Let me give you a little background. I had a Chineese Shar Pei and a 1/2 lab 1/2 chow mix we got from the pound. The Shar Pei was the best dog I've ever owned, but he died from cancer about a year ago. The lab/chow mix seemed to miss it's running buddy but we have a 2.5 year old daughter and a 8 month old son and decided we would just wait until we had more time to get another dog. Well last wednesday I went out to feed "Frankie" and she didn't come running. I knew something was wrong and went to find her. She wasn't in her house where she normally sleeps so I went over and found her in the bushes next to the house. She had died sometime durring the night. Looked like she curled up to go to sleep and never woke up. She was about 8 years old which isn't too old for dogs so needless to say her death kinda surprised us. Money is a little tight so I didn't have the vet do an autopsy to determine the cause of death, I just had them take care of the body. At first we were still determined to wait before getting another dog, but it's just not the same with out a dog around. I also don't feel as safe without her being there (she was a great watch dog). I'd like to get another dog for family companionship and also as a guard dog (not trained to eat people but bark at strangers etc ). I'd prefer a dog from the pound but I might consider a pure breed if the dog/situation was right. I'd consider another shar pei, or lab... but I've also always wanted a St.Bernard and German Shepard. I have the kids to consider so it has to be kid friendly. I've also considered rescue organizations like the GSD Rescue, but I don't want someone else's problem dog. Anyone have any good suggestions, opinions, and/or experiences?
Please don't get a St. Bernard if you live anywhere in the south... it's just too hot for them down here... not fair to the dog. I own two Rotties and my female loves children. She is so amazing. My male is 9 months and has yet to be exposed to children but I have no doubts he will love them as much as my female does. German Shephards are suppose to be really good. Remember, larger breed dogs can be susceptible to hip problems. If you do buy a pure-bred, make sure you can at least see the parents and buy from someone reputable. Please don't buy from a shoddy backyard breeder. Temperment is very important and alot can be learned from watching and visiting with the parents and seeing where the dogs were raised. good luck.
We recently adopted a Lab/Staffordshire cross puppy and she seems to be shaping up well. Both breeds are apparently good with kids, decent watchdogs and big enough to look scary (although at the moment our Ellie seems to completely adore everyone she sees). I was also determined to have a dog with short hair (I know from experience that grooming sucks, and dogs really suffer in humid climates, especially with fleas) and one that wasn't completely totally freaky high energy, since I'm more of a 'one leisurely walk a day' person. But it depends on your priorities. I'd avoid a St Bernard like the plague because of the exercise issues (and the expense), but if you go running every day then it should be fine. Smaller dogs live longer, though. (Ellie is certainly a retriever. She just brought in a log and an old flowerpot to give to us. Um, thanks? )
Are you looking for a large breed or small? What type of activities do you plan on doing with the dog? I went through the exact same situation and got a dog in Sept. I have bread Labs for 11 years and am well versed on many breeds. Recently lost my male who was 14. I personally think there is nothing like the breed as they are very smart, loyal, fun (as they love activities), easy to clean (love water. Add to that you are somewhat familiar with the breed (having had a half breed) I think that is the logical choice. There are a few things that you need to consider when getting a dog (especially intelligent ones such as Labs). You have to think of how much time you plan to spend with the dog as different breeds require different levels of attention. Your more intelligent dogs are going to require more attention as they tend to get bored easily and can become destructive. Yard? Family? Size? Time? Purpose? I would be happy to give an objective opinion.
If you want the most friendly type of dog in the world, get a Lhasa Apso. They would not hurt a fly. My family has had one for 8 years now, her name is Snuggles. She likes to cuddle with you, play ball, and be belly rubbed. She barks at people, but never ever gets aggressive, although once and awhile she will snap at you(after she got older) if you try and move her when she is comfortable, but most animals will. I highly recommend this kind of dog if you want a nice, somewhat intelligent(not a dog to get your paper though), and a people friendly pet. However, you need to get one from a breeder and if you choose them, watch his or her kidneys closely, that is their main potential problem. Overall, Lhasa Apsos RULE!!! Hope I helped.
IMO there is only one breed you should even consider... English Springer Spaniel These are EXTREMELY loving dogs. They want to be where their people are. They will seek you out. They do make excellent guard dogs in the manner you speak of. They are FANTASTIC with children. The females of the breed have a strong maternal instinct and will try to watch and take care of the children when you're not there or your back is turned. I could tell you countless stories about things my Springer did for my sister and I while we were growing up...but it would take way too much space and just thinking about her is making me sad. She died 2 years ago. On December 26...she would have been 17. RIP Penny...we miss you still. P.S.--Email me and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have about Springer Spaniels.
rockHEAD - I've ruled out St's because of the heat here in Houston. I can't get my wife to move north just to apease my choice of dog breed. Yard? - yes nice size yard fully fenced front and back Family? - wife and 2 small kids Size? - Med to large. Both the Shar Pei and the Lab Chow mix were about 60lbs which was perfect for both inside and outside. Time? - Biggest concern with the young kids. The wife runs 3-4 times a week and I would spend about an hour a day in the back yard playing with the kid and dog. Purpose? - Companionship and psudeo protection (barking at strangers) We live in the Heights and my house if fenced front and back and people can't come to the front door with out coming into the yard. It's not the best part of town but I'd like the dog to act as more of an alert dog than protection. Activities? - Running with the wife. Fetching a ball or frisbee. Playing with the kids. I hunt on occasion but don't need a hunting dog. I do want a smart dog and I'm commited to training (just like with the wife and kids ).
Female Springers grow to be between 50 to 65 pounds. Springers would spend all day with you if you'd let them. VERY playful and affectionate dogs. That's what Springers do. Reminds me of a funny story about my Springer. We used to throw her tennis balls. She was known around the neighborhood as the dog that could get 3 tennis balls in her mouth.
Well refman, isn't it true that each dog owner loves his or her dog the most in the world I know I wouldn't trade my family dog for anything. And my aunt needs to stop bringing her, rat, uh, chihuhuah, over to our house every time she visits. I swear if it wasn't animal cruelty or the fact I am nice, I would want to throw that dog out of the house to get it away from me. It has a stupid bark, and is just down right annoying, plus I do not like a dog it can fit in your hand. Like my dog, you can pick her up, but you have to hold her like you would cradle a big baby, I like that. To each his own, I guess , and don't think I'm an animal hater because I dislike my aunt's dog severely, I just can't stand it. Good luck on your search, VooDoPope.
Voodoo- Its sounds more and more like you should get a Lab. My only suggestion is that you get him from a breeder and send him to obedience school (board training is the quickest easiest but costly) since you have the little ones. There are some other breeds too, but a lab is a breed you can truly trust. I have a 3 year old who falls on my pup, grabs his head, bumps into him and so on (as you well know kids do) and the dog just takes it and I have never had a problem. He was crate trained and house broken in about 10 days. I know a great trainer you could use who uses great methods and gets great results. If you just want to do some basic training on your own and see if that is ok with you I would be happy to share some information with you (regardless of breed). If you do not think a Lab is what you want, I could suggest some more that fit what your needs or wants.
A mutt from the SPCA is the best breed in the world -- loyal, loving and desperately in need of a home. Plus, purebreeds can be more susceptible to health problems due to their restricted gene pool. Before you buy from a breeder, I'd encourage you to at least visit the SPCA (or CAPS or Special Pals) and see the dogs they have.
If you want a Springer, check out www.springerrescue.org and get one from a rescue if you can. I've recently emailed the two Texas reps of the Spring Rescue society to help with another dog and they are very quick to respond and very helpful. This is a 13 week old Springer/Lab mix posted for adoption last week. <img src="http://www.springerrescue.org/adopt/west/images/carrieTX_102702.jpg"> <blockquote><hr>Age: 13 weeks Gender: Female Color: Black/White Weight: 12 lbs. Variety: Mix Carrie was born in the Lancaster, TX animal shelter on August 2nd. After careful consideration, we believe Carrie's papa was probably a black lab. She and her purebred Springer mother, Charlotte and her two sisters came into ESRA's care the following day. We lost one of the pups within a week. After a struggle to survive the first couple of months, the remaining two girls are doing well. Carrie's sister, Samantha, has already gone to her new home in Alabama. Carrie remains in foster care until the right home becomes available. She has beautiful black fur, a narrow white blaze, a white chest and paws. Her tail is docked. She is a sweet little pup who is very healthy and active; she also loves to cuddle in your lap. Carrie is a very special pup for just the right loving home<hr></blockquote> This is a 3yr old from Dallas <img src="http://www.springerrescue.org/adopt/west/images/kelseyTX_102902.jpg"> Also, there is a 5yr old and 7yr old that you can adopt separately from in Houston. They had a sad story, but are healthy now. <img src="http://www.springerrescue.org/adopt/west/images/MickeyVanessaTX_080702.jpg">
heypartner-- My Springer was liver and white. I'll post pics as soon as I can scan them. Thanks for posting the pics from that site. Really brings back memories.
My friend has a springer spaniel that is really spoiled. She must be HAND FED a microwave hamburger and six slices of cheese every day. She also gets an ice cream cone every once in a while, also fed by hand... Needless to say, she's a fat ass...
