DOGGIE!!! wrote:
Yea I like the idea of a rescue dog...
I just googled "whippet" and some of them look like they are on steroids! But the smaller one's look nice.
then i'd suggest not buying the ones with the rare genetic defects.
DOGGIE!!! wrote:
Yea I like the idea of a rescue dog...
I just googled "whippet" and some of them look like they are on steroids! But the smaller one's look nice.
then i'd suggest not buying the ones with the rare genetic defects.
Well, first and foremost, I recommend getting a mix, if you're going to get one. Purebreds tend to be (not always, I know) high strung and require a lot of maintenance. Furthermore, you can usually adopt a really nice mix from local shelters or one of the services posters have mentioned above. Adopted dogs are often very loving and sweet, and are sometimes (surprisingly) even already trained.
From what it sounds like, a Samoyed mix would be a good fit for what you're describing. They are very loving but independent dogs who love to hang out in the snow. Just bring them in if it's storming and don't let them hang out in the cold TOO long, as some Samoyeds can get tender paws from that. Samoyeds enjoy being outside and while they do like running around, they are usually content to amuse themselves within a smaller amount of space if you walk them properly and frequently enough. The only real concern is if you are some place where it is too hot. Samoyeds have thick coats to protect them from the cold and do not do well for long periods of time in the heat. Make sure to have plenty of water available for the dog outside, whatever breed you choose...
That being said, I agree with what most others have said. I don't think you get a dog period. Dogs should be well loved and you cannot simply decide when you do and do not want to take care of them. You don't sound mature, responsible, or dedicated enough to own a dog.
There is nothing wrong with having a dog outside all the time, provided you do have some sort of shelter from inclement weather/temperatures. Every pet I have ever owned (and ever will own) has been an outside pet and they have had no discipline problems whatsoever. pets are animals, and animals are supposed to be outside.
whippets like to be very lazy but you'll have to give them a bit of exercise because they love to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvzM4L3sa2k
golden retrievers and labs are a lot of fun imo.
I'd agree that you should not get a dog. I have a border collie sitting under my feet as I type this. Dogs need attention and deserve to be around you. Everyone knows someone who has an ignored dog in the backyard that barks all the time. Why wouldn't you want your dog indoors?
If you must get a dog, go to dogbreedinfo dot com and learn the temperament of the dog you're thinking of getting. Then, adopt a dog from a rescue service. The dogs will be living in a foster homes and the foster owners can tell you about the dog's personality before getting it. Rescue dogs often come from shelters so you are still saving an animal.
a few good dogs for you:
Greyhounds (good choice because of the many rescue dogs out there)
Great Danes (big and lazy but eat a lot)
Lab or Lab Mix (some have separation anxiety, hip dysplasia)
Catahoula Leopard Dogs (have Greyhound bred into them, cool dogs)
some breeds of hounds (although may have baying issues)
any mutt (best choice)
bad dogs for you:
Heelers (smart, need a job)
Australian Shepherds (see above)
Border Collies (pretty much same as above, even more neurotic)
Kelpies (hyperactive, jumpy)
Airdales (they seem dumb and obnoxious)
You can probably see a theme that most working dogs don't make great house dogs, but if you exercise them and give them mental challenges they do just fine. Cow dog mutts can be very good dogs and often aren't as neurotic as purebreds. Some breeds, like Malamutes, are very social and don't like to be left alone. If I were you, I'd get a Greyhound from a rescue.
I also agree with fisky that they should get some indoor time. Dogs love being around people. If you don't want them on the couch it's easy to train them to lay on the floor. The advice about rescue/foster dogs is also good stuff.
greydog fan wrote:
a few good dogs for you:
Greyhounds (good choice because of the many rescue dogs out there)
Great Danes (big and lazy but eat a lot)
Lab or Lab Mix (some have separation anxiety, hip dysplasia)
Catahoula Leopard Dogs (have Greyhound bred into them, cool dogs)
some breeds of hounds (although may have baying issues)
any mutt (best choice)
bad dogs for you:
Heelers (smart, need a job)
Australian Shepherds (see above)
Border Collies (pretty much same as above, even more neurotic)
Just don't get a lazy a dog!
Kelpies (hyperactive, jumpy)
Airdales (they seem dumb and obnoxious)
You can probably see a theme that most working dogs don't make great house dogs, but if you exercise them and give them mental challenges they do just fine. Cow dog mutts can be very good dogs and often aren't as neurotic as purebreds. Some breeds, like Malamutes, are very social and don't like to be left alone. If I were you, I'd get a Greyhound from a rescue.
I also agree with fisky that they should get some indoor time. Dogs love being around people. If you don't want them on the couch it's easy to train them to lay on the floor. The advice about rescue/foster dogs is also good stuff.
DOGGIE!!! wrote:
A friend and I are moving into a house May 1st. The house has a fenced in back yard so we are considering getting a dog. It would have to be a full time outdoor dog, however during incliment weather there is a shed it could go in. Any suggestions on what type of dog to get? We want one that is fat and lazy and awesome!
Before answering, more information is needed.
You stated, "A friend and I...". Is this a temporary living arrangement, or permanent? Are you buying or renting? Is it like a girlfriend you're eventually going to marry, or just a buddy that you're splitting the rent with? If it is at all temporary, as in shorter than the dog's life, then make it positively clear who is ultimately responsible for the dog.
In what climate do you live? Is it reasonably warm all year, like southern California, or does it have harsh winters, like Minnesota? That really really matters if you plan on leaving the dog outside. Everything seems nice and easy in late April, but you need to consider January.
Do you and/or your living partner travel much? Remember, even if you go away for one night, you need to make arrangements for the dog.
Even without knowing the answers to these questions and concerns, I have to agree with the first advice: Do not get a dog.
Yeah, I see too many college students getting a rental house that allows pets so they go out and immediately get a dog, or even worse, a puppy that they have no idea how to train. Whose dog will it be, yours or the roommate's? You have to be prepared to be the caretaker for this animal for the lifespan of the animal. It's not fair to the animal otherwise.
Beyond that, as an outdoor animal (which is OK, as long as the outside temps are not ridiculously extreme) - are you somewhere that gets more cold or more hot (or a little of both?) If cold or both is the answer, a husky is a decent choice - though they have escapist tendencies. But it would be fine in winter and you could shave it in summer. They may also tend towards solitary behavior more than others dogs, and they like exercise.
greydog fan wrote:
a few good dogs for you:
Greyhounds (good choice because of the many rescue dogs out there)
Greyhounds are absolutely not a good choice for someone who wants a full time outdoor dog.
get a wolf like i did
more intelligent than a dog, stronger than a dog, way cooler than a dog and protect your lawn better than a dog. plus they like the outdoor and enjoy being on their own
pretty good runners too
Full time outdoor dog? WTF. Don't get a dog
Please remember getting a dog is a commitment of 10 years or more. They are pack animals. They like to have company. They like to play. Without it, they will become neurotic or worse. If you don't have the time or inclination to make the dog a part of your life, you and the dog are better off without him. Why can't you bring the dog inside? Landlord? Allergies? How cold is your climate? My dog loves to play and romp around and sit on the couch with me and bug us at the dinner table and yep, sleep at the bottom of the bed. He is a good dog! He is part of the family. He would not be happy if he couldn't hang out with us. That said, research dog breeds. Some are more "velcro" than others. Meaning, they want to be with you all the time.
5 posts were removed from this page.
