Need feedback for a new dog!

[Danny Tanner]

Yep, but they are considered 'ultra high energy' for a reason. When our BC mix was a pup, we would go on two to three walks a day at 1-2 miles each walk. Just so she'd calm down at night. She'd want to be good, but just have soo much energy...



I know the OP said no mutts, but i think that is too bad. I know you can't 'verify' what breed the dog will be, but mutts are usually healthier than pure and often the 'quarks' of a breed will be lessened by the mixing.

Our BC mix got the energy and intelligence of the BC, but none of the herding instincts, which is nice around kids. I bet if you looked around, you'd be able to find some mutt puppies from two pure bred dogs pretty easily.

As others have hinted at, just because it's a pure bred dog, doesn't mean it will get all the traits of the breed. Both in good ways and bad.

These are no longer called mutts, these are now "designer dogs" and can be quite expensive.

Labradoodle (lab + poodle)
Pugle (pug + beagle)
etc etc etc of 1 awesome dog bred with 1 stupid purse dog.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/designerdogs.htm

Very popular with the same-sex couples.

 

[Bill of Rights]

Rather than approaching from the end of which breed of dog is best, I would consider what kind of dog owner you are and what your philosophy on dog-kid safety is. Like I've *tried* to explain to many, even "seasoned" dog owners, the danger of the "dangerous" breeds is twofold--their ability to inflict damage combined with the likelihood they will inflict damage. Pitbulls (well bred ones) are great dogs. But they are still dogs, and all animals behave irrationally. If your 35lb lab gets spooked and bites your kid, you're probably okay. If a GSD or a pitbull does the same, you're in trouble.

How likely this is to happen depends partially, but not entirely, on what kind of dog owner you are. If you socialize the dog extremely well as a puppy (which takes tons of time and attention), the dog will have less of a tendency to get spooked or behave erratically. But the dog is still an animal, and you must be prepared to accept the risk.

Personally, although I love GSD's and dobes the very best, I would never recommend these breeds to someone without knowing a LOT about how they raise their dogs and a LOT about their prospective breeder. You may be looking for a lower maintenence family pet.

I recommend you spend time reading about the various breeds available to you, and then settle on the best fit. I also hope you'll consider a rescue animal of whatever breed you choose. This is a great experience for kids, and there are a lot of dogs (pups too) that desperately need a good home. If the dog doesn't work well with your family, the rescue society will always take them back.

edit: And I am very sorry to hear about your mini yorkie. I hope your daughter isn't too traumatized.

 

[Old Fart]

One of these.

Old English Mastiff

 

[Soothsayer]

Beagles--They're the greatest dogs around. Absolutely great with kids. They're relatively small, but tough. Not too much shedding. You would need a really good fence, though. They love to trail things.

 

[nobuttbrian]

I going to have to go with the GSD. No better dog for kids and family.They do need some exercise but who doesn't.Just get one from a good breeder and you will be all the better.They do shed (A LOT) but only twice a year, but now that the furminator has come to market that is very manageable.

 

[Hump66]

and if i'm going to give in on the shedding thing, does anyone have first hand experience with German Shepherds and kids?

I was raised with 3 of them from the time I was born. Awesome dogs, totally loyal, would take commands from me when I was young(4-5 years old). I took them to pet show-and-tell day in 1st grade with no leash, had no issues at all. Our oldest was around 13 or so before she died. Just be sure to get a good bloodline to avoid hip-dysplasia. I'm getting another one as soon as I find a house.

 

[Lithiumokc]

Rather than approaching from the end of which breed of dog is best, I would consider what kind of dog owner you are and what your philosophy on dog-kid safety is. Like I've *tried* to explain to many, even "seasoned" dog owners, the danger of the "dangerous" breeds is twofold--their ability to inflict damage combined with the likelihood they will inflict damage. Pitbulls (well bred ones) are great dogs. But they are still dogs, and all animals behave irrationally. If your 35lb lab gets spooked and bites your kid, you're probably okay. If a GSD or a pitbull does the same, you're in trouble.

How likely this is to happen depends partially, but not entirely, on what kind of dog owner you are. If you socialize the dog extremely well as a puppy (which takes tons of time and attention), the dog will have less of a tendency to get spooked or behave erratically. But the dog is still an animal, and you must be prepared to accept the risk.

Personally, although I love GSD's and dobes the very best, I would never recommend these breeds to someone without knowing a LOT about how they raise their dogs and a LOT about their prospective breeder. You may be looking for a lower maintenence family pet.

I recommend you spend time reading about the various breeds available to you, and then settle on the best fit. I also hope you'll consider a rescue animal of whatever breed you choose. This is a great experience for kids, and there are a lot of dogs (pups too) that desperately need a good home. If the dog doesn't work well with your family, the rescue society will always take them back.

edit: And I am very sorry to hear about your mini yorkie. I hope your daughter isn't too traumatized.

Well said

 

[BadgeBunny]

I am gonna go with a German Shepherd also. We have had 3 so far and I don't think I will ever have another breed I am as fond of ...

The furminator and their waterless shampoo will become your best friend very quickly.

Buy from a reputable breeder. I cannot say enough about Suzanne Shelton and her dogs. I have gotten all three of my Shepherds from her. You couldn't ask for better socialized dogs. She spends just as much time on the dogs she knows are not going to produce for her as she does dogs that show a ton of potential.

Check out the thread Positive Discontent started with Biscuit's pictures. He was kennel-raised and yet his 4 year old daughter can handle him with ease. He easily weighs 90-100 pounds and stands 26 inches at the whithers.

http://www.okshooters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99597

I had fully intended to keep Biscuit but he loves kids more than life itself. PD's girls were just what he needed.

Her website is: http://austerlitzshepherds.com/

I believe Spamby had gotten dogs from her also.

They are not cheap, but they are well worth the money. Expect to be questioned about what you want and why.

 

[Bruno2]

South African Boerboel.

Do some looking into them and see what you think.

My family had had boxers for yrs. They will crack you up and melt your heart, but , they are pretty high maintenance. They are extremely hyper active , extremely emotional and jealous. Anyone who says different hasnt been around very many. I have been around a ton of them and thats pretty much the norm. There are very few that are mellow. I have never been around one that was intentionaly mean to kids , but , during a hyped up play session may unintentionaly hurt a kid.

 

[F16mickey]

Love My GSD but she is a huge a fur factory. She has also be excellent with children. I will also put in a good word for Suzanne Shelton if you decide to get a GSD. She knows her dogs well and will be able to set you up with the Type of dog that is right for you.