Xeph
Posted : 3/21/2007 2:36:20 PM
I've always found Staffies to be quite charming. Quite the happy go lucky bully breed if you ask me xD I know nothing about them beyond the fact that they're a pretty darn cool breed (if not a bit goofy and headstrong sometimes).
Some people disagree, but I personally think that a GSD is a great "first time" dog. Many people end up with them as their first pet ever, and the reason people end up giving them up isn't because of the breed itself...it's because THEY didn't do the proper research on it.
The downside to most herding breeds is they can be "nippy" when they're young, and when that prey drive kicks in, you have to learn to control it right away, lest they begin "herding" your children (and they will do it...my GSD has pulled my brother away from the road by the belt loops and kept him in the yard).
And then, of course, there is always the ever happy "Family dog" extraordinaire....the Golden Retriever. I suggest the Golden over the Lab because IME, they're more biddable. While both dogs are very much family dogs, the Golden is more "What can I do for you m'lady?" where as every so often, the Labrador will pull a "What's in it for me, bud?" which leads to frustration.
Also, like in GSDs, there is a division in style. Field, and show. If you don't plan on hunting and want a more mild mannered dog, I'd go with a showline dog. They're more easy going, and while they still require a fair bit of exercise, they're not pouncing you every two minutes with a toy going "Throw the ball, throw the ball, throw the ball! Oooo! I'm sick of ball! Let's play tuggy! Ok, no, wait, I dun wanna play tuggy, LET'S GO JOGGING!!!!!"
It creates a funny image in one's head...but it's not so funny when you have to live with it.
If you end up deciding you want a specific breed, but would prefer to rescue, there are many breed specific rescues that could match you with the right dog