Dog Community

what kind of dog should I get?

cait

Posted : 7/3/2006 8:08:34 PM

Hey, I'm new to this whole thing, but I have a quick questions.
I am going to be graduating next year and am looking forward to getting a dog (again, I've had dogs, horses, etc. in the past just not while I was at college). I am hoping to get a great dane (yes I've looked into the health issues, training issues, food issues, talking to breeders, etc.) but Iwanted to get some other people's feedback on what kind of dogs might work out well for my lifestyle. I am really active, I run 5-7 miles daily, would play frisbee with it, take it to dog parks, I'd like to maybe get into doing animal therapy stuff. BUT, I illw be living in an apartment (maybe house, but not huge yard) and working 40+ hours a week so I need a dog that is ok being home alone for a while. I don't want a small dog. I've had a lab in the past which was an adorable animal shelter dog. I have always gotten my animals in the past at the animal shelter, but am thinking I would like to get a purebred this time. Anyway, that was a lot of background, but I was just wondering if anyone had ideas as to breeds that have worked out well for them, or that they think would be a good fit.
Thanks!

spiritdogs

Posted : 7/3/2006 9:25:46 PM

If you'll be working, or away from home a lot, probably it would be better to get an adult dog. Have you considered adopting an older dog, say 4-5 years old? Often, they are fine at home all day, and yet they still have lots of love to give. They are harder to adopt out because of their age, and many, sadly, are euthanized in shelters because of that. I would suggest going to an SPCA or humane society that has a behavioral program that evaluates the dogs' temperaments - tell them what you are looking for and they may just have a match.

Sydney

Posted : 7/4/2006 12:55:10 AM

looked into the health issues, training issues, food issues, talking to breeders, etc.) but Iwanted to get some other people's feedback on what kind of dogs might work out well for my lifestyle. I am really active, I run 5-7 miles daily, would play frisbee with it, take it to dog parks, I'd like to maybe get into doing animal therapy stuff. BUT, I illw be living in an apartment (maybe house, but not huge yard) and working 40+ hours a week so I need a dog that is ok being home alone for a while. I don't want a small dog. I've had a lab in the past which was an adorable animal shelter

A Great Dane would not fit into your lifestyle well, Older great danes do just fine in apartments, BUT a dane is not an active breed, they dont make good jogging companions, and are just happy snoozing on the couch. i have a male grerat dane, he is pretty active compared to most other danes and he still sleeps A LOT... you should probably look into another breed.

There are many rescues with purebred dogs, you just have to look. Look into getting an older dog from possibly the herding or sporting groups. Like spiritdogs said, if your working a lot, an older dog will be able to handle being alone for longer periods of time.

Tanya Stringer

Posted : 7/4/2006 12:29:36 PM

Danes are wonderful dogs, but suited to your lifestyle. I have owned, shown, and bred pugs for years, and i would also say this dog is not suited either. Pug breed is good for apartment life, but could not run or play frisbee with you most times of the year, without suffering from heat and cold problems.

jones

Posted : 7/4/2006 7:35:10 PM

I think an adult Lab would be a great choice for your lifestyle - they love to play games and run around but are capable of snoozing away the hours that you are alone. It shouldn't be hard to find an adult Lab up for adoption even if you are looking for a purebred.

cait

Posted : 7/4/2006 8:20:20 PM

Thanks y'all, I will definately take that into consideration about the great danes. I have had a lab in the past that I got at the shelter. She was a good running partner, loved fetch, was smart, good inside, etc. I'm definately a fan of labs, I just wanted to look in to some other breeds as well.

Xerxes

Posted : 7/4/2006 9:44:26 PM

I would second adopting an older dog. Puppies are alot of work, and they really won't be ready to run or play frisbee with you for any length of time until they are at least a year. Even after a year you won't be able to go running with your pup until the growth plates have solidified (usually 18 months in most large dogs.)

RidgebackGermansShep

Posted : 7/4/2006 9:47:23 PM

I always recommend rhodesian ridgebacks, but i do so for a reason. I love ridgebacks because they're pretty lazy in the house, but they can be as active as you want them to be. I wouldn't get a pup if you are working 40 hours a week...but i know that there's a rhodesian ridgeback rescue. I think that ridgebacks need an experienced handler...so if you're confident in handling a dog that will potentially be 100 lbs, i HIGHLY recommend looking into the breed.