Mrs. JB, it wasn't a knock on the SPCA, I just know the type of breed of dog we have is not easy to find other than a worker at my mom's hairdresser had puppies at the same time we(mainly my little sister) wanted a dog. I think the rarity of this dog, might explain its potential kidney problems, but its sooo lovable and cute and all it wants to do is please you either by playing, belly rubbing or licking your hand(with my mom-my dog's favorite, its her face). I would post a picture, but I do not have a website to host it.
yes Mr Oily. that's a real cutie. I think I want her, actually. Maybe I should delete my post so VooDooPope doesn't get her.
Some what true, but there are down sides to getting one from a shelter or one that is not a pure breed and those should be concerns as well. *when you get it from a reputable breeder, you can get health certificates *mixed breeds can take on the health problems of multiple breeds as they have genes from multiple breeds. You do not know what you are going to get. *When you have young children its important to know as much as you can about the dog. Getting an adult dog can be bringing in behavioral problems that can not be identified by seeing him through a window or in a cage, pups can be trained with ease. The children and the home (activities) are the most important factor when making this decision. With a 2.5 yr old and an 8 mo old infant, its important to make sure he is getting a compatible companion. Voodoo- regardless of what you choose, if you decide to lean toward a specific breed, let me know and I will be happy to provide you with information that is helpful in selecting a puppy (ways to read its personality at a young age) when you go to see them. The training information would be b/c I know how important it is with the little ones to have the pup well trained. If you want to reach me via e-mail (thelonghorns@houston.rr.com), I'd be happy to help.
Thanks everyone. I took a couple of the tests posted here and on one of the sites the results out of dogs I might consider were German Shepherd 99% Lab 93% Golden Retreiver 92% English Springer Spaniel 92% Shar pei 91% Mrs. JB - I'll have to make the trip to the spca by myself otherwise the wife and kids will have us bringing a dog home. That's how we got the lab/chow mix. Heypartner - If I go with a pure breed I'll check the rescue organizations. Damn those are some good looking Springers. TheHorns - I know a Lab would be a good choice, as would most dogs listed here. When i make a choice I might get some more info from you about the trainer/training. Everyone - Thanks for the info. I'm going to let my wife read this thread when I get home and see what she thinks.
Damnit HP, I've been wanting to get a dog but have been holding off until I have secured my living situation. You just made things doubly hard. Just for that, I hope you do adopt that lab/ss mix and she wets on your carpet.
This looks almost just like my girl...though this one is obviously not as drop dead gorgeous. She's an American Water Spaniel, and I'd definitely recommend her as a watch dog and family dog. But it sounds like you want something a little bigger (she's only a little over 40 lbs). I'd go with a Golden Retriever. Their simply the smartest, most loyal and loving breeds around. We have some close friends who have a Springer. I'm a glutton for punishment, so I love Spaniels....and I love this guy to death....but Lord is he spoiled!
Golden's tend to be slightly more intelligent....at least in my opinion. There was a study recently that listed the smartest dogs, and of course, Border Collies were number one. (one border collie has more intelligence than all cats combined...I realize that doesn't really say much, but I couldn't think of anything better to say) I think poodles were second. Most people don't really care for poodles, but they're really smart. I think Goldens came right after that.
Both breeds are known for their temperament and they share a lot of the same traits. Where the differences come in is in their working style, which is VERY important regardless of what you want the dog for (a working dog looks to please). Goldens- like to work (or please the owner). They can be timid or sometimes shy in certain environments. Will work to please but sometimes needs motivation. Great with families, but tends to attach himself to fewer people, so bonding time is very very important. Labs- love to work, and long for the praise and responds great to positive reinforcement he receives when he does something good. This makes him much easier to train, as he will be looking for tasks to complete to receive praise. They are approachable to all members of the family, very confident, and adapt well to most any environment. Any aggressiveness (or shyness) toward people or other animals is quite rare unless he is trained to be agressive. I really like Goldens and German Shepherds as well, I personally do not like having to deal with longer hair with a dog (especially in Houston).
I let my wife read this thread last night and we discussed the situation at length. We looked at numerous rescue league websites and talked about the various breeds and what would best work for us now and in the future. I think we came to the conclusion that until our son is at least 1 year old (4 months from now) we don't really have the free time you have to commit to training a puppy. That leaves an older dog as our only option if we want to get a dog in the near future. While we miss our dog(s) terribly it's probably in everyone's best interest if we wait and get a puppy that can grow up with our children. I'm going to continue researching the various breeds then determine the best way to acquire the dog of our choice. Our first choice will probably be a rescue organization, but we haven't ruled out a breeder if the situation is right. Thanks for all your help and opinions... I'll let you know if I have anymore questions when we get closer to getting a dog.
Most breeds have a rescue organization. If you don't go the SPCA route, try a breed rescue. NEVER buy from a pet store or a puppy mill. I'd hesitate to buy from a breeder even. These rescue groups have great dogs, many pure bred, that need homes. Oftentimes they come already spayed or nuetered, up to date on all vaccinations, and on heartworm preventative meds. An adoption donation is all that is needed. Plus, they usually check references and make a home visit to make sure the dog is getting a good home. I do volunteer work for a Chihuahua rescue group called CRT. I got Coco there (my brown and tan chi). Anyway, search on the net for those. A breeder will always have and sell puppies, but these animals need homes.
One issue with Labs (probably Goldens too) is they tend to get very anxious (including possibly digging, scratching) if they have to spend any time by themselves. While all dogs are fairly social creatures--some like Labs are less independent than others. The flip side is if family/people/other dogs are always around a lab very much wants to please and is probably a great choice. Border Collies and Aussies (A. Shepards) are both very smart active dogs (how much real difference in intelligence in an average border collie relative to an average Irish Setter--considered the most witless of dogs--I don't know; Note I have see some really witless cockier spanials too). Both of the above (BC/Aussie) make good family pets, but are best in a very outdoorsy, physically active, family. Personally, I don't think I would ever get a Terrior. I guess some like their loyalty, but I would tend for a dog that socializes easy (with other dogs/people) and is less stubborn. Springer Spanials and most other hunting dogs require a lot of activity too, but I don't know if they are as in tune with people/trainable as a Border Collie or Aussie. German Shepards are smart, loyal, trainable, willing to please--can't think of a drawback with them. Whether Texas is a great climate for them/fur is the one issue I am less sure. With Germans, Rotts, Mastiffs or any other dog larger than a Lab you have a really high likelihood of hip problems. Also, I agree with the mixed breed sentiment. IMO a German mix (preferably smaller than a full bred German to reduce the likelihood of hip problems, you might get shorter hair too) is hard to beat. Generally the mix breed is less likely to get social or physical defects passed on--some of which you can't tell until later in the dogs life. On on little dogs, not my cup of tea personally, Llaspas (sp?) seem one of the sweeter, less yippy, ones. If you need/want a small indoor dog they are hard to beat IMO. Oh, 1 final thing. My homeowners insurance would have gone up if I had a 1) wolf mix, 2) Pit Bull/Staffd., 3) Rott, or 4) Chow. Not that any dogs of these backgrounds can't be fine, safe, lovable animals (except for Wolf mixes I have seen great dogs of each in fact)--but that gives you an idea which dogs the bean counters think tend to be riskier than others. I would not get any of the 4.
My uncle has a border collie and she's a real sweetie, but they're *very* active - they never really relax with you at all because they always need to be up and doing, scoping out the perimeter of the grounds, checking stuff out, herding whatever they can find... it's actually a bit exhausting and not all that companionable. (Possibly NZ border collies, being mostly working sheep herding dogs, might be even more like this than American strains.) Of course, I'm not exactly the active type, so it depends on what kind of person you are. I used to have a border collie/lab cross and she was lovely, much more interested in just hanging out with you. The only real vestige of my current dog's Staffy heritage seems to be 'gameness' - she just won't quit playing *ever*, even when her canine play partners get really rough with her or start getting annoyed and snappy. Then again, she is half lab, so perhaps a full Staffy might be a bit more of a worry. I've never owned one. She's certainly a Lab in her general friendliness and need for constant companionship! I'm starting to treat this dog like she's my child. This may be slightly unhealthy.
i've always owned dogs, & for u, i'd recommend a sheltie (shetland sheepdog) what most people would consider a mini-lassie. there great with children, very smart -well trained, learn quickly, goodlooking, family-oriented. the only negatie thing i'd say, is there "talkers" (barkers) which could be a good thing if ur looking for a "guard-dog" they average less than 35 lbs. also, a lab/mix would be another good option since u have some experience with labs. we also own a black lab/cocker spaniel mix --great dog, although ear problems are a hassle with spaniels. if u have any questions feel free to ask, i've been a certified vet tech for the last 3 years, & have owned animals for the last 23 years good luck in ur search
While taking some of the find-a-dog tests, I ran acorss an interesting breed: Labradoodle (a lab and poodle cross). They were originally breed as guide dogs for blind people with allergies. Poodles are good for people with allergies since they don't shed. Labs make great guide dogs. From http://www.labradoodle.org/: The correctly bred Labradoodle tends to inherit the best of both worlds. Owners boast that their dogs exhibit amazing powers of perception, seeming to "know" what is wanted. They are very easy to train and are a joy to have in the family. They have no doggy odour, the best coats do not shed and are nowadays easily picked soon after birth They seldom if ever need bathing, and are a Godsend to allergy and asthma sufferers. The Labradoodle has a unique 'connection' with human beings and the youngest puppies are wont to stand and meet your gaze with a solemnity that belies their sparkling and vivacious nature and joy of living. They have a unique and delightful way of 'melting' at the touch of a human hand, even when bouncing around and full of play.
Another option is the cross of a bulldog and a sh!tzu, or a bullsh!t as they are more commonly called. Most people respond well to the bullsh!t, at least until they are told what it is. Bullsh!t from a good line can work in nearly any situation.
we have a White sheppard. It is bould like a german sheppard but it is white (who would gues with that name). they're character is like a belgian sheppard,only it is not verry neurotic. They are verry sensitive and kind and smart animals.They are verry good with kids. And they listen verry good. they have a strong need to please. if you want pictures of how a puppy looks like http://community.webshots.com/album/32983825UlxKXZ
