I'm interested In getting a dog.

I use to a jackrussel cross but unfortunately it was stolen.

I have now since looked at getting a bigger breed not just because its big but smarter as well.

Im looking for something that will be medium to large sized and is intelligent and obedient.

I have wanted a breed like a Dobermann but I'm not sure how they are.

I would to know if thier are any people on dakka who own dobermann and give tips on whether I should get one or not and why.

I also like Samoyed but I live in Australia and I'm worried that it will be too hot for it.

So dakka what dog breed should I get?

Don't know about dobberman, but at home i got a Berner Sennen.
These a big race of dogs. But they are very friendly and cute.
Hell, i can even wrestle with my dog.

pics: (from the internets.)

My family has always had boxers and really enjoyed them. They are very family friendly, smart and playful. They are high energy dogs, so if you are active, they are a good fit.

I have heard that Dobies, while trainable, can be somewhat stupid.
in my experience, for medium sized and smart would be the Australian Shepard, or a husky mix.
For small and wicked smart, it's hard to beat the Pomerainian.

Just don't get a beagle. My roommate had one, and it was a hellion. They are insane, and seem to be untrainable.

Beagles are the perfect all-rounders. They aren't big dogs, however. A healthy adult will weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. They are smart, patient, loving dogs. Genetically, they are one of the healthiest of all breeds. I'd recommend getting a female as they are a little less prone to wander.

This is how they treat their owners:

Cottonjaw wrote:Just don't get a beagle. My roommate had one, and it was a hellion. They are insane, and seem to be untrainable.

They are trainable, but work best in small groups.

Cottonjaw wrote:Just don't get a beagle. My roommate had one, and it was a hellion. They are insane, and seem to be untrainable.

Your roomate was probably not much of a dog owner. I have had beagles all my life and only ever had problems with one. As I said, females are generally a better choice than males.

Thanks for the comments guys.

I am finding it hard to choose what brred of dog I want.

Response to sillyboy I have heard that Berner Sennen are good dog the only promblem I might have owning one thought is that they are quite furry and in the Aussie heat would be a nightmare.


Repsonse to helgrenze Really? I heard Dobermann are the fith smartest dog in the world. I have thought about Australian shepard and husky mixed At first I was interested in a pure husky but heard they often wander off and are quite wild.

Response to thedarksaint I have good things about boxers. I might consider that 1.


As for deagles. They are a great breed but I think it might a little too small. I will think about whether I want a smaller dog like a deagle or not.

Get another Jack Russell, or a larger fox terrier. They're awesomes.

I Highly recommend the Border Collie. Medium size and a highly intelligent dog, with proper training it can become one of the best companions you can have.

Experience: Lived with dogs all my life from small to large (+ lived on a farm). German shepards are awesome as well yet they require a lot of exercise + and effort.

Cheers.

Get a husky.

I had a long discussion with the wife about it because she wanted a dog and although I am not a dog fan, I was willing to compromise providing we got a husky. That was until I read some husky facts:

1. They aren't good with kids (we have a baby)

2. They chase and kill small furry creatures, like cats (we have 3 cats)

3. They moult vast amounts of hair (I am not keen on the smell of hairy, wet dog)

4. They require enormous amounts of exercise.

The moulting and the exercise I could just about tolerate but I think the potentially eating small children and cats was a bit of a deal breaker.

Still, lovely animals....

Filbert - its honestly just the way you train them. I've seen very gentle Huskies that wouldn't hurt a fly, and others that are... essentially just wild dogs.

Murray wrote:Filbert - its honestly just the way you train them. I've seen very gentle Huskies that wouldn't hurt a fly, and others that are... essentially just wild dogs.

Possibly, quite possibly but not the sort of experiment one subjects one's newborn to.

Go with a Black Labrador. Crazy intelligent, and well... just crazy! I've got one and she's loads of fun - incredibly good-natured.

They need a lot of exercise, but they are fantastic family pets.

go rottweiler

big. right amount of fur for australia i reckon. not as energetic as retrievers and shepherds. loyal to a fault and when trained well wont bark a lot (if at all)

In Australia, I wouldn't reccomend a border collie (I have own multiple collies myself) its too hot for it to exercise properly and constant extreme heat from it would seriously hurt it over a long period of time.

Get a golden retreiver, beauitful dogs if abit dim but very loyal and always a great companion.

Bakerofish wrote:go rottweiler

big. right amount of fur for australia i reckon. not as energetic as retrievers and shepherds. loyal to a fault and when trained well wont bark a lot (if at all)

...plus, if you make your kid a romper-suit made of meat, you won't need a TV.

i think that applies to any ill trained dog Alby. But id feel fine with a rott or a lab with my kid than say a Dalmatian or a chihuahua.

I guess I'm just not into the idea of owning an animal that could kick my ass if it decided to.

The most lovable dogs I have found are English Springer Spaniel, Border Collie and Red Setter. Although Springer Spaniels can be a bit mad and boisterous, but they are gun dogs so can be trained and are very loyal and protective.

Be careful with Doberman. While they can be loyal and protective they can also turn vicious very quickly. I've known a few Dobermen and while not all vicious towards me they were still vicious animals despite being treated well. Ditto for Rottweiller.

You could also condsider German Shepherd/Alsation.

Chaos Lord Gir wrote:In Australia, I wouldn't reccomend a border collie (I have own multiple collies myself) its too hot for it to exercise properly and constant extreme heat from it would seriously hurt it over a long period of time.

Get a golden retreiver, beauitful dogs if abit dim but very loyal and always a great companion.

Funny enough a lot of Australians have border collies.

They dont have much of a problem with the weather here.

Mind you most of the border collies have been here for about 100 years so they may be diffrent from your dogs in the UK.


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Ugavine wrote:The most lovable dogs I have found are English Springer Spaniel, Border Collie and Red Setter. Although Springer Spaniels can be a bit mad and boisterous, but they are gun dogs so can be trained and are very loyal and protective.

Be careful with Doberman. While they can be loyal and protective they can also turn vicious very quickly. I've known a few Dobermen and while not all vicious towards me they were still vicious animals despite being treated well. Ditto for Rottweiller.

You could also condsider German Shepherd/Alsation.

I have heard that Doberman can potentianaly be agressive as with the Rotweiler.

but I have heard from breeders and trainers that they can be wonderful dogs with the right training.

As for a German shepard I think they might be a bit to furry and shed fur alot. Thats why I thought the Doberman was a good breed to choose that and its smart and obedient

You also need to consider where you live and how much exercise your dog will need...

If you have wide open spaces and time for a 14km run every afernoon, get a cattledog X

I'm a big fan of both English Cocker Spaniels and Boxers.

Screw all that. Go to a pound or rescue shelter. Get an old mutt and get a young mutt. They will love you like life itself.

For smarts, the list varies past the top 2..mostly.

The top 2 for brains are the Border Collie and the Standard Poodle.
Down side on the poodle is the grooming, though there was a reason for the original cut.

The down side for the Border Collie is they can get bored easily which can lead to distructive behavior.

If you just want a good dog that is easily trained and usually well behaved, you might want to look at the retriever family, Goldens usually rank in the top 10 for smarts and are often trained as companion and help dogs due to relatively low maintenance and pleasent personality.

If you want an incredibly intelligent and loyal dog, get a weimaraner. They're very high energy, though, so if you don't plan on giving it the exercise it needs then get a different breed.

Another great dog is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Best dogs ever. Very hard headed and stubborn, and hard to train, but they are just fantastic dogs. They are extremely, I mean EXTREMELY, intelligent, but very aloof, making them hard to train; if they don't respect you, they just won't do what you want, so they're really not for beginning dog owners.
We have a beautiful ridgeback that we rescued, and he is a fantastic dog. We think that whoever bred him just threw him out because he is of the larger variety and was born without a ridge, making him unshowable.

If you consider a ridgeback than look for puppies without a ridge because most breeders will probably give them away for less, despite the fact that they are no less of a great dog. Also try rescue organizations or shelters. Try giving a home to a dog that would otherwise not have one.

all dogs have the potential to be nasty if you think about it. except labs and their equivalents IMHO. i have never seen a lab or retriever go beyond the obilgatory baring of teeth. but im sure there are horror stories out there

rotts have a bad rep because of idiots who breed them for viciousness. and yes when theyre vicious they will make you wish you wore brown pants.

but i like well trained rotts with kids because they have thick skin. Kids will sometimes spank pull and pinch and the rott has a high threshhold for that type of play and wont bite as a first instinct.

oh and whatever dog you get try to avoid playing the tug of war game. if theres anything that teaches dogs that biting is a good thing its this game.

If you have to get a specific breed of a dog, get a dachshund, if not get a mutt, because they are by far the smartest.

Now the dachshunds are probably the moving loving dogs you can ask for.

Just take a look at mine and tell me they are not cute as buttons!

Tamaskan!

Mutt.

The actual breeds themselves are unhealthy genetic messes.

Zombie dog.

WarOne wrote:Zombie dog.

[IMG]snip

If I had a dog like that, his name would be Romero for sure.

Melissia wrote:Mutt.

The actual breeds themselves are unhealthy genetic messes.

This:

Crossbred mutts are much healthier then any pure race that have been interbred to much.

For instance: Berner Sennen has a life expectancy of 6 years, with arthritis popping anywhere between 2 to 4 years of age.

My last mutt lived happily to 18 and a half years.

What temperature range does your part of Australia have? Samoyeds are more adaptable than many think and do better in hot weather than many short-nosed dogs (like bulldogs) because most of a dog's cooling is done though the nose. You might find this link interesting: http://www.samoyed.org/heat.html

We got a Sammie last year and I've never met a dog with such a wonderful disposition, they're just amazingly friendly to everyone.

Domesticated Dingo!

Get a greyhound from a rescue center.

they will love you like no other dog.

Brittany Spaniel
Smart, extremely smart, like smart enough to drag a chair across the kitchen to get to a pizza box on the counter.
Very People Centric.
Medium Sized 25-35 lbs.

From Wiki:

The breed was originally bred as a hunting dog and noted for being easy to train and sweet-natured. The breed is generally more sensitive to correction than other hunting breeds, and harsh corrections are often unnecessary.

What that basically means is do not get this dog if your one of those people who things dogs have to be hit to be trained. Brits are easy to break if your mean to them. Their only desire in life is to make their owners happy and respond well to positive reinforcement.

Labrador
Loyal, obedient, eats anything fond of kids.
Fits the bill size wise
shouldn't have too much problems with the climate.

Cheesecat wrote:Domesticated Dingo!

No! It'll eat your baby!


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Could. Not. Resist.


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Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:Labrador
Loyal, obedient, eats anything fond of kids.
Fits the bill size wise
shouldn't have too much problems with the climate.

A comma between "eats anything" and "fond of kids" is required. Lest we think your Labrador eats children. *see dingo above*

Cheesecat wrote:Domesticated Dingo!

Beach Blanket...Dingo duh duh duh!

American Pit Bull Terrier.

Amaya wrote:

American Pit Bull Terrier.

No.

Was a deliberate ommission as per the classic classified listing
couldn't resist.

Labs are usually very well tempered and excellent with children. They rightly have a very good reputation as a family dog.

The other thing to remember though is that they are bred as working dogs and need plenty of exercise.
That goes for a lot of dogs and needs to be taken into account.

I vote for either:

A German Short Haired Pointer



or

A Wired Haired Pointing Griffon





Both of these are great dogs, however the German Short Hair is going to be easier to find as their breeding is much less restricted. They have alot of energy and need alot of exercise. The breeding for the griffon is much more controlled, but they are very laid back.

Eh GSPs are great for hunting, I dont know that I'd one one for a family dog though.

The Griffons are awesome dogs, but be prepared to pay, plus I wonder what their availability is like across the pond?

Think GSP's are generally fine
Friends of mine has a pair of them, and never mentioned any issues regarding their youngster.

But as mentioned they do need a LOT of exrcise!

Golden Retriever, hands down.

My family has had 3 of them so far. They're loyal, loving, and we've never had any real trouble with them.

Frazzled wrote:

Amaya wrote:

American Pit Bull Terrier.

No.

This is my opinion but i don't believe there is an inherently aggressive or ill behaved species of dog it is down to owners , for example many small , cute dogs are extremely vicious whereas i know Staffordshire bull terriers that at scared witless of there own farts.The main reason people associate pit bulls with violent behavior is that they are generally used for dog fighting and as such most obtained specimens are violent.Which will lead to a negative perception of the dogs which is a shame.

Boxer. Loyal, gentle, energetic, sporty, cute and easily trainable. We have 2 and they are the greatest dogs we have every had.

The range in size from about 35-105 boys being larger than girls. (Girls are also much smarter and easier to train - like humans)

They can have some skin problems, and can scratch themselves raw, but a little care on your part can ease this. The upside is they are very social animals and love kids.

Great dog for an active guy.

blackclaw1 wrote:

Frazzled wrote:

Amaya wrote:

American Pit Bull Terrier.

No.

This is my opinion but i don't believe there is an inherently aggressive or ill behaved species of dog it is down to owners , for example many small , cute dogs are extremely vicious whereas i know Staffordshire bull terriers that at scared witless of there own farts.The main reason people associate pit bulls with violent behavior is that they are generally used for dog fighting and as such most obtained specimens are violent.Which will lead to a negative perception of the dogs which is a shame.

They're actually a very gentle breed that is very good with small children. The problem is abusive dog owners prefer pit bulls, and abused dogs and children mix like ammonia and bleach.

I'd personally have to say Rough collie (since I have had 2 [onto my second now]) and they are just great dogs,

Here, have a photo
This is Milo my 2 year old Rough haired border collie. (be aware their hair is hard work !)


In this photo he's about 1 still very pupply like there.

blackclaw1 wrote:

Frazzled wrote:

Amaya wrote:

American Pit Bull Terrier.

No.

This is my opinion but i don't believe there is an inherently aggressive or ill behaved species of dog it is down to owners , for example many small , cute dogs are extremely vicious whereas i know Staffordshire bull terriers that at scared witless of there own farts.The main reason people associate pit bulls with violent behavior is that they are generally used for dog fighting and as such most obtained specimens are violent.Which will lead to a negative perception of the dogs which is a shame.

I disagree. Having had one of these who was as friendly as a clown there is a difference.

1. Lb for Lb pits are some of the most muscular dogs on the planet genetically. Because of this it is easy for them to get out. Mine could jump over the fence from a sitting position, or he could quickly dig under it. Once he just hit the breaks in a run and discovered he didn't have antilock breaks and went through the fence.

2. Although you can train them properly, I'd proffer there are certain breeds that have a more aggressive disposition. The difficulty with a pit is that, if he gets set off, he's like a gun. Whereas we all live in fear of a dottering TBone (come here sonny!) and Shanker is a master of shanking ankles, George could literally shatter cow rib bones as a snack and once crushed a brass door knob because he was bored.

On the other hand, if raised properly (like dogs and not arganic killing machines) they are loyal and love to play. You've not laughed until you've seen a dog jump into a tree and start clinbing after an errant stick.

i see where your coming from there.But the same could be said for most larger species of dogs.I do admit in my experience bull terriers are generaly quite hostile dogs.

to the op -be a real man , by a wolf

Hey OP make sure and let us know when you have picked a dog!!

blackclaw1 wrote:i see where your coming from there.But the same could be said for most larger species of dogs.I do admit in my experience bull terriers are generaly quite hostile dogs.

to the op -be a real man , by a wolf

They aren't they often seem hostile while playing because they are loud and very thickly muscled.

They are known to be among the best dogs for children and such and aren't hard to train.

The only reason that pit bulls have a bad rep is because they are the most powerfull dogs when it comes to power toweight ratio. Not much short of a Irish wolfhound can take one of these guys on ( and even in that match up I wouldn't be suprised to see mister pit bull come out victorious).

Also, as an example, a much more inherently agressive dog is a jack russel. Their just never raised as fighting dogs so it rarely comes out.


Doberman's are bloody cute btw when you don't mutilate their ears and tail

Thanks for the comments I finding it harder to choose what dog I want.

To replie Cheesecat I was thinking of getting a dingo here but they are rather wild dogs and need a great amount of care.

It would be a dog I might get if I ever settled down and had a family and got some large property.

They need alot of attention and need a good amount of space to wander I would also need to fence off alot of area.

I have heard their wonderful dogs and are needing homes to support the species as they are becoming indangered fue to cross breeding.

It might not seem like such a big problem but its big concern when their are little amount wild ones left.

Its beleived by 2020 they might become endangered.

As for those who think I should get a pitbull I cant they are illegal in my state as for most states in Australia.

Yak9UT wrote:

Its beleived by 2020 they might become endangered.

I don't see how that is a problem when it concerns a non-indiginous and even damaging species.

Redbeard wrote:What temperature range does your part of Australia have? Samoyeds are more adaptable than many think and do better in hot weather than many short-nosed dogs (like bulldogs) because most of a dog's cooling is done though the nose. You might find this link interesting: http://www.samoyed.org/heat.html

We got a Sammie last year and I've never met a dog with such a wonderful disposition, they're just amazingly friendly to everyone.

We have freak temperatures here in Victoria its either really hot 30 to a maxuim of 45 degrees celsius or very cool from 7 to 20 dgrees celcius.

But I know a guy who owns 1 and apart from sheeding alot of fur I've heard hes able to cope with Aussie weather.

And they are teedy bears they are so gentle and playful.


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Soladrin wrote:

Yak9UT wrote:

Its beleived by 2020 they might become endangered.

I don't see how that is a problem when it concerns a non-indiginous and even damaging species.

They have been here for about 3000 years and are classed as native animals here as they have evolved in that time they have been here.

My bad then, was not aware of the duration, I thought it was at most a few centuries

Labrador Retriever! best dog, imho.

alarmingrick wrote:Labrador Retriever! most boring dog on the face of this planet, imho.

Fixed it

Soladrin wrote:

alarmingrick wrote:Labrador Retriever! most boring dog on the face of this planet, imho.

Ruined it

Refixed it!

Haha, I know the individual dogs are great, but what dog isn't?

My point is EVERYONE and their dad has a labrador. When I walk around town about one third is a labrador, and over half is some sort of retriever. That really just put me off retrievers.

Soladrin wrote:Haha, I know the individual dogs are great, but what dog isn't?

You nailed it, Sol! "your" dog is the greatest just like "your" kid is the greatest.

I have the laziest mutt I know, do other people see that as a good thing? Not all of them? Do I, yes! It's fantastic to see him do nothing but destroy the cats toys out of spite all day.

I would second the idea of checking your local rescue center.

Yea, only place I really ever look for a dog, you either connect with one or you don't. I wouldn't even go looking for anything specific, as long as it fits in my house.

Yak9UT wrote:Thanks for the comments I finding it harder to choose what dog I want.

To replie Cheesecat I was thinking of getting a dingo here but they are rather wild dogs and need a great amount of care.

It would be a dog I might get if I ever settled down and had a family and got some large property.

They need alot of attention and need a good amount of space to wander I would also need to fence off alot of area.

I have heard their wonderful dogs and are needing homes to support the species as they are becoming indangered fue to cross breeding.

It might not seem like such a big problem but its big concern when their are little amount wild ones left.

Its beleived by 2020 they might become endangered.

As for those who think I should get a pitbull I cant they are illegal in my state as for most states in Australia.

Yeah dingo's can be pretty deadly (it was more of a joke anyways considering that you're Australian and all) especially in packs.





But they look so cute! Awwwww!!!

The Problem is with me getting a adult dog from a dog shellter is that I dont know if they will be use to other animals and can be harder to train.

I have a cat and while hes a good cat I'm worried that they wont get along.

I was going more for a puppy rather then a full grown adult as I would be able to train it to a higher level.

Just make sure if you do go to the pound to get one, when you tell people about it, please don't say you rescued it.

You did it because it was free.

I'd say German Shepherd. Lovely dogs, they were used by the Germans in their wars for a reason.

Cheesecat wrote:

Yak9UT wrote:Thanks for the comments I finding it harder to choose what dog I want.

To replie Cheesecat I was thinking of getting a dingo here but they are rather wild dogs and need a great amount of care.

It would be a dog I might get if I ever settled down and had a family and got some large property.

They need alot of attention and need a good amount of space to wander I would also need to fence off alot of area.

I have heard their wonderful dogs and are needing homes to support the species as they are becoming indangered fue to cross breeding.

It might not seem like such a big problem but its big concern when their are little amount wild ones left.

Its beleived by 2020 they might become endangered.

As for those who think I should get a pitbull I cant they are illegal in my state as for most states in Australia.

Yeah dingo's can be pretty deadly (it was more of a joke anyways considering that you're Australian and all) especially in packs.





But they look so cute! Awwwww!!!

I agree they a wonderful looking dogs but as I said in prevous post I just couldn't support it.

Get an Irish Wolfhound if you want to be special. They so cute!

Soladrin wrote:Get an Irish Wolfhound if you want to be special. They so cute!

Wow I don't know about that 1.

Way too big.

Its almost as big as a great dane.

Soladrin wrote:Get an Irish Wolfhound if you want to be special. They so cute!

and if you need a ride to work, they have covered too!

Yak9UT wrote:

Soladrin wrote:Get an Irish Wolfhound if you want to be special. They so cute!

Wow I don't know about that 1.

Way too big.

Its almost as big as a great dane.

Actualy, these are taller, it's the tallest species Justnot the biggest (Mass).

Oh, and they don't drool!

Yeah but those supersize dogs all have very short lifespans.

My aunt and uncle are on their second great dane now after the first bought the farm age 10. You don't get enough time with them imo.

Full sized poodles are actually around the same size as a doberman, do not shed, have short hair, are usually intelligent, and don't have the stereotypical french cut. I would suggest either a full sized poodle or some hybrid of a poodle, like a schoodle/snickerdoodle (schnauzer-poodle), a goldendoodle (golden retriever-poodle), or a cockapoo (cocker spanial-poodle).

Yes, they have horrid names, but they are good dogs.

MeanGreenStompa wrote:Yeah but those supersize dogs all have very short lifespans.

My aunt and uncle are on their second great dane now after the first bought the farm age 10. You don't get enough time with them imo.

10? That's actually really old for a great dane.

And I agree, almost all the "special" breeds are crap when it comes to their genes etc.


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micahaphone wrote:Full sized poodles are actually around the same size as a doberman, do not shed, have short hair, are usually intelligent, and don't have the stereotypical french cut. I would suggest either a full sized poodle or some hybrid of a poodle, like a schoodle/snickerdoodle (schnauzer-poodle), a goldendoodle (golden retriever-poodle), or a cockapoo (cocker spanial-poodle).

Yes, they have horrid names, but they are good dogs.

You forgot the Labradoodle.

I say the thread owner posts a pick of himself then we try to find a dog that looks the most like him, as I'm a firm believer in a dog owner should look like their dog.

Soladrin wrote:Labrador Retriever! most amazing dog on the face of this planet, imho.

Fixed it back again to truly represent the breed

For the honour of my much missed Labrador, Sally, I will not stand for such disreputable slanders against Labs sirrah!
You are an ignorant buffoon and a blackguard.

I demand satisfaction! *slaps Soladarin across face with kid gloves*
Croissants at dawn!!!

With a bit of luck there will be seconds!


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ps fwiw Sally my Lab was from a rescue centre.
It is a good call MGS

AKITA!

Nothing as cool as having a dog-shaped bear. Very lovable, very smart as well. Not so good with little stuff (like cats), since they are instinctive hunt dogs.

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:

Soladrin wrote:Labrador Retriever! most amazing dog on the face of this planet, imho.

Fixed it back again to truly represent the breed

For the honour of my much missed Labrador, Sally, I will not stand for such disreputable slanders against Labs sirrah!
You are an ignorant buffoon and a blackguard.

I demand satisfaction! *slaps Soladarin across face with kid gloves*
Croissants at dawn!!!

With a bit of luck there will be seconds!


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ps fwiw Sally my Lab was from a rescue centre.
It is a good call MGS

For a second there I misread your post and thought you called your dog MeanGreenStompa.

lol
Will bear the name in mind if I ever have another pup...

OP - i had a German Shepard on the farm, they are strong dogs and are very active. If you want a dog that fits that description.. well yea look into it. They are also good dogs to train with and are timid with other animals. (Australian heat doesn't bother them... as well as border collies). I had a German Shepard called stone, was an amazing dog (unfortunately died as he got bitten by a red belly). For the whole time we had him on the farm he didn't attack/kill a single rabbit/chicken/cat which isn't bad to be honest - i would seriously recommend it as a dog (loyal as feth too). They are also a large breed (but not stupidly large) and commonly get arthritis at old age.

TL;DR Get a german shepard.

I just recently lost my Great Dane, Ellie.

She was 14 years old(!) and one of the most loyal dogs I'd ever seen.

She was thick as two short planks, but followed orders perfectly, never barked, was great with my young cousins and absolutely terrifing if you didn't know her.

Food bills are ridiculous though.

Sorry to hear about Ellie Sarge :(
Good age for a big dog but bet you miss her lots.

MeanGreenStompa wrote:I would second the idea of checking your local rescue center.

Bumped.


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Yak9UT wrote:The Problem is with me getting a adult dog from a dog shellter is that I dont know if they will be use to other animals and can be harder to train.

I have a cat and while hes a good cat I'm worried that they wont get along.

I was going more for a puppy rather then a full grown adult as I would be able to train it to a higher level.

Older dogs can be trained but usually don't have to be. They tend to be more mellow and freaking glad they have a home.


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Mattlov wrote:AKITA!

Nothing as cool as having a dog-shaped bear. Very lovable, very smart as well. Not so good with little stuff (like cats), since they are instinctive hunt dogs.

Wait you say it like its a bad thing...

Soladrin wrote:

Melissia wrote:Mutt.

The actual breeds themselves are unhealthy genetic messes.

This:

Crossbred mutts are much healthier then any pure race that have been interbred to much.

For instance: Berner Sennen has a life expectancy of 6 years, with arthritis popping anywhere between 2 to 4 years of age.

My last mutt lived happily to 18 and a half years.

MOSTLY true...

I had a purebred Cattledog (which is the result of 100 years of crossbreeding as a breed itself) who lived to 15. When he got sick it was over in a matter of days though, not some sort of slow-deterioration other Purebreds suffer...

Eg. Small dogs have weak hearts and poor tendons; while larger dogs suffer from cardio issues and shorter lifespans...

My aunt has a Female German Shepard.

Best dog ever,but maybe not if you have kids.

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:Think GSP's are generally fine
Friends of mine has a pair of them, and never mentioned any issues regarding their youngster.

But as mentioned they do need a LOT of exrcise!

Damn Internet and not conveying full meaning. What I really ment is with a family its hard to find time to exercise GSP's the way the need to be, which is pretty much every day. I've owned one when I was younger one of the best bird dogs I've ever owned but he had to be run a couple miles every night or he turned into a daemon spawn from the warp and destroyed things due to boredom.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
As far as the centers go most breeds have a organization dedicated to rescuing them.

For instance for Brittany's there is http://www.nbran.org for labs http://www.lab-rescue.com/

Just google the breed, alot of times a rescue from a foster home is easier to adopt because they've had more human interaction than a pound dog.

Yup
My freinds' GSP's get walked by someone they know and get a good work out.

This is pretty much the case for any dog especially if bred for working. They need to be worked out physically and mentally.

I would love a dog again but don't feel I could give the commitment required

Get a french bulldog. They are insane.

Go to a local shelter and adopt.

I strongly disagree with people buying from breeders, to the point where I hyperbolically wish harm upon them, despite that probably doing my argument more harm than good.

I was going to suggest an Akita but I don't know how it would fare with the weather you have.

Some breeders are in it just to exploit and make as much dollar as poss with little regard for the customer and especially the dogs and it is disgusting.
Some however are breeder because that is their love and they care for their dogs.

Albeit it is preferable imho that rescue centres are considered .

It is also worth checking the breed associations as they do get rehoming requests.

The breeder that I dealt with to get my puppy was excellent. My wife and I called up one day and asked if we could stop by and see the dogs. They were all well cared for and had plenty of space. The kennels were kept clean - and this is all dropping in with about 30 minutes notice.

I have nothing against rescue centers (I do have something against puppy mills and the pet stores that sell those dogs), but to say that anyone going to a breeder is wrong is extreme. I'm not all that comfortable around dogs in general, due to some childhood experiences, and I don't want someone else's problem dog. Raising a puppy is a lot of work, but is very rewarding when you get a well behaved and socialized animal as a result.

daedalus-templarius wrote:Go to a local shelter and adopt.

I strongly disagree with people buying from breeders, to the point where I hyperbolically wish harm upon them, despite that probably doing my argument more harm than good.

Isn' RED reserved for MOD voices?

I assumed it was some sort of unwritten law...

But your point is valid, so I guess we can allow it

Met a lovely lady who had acquired a Miniature* Schnauzeur (spelling?) having just lost her old dog.
The dog was extremely nervous. Turns out she had been used as a breeding factory and as soon as ome litter was weaned she was readied for the next batch.

Once the poor thing s "useful" life was over she was no longer economically viable. Thankfully she found a loving and caring home with the lady.

Not all breeders thankfully are as unscrupulous and are like Redbeard describes. It is worth checking out the breeder's background.

*nb nothing to do with 28mm figures

Yeah, puppy mills are rife here in Pennsylvannia and they are foul and barbaric places of dog misery.

If you get a dog from a shelter here they are always fully tested for any problems and they either tell you what they are, or, if to extreme they won't be giving it to people.

At the Moment I'm still decieding what dog I want.

I'm still moving in favour of the doberman as it looks like a good dog when its not docked and cropped as its illegal to do it here in Australia anyway.

I like it because its a purpose made mutt having the genetics of alot of dogs selected to make it what it is.

I don't know about alot of the hairy breeds as I imagine they are gonna shed alot and thats just not what I want.

as for buying from a breeder or a dog home/kennel I not sure as to which I should buy from.

I kind of want a puppy alot more as I said I have a cat as well as being able train it easier. Ialso want it while its still young so it wont die on me after about 3 years.

And I imagine alot of the dogs at the kennels are older dogs and not so much puppies.

But if their are pups in the kennel I will check them out.

You'd be surprised
Pups tend to go quickly. Sally was 6-8 months old when I got her.

Again might be worth checking any Dobe Associations in Aus for rehoming.
People's lives change and they may no longer be able to have a dog.

Melkhiordarkblade wrote:My aunt has a Female German Shepard.

Best dog ever,but maybe not if you have kids.

Misnomer. Me and my sister were practically raised by an Alsation. As babies we'd ride it, pull its tail and have a close look at its food whilst it was eating. It never ever bit us, and loved us unti the day it died. My dad had also trained it so well that it could be commanded with a specific type of look he gave it.
Fantastic dogs.

AvatarForm wrote:

daedalus-templarius wrote:Go to a local shelter and adopt.

I strongly disagree with people buying from breeders, to the point where I hyperbolically wish harm upon them, despite that probably doing my argument more harm than good.

Isn' RED reserved for MOD voices?

I assumed it was some sort of unwritten law...

But your point is valid, so I guess we can allow it

It was edited by a mod, because my language before was much more colorful.

Please don't buy a dog from a breeder, shelters are overflowing with excellent pets.
http://www.petfinder.com

Have a rottweiler ignore what you here in the media about them, their great dogs really loyal and once trained will follow your every command plus they can be very affectionate.

Dobermans are excellent dogs, but only if your an experienced at training dogs.

If you are serious about getting one of them, you need to do your reading, it's not an easy thing to train them.

It takes a lot of discipline, and it's something you have to work at everyday. If you can't put that kind of time and effort into it, then I would not suggest a doberman.

The fact is, Dobermans are one of the smartest breeds of dog, coming in at #5 on Stanley Coren's List. If you train them very well, they can learn almost anything, and will be very obedient. This is a tough thing to do for a first time trainer. If this is the case, I would highly suggest a different breed.

If you are looking for a certain breed, I know here in the USA they have Breed Particular rescues, in which you can get dogs from, as well as shelters. You may consider looking into that down there in Aussie as well.

Either way, Good luck in your Dog Search!

Manchu wrote: I have had beagles all my life and only ever had problems with one. As I said, females are generally a better choice than males.

Knew you were a good man...this just confirmed it.

To the OP, I really recommend thinking about your living situation etc. as some others have said and picking your dog accordingly. It's really not about what's a great dog, it's about what's a great dog for your situation. Case in point, my brother bought a vizsla years ago when he was living in a city apartment. Yeeeeeah. They didn't know the dog can...wait, scratch that...MUST run miles every day or else they're up all night. Fortunately, he now has a 2-acre plot and everyone's doing fine. Do your research.

Sure, you won't get any points for originality, but there's a reason why Labs are pretty much the most popular dog in the world.

And as you can see...they don't need constant exercise.

daedalus-templarius wrote:Go to a local shelter and adopt.

I strongly disagree with people buying from breeders, to the point where I hyperbolically wish harm upon them, despite that probably doing my argument more harm than good.

Respect.

I'll always buy from a breeder, only because I want to see the parents, see if their noses are very good, how they hold a point, are they gun shy.

I buy my dogs with a specific purpose in mind though, killing pheasant and grouse.

There is nothing wrong with a legit breeder. Note: you do not find them in stores.

R3con wrote:
There is nothing wrong with a legit breeder. Note: you do not find them in stores.

+ eleventy-billion!

I love mutts, and I wish every animal sitting alone in a shelter could find a home, but a militant "breeders are evil" stance bugs the hell out of me. There's a world of difference between a breeder and a responsible breeder. Breed registries exist for a reason, and it's not just so pretentious d-bags can carry on about how special their dogs are.

I heart my American Eskimo, Ariel. They're also called a spitz or something like that. That's what they call her when I take her to the vet, but that's such an unladylike name.

Anyway Eskie's are medium sized, around 25-30 pounds or so, and very sweet and loving dogs. Or at least mine is. Only real drawback is the grooming, you must brush their hair at least once a week if not daily. If you do it every day you can just do it quick but once a week you'll have to spend more time. If you don't keep em groomed good, their hair gets tangles and matts real easy.

R3con wrote:I'll always buy from a breeder, only because I want to see the parents, see if their noses are very good, how they hold a point, are they gun shy.

I buy my dogs with a specific purpose in mind though, killing pheasant and grouse.

There is nothing wrong with a legit breeder. Note: you do not find them in stores.

Toatally agree with this! I only buy from breeders, I buy my dogs for a very specific purpose and I want to know what i'm getting. I want to see the dogs parents and their papers, this isn't possible when you get a dog from a shelter.

Now with that being said, I'm glad there are people willing to get a dog from a shelter, but its not for me.

Necros wrote:I heart my American Eskimo, Ariel. They're also called a spitz or something like that. That's what they call her when I take her to the vet, but that's such an unladylike name.

LOL. Kinda like saying retriever, spitz is a type of dog that encompasses a lot of breeds: thick-haired, curled tail, everything from pomeranians to huskies to elkhounds.

Dachshunds. Silly little dogs.

I'd also recommend a BIG FAT DOG. Fat pets are funny and full of character. Especially fat cats.

hungryp wrote:

R3con wrote:
There is nothing wrong with a legit breeder. Note: you do not find them in stores.

+ eleventy-billion!

I love mutts, and I wish every animal sitting alone in a shelter could find a home, but a militant "breeders are evil" stance bugs the hell out of me. There's a world of difference between a breeder and a responsible breeder. Breed registries exist for a reason, and it's not just so pretentious d-bags can carry on about how special their dogs are.

Wait its not? Which dogs outside of working dogs are not bred for such?

As hard as it is to believe, even the lamest of dogs was a working breed at some point.