Author Topic: Dogs (Read 849 times)

glocke · « **on:** May 18, 2007, 06:57:01 PM »

I am giving serious thought to getting a Dog, and am looking for any input from people here as to recomendations...

Not real small, not real large, and not a major shedder...Just a medium sized dog that is intelligent, likes to play,can withstand a ten mile day hike, but isnt overly energetic where they are spastic(knows how to be mellow), and is gentle and tolerant of elderly people and children....

Currently, I am looking at yellow labs...They sound like what I am looking for, but so far I have met two...One is a playful dog, but knows how to chill, the other is somewhat of a spaz (likes to jump on people), although I suspect the latter one may be neglected and didnt have good training...

Any thoughts/suggestions?

rraymond · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2007, 07:33:20 PM »

Glocke, look no further. In poll after poll, and for years, labs have been the top dog for families, and for the reasons you mention. Just to make sure, I did a google search on what are the best dogs for a family. The sites I went to all had labs at the top. I don't currently own a dog, but I remembered that the lab was the numero uno choice forever.

Good luck with the hunt!

Reid

olieoliver · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2007, 07:46:43 PM »

Well I think I can give some input here. We have 4 dogs that reside at the Oliver household. 2 Chihuahuas, a Rat terrier and a Golden retriever.

The Chihuahua?s are small but down right mean, a Pit-Bulls mean disposition has nothing on a Chihuahua?s. The Rat Terrier is a med-small dog, very tame and docile. But they are a little moody sometimes but not in a hostile way, more of a melancholy way.
But the best is the Golden Retriever. She?s very smart, fairly large and very friendly.

I think if you go with a Lab, Retriever or even an Irish setter. These are all very good family pets.

One thing to keep in mind is the short haired dogs to tend to shed more than the longer hair dogs.

Olie

olieoliver · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2007, 07:58:15 PM »

Here ya' go. Eates very little , hardly ever barks and never, I mean NEVER ever shapoopoo's in the house.

flaxattack · « **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2007, 08:58:03 PM »

get a mutt mix puppy and save a life.
less medical breed issues too

chuck · « **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2007, 09:27:50 PM »

Agree with above.Rescue a lab or lab mix female puppy and have the best of both worlds.Great home defenders to.
Chuck

dannobasso · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2007, 02:59:37 AM »

Ollie is on the right track. Sony makes a lovely robotic dog. Just as costly as an organic but without the ongoing investment and hygiene issues. OTOH I always thought Chow Chows were cool looking.

the_mule · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2007, 03:09:58 AM »

My top dog: English Cocker Spaniel
Great dogs, very friendly and faithful.
Friends for life...

Wilfred

glocke · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2007, 04:36:10 AM »

actually I am giving serious thought to a pound dog or a rescue dog, but part of the issue is I will soon be having my elderly mother living with me, and since the dog would be a daytime companion for her, thats why I would kind of like to stick with a breed known for its intelligence, tolerance and gentleness....

georgie_boy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2007, 05:44:24 AM »

The Golden Retriever!!!
They are the ultimate companion & friend. Clever, caring & so affectionate.
You will never regret it

G

flaxattack · « **Reply #10 on:** May 19, 2007, 06:33:25 AM »

glocke
that leaves out cannus georgus bushis!

bracheen · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2007, 07:33:22 AM »

All the above are good recommendations. Another one that meets your criteria, especially non shedding is the Airedale. Very smart, loyal, low maintenance, and just a bit smaller than the Lab. Any dog without training can be a spaz. The most gentle dog I've ever had was an Irish Wolfhound but probably a little bigger than you're looking for. Another rule of thumb to keep in mind is the larger the dog, the shorter the life span generally speaking.
Sam

olieoliver · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2007, 08:12:22 AM »

My Golden retriever is actually a retreiver/ chow mix. And she is smart as a whip.

You may even think of a Blue Heeler. Probably the smartest breed I've ever seen.
Check this dog out

tom_z · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2007, 11:16:18 AM »

Greg - I can't say enough about Labs. They are very sweet and gentle. Also, I'll second the idea that any dog that is not exercised and cared for properly can be pretty wild. Here are a couple of pix of our current Lab, Harry - he's over 10 years old now and very mellow. Incidentally, he's been at the Alembic shop where Susan, Mica, and Mary were so good to him.

... and in his favorite position.

Peace
Tom

keith_h · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2007, 01:12:32 PM »

What about a Springer Spaniel? Mid-sized and pretty good personalty.

I will also suggest mixed breeds. My dog through high school was a German Shepard and Collie mix. He was one of the most well natured and easily trained dogs I've owned. He had the build of a Shepard but the coloring of a Collie.

Then there are the various Retrievers as has been suggested. I've owned a Golden Retriever. A great people dog but Rusty never quite learned we are boring if you get my drift.

Remember that most any dog is still an adolescent for a the first few years. The real mellowing takes place after this and training is very important.

Keith