 Comforters - $300
2 heating pads - 60
1 matress - $300
Numerous sox and underwear $60

Do you know how lucky that dog is to still be alive?;)


Everytime Mr. Pinky wants to kill Opie he is reminded of all the money he has in him with the things he has destroyed. :kekeke:

[58ford]

I didn't bother reading this whole thread. I don't have to. If you want a great dog get a mutt & get it from the pound. Mutts are smarter, less prone to the genetic diseases of over bred dogs, and a pound puppy will simply love you more. And, you will prevent the incentive for puppymills & breeding unnecessary dogs for profit. There are plenty of dogs out there in need of saving, buying one from a breeder is a waste of money and perfectly good dogs that just happened not to be approved by the AK(killanythingthatdoesntfitourmold)C.
Here's mine
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w293/58ford/bruiserdoggie.jpg
He's part catahoula, part pit bull & some other stuff. He loves kids, old people & meatball subs. He'll bark at anyone he doesn't know, and throw 50 lbs of muscle & teeth at anything that threatens me, or mine.
Go to the pound.
You'll never regret it.

[pinkytuscadero]

My chocolate lab was given to us as the owner didn't want her because she wouldn't duck hunt. :confused: She is the most awesome dog ever!!! I love her and I don't care that she is any kind of breed. I know she will put all her middle age weight on anyone who would try to hurt my boys or me.

Pinky

[countrygirl]

I didn't bother reading this whole thread. I don't have to. If you want a great dog get a mutt & get it from the pound. Mutts are smarter, less prone to the genetic diseases of over bred dogs, and a pound puppy will simply love you more. And, you will prevent the incentive for puppymills & breeding unnecessary dogs for profit. There are plenty of dogs out there in need of saving, buying one from a breeder is a waste of money and perfectly good dogs that just happened not to be approved by the AK(killanythingthatdoesntfitourmold)C.
Here's mine
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w293/58ford/bruiserdoggie.jpg
He's part catahoula, part pit bull & some other stuff. He loves kids, old people & meatball subs. He'll bark at anyone he doesn't know, and throw 50 lbs of muscle & teeth at anything that threatens me, or mine.
Go to the pound.
You'll never regret it.
I agree with you 100%. I have a lab mix and a $500 full blooded lab that I inherited. The lab mix is really a much better dog. You still need to know what size dog you need and what personality traits you need for your family BEFORE you get a dog...

[Hermione]

I second the vote for mutts! I'd get a medium sized female with some terrier in her (for smarts) if it were me. If I were going for a breed, I'd consider a Standard Poodle. For one thing, they don't shed.

[Ted]

Here's mine. - -

He's part catahoula, part pit bull & some other stuff. I kinda wondered about that.

I like that dog. He's a good one. :smt023 :smt001

[bpitt]

When we get one, we will name it Fotno! Free Fotno!

[Ted]

. . . . . . If I were going for a breed, I'd consider a Standard Poodle. For one thing, they don't shed.I've known a couple of Standard Poodles over the years. They're good dogs and smart. They're not crazy and yappy like the Miniatures and Toys.

An old buddy of mine came by one *somehow* and put it in with his Walker dogs.
That fuzzy thing was one fine deer dog. :smt023

[Hermione]

Weren't poodles originally hunting dogs? If I recall, the Standards are a pretty good sized dog. And if I had one, it wouldn't have a goofy haircut or painted toenails.

[BelieveInHim]

What about a Border Collie? We have had ours 10 years. He is an outside dog, never really tried to house train him but when we put him inside he will not use the bathroom in the house. He is in now because he got bit by a snake and I just got him back from the vet. He is very protective of me and my kids. When my youngest was small he would stay between anyone and her. He is the smartest dog I have ever owned which has included other breeds of collies, St. Bernards, and Peek-a-poo. You discipline him one time about something and you never have to again. We also have a retriever/lab mix and he is a great dog and very loving, but I would not recommend one for small children. He spins just right and can knock a grown person down. I don't think I will ever own any other breed again but a border collie.

[Echo Four Bravo]

Having owned both mutts and purebreds, I have to say that each has their advantages. Mutts are definitely less prone to sickness, and generally make great protective family friends. I'll never forget when I was about 10 or 12, my dad came home with a mutt he picked up in Beaumont. Some a**hole had set him on fire. He was in pretty bad shape, but in 3 or 4 months, my dad had nursed him back to health. We really had no idea what kind of dog he was until his hair had grown back. He looked like a collie mixed with something huge, a horse perhaps? I swear, that dog would have killed for my father.
We have a 2 year-old boxer now, and my wife would be devastated if anything happened to him. The good thing about pure-breds is that if you do the research, you can be fairly certain that the dog will behave as advertised, something that can't be said of mutts. He has more personality than some people I know. Everyone who said Boxers fart too much is right, but then again, he can't speak-up when he is falsely accused of it either-sometimes convienient. He is an indoor dog and completely house-trained. I didn't think it took too long to train him, my wife may disagree. One thing I know, those training pads don't work. He is great with the kids, and looks intimidating enough that people think twice before approaching. He has to take some medicine for skin conditions that are prevalent in boxers, but he's not too high-maintenance.
Good luck, and I hope you choose the right dog for your family.

[Ted]

Weren't poodles originally hunting dogs? If I recall, the Standards are a pretty good sized dog. And if I had one, it wouldn't have a goofy haircut or painted toenails.Yes. They are retrievers/gun dogs.
They're about 50 to 60 pounds and have webbed toes like all water retrievers.
The goofy hair cut was originally functional. It was to keep the major joints warm while retrieving ducks from cold water.

Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle) is a Wiki article.

[TheKing]

Having owned both mutts and purebreds, I have to say that each has their advantages. Mutts are definitely less prone to sickness, and generally make great protective family friends. I'll never forget when I was about 10 or 12, my dad came home with a mutt he picked up in Beaumont. Some a**hole had set him on fire. He was in pretty bad shape, but in 3 or 4 months, my dad had nursed him back to health. We really had no idea what kind of dog he was until his hair had grown back. He looked like a collie mixed with something huge, a horse perhaps? I swear, that dog would have killed for my father.
We have a 2 year-old boxer now, and my wife would be devastated if anything happened to him. The good thing about pure-breds is that if you do the research, you can be fairly certain that the dog will behave as advertised, something that can't be said of mutts. He has more personality than some people I know. Everyone who said Boxers fart too much is right, but then again, he can't speak-up when he is falsely accused of it either-sometimes convienient. He is an indoor dog and completely house-trained. I didn't think it took too long to train him, my wife may disagree. One thing I know, those training pads don't work. He is great with the kids, and looks intimidating enough that people think twice before approaching. He has to take some medicine for skin conditions that are prevalent in boxers, but he's not too high-maintenance.
Good luck, and I hope you choose the right dog for your family.

in fairness...watching a dog develop a surprise attitude and personality is part of the fun

[Chichiguita]

Yep. Ian ran up quite a tab his first year with me. Proces are approximate:
Vacuum Cleaner - $300
Eye Glasses - $375
2 Comforters - $300
2 heating pads - 60
1 matress - $300
Numerous sox and underwear $60

Do you know how lucky that dog is to still be alive?;)


Did we get the picture of this dreamdoggie???

The "cute factor" means a lot...

[Echo Four Bravo]

in fairness...watching a dog develop a surprise attitude and personality is part of the fun
Good point, it's fun to watch them develop. Kinda like kids.

[birthdaybunnie]

Just go with your heart and you will find a life-long companion....Be gentle the 1st few months and during the puppy stage. I have owned Labs before that have chewed the wires off of trailer, the pull rope off of four-wheeler, wooden swings etc..Even one time he had chewed my wires underneath my SUV, got to the gas station and it wouldnt go into reverse. It is usually best to have 2 dogs, they tend to keep each other company. I have a Golden Retriever and a Maltie-poo and they are unbelievably each others best friend. My GR died last year and the little dog was so depressed so we were fortunate enough to adopt a full blooded female from a vet. She looked just like our deceased pet..I don't think Frodo ever knew the difference..Good Luck.