What kind of dog should I get?

[Chris]

So, I am thinking about getting a dog this summer, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of which breed to get?  I will probably adopt, so I may not have that much choice between breeds, but it would be good to have some direction.  I know I don't want a really little dog (been there, not going back), but other than that, I am pretty open.

[Greenbean]

If you are going to adopt, I bet you can find one of these buggers somewhere...



Labs are awesome.

[FatKidsDad]

Forget about breed.

Go to the shelter and start visiting dogs.

Sit with them.

Take them for a walk.

When you and your dog find each other, you'll both know.

It may turn out to be a dog you never thought you would consider.

You know, kind of like finding the right woman. (Don't tell the Fat Kid's Mom I wrote that )

And don't be in a rush.  It may take several visits.

[MattG12]

Forget about breed.

Go to the shelter and start visiting dogs.

Sit with them.

Take them for a walk.

When you and your dog find each other, you'll both know.

It may turn out to be a dog you never thought you would consider.

You know, kind of like finding the right woman. (Don't tell the Fat Kid's Mom I wrote that )

And don't be in a rush.  It may take several visits.

Exactly. TP. I really wish you posted more because I've liked everything I've read posted by you.

[lon3lytoaster]

That one.

[feckless]

Tried and true female golden retrievers have had the best personalities for me.  We live on a farm and usually have 3 dogs -we've tried Labs, Aussies, beagles, various setters and some mutts & while we have had many really good dogs 2 out of my top 3 were Goldens or Golden mix--caring for their coat is the only drawback.

I should add that we always pick cats exactly as FatKidsDad suggests and it has worked great.

[GreenFaith1819]

Forget about breed.

Go to the shelter and start visiting dogs.

Sit with them.

Take them for a walk.

When you and your dog find each other, you'll both know.

It may turn out to be a dog you never thought you would consider.

You know, kind of like finding the right woman. (Don't tell the Fat Kid's Mom I wrote that )

And don't be in a rush.  It may take several visits.

Tommy Point.

We are also in the market for a Dog..full grown or puppy. Maybe two of them?

We are looking at getting one prior to Christmas. I will certainly follow these suggestions, so Thanks.

I've had three dogs in my life, but not one in the last 25-30 years because I've been gone so much.

Now that I'm on a routine, it should be easier to care for one, or two.

[Edgar]

Forget about breed.

Go to the shelter and start visiting dogs.

Sit with them.

Take them for a walk.

When you and your dog find each other, you'll both know.

It may turn out to be a dog you never thought you would consider.

You know, kind of like finding the right woman. (Don't tell the Fat Kid's Mom I wrote that )

And don't be in a rush.  It may take several visits.

Tommy Point.

We are also in the market for a Dog..full grown or puppy. Maybe two of them?

We are looking at getting one prior to Christmas. I will certainly follow these suggestions, so Thanks.

I've had three dogs my life, but not one in the last 25-30 years because I've been gone so much.

Now that I'm on a routine, it should be easier to care for one, or two.

this is the way to go
I promess to myself the next dog i will get ( even if i love my goldens) will be a shelter one and of course i dont think i will find a golden there
Then i will go with the all american that gives me the best look like in take me home please i will do whichever mess i want and i will not care about it, cause thats style. and dogs have a free pass in my house

[nickagneta]

http://www.boxerrescue.com/available_dogs.htm

[green tea]

So, I am thinking about getting a dog this summer, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of which breed to get?  I will probably adopt, so I may not have that much choice between breeds, but it would be good to have some direction.  I know I don't want a really little dog (been there, not going back), but other than that, I am pretty open.

Hi Chris,

I'm really into dogs.  Before you decide, you also have to ask yourself a few questions:

1) What is your living situation like?  Do you live in an apartment or a home with a yard?
2) How much time will you have to spend with your dog?
3) What sort of qualities do you WANT in your dog?  Do you want him/her to be active, or do you just want a sidekick who will lay down at your feet while you're typing at the computer?

Surprisingly, a lot goes in to choosing the right dog.  What's right for one person will NOT be right for another.  It truly depends on your personality and your lifestyle. 

If you are active, energetic, and have the time to put into training, then there are plenty of awesome breeds (border collie, wiemeraner, australian shepherd).  And there are plenty of pure breeds or mixed breed sporting/working dogs at local shelters. 

If you are into loyalty and trainability, then it's hard to go wrong with with a labrador or golden retriever.  Heck, if you're open to it, the right pitbull makes an awesomely loyal dog. 

Keep in mind that the typical breed traits you may read about are ONLY general characteristics.  Like people, dogs vary greatly in terms of personality and energy level.  Ultimately, it will boil down to you actually spending some time with the dog in real life before you make the decision. 

If you decide to find a breeder, then make sure you find a QUALITY breeder.  And if the breeder has a recent litter of puppies, then make sure you know the steps to take to test its temperament.  You want to avoid both the least energetic, and the most energetic puppy. 

If you decide to go to a shelter, ask if they are willing to let you spend an entire day with the dog before you decide.  That will give you enough time to decide if a certain dog may be a good fit for you. 

Good luck!
green tea

[Mr October]

Forget about breed.

Go to the shelter and start visiting dogs.

Sit with them.

Take them for a walk.

When you and your dog find each other, you'll both know.

It may turn out to be a dog you never thought you would consider.

You know, kind of like finding the right woman. (Don't tell the Fat Kid's Mom I wrote that )

And don't be in a rush.  It may take several visits.

Agreed whole heartily. I'm in the process of hopefully landing a little rescue myself. Breed research can give you some general dispositions, but mostly it comes down to finding chemistry and then putting in the training.

[GreenFaith1819]

http://www.boxerrescue.com/available_dogs.htm

Welcome Back, Nickagneta, from wherever you've been.

[KCattheStripe]

http://www.boxerrescue.com/available_dogs.htm

He's ALLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIVE!

[GreenFaith1819]

http://www.boxerrescue.com/available_dogs.htm

He's ALLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIIVE!

Yeah..tell me about it, lol...the man decides to come out of hiding while the Boston Celtics are reeling somewhat...

It's a Sign, I tell you....The Celtics will go on like a 14 game win streak or something.


I hope.

[wiley]

If you want a sweet dog who needs very little exercise you could get a greyhound, which are obviously easy to find in a shelter ( or greyhound retirement zone?)

They like to sit around and be sweet....a good walk per day plenty for them....

And like someone else said, if you want a dog who can go all day and always outlast you with energy for play, hiking, walking, etc...go for a working/herding dog....They are so happy after you exercise them it's a joy to behold.....but they can give a pretty sad look if you let them sit around without activity...so you have to be ready to deliver the goods (yourself in movement with them).  The other nice thing about working/herding dogs is they wont' run off on you.  In fact, get used to them following you around the house.

I've also always wanted a mutt, shelter dog....somehow they're more like people than the pure breeds...they always seem quite mature to me, and gentle and sweet (okay less like people...you get the idea)..

Good luck!