What kind of dog should i get?

[Gray33]

hello atvriders,

I am wondering if you guys can help me with the problem i am in. I am looking for a new dog but have no idea what kind i should get. I am wondering if you guys can put your input in and tell me what the best dog for me is.

I had a boxer but, he just diead a few months ago so i dont think i can bare having another boxer. Good dogs, but it would bring back to many memories.

I want a medium to large dog.
Thanks

[dehner47]

pitbull. no if ands or butts about it. the only dog i'll ever own. loyal and fun loving like your boxer. but with a touch of aggression for when someone tries getting into your house.

sorry to hear about your dog though. i hate hearing when someones dog dies. cant even think about the day that happens to mine. will be the worst day of my life hands down.

[Gray33]

Thanks for your opinion man

[Quad18star]

I'm a lab lover .... I don't think you can get a better dog than a lab, but that's my opinion.

If you do go with a lab , buy from a breeder and make sure it's a respectable breeder. Because labs are such a popular dog, some "breeders" aka puppy mills are turning out way too many litters a years and the dogs are having health issues.

Labs need attention , both interaction and attention with their health , but following what the breeders recommend goes a LONG way. Excercise and a good diet really helps them out. They do shed a lot of hair though , so that's something to take into consideration.

I've got a chocolate lab and have no regrets ... he's my best bud and goes everywhere with me.


Another dog that I've recently took interest in after watching the Westminister Kennel Club competitions is the Dogue de Bordeaux. They are HUGE dogs but very friendly. Awesome looking dogs.

[Ryan]

Depends on what breeds you really like... If you want a really good dog that will be easy to train and eager to please, than I would say a Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Or some other kind of Lab.

Everyone around here seems to want pitbulls. I don't know if its because they are agressive dogs... I dunno? They can be one of the best dogs you'll ever have, but I wouldn't say they are an easy breed to train. My buddies pit is about a year and he doesn't listen worth a crap. He has already attacked other dogs and tried to bite my 3 yr old neice. Im not bad-mouthin pits, just this one is dumb as rocks.

I personally like a dog that likes to be around people, and that is friendly with other animals as well. I don't know what I would do without my pup. Everywhere I go, I take her with me, and she has a blast going places and meeting other people/animals.

Heres a picture of her

[scuzz]

How much time do you have to spend on training?

How big of a yard do you have?

Do you foresee kids in your future?

Do you rent?

Do you own a house?

Are there any neighborhood HOA codes that would prevent you from getting any breeds?

What kids of traits are you looking for in a dog? Protection? Playmate? Tricks? Lap dog? Pedigree?

[Ryan]

Heres my buddies pit... Hes a beautiful dog, just doppie:p . ... Also, mutts are always good dogs, and usually are prone to less health issues... Purebreads usually always have more health problems.

Good luck with your choice...

[scuzz]

http://www.thebestofbreeds.com/catalog/images/BorderCollie.jpg

They're listed as the smartest dog, great with kids, and can understand a a sentence and execute it. "Marty, get my shoes out of the closet."

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pf0Vr0MSdHg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pf0Vr0MSdHg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

http://petrix.com/dogint/1-10.html

They do require a LOT of attention though. But if you wanted a buddy - this would be your best bet IMO.http://www.dogslife.com.au/__data/page/5948/border_collie3.jpg

[Gray33]

How much time do you have to spend on training?
alot of time

How big of a yard do you have?
i have a huge yard, country farm

Do you foresee kids in your future?

yea

Do you rent?
no

Do you own a house?
yes

Are there any neighborhood HOA codes that would prevent you from getting any breeds?
no i live in the middle of no where
What kids of traits are you looking for in a dog? Protection? Playmate? Tricks? Lap dog? Pedigree?

protection, playmate, buddy

[scuzz]

OK, than I stick with my Border Collie Suggestion...hands down.

Ryan's dog is doggon cute though and I love Golden Retrievers.

[stuntin andy]

austrailn sheperds are a sweet...loveing and super smart dog.... my buddy had one and it is suupppeerr obedieant...(cant spell i know)

[Ryan]

I was thinkin the same about your dog :p .. Im impressed, that dog is really smart. My friend had a border collie/Lab mix, and thats what made me get another dog... I tought my dog all her tricks by training her with the border collie. If I had to get another dog, it would def be border collie, or another retriever.


She loves these ducks, though. I can't keep her away from them!

[scuzz]

Yeah I had adopted one from a shelter about 12 years ago. She was the best and smartest dog I have ever, ever owned. (she was stolen out of my parent's yard)

Man, I miss her.

Her colors were a deep auburn, much like an Irish Setter, complete with the pink nose. She was a handful in her puppy days but after she grew out of that she was *the* perfect dog.

Sometimes I would think she would do silly stuff just so I would laugh at her.

[scuzz]

Originally posted by Ryan
I was thinkin the same about your dog :p .. Im impressed, that dog is really smart. My friend had a border collie/Lab mix, and thats what made me get another dog... I tought my dog all her tricks by training her with the border collie. If I had to get another dog, it would def be border collie, or another retriever.

I wish that was my current dog. Sorry Nala and Brutus (my current mutts). Those pics are some I got off of the internet, my dog that was stolen was pre internet/digital photos.

[exrider12]

English Bulldog. They sleep all day and dont need to be walked as they dont like to HA. But I love mine. His name is Willy.

[ridered11]

<img src="http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-5/1020831/GVUCQ-Picture%20005.jpg"/>

Wouldn't trade my golden for anything. Best decision in my book.

[j_cyrus3]

Lab, Golden Retriever, Border Collie - in that order.

I have had all 3. The Border collie when I was little, and have had 4 labs since then. ( 2 died, 1 of old age the other got poisoned by my *** hole neighbor )

I just bought this one a few weeks ago, she's awesome. She's a very quick learner, 10 weeks old, knows how to shake, sit, lay down, and bring her water bowl to me to fill up when it's out :p

http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt89/j_cyrus3/HPIM0525.jpg

[Kickstarts-suck]

Originally posted by dehner47
pitbull. no if ands or butts about it. the only dog i'll ever own.

X2 :)


Yes shes a fatty :p
<a href='http://img43.imageshack.us/my.php?image=002uaw.jpg'><img src='http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/5760/002uaw.jpg' border='0' alt='Image Hosted by ImageShack.us'/></a>

<a href='http://img39.imageshack.us/my.php?image=014ccx.jpg'><img src='http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/204/014ccx.jpg' border='0' alt='Image Hosted by ImageShack.us'/></a>

[reptikes]

Do some research... American Pit Bull Terriers are one of the most family oriented, loyal, protective, loving dogs you can possibly own. I'll own NO OTHER dog.

[reptikes]

another of BOA.

[JJs450r]

ill say pitbull, i love my dog haha i dont know what i would do if he ever got gone, i know if he was stolen id be on a war path, ive never seen an mean pitbull and ive been on a couple dozen pitbull walks here in town, only time you ever see one mean and aggressive are the ones left out to starve, crossbred and other things along those lines

but i like all dogs except for the small yappy ones

sorry about your dog

[ZeroLogic]

Originally posted by scuzz
http://www.thebestofbreeds.com/catalog/images/BorderCollie.jpg

They're listed as the smartest dog, great with kids, and can understand a a sentence and execute it. "Marty, get my shoes out of the closet."

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pf0Vr0MSdHg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pf0Vr0MSdHg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

http://petrix.com/dogint/1-10.html

They do require a LOT of attention though. But if you wanted a buddy - this would be your best bet IMO.http://www.dogslife.com.au/__data/page/5948/border_collie3.jpg

Hands down the smartest dog you will ever own.:macho

[ALAMX37]

Pits for the win. Most laid back socialized dog I have ever owned. Loyal to his last breathe. Wants nothing more than to play and rest at your feet. Mine is great with kids, other dogs, strangers, and anything else you put in front of him, just dont come between him and his squeeky toy
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/bigjosh37/100_0497.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/bigjosh37/100_0374.jpg

[Old Head]

I have a lab and a retiever both are great dogs.

http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu16/oldhead_photos/100_0169.jpg

[Flyin_250r]

I would so go with a staffordshire terrier. Ive always owned one. This is a pic of my current one. Hes by far the best dog i have owned. I agree with everyone dehner said. Unfortunately they are banned in my province now so this will be the last one i am able to get legally. If the ban isnt lifted at some point, ill probably end up with a boxer or bullterrier next.... It all depends on what your looking for. Border collies are really good dogs as well. They can be trained to do absolutely anything. My girl has a border collie/austrian sheppard mix. Great dog. Just dont go get some little tiny fairy type of a dog! lol

[JJs450r]

^^^he^^^ could pull you and the quad around the yard for exercise

[reptikes]

Originally posted by Flyin_250r
I would so go with a staffordshire terrier. Ive always owned one. This is a pic of my current one. Hes by far the best dog i have owned. I agree with everyone dehner said. Unfortunately they are banned in my province now so this will be the last one i am able to get legally. If the ban isnt lifted at some point, ill probably end up with a boxer or bullterrier next.... It all depends on what your looking for. Border collies are really good dogs as well. They can be trained to do absolutely anything. My girl has a border collie/austrian sheppard mix. Great dog. Just dont go get some little tiny fairy type of a dog! lol



I'm glad your informed. A lot of Big Name Breeders who call thier dogs (American Pit Bull Terriers) on their sites infact are selling Staffs or Staffs crossed with Pit Bulls. I don't know if its a selling gimmick or what, but i've been looking for a Blue Female and only come across Staffs, and/or Staff / Pit bull mixes.

[Yippie-Ki-Yay]

My whole life i have been a dog lover, and Siberian huskys, and German Shepherds have been great dogs. The German Shepherd is very aggressive to strangers, the husky is a very loving dog, plus it is white with blue eyes-Beautiful dog!

My next dog will Deff be a Collie! My friend owns one and its a wonderfull dog.

[Flyin_250r]

Originally posted by JJs450r
^^^he^^^ could pull you and the quad around the yard for exercise


Yeah hes a little tank. Ive never had him pull anything. Thankfully my family owns a farm and he has acres to enjoy. Also, weekly he gets a few basketballs donated to him, which lasts about 5 minutes in total. Theres at least 5 in my front lawn at all times....popped of course. In public he has to be muzzled. Its ridiculous what these dogs are put through up here, but they are worth it in my opinion.

[Flyin_250r]

Originally posted by reptikes
I'm glad your informed. A lot of Big Name Breeders who call thier dogs (American Pit Bull Terriers) on their sites infact are selling Staffs or Staffs crossed with Pit Bulls. I don't know if its a selling gimmick or what, but i've been looking for a Blue Female and only come across Staffs, and/or Staff / Pit bull mixes.



I agree completely with you about people trying to pass the staffs off as the APBT. My girl has a blue male. But because of the ban to have the dogs legally here, they have to be grandfathered (fixed). He is the original tall lean appearance of the APBT, not the short stocky stature of the staffs....

[TCracin440ex]

Originally posted by dehner47
pitbull. no if ands or butts about it. the only dog i'll ever own. loyal and fun loving like your boxer. but with a touch of aggression for when someone tries getting into your house.

sorry to hear about your dog though. i hate hearing when someones dog dies. cant even think about the day that happens to mine. will be the worst day of my life hands down.

im glad im not the only pitbull lover on the site. i love my pits. they are babys. very friendly dogs. they let you know when a stranger enters the driveway but they do not bite.

theres no such thing as dumb dogs just dumb owners. dumb owners give pits a bad name.

punish the deed not the breed.

this is lexy shes a bit bigger now then in this pic she just went to the vet yesterday and weighs 90lbs. she is a huge lap dog and everybody who comes down here is very taken to how gentle she is
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z254/OneBaddAssZ71/whatever016.jpg

and here is dixie which is lexys puppy she decided she was gonna take a nap with me after a long day at work
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z254/OneBaddAssZ71/mendixie-1.jpg

[toby400ex]

Originally posted by Ryan
I was thinkin the same about your dog :p .. Im impressed, that dog is really smart. My friend had a border collie/Lab mix, and thats what made me get another dog... I tought my dog all her tricks by training her with the border collie. If I had to get another dog, it would def be border collie, or another retriever.


She loves these ducks, though. I can't keep her away from them! Lol, I have 2 pekin ducks and a mallard. Strangely nice pets other than the insane amount of duck poop.....:rolleyes:

[tri5ron]

there is a site called bestdog.com
it has a survey that you take and rate from most important, to least important.

it may help you to decide what kind of dog best fits your style, needs, personality, etc.
Be sure to read the definitions of each catagory first, as they may be a bit different than you would think.
Then take the survey/questionaire, and you'll find the best dog for you.

[BakerRacing40]

i like my blue healer. he's my buddy and we know each other to the point i can be on my couch and i know what is out side from his bark. to when i'm in the shop he'll chill out and nap at one of the doors. plays when he wants to and gets fired up, loves to run. my two nieces come over and he's always been nice and gentle.
but its all how their raised i had a red healer and she was probably the best dog i've ever seen. listened to everything i told her. and she was really protective i could set my wallet on the floor and tell her to guard it and she'd watch it and sometimes i even had a hard time getting it back lol...

[Meibs]

sorry to hear that bro. i have a 9 month old boxer and was going to suggest boxer until i read the post. He is great, but hyper all the time!!

[scuzz]

Originally posted by BakerRacing40
i like my blue healer. he's my buddy and we know each other to the point i can be on my couch and i know what is out side from his bark. to when i'm in the shop he'll chill out and nap at one of the doors. plays when he wants to and gets fired up, loves to run. my two nieces come over and he's always been nice and gentle.
but its all how their raised i had a red healer and she was probably the best dog i've ever seen. listened to everything i told her. and she was really protective i could set my wallet on the floor and tell her to guard it and she'd watch it and sometimes i even had a hard time getting it back lol...


When I lived in rural Mississippi I "inherited" one of those dogs when the nearby trailer park was torn down and the owner just left his/her dogs. He was loyal and gentile with my kids and also protective of them. Funny thing was he adopted us, and decided he was going to guard my kids and my house.

If I were to have two dogs (after my current two craok) one would be a border collie and the other a blue heeler.

I wouldn't own a pitbull unless I lived out in the country where HOA's and City Ordinances wouldn't make it prohibitive.