I need your help ya'll picking a breed of dog

[christina_ski]

Hello All,

I have been debating getting a dog for sometime. I have always wanted one, and it is pretty much the only pet I have even wanted and never got the chance to own one. I always have fun with everyone elses, but they have to go home at the end of the day

I know all dogs are not the same, so I wanted to hear everyone experiences with dogs. Here is something what I would like, even if you can just suggest a breed that I can do research on that would be great. I am looking for a lifetime friend so I am willing to wait and find the right one.

I would like it to get along with horses and cats, be friendly with people who come into the house, but maybe not strangers. Be playfull and able to go on walks, and play fetch, but able to come in the house at night and be calm. Something not too big, able to handle MO weather (will be a mainly inside dog, but does need to be able to go out in snow, and heat for a few min) Be able to go to horse shows. And fairly easy to train/crate train. I know alot to ask

I am open minded tho. So any suggestions or your experiences wanted!

 

[Alex]

You need a lab

Very hardy, at least mine is. He can stay outside for hours in the heat, he just lays there. Hes fine in snow just doesnt like to be there long. He'll fetch anything, go thru water, and He goes on a 3 mile walk very often. He is easy to keep fit, although a lot of labs gain weight quickly. they are soo lovable, they like almost everyone.

Get a lab!

 

[Betsy]

My mom has a dog that LOVES to play, she is getting up there in years almost she's about 7 yrs old.

she is very smart!!! she tells her when she has to go outside(she hits her in the leg).

she is a shih-tzu.

here is breed info from Petfinder.com

Temperament

The spunky but sweet Shih Tzu is both a gentle lap dog and a vivacious companion. He has an upbeat attitude and loves to play and romp. He is affectionate to his family and good with children. He is surprisingly tough and does have a stubborn streak.

Care

Despite his small size, the Shih Tzu needs daily exercise. Because of his small size, he can meet his requirements with vigorous indoor games or short frolics outside or with short walks on leash. He does not do well in hot humid weather, and he should never be expected to live outdoors. His luxurious coat needs brushing or combing every other day; puppies should be taught to accept grooming from a young age. Pets may be clipped.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: renal cortical hypoplasia, entropion, trichiasis, PRA, KCS, CHD, otitis externa, portacaval shunt, inguinal hernias

Occasionally seen: vWD

Suggested tests: eye

Life span: 11-14 years

here is a picture of one to.

http://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/Shih+Tzu

I just read ur post again and maybe this isn't what ur looking for,but it is an idea. sorry my bad!!!

 

[Jill]

How about a collie? We have one, Kelsey, and she's big enough to be around the horses without getting hurt, calm inside the house, and a good watch dog. She weighs 72 pounds, so isn't huge but big enough to be protection. Plus, I think she's pretty

Harvey and I also have shih-tzu dogs, and they are my favorite breed. But, I am afraid to let ours around the horses because they are so much smaller, and they do not do well in the heat (breed is predisposed to heat stroke).

 

[OhHorsePee]

You know, I have bred labs and English Mastiffs. Love both breeds! Labs are more energetic that the Mastiffs. Mastiffs are laid back and very nice dogs. But as I got older and all of the others had passed on I got a Yorkie. Little Tina Marie is wonderful! She does not shed. She plays. Love her!!

 

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

Well I have Bullmastiffs. They are everything you described except they are quite large. My male weighs about 150 to 160 lbs. His mother is small for her breed at a mere 95lbs or so. They do need firm handling and plenty of patience tho and are not a breed for everyone. A dog you might want to look into is an ACD (Australian cattle dog0 well handled and socialized with other animals they are fine with them and altho they have loads of energy and stamina they are happy to relax at your feet too. From a good breeder they are excellent dogs and likely would fit your criteria very well.

 

[Bailey@SmallWonders]

Well I have Bullmastiffs. They are everything you described except they are quite large. My male weighs about 150 to 160 lbs. His mother is small for her breed at a mere 95lbs or so. They do need firm handling and plenty of patience tho and are not a breed for everyone. A dog you might want to look into is an ACD (Australian cattle dog0 well handled and socialized with other animals they are fine with them and altho they have loads of energy and stamina they are happy to relax at your feet too. From a good breeder they are excellent dogs and likely would fit your criteria very well.

If you do go with a bully, please be sure to find a good breeder. I once had a bully attack my Qh while I was riding him. She latched right onto his throat and wouldnt let go. She put over 100 stitches in his throat and almost got his jugular. And this was a dog that ran right by horses on the cross ties every night and one night just snapped.

I personally recommend a boxer. My boxer is the best little girl ever. She loves to play, good with other animals, goes outside to go to the bathroom in all weather, calm in the house at night. An all around great dog

 

[christina_ski]

well I am going to Petsmart pet adoption day tomorrow afternoon to look at the dogs and just see if I can get a better idea of what to look for, if not find my new buddy! Will update tomorrow once I get back

 

[CrescentMinis]

My vote goes to the boxer as well...have 2 right now (they are the 3th and 4th ones we've had over the years). Fun and energetic when you want that, mellow the rest of the time. They are so tuned in to their people and are happiest when with you

 

[Sonya]

Everyone is going to suggest whatever dog they have...because of course, to them they are the best. I'm going to go with a lab because that's what I have! You described Brutus to a "T". Good luck in your search.

 

[chandab]

How about an Australian Shepard? Yes, I do have one, and Bridgette is the best, she's getting up in years. I also got a new pup last fall, Brie is a Blue Heeler-X and she is very nice (my husband as a Red Heeler). Hands down, I'd take another Aussie any day; loyal, smart, energetic and beautiful. [When I'm ready, I think my next dog will be a mini Aussie, so she can be indoor/outdoor dog.]

 

[christina_ski]

Well I came home with a new buddy!!! No name yet. I went first thing this morning and they had a pen of 10 puppies all from the same litter. Just 7 weeks old, they were just given to the shelter yesterday, so they said that it was best he got adopted right away (less time in a kennel, less time to catch illness) Not sure on his backround or breed, he was listed as 1/4th pit bull, 3/4 who knows lol, no two puppies looked alike. Some looked like pits, boxers, long and short haired. I spent a good hour playing with each pup and seeing who fit me best, as soon as I picked up this guy he was licking and wagging a mile a minute. He was pretty quiet up at the adoption, but once I got him home he walked right in and barked, and he has been fun and playing ever since.

He is very smart and already know to come when I call him, and to sit. And he follows me around the house. He is very small, looks alot smaller at home lol. He was the runt of the litter. Anyways, here are his pics. He will be coming to Nationals with me, and everywhere else I can take him lol. Will be interesting to see how he will mature size wize. Right now he is maybe 5-7lbs.

Here is yet to be named!

 

[Miniv]

That's wonderful! I was going to suggest you look at a shelter pup.......(Mutts are the best!) And you already did it!

Congrats on your little fellow.........

Crate train! With all that you want to do with him, having a crate as his security place make things so much easier, especially for traveling. Just be sure not to use the crate as a place of punishment. Hope that makes sense........

He's adorable.

PS: He looks like an "Alfie".......<smile>

 

[Betsy]

AWWW he's cute!!!! I love the 2nd picture.

congrats on ur new puppy.

I also have a puppy, right now she's being a little snot.

kids :arg! but I love her anyway.

 

[Coleen]

I love puppies and think that your puppy is very cute!

 

[Jill]

Congratulations, Christina! Your new puppy is adorable

 

[Magic]

oh, he is DARLING, congratulations!!!

 

[Charley]

Awww...what a sweetie! Looks like an Ollie to me.

 

[Sonya]

He's adorable...I'm glad you went for a mutt....some will say since you don't know his breed, he may have traits that you don't want...but starting off that young, you can make him be whatever you want him to be and to behave however you like. At least that's the case 99.9% of the time. Mutts make all around great dogs...I've had plenty and never had issues with any. Congrats!

 

[AceyHorse]

I would have to recommend a Staffordshire Bull Terrior. Now, when my brother said he was going to get one of these dogs I was worried as I had a picture in my head of them being a vicious, fighting dog. I could not have been more wrong!

They are the most affectionate, loyal, intelligent breed I have ever come accross! They are a very practical size, small enough to have inside comfortable but big enough to be able to go on long walks or out trail riding with your horse. They are short coated and extremely clean, I also don't think they have a very strong "dog" smell. Raised correctly they are just amazing.

The only thing I would warn you on them, is that they have to be around you 24/7. You can't leave them alone at home while you work or alone for any long periods, this can lead to destructive or dangerous behaviour. You have to make sure they are well socialised with other dogs, animals and people from a young age. They are prone to skin conditions. Because they are so intelligent and active they require alot of attention and energy put into them. They SNORE!! Big time and snort and snuffle so if this would bother you, they definately aren't the dog for you.

They are just fantastic dogs and I can't wait till my brothers dog has pups because I'm first in line for one!

Heres some pics (hope this works)

Oops I see I'm too late! lol silly me, great pick though!!