Dog Community

Need some help

Posted : 8/23/2006 6:39:02 AM

[align=left]Hello, I need some help choosing a dog breed which would fit me/us as much as possible...

So, as you can see (even in my avatar[

]) I am much more of an invertebrate-enthusiast and love seeing my animals giving me threat displays, rather than affection.

BUT... My sister is a mammal lover just like any average 11-year-old-girl, she wants a dog. So, I thought, why not? Her birthday is soon to come, and I was thinking maybe I should get her a dog [sm=happy.gif]

We live in a ~ 5 room appartment, not including the dining room which is fairly large (Dog's water and food would probably be there...) and a mid-sized balcony (I'd say about 9*15 [feet of course]). My sister likes those miniature dogs like Yorkis, I prefer large dogs like pointers or shepperds. Though it is her birthday, it won't be fair letting her decide all by herself which dog to get, because 95% of the care would 'fall' on me and my parents.

So, we all agree we should get a medium-sized dog, but the question is "WHICH"?
Both my sister and I are allergic to cat hairs but not dog hairs, but it would be better if the dog won't be a heavy shedder. Just in case. It should be nice to other animals (My sister has a hamster and I own tarantulas, centipedes, scorpions [I don't think these would cause any problem] and roaches [Which are used as food for my other pets, they aren't really smelly but... I'm afraid they might annoy the dog]).
It would be better if the dog won't be too energetic indoors, it would drive my mom crazy [

]

So... which dog breed would you suggest? I was thinking maybe a Basset or a Beagle (Beagles are fairly pricey in here, so I think the Basset would be a better option).

Thank you very much for your time and trouble (I guess it took long to read all this, and I'm sure it is pretty boring),
Jonathan.
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Vinia

Posted : 8/23/2006 7:22:14 AM

Some other things to consider are:

How much exercise are you able/willing to give a dog?
Will it be home alone for any amount of time?
What sort of "personality" would you like your dog to have?

chewbecca

Posted : 8/23/2006 7:23:18 AM

Is your sister wanting a puppy or an adult dog? Does it matter to her?

If not, PLEASE adopt.
Either go to [linkhttp://www.petfinder.com]pet finder[/link]
or your local shelter and adopt.
You could even find puppies there. A decent shelter is going to help you find a puppy to suit your wants.
If you get a puppy, keep in mind (and I'm sure you're already aware) that any puppy is going to be energetic.
We adopted a pit mix and we have 4 geckoes and she NEVER even goes NEAR them. But we also keep them up in their cages on a counter downstairs. You're going to want to train ANY dog you get.
I don't know that I'd necessarily recommend a pit or pit mix for you, but with any dog you wouldn't know how well they're going to be with your other animals. My pit mix doesn't shed much. She's a GIGANTIC sweetheart that is SO perfect with people. She has never growled or barked at ANYONE.
Whatever breed you decide that you want, just remember that you can probably find that breed either in a shelter or in a rescue waiting for someone to give them a home.
And if you find a dog you want at a shelter, make sure you go meet the dog first, interact with it, speak with any trainers, behaviorists and handlers that have dealt with the dog in any way.
Please, please adopt.

Jonathan Fruchter

Posted : 8/23/2006 7:50:48 AM

ORIGINAL: chewbecca
any puppy is going to be energetic.

That's the reason why we prefer an adult dog than a puppy...[

]

About 5 months ago we have adopted a nice mixed dog from the local shelter, we were told that she had already got all the vaccines she needed, but she died a couple of days later from a Parvo virus [

]

The shelters over here are really hard to trust, that's why I've been looking for private owners who got tired of their dog and want to give them away... I have found an adult female Basset which doesnt get any attention becuase her owners dont want her anymore and live in another city... They just pay someone to give her food...

And regarding to Vinia's questions- What do you mean by "exercise"- walks and physical exercise etc.. or training and "teaching trikcs"? I am sure my sister would love to play alot with the dog, and I don't mind playing with it as well...

Of course it will be home alone, I'd say it would be home alone for about 6 hours a day 5 days a week. Maybe alittle more.

The dog has to be "loyal" and love our family... Other than that we don't really care... It would be if it wouldn't be too energetic and jump at people, it might fright my mother...

Thanks yet again,
Jonathan.

chewbecca

Posted : 8/23/2006 7:58:28 AM

Oh. Oops.
Train any dog you get. You'll have to work with a dog who jumps.
I think the bassett sounds good. Crate the dog when you're not home.
Good luck!!

And sorry about the dog you got that passed from parvo.

magilacudy

Posted : 8/23/2006 9:27:44 AM

Maybe your sister would like a cat? They don't need much excercise, they love to play and cuddle and they don't mind being home alone. They are loyal to their family and will not jump at your mother.

jones

Posted : 8/23/2006 9:31:01 AM

Jonathan... I'm having trouble reading your posts because your avatar is seriously giving me the willies! [sm=eek.gif]

My feeling is that exercise requirements should probably be the #1 consideration when choosing a breed or individual dog. You would be amazed at how many problems can arise from a dog who does not get the exercise he really needs. Exercise could mean just regular walks in the case of a lower-energy dog, or long daily runs for a high energy dog. Most adult dogs, given enough exercise, will be fine being home alone 6 hrs a day during the week. I agree with chewbecca - whatever you get, make sure to do some training! Training is fun and helps you and the dog to get along in the house.

The bassett hound you're looking at sounds like she might be a great choice for your family. Good luck!

Melaney B.

Posted : 8/23/2006 10:29:45 AM

The bassett hound you're looking at sounds like she might be a great choice for your family. Good luck!

I would say that the bassett sounds like a great idea. Actually, any hound would probably fit your lifestyle well, they are very easy-going and gentle breeds. They are usually fairly easy to train and are very loyal! I think it's a good choice!

Jonathan Fruchter

Posted : 8/23/2006 12:12:28 PM

ORIGINAL: angeltrudelle

Maybe your sister would like a cat?

Hey angeltrudelle, as written above, both my sister and I are allergic to cat hairs

I took today a "find a breed test" which said that beagles or bassets would fit us for 97% http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=112).

Can I trust this test? I've read some about bassets and they seem really nice [sm=happy.gif]
This basset I told you about was already given away, so now I got no idea where I could find and andult basset, any ideas? I have seen 1 basset for sale, a 3 year old male, but I think that a well-treated basset would be mad at his previous owners and wouldn't like his new ones... That's why we prefered the non-treated basset...

Thank you all for your help,
Jonathan.

magilacudy

Posted : 8/23/2006 12:27:44 PM

oops sorry I forgot.

dogslife

Posted : 8/23/2006 12:45:42 PM

[align=left]Well, you do seem to have a lot of needs . Dogs of all kinds require you to be devoted to them. If you get one from a pound, they may require a lot of extra care both physically and mentally.
Exercise, training, vet care, attention to special needs of the individual animal are all considerations. If you love caring for dogs, you should get one. If you don't have the resources to provide all of the important needs that is required , do not get a dog.

A smaller dog for apartment living may be a good direction for you. How is your mom on board with this idea? Usually it is the mom who seems to end up taking care of a dog, if she is at home while you go to school?

chewbecca

Posted : 8/23/2006 2:16:53 PM

Braque Francais
97%
Bedlington Terrier
97%
Drever
97%
Lakeland Terrier
97%
Rottweiler
97%

Heh. Those are the ones that the quiz said would be good for me.
I have a pitbull. A lot of those ARE terrier types though...

Jonathan Fruchter

Posted : 8/23/2006 2:20:37 PM

My mom is willing to take the doog for walks both morning and noon walks, my part would be taking it for evening walks, training and exercising, along with food, water, cleaning (in these I'm sure my sister will be helpful[

]).

After reading alittle more about the bassets, I think the beagle would fit better because of the bassets ear-senstivity and front legs sensitivity. From what I've read they also shed less, drool less and seem to fit better to apartment life. What do you guys think?

I am sure that if we will love the dog (and of course we will love it, we won't take a dog we don't like) taking care of it won't be a trouble, but fun...

Thanks yet again,
Jonathan.

Melaney B.

Posted : 8/23/2006 2:28:09 PM

I think you are right about "fitting the apartment" situation. They are extremly easy going creatures. I think that if you are willing to put in the effort you say you are, i would say go for it!

Melaney

Stef w

Posted : 8/23/2006 2:32:22 PM

Jonathan - In regards to your question - beagles are an excellent family animal however they need a lot of exercise and can sometimes be destructive. We grew up with hounds and we knew it when they hadn't been busy enough. They are however lovely dogs that are sweet and wonderful with family members. They can be runners though - so you want to make sure you keep your dog leashed or contained when outside.

[linkhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com/beagle.htm]http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/beagle.htm[/link]

I tried that survey .. The results were interesting...

Finnish Spitz
Greyhound
Norwegian Buhund
German Wirehaired Pointer
Toy Poodle

Wow - I entered things like short fine coat, low grooming, high drive for obedience, watchdog capabilities and dogs that would take over my house ... Hmmmm....