What type of dog do you have? What type should I get?

redz_rule

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I have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross. She was a rescue pup and is the sweetest dog in the world - absolutely adores people but she is frickin nuts.
 

ruffboy

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Never heard or seen an epileptic beagle come for a reputable breeder, so I'm surprised. I guess I misspoke.

had a fantastic beagle for 14 years, she never had anything like epilepsy. she was a total freaking HANDFUL for the first 4-5 years though! talk about a dog with personality though, beagles will own your heart
 

D_Elvetta Boombooms

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had a fantastic beagle for 14 years, she never had anything like epilepsy. she was a total freaking HANDFUL for the first 4-5 years though! talk about a dog with personality though, beagles will own your heart

Mine looooooooves to dig in the mud and play with just about anything that moves. It can be a pain at times, but I wouldn't wish her any different. The only thing I dislike about the breed is their bark.
 

Intrigue

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I own two rescues. Fell into my lap really. One pomeranian( that is a larger type) black, and a Shepard/lab mix. I wouldn't recommend the shep unless you are an active person. It all depends on your demeanor. Are you an outside person? Do you like activity? Or do you prefer to stay in? Even then you will need to work to keep your dog healthy and happy. My Pomeranian, even though he wasn't my favorite at first, has grown on me substantially. And he is wicked smart to boot. A great snuggler and protective to a fault. Great dog cept his bark is so damned high pitched it WILL deafen you.
 

Countryguy63

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Hey Patrick,

I'm going to suggest a breed that many have not heard of, but being from the South, you may have.

Ever consider a Catahoula? Very well mannered dogs (past the puppy stage :cool:). People pleasers, and very loyal. You just can't beat their personalities. They, like some others, can take a firm hand, but extrememly smart and affectionate. They are very active, but all of mine would find ways to entertain themselves (current one will grab a toy/stick and play by herself for hours)

I have had 4. 2 pures, 2 Cat/crosses. The first one I had to rehome because of school (he was a very good hog-dog and went to a hunting buddy, the next 2 were with me until death (14 and 11 yrs old), and my current one will be with me as long as she is alive (A few of the members here have met her). Even the crosses have exhibited the Catahoula behavior caracteristics.

I mention the crosses, because that's what you will mostly find in shelter / rescue situations.

I have a ton of stories about each dog, but one of the most memorable was my last one. One of the bad things about him, was that since my daughters were so young when I got him, he matured believing that I was the Alpha, and he was 2nd in command. If I wasn't home, he believed that he was in charge and wouldn't listen to my gf or my daughters.
However, on his own, he became one of the best guard dogs I've ever had. That's not what may immediately come to mind.....

Now, realize that I am NOT a dog trainer. I can train simple stuff, or even for sports events, but what he did was self taught.

If someone knocked on the door, or came onto the property while the girls were outside and I wasn't home, he would place himself between the stranger and my gf/daughters. He never barked or made a sound, unless the stranger would reach out,or try to get closer to them. Then, all he would do was a short, deep growl, and that was enough to give them a clue. According to my gf, he never showed teeth, or barked, or lunged, just the growl.

Unfortunately, I never got to witness this because if I was home, he considered his duties over, lol.

I know you didn't ask to hear all of this, but thanks for the chance to remember "Bruiser".

Check 'em out on the web. Very attractive dogs too.

My partner has a Basenji. They are small and don't have the ability to bark. Great for single people (content to lay around almost all day :smile:), but has issues with strangers and other animals. Not sure what your situation is, but could be a possibility.

If breed isn't real important, I'm a huge supporter of pound/shelter "mutts".

And this isn't for you, since you know better :wink:, but for the unsuspecting dog novice who may be considering a new family member, NEVER buy from a Pet Store :mad:!! Disaster waiting to happen :frown1:
 

wallaboi

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It's been more that five years since my last canine companion passed away and i have spent a large part of that time considering what breed of dog and how i could intergrate a new dog into my current lifestyle. So i suppose i'm not well qualified to offer advice on dog breeds for you, when i can't decide for myself! I do know however, how much i miss the feeling of wellbeing and contentment a dog can bring to your life.

One consideration which i don't think has been mentioned yet is cost. My last dog was a bull mastiff x rotweiler/great dane. At 70kg in his maturity he was a large dog! Although, he didn't eat all that much more than my other much smaller dog (kelpie x aussie cattle dog) he did cost a lot more in terms of general health care and maintenance. Things like worming, vaccination, flea and tick control. In the later stages of his life he afflicted with osteomeletis and had to be treated with mega doses of antibiotics and also had some surgery. The cost for such a large animal was very high. Now, i would never begrudge the money i spent to keep him healthy, but i think it should be a consideration for people thinking about getting a large breed of dog.

It's great to hear all the wonderful stories about your doggie friends who have enriched your life so much.
 

RawDog

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From experience I've found the best way to work around the loss of a dog (and I've had 5) is to get a second dog when the first dog is about 2-1/2 to 3 years old. It seems like a puppy generally gets destructive until about 2 or 3 then just "gets it". That's the age I usually adopt a new puppy for him/her to start raising.

Once the older dog dies, and those have been the shittiest times of my life, you'll always have a younger dog to help you get through the rough spot. Eventually this dog would need a puppy to raise as well.

Just my two cents on how to cope with the loss. My second dog was about 13 years after my first dog died (I just never got over him) and I haven't been without a dog for the last 17 years.
 

ruffboy

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Mine looooooooves to dig in the mud and play with just about anything that moves. It can be a pain at times, but I wouldn't wish her any different. The only thing I dislike about the breed is their bark.

you'll miss it though when she moves on ;-( mine loved singing with me whilst playing the harmonica ;-p
 

D_Hey Sailor

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From experience I've found the best way to work around the loss of a dog (and I've had 5) is to get a second dog when the first dog is about 2-1/2 to 3 years old. It seems like a puppy generally gets destructive until about 2 or 3 then just "gets it". That's the age I usually adopt a new puppy for him/her to start raising.

YES!

We had a Beabull who got a heart murmur at the 1.5 year mark, and then got him (us :biggrin1:) a buddy bulldog. It was a lot easier dealing with the puppy when there was a mature dog around, and it really does help soften the loss of another dog.


I should waste your time typing 5,000 words about what I think the best dog is and why, but everyone has their own preference. You should frequent the local dog park and get acquainted with some people and their dogs. You might find a breed you didn't know about that has a lot of qualities you really like! Much more useful to you than textimonials from biased pet lovers (like me) :lick:, plus you get to pet them!
 

umami_tsunami

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Chows and chow mixes are common in shelters. They are very cute and cuddly looking as pups, but grow up to be independent, somewhat aloof and obstinate. If you can get through some behavioral quirks, though, there is no more loyal or adaptable companion or guard dog. They have a bit of a negative reputation, but like most dogs of that stripe, the handling and love they get dictates behavior. They do well with relatively little space and activity compared to other dogs their size. I had one for 17 years and we lived in homes with very small yards/gardens in Los Angeles, Denver, DC, NYC, Philly. She was incredibly healthy robust, traveled exceptionally well and gave us more security than any alarm system ever could. She always got one or two good daily walks, but never got manic or destroyed anything if not active for a while. They are also insanely clean and neutral smelling dogs. Like most breeds they can have hip problems and are sometimes known to have eye issues, but there will be drawbacks to any breed.

I miss my baby so much it hurts. It's been 2.5 years since she's been gone and I'm still not ready yet.
 

ThunderGod62

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Have a beagle and a beagle/sheltie cross. Absolutely love the breed and can't really see getting anything else, though they sure keep you on your toes!

Even my friends who've been around dogs all their lives can't get used to the fact that you can't take your eye off of food for even a second...
 

dolfette

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