They have a ton of energy but they're so excellent. I had a wheaten when I was a kid. That might work for the OP. 40lbs and happy with a 30 min walk and some attention and brushing
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Help me decide upon a breed of dog
- Thread starter ACE 1991
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TheCowboyPoet
Member
Send me a DM with some pics if/when you get a puppy!!
HamsterPackage
Member
For sure! I'd post some pics of my buddy Louis but I'm on mobile.
rykomatsu
Member
Pittweiler?
Looks like a rottweiler but about the same size as a pittbull...60lb or so, maybe a tad too big? Adopted ours a few months back - really goofy...she does well in a 1000sqft home. However, we take her out every other day to the dog park for an hour and go hiking at a large dog beach / state park every weekend. Really loves being off leash. A bit of a rough houser and has a lot if strength so can overpower some dogs at dog parks with a body check.
We literally take her everywhere hiking - local trails, lame Tahoe, dog beaches, downtown strolling. Phenomenal personality and temperament. We looked at 3 or 4 pittweiler adoptions and all of them were great personalities and were snapped up for adoption fast.
Looks like a rottweiler but about the same size as a pittbull...60lb or so, maybe a tad too big? Adopted ours a few months back - really goofy...she does well in a 1000sqft home. However, we take her out every other day to the dog park for an hour and go hiking at a large dog beach / state park every weekend. Really loves being off leash. A bit of a rough houser and has a lot if strength so can overpower some dogs at dog parks with a body check.
We literally take her everywhere hiking - local trails, lame Tahoe, dog beaches, downtown strolling. Phenomenal personality and temperament. We looked at 3 or 4 pittweiler adoptions and all of them were great personalities and were snapped up for adoption fast.
yes please requote till op does this
I would say avoiding puppyhood is a HUGE bonus if you live in an apartment. I've had boxers / Vizslas / GSPs, all lovely dogs of varying temperaments, but they all needed a lot of attention and care and stimulation as puppies.
Shelters often have dogs around one year old, where people have a dog too active for them and try to get it re-homed because they just can't walk it enough. If you contact your local shelter and tell them you are looking for a young dog that's gentle and maybe had to leave its previous owners due to them not being able to do the long walks thing, you're in with a good chance.
Really, don't get a puppy. You'll be dodging a bullet. Even getting a dog at a year to eighteen months, you'll have the option (as you start later) of giving the dog a good, vigorous 1-2 hour walk before the start of the day, tire it out, let it sleep until your gf gets back. Exercise and stimulation is the key to a happy dog!
Anyway, I wish you and your soon-to-be-new-pal the best of luck and many happy years together!
LookAtMeGo
Member
While I fully encourage and support getting animals from the shelter and think you should do that, I also support getting dogs from reputable breeders. A lot of good breeders out there actually care for the breeds they have and want them to be healthy. You can meet the parents, know almost for sure what kind of temperament your dog will be, you know for sure you are getting the breed you want and you can know exactly what and if any illnesses or potential problems might arise in the future. Dogs can be extremely expensive to take care of with vet bills and sometimes it is good to know exactly what you can or can't expect with the animals health in the future.
An example would be that certain breeds, like the Doberman pinschers, are prone to get nasty diseases like wobblers disease at a young age. This is much less likely to happen from a reputable breeder that has only bred healthy lines.
Basically, getting one from a breeder, you have the choice of knowing exactly what you are getting into, exactly what you should feed it, exactly what level of exercise it needs etc, ect.
But like other people in this thread have said, saving an animals life is an amazing feeling and its a great thing to do.
Either choice is a good choice as long as you make sure that the breeder you go to is a dn good one. You will probably have to wait on a list bit you will eventually get the exact puppy you want. Watching them grow up from a pup is also a great thing. Its not necessary but its a nice experience.
An example would be that certain breeds, like the Doberman pinschers, are prone to get nasty diseases like wobblers disease at a young age. This is much less likely to happen from a reputable breeder that has only bred healthy lines.
Basically, getting one from a breeder, you have the choice of knowing exactly what you are getting into, exactly what you should feed it, exactly what level of exercise it needs etc, ect.
But like other people in this thread have said, saving an animals life is an amazing feeling and its a great thing to do.
Either choice is a good choice as long as you make sure that the breeder you go to is a dn good one. You will probably have to wait on a list bit you will eventually get the exact puppy you want. Watching them grow up from a pup is also a great thing. Its not necessary but its a nice experience.
Doctoglethorpe
Member
Shelters get puppies too. They get adopted fast but they're there. Go multiple times dont just go once and think thats the "stock" of the year. In fact they always get an influx of puppies during summer and sadly have to put many if them down because they aren't equipped to deal with them all.
So no, wanting a puppy is not an excuse.
Source: I volunteer at one.
So no, wanting a puppy is not an excuse.
Source: I volunteer at one.
Bill S. Preston. Esq.
Member
Golden Retriever. The greatest!
Lightning Count
Member
Bearded Collie
They're very hardy and will be fine on camping trips/hiking, they get on well with other dogs and strangers (the type of people you might run into hiking).
As with all Collie's they are highly intelligent and easy to train.
They're very hardy and will be fine on camping trips/hiking, they get on well with other dogs and strangers (the type of people you might run into hiking).
As with all Collie's they are highly intelligent and easy to train.
I'm going to talk to a neighbor that is heavily involved with a local shelter and get her advice on adopting from a rescue/shelter.
NoblesseOblige
Banned
Mutt from a shelter.
Everything else is the wrong choice.
Everything else is the wrong choice.
John Kowalski
Banned
adopt a mutt
4REAL they need love too
4REAL they need love too
OP,
Miniature Pinscher, or Min Pin for short, is king
http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/miniature-pinscher/
Miniature Pinscher, or Min Pin for short, is king
http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/miniature-pinscher/
Look at them take on a Rotty
That second one might be the most amazing dog pic I've seen all year.
Admiral Woofington
Member
Hahaha nice to see one of my suggestions is popular. Did you watch the dogs 101 video on Boston terrier for basic info on the breed?
And as to finding a breeder simply Google your state name and Boston terrier. Then read their website.
Usually they tend to have aspca or whatever registration.
CrocMother
Banned
Grab a dog from a shelter, don't encourage dog breeding.
I'm a little late but see you have chosen boston terrier. They very commonly have health and behavorial problems. Don't get a "smushed nose" dog of any kind.
I'm a little late but see you have chosen boston terrier. They very commonly have health and behavorial problems. Don't get a "smushed nose" dog of any kind.
LookAtMeGo
Member
http://bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/about-boston-terriers/find-boston-terrier-breeder.htm
Please read over everything on this site. Its very informative.
What kind of behavioral problems?
DonMigs85
Member
A Boston Terrier, or indeed any breed with a smooshed face, won't really be able to go on long hikes though. Plus they still shed.
I really do recommend some sort of wiry-coated terrier, like the Airedale I suggested earlier. You won't have to vacuum or sweep up much hair either.
I really do recommend some sort of wiry-coated terrier, like the Airedale I suggested earlier. You won't have to vacuum or sweep up much hair either.
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
I have a big recommendation. I have a Shih Tzu and they are adorable. They run around, play games all day long, and they'll sit with you for hours. They're a lap dog in a way.
They don't get very big either.
I will say this. Shave their fur for the summer months. I do fur care almost daily, but it's worth it. They've been one of the best things to come into my life too. They're full of life.
I took them on a mile walk and it worked, but hmm... more than a mile. I have to wait till they're older.
You might want to get a lab. Labs are wonderful dogs for walking. My folks had one, but he passed away.
Edit: I carried him back with me from the mile walk. I'm reading where they walk longer when they're older. That's normal.
I found a video of someone taking theirs for a walk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBd2CazsQ24
They don't get very big either.
I will say this. Shave their fur for the summer months. I do fur care almost daily, but it's worth it. They've been one of the best things to come into my life too. They're full of life.
I took them on a mile walk and it worked, but hmm... more than a mile. I have to wait till they're older.
You might want to get a lab. Labs are wonderful dogs for walking. My folks had one, but he passed away.
Edit: I carried him back with me from the mile walk. I'm reading where they walk longer when they're older. That's normal.
I found a video of someone taking theirs for a walk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBd2CazsQ24
LookAtMeGo
Member
That's why going to a reputable breeder is a good idea. They breed the negative traits out of the dog. I'd be more worried about their health issues from the smooshed in face.
D
Deleted member 231381
Unconfirmed Member
If you're set on getting a breed, I can confirm this. Medium-sized dog (bigger than most normal terriers, think somewhat above knee height) which is very, very smart and can easily be taught to do most tricks. They're heavily playful but also have an independent streak which stops them from being needy. They don't need huge amounts of exercise or food compared to many other breeds, and yes, they don't shed. They will very happily go for huge long walks if you want. Bostons definitely can't do this, they get tired *very* easily and have trouble breathing over long walks anyway.
Also, adorable:
But mostly, I would back recommendations you go to a shelter first.
If you're set on getting a breed, I can confirm this. Medium-sized dog (bigger than most normal terriers, think somewhat above knee height) which is very, very smart and can easily be taught to do most tricks. They're heavily playful but also have an independent streak which stops them from being needy. They don't need huge amounts of exercise or food compared to many other breeds, and yes, they don't shed. They will very happily go for huge long walks if you want. Bostons definitely can't do this, they get tired *very* easily and have trouble breathing over long walks anyway.
Also, adorable:
But mostly, I would back recommendations you go to a shelter first.
If you want something half the weight and twice as friendly with all the pluses check out a wheaten terrier
There're so much good and loyal dogs waiting for people in the shelters. Why not go to a shelter first? They also cost a fraction compared to a breed dog.
My family had a pure breed dog before and I myself have 2 rescue dogs at the moment and I couldn't be happier. They're the most loving and human-friendly dogs you can find. A mixed breed and a spanish greyhound.
Help a galgo out: http://www.*****************/news/a...ees-left-broken-bones-starve-death-Spain.html - yes it's a dailymail article.
Another one: http://www.vice.com/read/its-greyhound-murder-season-in-spain
My family had a pure breed dog before and I myself have 2 rescue dogs at the moment and I couldn't be happier. They're the most loving and human-friendly dogs you can find. A mixed breed and a spanish greyhound.
Help a galgo out: http://www.*****************/news/a...ees-left-broken-bones-starve-death-Spain.html - yes it's a dailymail article.
Another one: http://www.vice.com/read/its-greyhound-murder-season-in-spain
Am I monster for hating people who don't get rescue dogs?
As part of my job I watch a lot of shitty daytime TV and I always see people who pet shopped their dog. I always hope they get fucked frankly.
My dog was somebody's bitch and she has a huge line of nips meaning a pile of babies. Buying "mint" dogs in today's context seems wrong.
Sorry for not being fully OT.
As part of my job I watch a lot of shitty daytime TV and I always see people who pet shopped their dog. I always hope they get fucked frankly.
My dog was somebody's bitch and she has a huge line of nips meaning a pile of babies. Buying "mint" dogs in today's context seems wrong.
Sorry for not being fully OT.
As a life long dog owner I got stuck with a rottie randomly.
I was apprehensive and I treated her like a gun because of the rep. I was wrong. That breed has joined Goldens as my 2 recommended full size dogs.
The loyalty is only trouble for the idiot who doesn't socialize their dog.
mehrmantrout
Member
I can't recommend Shi Tzus enough easily the best breed of dog I've owned
If you're set on getting a breed, I can confirm this. Medium-sized dog (bigger than most normal terriers, think somewhat above knee height) which is very, very smart and can easily be taught to do most tricks. They're heavily playful but also have an independent streak which stops them from being needy. They don't need huge amounts of exercise or food compared to many other breeds, and yes, they don't shed. They will very happily go for huge long walks if you want. Bostons definitely can't do this, they get tired *very* easily and have trouble breathing over long walks anyway.
Also, adorable:
But mostly, I would back recommendations you go to a shelter first.
If you want something half the weight and twice as friendly with all the pluses check out a wheaten terrier
And if you want something half the weight (of the Airedale) and 1/10th as friendly (towards other dogs), get my all time favourite breed... (Still miss the hell outta my Kerry).
It's crazy too cuz mutts are generally so much healthier and often prettier from the viewpoint of everyday people.
OP lives in an apartment. Both members of family work. Wants 1 dog. Wants a 40-55pound dog that will be alone in an apartment during work time?
I predict many problems. Try not to be a first time owner that gets a dog that needs to be walked every day. Let alone a young puppy as your first dog, when you don't know how to train it.
Wants a perfect dog on first get. Expectations to high.
Most certainly you do not want a Belgian Malonis in your situation.
Lets just cross off any working or sporting breed of dog right now.
Dood lives in Philly and someone was trolling suggesting a wolf dog.
Visit more than one dog shelter/pound. You can drive 50 miles in each direction and visit 5 shelters/pounds.
I predict many problems. Try not to be a first time owner that gets a dog that needs to be walked every day. Let alone a young puppy as your first dog, when you don't know how to train it.
Wants a perfect dog on first get. Expectations to high.
Most certainly you do not want a Belgian Malonis in your situation.
Lets just cross off any working or sporting breed of dog right now.
Dood lives in Philly and someone was trolling suggesting a wolf dog.
Visit more than one dog shelter/pound. You can drive 50 miles in each direction and visit 5 shelters/pounds.
teruterubozu
Member
Get whatever you want, OP. Every dog needs a home, bred or sheltered.
SlickShoes
Member
I have an English Cocker Spaniel, working type, like you said they are 100% mental.
Mine is now 9 and a half years old and he still has his moments of complete craziness.
We lived in an apartment when he was a puppy and we had no previous dog experience at all, it was rough. You'd be looking at taking a spaniel on at least two 1 hour walks per day that are almost 100% about letting the dog run around and expend energy.
I am sure if I had the experience I have now when he was a pup he'd be better trained and what not but I don't think i'd recommend anyone get a cocker spaniel while living in an apartment and it be their first dog.
There is zero chance you'll be able to balance long hikes on a weekend with living everyother day in a small apartment alone for large part of day while both of you are at work.
Let's just say you'll need to go on your long weekend hikes at least 5 days a week to satisfy the type of dog your seeking that qualifies for your long weekend hikes.
Readjust 600 square feet apartment is not a good living space for a long weekend hiking dog in no way.
Again no sporting or working type dogs fit your daily working living style.
Let's just say you'll need to go on your long weekend hikes at least 5 days a week to satisfy the type of dog your seeking that qualifies for your long weekend hikes.
Readjust 600 square feet apartment is not a good living space for a long weekend hiking dog in no way.
Again no sporting or working type dogs fit your daily working living style.
InfiniteBento
Member
Adopt. Shelters are always bursting with animals who deserve love and should be in loving homes. Go check one out and find a dog who truly will adore you. Its far better than picking up a pure bred dog for a ton of money who will only have an abundance of health problems later. Also paying for a dog and contributing towards puppy mills is fucked up entirely.
Genuinely curious, what costs are involved with adopting a dog from a shelter in the US? I've checked out the websites for a few local ones here in AUS over the years and the "adoption fees" seem higher than getting a puppy from a registered breeder with a few exceptions.
Earlier this year, purebred Dalmatian puppies, 2 months old with papers for $750, checked a few shelters, 8 month old mixed Dalmatian with an adoption fee of $700.
Earlier this year, purebred Dalmatian puppies, 2 months old with papers for $750, checked a few shelters, 8 month old mixed Dalmatian with an adoption fee of $700.
The last couple of dogs I had were ex racing greyhounds. They're beautiful dogs, and are more than happy to lie around on a couch all day (but love walks too of course). They are bigger than average dogs though, the females are a little smaller. I have never encountered one that wasn't kind natured.
those aren't shelters selling puppies for $700.
depends on the shelter anywhere from $65 to cover spaying neutering upwards of $150 anything higher than they question the shelter trying to help and not profit and be badly managed.
*points and laffs at Milkyjoe* No just NO! 600foot apartment could contain 1 of those. Just no. Thats a walk me everyday type of dog until 5 years old then its down to 2 or 3 days and i don't mean just slowly walking around the block.
Well with names like Animal Rescue, RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, I guess they fooled me.
Another one, 4 paws animal rescue, 5 year old fox terrier $420 adoption fee, 8 week old fox terrier puppy $350.
I've been through a dozen or so "shelters" in my state, and they all seem to be similar, with charity sites linking to them and government sites suggesting them.
Those kind of prices don't sound true. Try to find a well liked non-profit rescue organisation.
I'm not in the US but my rescues cost about $280 each and they're from Russia and Spain. This included the dog, a chip, spaying neutering, a vet check and all required vaccines and getting the dogs to my country.
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