Who likes dogs?

[Justin A.]

Im looking to get another dog as a friend for me and my current dog. We're looking to adopt a rescue dog to give someone another shot at life in a looooooving home. My girlfriend and I have pretty much settled on australian shepherd, but we're still open to other ideas for breeds. We want something that will be really active like us, really playful, fun loving, SMART, trainable, eager to please, ect. It would be a nice feeling to have a dog that will protect us and stuff and maybe herd the cats every once in awhile :) anybody have a dog that they have stories about or pictures or anything to say about the kinda dog we want?

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Russian cooking

[Allee]

They are a great dog. Handsome, smart, playful, they can be really high energy though. Your cats will probably suffer like mine do with two border collies ... they're OK inside, but the dogs rule the yard, and all cats are fair game...

The other issue with Aussies (and borders) is that they can be compulsive. I have heard stories about dogs that go nuts when there is a fly on the ceiling, or the border that would sit in front of the concrete cat in the garden for hours at a time, waiting for it to run so he could chase it. More likely it will manifest as digging, barking or chewing if they're bored. if your other dog is happy to play all day, it won't be an issue.

My younger border is a rescue dog, and you could not meet a more loving, gentle and happy guy. However, be aware that you might have a bit of work ahead of you ... most rescues have "issues" which cause them to be given up, and even if there's a genuine reason they're often a little traumatised by all the changes. In Caelan's case, he had a fixation about doors, probably as a result of being locked up for most of his life ... if you opened any door even a crack, he had to be through it at Mach 1, and if you were in the way with your arms full of groceries, look out. He's also less than ideally socialised and gets really strung out in strange places, but is getting much better as he gets older.

I've also found that the rescue societies for Aussies and borders are a bit strange. They're very possessive and picky to the point of unwilling about who they adopt to ... all a bit counterproductive, I would have thought. Maybe your experience will be different, but that was mine.

Anyway, good luck! Post baby pictures!

[LeeW]

Amen to Border Collies. My family (5 generations all together) have 3 generations of border collies. you can bet im on the first int he line for the litter. :)

[skipuppy]

boxer or rottweiler or something

they have short hair and won't shed

german shepards get hip dysplasia which sucks to watch

[Bubba]

boxer or rottweiler or something

they have short hair and won't shed

german shepards get hip dysplasia which sucks to watch

I have two dogs, one is a german shepard. When researching, I was told that german shepards where both parents have a german bloodline are far less prone to hip dysplasia due to longer rear legs and a sleeker profile. Shepards with an american bloodline were bread for show, have shorter rear legs and a bulkier body promoting hip dysplasia. She is by far the most intelligent dog I have known, and has all the other traits you are looking for. My other dog is a brittany and dumb as a freekin' rock. Great for pheasant hunting and very loyal but not the smartest thing on four legs.

[Justin A.]

I've also found that the rescue societies for Aussies and borders are a bit strange. They're very possessive and picky to the point of unwilling about who they adopt to ... all a bit counterproductive, I would have thought. Maybe your experience will be different, but that was mine.

We're not going to an Aussie-specific rescue leauge, it's just a general animal rescue place thingy. They have cats, dogs, ferrets, just about everything, so I'm not forseeing a major problem in the adoption process.

This is the guy we're hoping to find

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=6705141

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[Neil Gendzwill]

boxer or rottweiler or something

they have short hair and won't shed

Short haired dogs shed, too. Just not as bad as the double-coated ones. If non-shedding is an issue, and you want a smart dog with energy, consider a Standard Poodle. They are beautiful dogs so long as you skip the frou-frou trim, and are incredibly graceful. Turns out they're German in origin, not French and were originally bred for hunting.

[Tommy D]

I'm biassed a bit, but I would recommend rescuing an American Pit Bull Terrier. They are great dogs which meet all your criteria: Smart, high-energy, athletic like you wouldn't believe, and with the bad, and undeserved, reputation they have, it's likely nobody would dare enter your home.

The only downside is I think NH has BSL (unfortunate, and targets way too many breeds, not one...) So you'll have to look into that.

I have 3, (two mutts and a pure) and have fostered 10-15 over the last few years, so if you would like to learn more, shoot me an email or PM.

Here are my dogs.

A comment on short haired breeds: I have to put jackets on my dogs when we hike in the winter, otherwise they get too cold. Keep that in mind if you plan a lot of winter activity.

[Gecko]

other short haired breeds that are fun Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Visla's, Weimeraners and my favorite German Shorthaired Pointers. My GSP is an awesome animal who I swear grins everytime she sees me...this was a few months ago she's bigger now and its scary how smart she is

[skipuppy]

Mine: half Australian Sheperd and half Akita (insanely smart)- the problem is that the Akita half isnt the friendliest towards other dogs- he basically tried to kill them on sight- you could probably fix it with good socializing. Everyone loves him though.

The white one: white west highland terrier purebred. she has cost several thousand on medical bills (probably because she is purebred) and she isn't the smartest, but still incredibly cute and playful. she is allergic to cats, grass and maple trees

i only made the comment on short hair because for the last twelve years i was living at home i always had hair on my clothes.

the girl in the pic isn't me- my sister

[FTA2R]

it's very pretty.

[kipstar]

I am really liking Gecko's dog; that is a very nice looking dog :-)

If you are serious abuot getting a very smart dog, maybe you could consider adopting from here?

A Thai dog is very loyal, very smart, and very handsome and proud. They socialise well, have a wrinkly face when they look at things (a bit like a boxer) and have a moderate size build.

They also have a ridge of hair on their backs which is cool.

And finally, many (but not all) bury their poop somewhat which makes them clean.

www.soidogrescue.org

Check it out yo yo yo; they allow foreign adoptions.

BTW...American Pitbull?! R U serious?!!!!!

[Guest]

BTW...American Pitbull?! R U serious?!!!!!

Why wouldn't he be? Pits are incredible dogs with a terrible rap because some ghetto trash thugs breed them for fighting. I live with three dogs, one of which is a pit/lab mix. She is the sweetest 55 lb teddybear you'll ever meet. I was actually looking to adopt one myself when I met my Uma. She was too awesome to pass up.

Tommy- Those are beautiful dogs. You must get some crazy people going off on you when you go for walks though, correct?

[Tommy D]

Why wouldn't he be? Pits are incredible dogs with a terrible rap because some ghetto trash thugs breed them for fighting. I live with three dogs, one of which is a pit/lab mix. She is the sweetest 55 lb teddybear you'll ever meet. I was actually looking to adopt one myself when I met my Uma. She was too awesome to pass up.

Tommy- Those are beautiful dogs. You must get some crazy people going off on you when you go for walks though, correct?

Thanks. :)

It depends on the community I'm in.

If I'm out in horse farm land (where I live, everyone has a working dog of some type), or in a "rough" neighborhood, most folks appreciate them; Albiet for different reasons.

In the fru-fru uppity up neighborhoods where everyone has a lab or golden or "cute accessory dog", then I get the sneers and the "don't you know those dogs are dangerous" comments, if not downright avoidance. It's funny, but I usually get those comments while their dog is bouncing wildly at the end of its leash, while mine are sitting calmly at my side.

Most of the time though, I get curious looks, and smiles: Two of my dogs pull weight carts on our walks, and it looks kinda strange. While hiking, they carry packs filled with water, food, and emergency supplies.

However, I like dogs in general, and encourage folks to get a dog that suits their lifestyle. If you are active, and will be excersizing with your dogs on a regular basis, then get a high energy dog (retriever, terrier, etc...) But if you will not be active, get a lower energy dog. Otherwise, you will drive each other crazy. Literally in the dog's case.

One of these days, when pigs fly, the news media will stop picking on the "pit bull" type of dog, and start educating and reporting news accurately, rather than reinforcing stereo types. I saw a news report recently that was showing a docile, and scared Cane Corso, but the reporter had no idea and called it a Pit Bull instead, probably because it was more "sensational."

It's not the breed, it's the owner. Any dog has the capacity to be dangerous, no matter the size or breed.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Mine: half Australian Sheperd and half Akita (insanely smart)- the problem is that the Akita half isnt the friendliest towards other dogs- he basically tried to kill them on sight- you could probably fix it with good socializing. Everyone loves him though.

I don't know if you can fix that Akita trait. We certainly tried with ours, he was always aggressive towards other dogs but typically a sweetheart with people. At least, until our daughter came along and he got jealous. We had to give him away, just can't take a chance with a 90 lb dog and a baby.

It's not the breed, it's the owner. Any dog has the capacity to be dangerous, no matter the size or breed.

Bah. It's the breed and the owner. You've got a Shih Tzu, what's it gonna do, bite someone's toe real hard? But a pit bull or Rottie or Akita - those are dogs that can do serious damage without even trying hard. What's more they are dominant breeds that require a strong hand and a knowledgeable owner.

[Guest]

I've seen more small dogs do damage to people than large ones. Poodles are viscious dogs, and are responsible for the majority of dog bites.

[Neil Gendzwill]

I've seen more small dogs do damage to people than large ones. Poodles are viscious dogs, and are responsible for the majority of dog bites.

I've heard labs are, due to the fact that there are so many of them (3X the next most popular breed in the US, I believe). But I haven't seen any real statistics.

[kirtap]

I've seen more small dogs do damage to people than large ones. Poodles are viscious dogs, and are responsible for the majority of dog bites.

I have a labradoodle ( a lab and poodle mix) and it is the friendliest dog I've ever met. He is about 1.5 years old now and has never bitten anyone or any other dog. He loves to play and is truly a family dog. If I am home alone with him, he follows me around and sits as close to me as possible. If I ever get up to leave the room, he is right on my heels. He loves to play with other dogs and run around. He is extremly smart and advanced through his dog school twice as fast as any of the other dogs and we bearly worked with him at home. I would highly recommend a labradoodle for anyone that wants a loving and playful dog.

Here are some pics of him as a puppy. Now days hes close to 75 pounds and just as cute.

[Allee]

I totally don't get this trend for designer dogs.

Cockapoos, Labradoodles and Bichon Shih Tzu's ... in NZ they had a thing for SiBords (Siberian Husky x Border Collie). People pay insane amounts of money for them ... congratulations, you just ponied up $600 for a MUTT. Cute, yes, but still a mutt.

I can't say that I'm a huge fan of some of the BS that goes with pedigree dogs either (go to a breed show sometime, it's a real education) but if I'd paid that much money, I'd want my papers!

[Tommy D]

I've heard labs are, due to the fact that there are so many of them (3X the next most popular breed in the US, I believe). But I haven't seen any real statistics.

Actually, I think you are right on this. Unfortunately, finding good, current, and unbiassed statistics on dog bites is tough.

Of all the reports I've seen, I don't think I have seen any that take into account the percentage of breed in circulation (maybe one, but it's old). And because most people can't tell the difference between an actual pit bull, and a "pit bull type", the statistics are often scewed considerably.

Here's a fun game: Find the Pit Bull

You are accurate in saying "a knowledgeable owner." Every dog owner should be knowledgeable about dog behavior ... IE - be the pack leader and treat a dog like a dog, not a human.

Jim: I wouldn't say poodles are viscious dogs. Probably the ones you have experienced ... Mind you, I have been bitten by poodles, rat terriers, and shi-zus, but never a bigger dog. So I may not like those breeds, but I don't think any dog breed is viscious by nature. Though some breeds have a tendency to be more dominant (frequently mis-interpreted as aggression.)

They get that way ("viscious") because of how they are treated by human owners. This doesn't mean the owners must treat their dogs poorly, rather, the owners allow the dogs to become imballanced through lack of proper socialization (With people or other animals), exercise, and proper discipline. This comes down to ignorance and/or laziness on the side of the owner.

Of course, the bigger a dog, the more damage it can cause. But to say a dog isn't dangerous because of its size is silly. For example, if a little dog attacks a bigger dog, that little dog is dangerous to itself. A pomeranian killed a baby back in 2000: Small dog attack

Anyway: Most people have their oppinions, and biases. Most steadfastly refuse to believe anything but what the stereotypes and news media have told them to believe. So, I don't expect to change anyone's mind on Pit Bulls or other breeds with a bad rap. I just encourage folks to keep an open mind, and don't jump to conclusions, especially if you have never actually interacted with the breed in question.

This is getting off topic. Mods, please split this thread if you feel it is necessary.

Justin A... Good luck finding a breed that matches your lifestyle... And HAVE FUN with your dog! :)

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[Neil Gendzwill]

Here's a fun game: Find the Pit Bull

I got it in one but I wasn't aware there were so many bull terrier variations. I thought the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was by definition the "pit bull" and was guessing between that one and the official one.

One thing a lot of those dogs have in common - they can be very dangerous if not properly trained and even then be careful. I mean, fine about the Pom mauling a baby, but I'll take my chances with it over a Tosa Inu.

[Gecko]

finding a good breeder is the best thing when looking for a dog. We stumbled into a guy who was breeding dogs for hunting. I wanted a working dog not a show dog which while its a good way to avoid all the bad "show" side effects means that Muji has a huge amount of energy and while smart she's also very stubborn

[Tommy D]

I wasn't aware there were so many bull terrier variations. I thought the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was by definition the "pit bull" and was guessing between that one and the official one.

Yes, there are quite a few variations on the "pit bull" type dog, and even more dogs that are assumed to be pit bull types, but are the farthest thing from. Pit Bulls are on the smaller side of things, relatively speaking.

You may be thinking of the American Staffordshire terrier, which is basically the same as an American Pit Bull Terrier. The difference being the way they are defined by the UKC and AKC. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smaller, more playfull breed than the APBT or AmStaff, but very similar in build.

Here's another version of the game above: Find the pit!

[Neil Gendzwill]

Not sure how anyone ever mistakes a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Rhodesion Ridgeback for a pitbull...

[Justin A.]

Not sure how anyone ever mistakes a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Rhodesion Ridgeback for a pitbull...

Its because PEOPLE are stupid. A person is smart, people are dumb.

I picked the bull terrier first, because I didn't realize that there were so many variations. DOH!

I mistook the Bernese for an Aussie at first actually, no scale in the picture and all.

Anyway, we took our first ride to the shelter to meet a dog today, and not 5 minutes after we got there we decided he was for us :). He's the one that I linked to further up the page. He's an Aussie/Retriever mix (no idea what kind of retriever), walks VERY well on his leash, sits on the first command even from us strangers, was absolutley AMAZING with our Bichon, and they cat tested him today. The cat was horrified and probally traumatized for life after the experience, but the dog was more interested in the basket of toys in the room than he was in the cat. Hes a super sweet dog, if anyone wants to see the videos that I took just give me someplace to host them and I'll link them here. If not, then whatever :)

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Vapir No2