Would you suggest the breed of dog you own for the first time dog owner?

Sally was my first dog, but I would never recommend a pit bull to a first time dog owner.  By the time I got to the part in my pit bull research that said "This breed is not recommended for first time dog owners," it was already too late--Sally was one of the family.  We made it work, but it took a LOT of hard work and a LOT of research.

Labs...maybe, maybe not.  I think that they are often one of the first choices for someone looking for a dog and they are most definately NOT for everyone.  They are athletic, intelligent dogs who were bred to do something and really need to be doing what they were bred to do.  Labs are not even a little bit reserved (especially the young ones) and don't believe in doing anything with half their heart, and the result is a very exuberant dog with a tail that could taken down several small children in a single wag.  When Jack wags his tail, he literally throws his entire body into it, to the point that when he was younger he would actually throw himself off balence while wagging and he has recently bloodied his own tail due to over zealous wagging.

Labs, especially the young ones, will eat anything that they can possibley manage.  Notice I didn't say CHEW (although they will do that too), I said EAT.  Jack has eaten a pair of socks, potpourri, various bits of fuzz, tinsil, and cardboard.  Just for comparison--of the few times they have gotten into the trash, Sally the pit bull will take the food wrappers out and carefully shred them, exracting as much food as possible without actually eating any of the wrapper.  Jack d the lab doesn't mess with that--he just tries to swallow the entire wrapper whole (he has not actually succeeded in this, but I have literally pulled a McDonald's wrapper out of his throat once).  When he was younger he used to try to eat every cigarette butt he found on the ground too[:'(].

ORIGINAL: rolenta



Has anyone ever noticed that whatever breed of dog someone owns they tend to tell everyone else they shouldn't own them? I think it's their way of saying, "Unlike me, you are not superb enough to own this dog." I think there's a lot of snobbery with purebred dogs. The only owners that don't seem to have this problem are pit owners, go figure!

See, I have to take issue with this.  A huge part of the reason that there are so many labs in shelters is that people see them everywhere and just think they are the perfect family dog (because everyone has them after all) so they get them without even thinking too much about it.  People SHOULD know that a lab is a dog that needs lots of exercise, lots of mental stimulation, and lots of training to be happy, pleasent to live with dogs.  None of those things are particularly difficult to do (especially with labs), but the person does actually have to commit to doing them.

As far as pit bulls go, they are not exactly easy dogs to own.  They are strong, problem solving intelligent (it took Sally a day to figure out how to open the doors in our house, she figured out how to get her crate open, she has figured out how to open our shutters and even the slats of the shutters), can be very stubborn, bouncy, and needs lots of exercise.  Many of them have a high prey drive many of them display varying levels of dog aggression.  On top of that, they must have better behavior than your average dog because their misbehaviors are going to be judged much more harshly by others then the same misbehaviors in a lab.  Plus, a pit bull owner is going to have to deal with rudeness from the public, and do so in a pleasent manner to avoid giving people an even more negative impression of the breed (this seems simple but there are some days when I just want to scream "YES SHE IS A PIT BULL AND NO SHE DOES NOT BITE" at the top of my lungs.  Oh yeah, aaannnndd you always have to be alert to the local political climate so that you can be prepared for attempts by local governments to pass legislation against your dog.  Since I have owned Sally I have writen letters and emails to town councils and newspapers and even participated in a pro-pit bull march.

I do not believe that my willingness to deal with the challenges of having a breed like the pit bull means that I am better than anyone else at all.  However, people tend to just think of the happy things when they are looking for a dog, and I do think that it is only fair to the dog and the potiental owner that the person knw exactly what they are getting into.  It may be a highly rewarding road to travel down, but it won't be an easy one.

But if having the best interests of breeds I love at heart is snobery, than I guess that I'm a snob.

I wasn't directing this comment at consciencious dog owners, just rude ones. A lot of people act that way even to potentially really good dog owners. When it's justified, I wouldn't have a problem with it. So please, continue to have a passion for the welfare of your breed. My biggest pet peeve is when people assume someone's an ignoramus and shouldn't be owning their breed before they even know them.

The thing I find annoying is when you mention casually, "I've considered owning x breed of dog," and a breed fan jumps down your throat and assumes you're a totaly moron, rather than being polite and continuing the discussion that way. If someone said to me, "I'm interested in owning a shiba," I wouldn't say, "You want to own a shiba? Well, you probably have no idea how much work they are and you need to do research because you can't just go out and get a shiba without knowing anything about them!" but that's the reaction you get from some people. And no, I don't think YOU'RE not like that, and neither are most of the people here, but there are some and it's annoying. So, pardon the hyperbole in the original comment.

I got attacked like that on a shiba message board recently, even though I already own a shiba. I asked if anyone had successfully trained their shiba to leave chickens alone and they all assumed I was some kind of numbskull telling me I didn't know anything about shibas and they weren't the right dog for me and that I should've done research before getting one. Oh yeah, except the two people who had their shibas around chickens with no problem. [8|] They are nice.

Now, if someone said, "I want a shiba because I want a small dog that doesn't need a lot of attention," I'd say, "Umm.. no." That would be justified.

I didn't mean for my response to sound snippy--I apologize. 

It's just something I tend to be a bit passionate about because both of "my breeds" are all too often end up with people who just got them because they "looked cool" or "the nieghbor has one" without having any understanding of what the breed is all about.

However, you are not one of those people and really didn't deserve to catch the brunt of my little rant.....[]

cocker spaniel? depends on the person.
 
biggest problem with them is submissive urination, problems concetrating and of course the coat.
so if the person is more soft tempered, but fun loving person. definately. they're great dogs.. as for the coat.. well the person would either have to know to brush daily or "shave" monthly..

ORIGINAL: sillysally

I didn't mean for my response to sound snippy--I apologize. 

It's just something I tend to be a bit passionate about because both of "my breeds" are all too often end up with people who just got them because they "looked cool" or "the nieghbor has one" without having any understanding of what the breed is all about.

However, you are not one of those people and really didn't deserve to catch the brunt of my little rant.....[]

No worries. We're all friends here.

By the way, when they censor the word m*ron it makes me look like a potty mouth because the mind automatically fills in a worse word, don't you think? [&:]

German shepherd?  Not likely.  I've always had dogs and my first two really took me by surprise.  I didn't research because DH grew up with gsds and I figured he'd be a good guide.  Not so much.
 
GSD's really need a strong leader and they will absolutely keep you on your toes 24/7.  They are WAY too smart for the good of their humans and can be rotten little stinkers without really good and consistent training.
 
I did place one of the foster pups with a first time owner.  She'd grown up with dogs, dobies and shepherds, so wasn't inexperienced altogether with dogs, and she was really commited to getting it right.  This gal is an attorney with her own practice, the pup started going to work with her from day one, she followed every recommendation I made, the kids went to training classes with the pup, etc, etc, etc.  So, while I normally would say no, I have to go with my gut and can't say never ever.....

Good points, here. Outside of toy breeds, every breed of dog, it seems, is not for first time owners. I think it's up to the individual owners, as it was up to me. I didn't know anything when I got Shadow, a mix of two northern working breeds. But I managed, and so can others, if they want to.

Husky - no I wouldn't recommend them to a first time dog owner. Had I done my research I wouldn't have got one myself. Also, had I done my research, I could have done a better job raising/socializing her. But I fumbled my way through it and didn't give up.
 
Aussie - yes I'd recommend them for a first time owner as long as the owner was willing to meet their exercise needs. They are a great all around dog imo. Easy to train, friendly, smart, and willing to do just about anything you ask of them.

I can think of a few dogs that are better than others for your average first time owner:

Beagles
Labs, brittanys, or Flat-coated retrievers (if FTO is an active person)
Standard Poodle
Pugs (if FTO is a patient housetrainer)

This is just off the top of my head, I am sure there are others...

And I think it's a good thing that people say that their breed is not for everyone, because it's true. People ask me about my vizsla every day because he's really sweet and really pretty and very well mannered.

I tell them that he's so sweet and well-mannered because he runs around for about six hours a day, that he hates to be left alone, and that he needs to sleep under my covers with me. I think it's my responsibility to do that because V's are getting really popular in the city because they are so good-lookin'. But they can be a handful!

At some point in time, every one is a first time owner.  I grew up with dogs and got a doberman as my first adult dog.  It turned out just fine because I had learned through research, dealt with the destruction through management, and participated in high quality group training lessons.
 
In most cases, high energy working dogs are better for either very knowledgable and motivated novices; the same with many herders.  The sporting and hound breeds often have individuals who are forgiving and easier to own for the first time.
 
It is more an individual decision than a breed wide disclaimer.  I find that high drive, high energy, smart dogs are more likely to be bad for first time owners than dogs who are a bit more laid back.  As I often see posted about breed selection, it is as much about the individual person as it is about the "breed".

I agree with Gina and Fisher6000 -
 
I did a lot of research on breeds before deciding on a beagle - they're really easy going, happy and mine was very easy to train due to them just about LOVING any treat you give them.  They (from what I read) can be a little stubborn - but mine just kind of goes with the flow - - I think Beagles are a great breed for a FTO.
 
Deb W.

ORIGINAL: sillysally

A huge part of the reason that there are so many labs in shelters is that people see them everywhere and just think they are the perfect family dog (because everyone has them after all) so they get them without even thinking too much about it. People SHOULD know that a lab is a dog that needs lots of exercise, lots of mental stimulation, and lots of training to be happy, pleasent to live with dogs. None of those things are particularly difficult to do (especially with labs), but the person does actually have to commit to doing them.

Huge, huge word to this. I do think every dog has its challenges (and there are dogs that, knowing my personality, lifestyle preferences, etc. I would not choose to own), and hearing again and again that Labs are the "perfect family dog" really frustrates me. Not because they can't be amazing, loyal, wonderful companions, but because so many people do exactly what you describe - think, "I'd like a dog... hmm... let's get a Lab, they're great!" And then are aghast that they knock things over with their tails, try to chase squirrels, need tons of exercise, etc. The number of really great dogs that end up as rescues is astounding (this is true of all breeds, I'm sure) - our local lab rescue has 40-60 dogs at any time, most of whom were "owner give-ups." My dog is a perfect example. He's a wild thing if he doesn't get in his 2-3 long walks/runs/romps per day, and nothing can be placed on coffee tables, and you have to keep the floor clear of everything (I pulled a used dryer sheet right out of his throat the other day...), but he's a great, great dog. I'm boggled that (1) his previous owners found him so intolerable that he was crated upwards of 18 hours a day and (2) anybody could give him up. So I think, for the right person, Labs make GREAT first-time dogs - but that person needs to know what they are getting into and needs to be prepared to change their household and lifestyle around a bit if necessary.

I think this question depends on the person and their interest in the breed.  In general, I'd not suggest a rottie for the first time dog owner.  It's not because they are a 'bad breed' or aggressive, but because you really need to know alot about the breed. 
 
First, BSL.  Are they aware of it and how it affects where they live?  Do they understand that if BSL is enacted where they live after they aquire their dog they may be forced to move?   My opinion is dog ownership is a life-long commitment and you don't give up your dog just because you like your neighborhood more but they have a new ban against your dog. 
 
Second, because of the reputation the dog has, the owner has to be even more careful that the average owner.  I just put down my oldest and have two more at home.  I adore them.  I'd have a housefull.  But I've had people refuse to enter my house unless I lock up my dogs.  You are going to encounter people with that mindset and there's little you can do about it.  I've been fortunate enough to encounter people that believe the media hype but were willing to meet mine and change their mind. 
 
As for chis - I think if it's an adult with no young children at home and they have enough basic knowledge about dogs (importance of socialization, dedication to the dog, ability to afford medical care, etc.) then chis are great.  Again, they need basic knowledge of both dogs in general and chis as well.
 
The rat terriers?  Ugh.  Both of mine came from an abusive home.  One's a chicken, the other is aggressive.  I've worked nearly 4 years with them and they are better, but still need probably another 4 years work.  I've never been around one that had a proper upbringing so to speak.  I don't know what the true rat terrier personality is so I really can't say.  I have heard terriers are great family dogs though.
 
Cockers - no clue.  I'm still in the learning process myself. 
 
I think what it boils down to is if someone saw me somewhere with one of my dogs and stopped me and said that they'd always wanted a xx breed of dog and they've done research on them and any problems they may have and can they ask me some questions and they were really interested to learn, I think that person would be a good owner for pretty much any breed.  Of course some of the breeds I think they'd really need to do some serious studying.

If what a person wanted out of a dog was what the coonhound had to offer, I'd say yes. It's just that what most people (hunters excluded) want a dog to do, coonhounds just don't, or at least don't without pretty extensive long-term training. They don't go off-leash without a secure fence, they don't learn 47,423 seperate commands (at least, not easily), they don't live to please you, they don't hang on your every word. They are problem-solving intelligent and they do require a good bit of exercise (especially mental). A lot of people find a dog like that kind of weird and unpleasant. I took Marlowe to a party last weekend and everyone was totally weirded out by him because he was completely uninterested in being pet or loved on or even meeting the other dogs there beyond a cursory sniff because he was too busy smelling every square inch of the yard. Everyone admitted he was cute but I got a lot of, "Is he always like that?"
 
But if someone wanted a dog like that, I'd say sure, coonhounds are wonderful! They tend to be non-aggressive and are highly food-motivated so if you're open to training with food you can really make some break-throughs that way. And once you've earned their respect (it takes a little while and some concerted effort) they really are just tremendous companions. They're great with kids and Marlowe at least has a temperament that just can not be beat--steady, solid, bomb-proof, totally unflappable.