Dogs!

[Quickstop [UK]]

I have wanted one for years and think I have settled on a breed I like but am wondering what others' experiences are of different breeds and ownership in general.

I'm a big guy so a Chihuahua isn't going to cut it. I like Malamutes (a grey/white one would match my truck ) and German Shepherds but also know that fur can be a PITA plus walking etc.

What do dog do you have (pics!) and how has it been having him/her/them? Did you adopt a rescue or buy a puppy? How are they with kids and how much do they cost to run?

My wife is keen on a chocolate lab so that may happen as well.

Cheers!

 

[Ross L]

Re: Dogs!

Great Dane. Pro's: clean, no shedding, no bathing, gentle, calm, dumb ,Big!
Con's ; short life span( 8-10 years), Big!
I'm on my third and have had multiple breeds; basenji, lab, golden retriever, lasa apsa(sp), muts and some I've forgotten Im sure. So far, nothing compares for me. They don't eat any more than a lab but they also probably wont retrieve anything. Although mine drags up entire deer carcuses on occasion. great breed IMO.

 

[Sy1566]

Re: Dogs!

I've had plenty mutts, two male Rottweilers and one female Pitbull in the past, and currently have a female Standard American Bulldog. My American Bulldog is by far the best dog I've ever had. She is awesome all around..., smart, protective, sweet, obedient..., you name it.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Dogs!

Mutts from a rescue.

What do dog do you have (pics!): You have met both of mine
Did you adopt a rescue or buy a puppy? See Above
How are they with kids? They are great.
How much do they cost to run? HUH? Atlas is 16 years old. Only shot he has ever gotten since I owned him (got him as a puppy from the rescue) was a rabies shot. No heartworm pills, distemper, etc. etc. Only feed him Alpo or Pedigree. Only give him products and treats that are made in the USA. And the son of a bitch still climbs the stairs to the second story at least 2x a day. He has cost me absolutely nothing other than money for food and treats in the past 15 years.

 

[2500avalanche]

Re: Dogs!

Do your research. Kid friendly is always a positive. It is the worst having a dog that you have to lock in a cage when people come over to visit.

 

[Darin]

Re: Dogs!

We've had several dogs.

The two that stand out are a rottweiler/pit bull/mastiff mix, and a great dane/pit bull mix. Both were very loyal, loving and fun. Again, short life spans, but that's how it goes.

 

[wheels]

Re: Dogs!

We have a yellow lab that we love. Always had labs growing up and they are great dogs. She kind of screwed us our last Nationals trip though haha

http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=96464

Pics

She was in our wedding too

 

[fivetodrive]

Re: Dogs!

I Found my border collie or whatever he is on the side of the road.... and he is the best dog I have ever had. A little skittish at times and is really excited when I get home but he is awesome and super smart.

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Re: Dogs!

Two Shiba Inu's and a German Shep mix. Shibas shed like crazy, are reclusive (cat like), and don't like kids (they aren't mean to kids, just don't like the attention from them). Our Shep is a cuddler and protector, and really doesn't shed that much. Gave them all bath last weekend, and she lost way less hair that the shiba did, and she's 3 times their size.

Adopted the shep, got the shibas from a local breeder.

Eiko (eye-co, tri-colored male Shiba) sitting on the pillows, Liebe (lee-bah, female German Shep mix) acting as a pillow:

Nikai (knee-kay, red female Shiba) thinking she's smaller than she really is:

 

[autoaddictions]

Re: Dogs!

I have had American Bulldogs for the last 16 years. They are excellent with kids even infants. Very protective of ther family. Tough as nails. Not to active. Less than a lab or Shepard. Other than the farting I have no regrets. I have 2 right now. Both boys. They don't even fight. 100 pounds each.

 

[Baythan]

Re: Dogs!

I know that fur can be a PITA plus walking etc.

If you have a problem with walking dogs, maybe a guinea pig is a better choice.

90% of dog problems arise from homes where the dogs are not walked enough. That doesn't mean let out in the backyard to run free...it means ON A LEASH, walking beside the human (not behind). Something very important happens to a dog psychologically when they are in this "hunting" state and it can't be replaced with a backyard.

If large, working dogs like shepherds and retrievers don't get 2-4 walks per day, bad behaviors develop. Heck, it can happen with any breed.

Many people will now chime in and say "I never walk my dog and he's fine!". And I'm sure some are...but Cesar Milan is right...dogs are pack animals and hunters and need to be walked.

For the record, I have a Cavachon (1/2 Bishon 1/2 Cavalier King Charles spaniel). Great companion dog, amazing spirit...but not a big dog.

Fur is a PITA...there are several non-shedding hypoallegenic dogs out there (including Cavachon, Golden Doodle, Portugese water dog [I think] )

Good luck. They are work but worth every minute.

 

[Cronic fatigue]

Re: Dogs!

pit bulls for me,loyal,smart,fantastic with kids and most of all a bad ass protector!,its s shame they have a bad name. here is my third one.

 

[RealFastV6]

Love our GSD, but if my better looking half didn't run him 3 miles in the morning it'd be a different story. He's 9 now so a lot less hyper but make no mistake the early years require work. Good training is essential; and good dog training is owner training too.

Dog socialization is key with GSDs too. Ours wasn't socialized and couldn't be around other dogs without turning them into chew toys.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

 

[pearl91chevy]

Re: Dogs!

I have two German Shepards, I actually posted up on here in a same situation as you wondering what to look for. I picked up my all white Akita/German shepheard and she's a great dog! Listens very well, doesn't bark unless commanded, she's nearly 2 now.. Then a year ago me and the wife decided to get her a playmate so we got a pure bread Shepheard, she requires a lot more attention but is very loyal.

 

[SYCLONE#1531]

Re: Dogs!

My 1.5 year old 185lb female English Mastiff. She should end up at about 220 to 230lbs when full grown! Shes been lots of fun!

Likes to sit on my lap!

My other dog! Well kinda!

 

[Damian]

Re: Dogs!

I have a Pit and a Beagle. Both are dumber than nails, and huge bums! Neither one barks to save their lives. I wouldn't say all Pits are great guard dogs cause mine will open the door for you and probably even fetch you a beer and open it for you too. But she is super friendly. My kids do bad stuff to both of them all the time and they just lay their and wag their tails.

 

[Don W.]

Re: Dogs!

Food filter. Dog food in one end, dog shit out the other.

However the neighbors have two little ones. One barks at daylight. Nice folks, they keep it inside. I had a Lhasa many years ago, loved that dog and the lady that went with it. :rotf: I grew up with a dachshund. Now days? to much trouble. I do dog-sit occasionally though. Sister in-law's Lhasa.

 

[gary sy]

Re: Dogs!

We have had 6 Rottweiler s & have 4 right now they are great !

 

[Sparkz#0535]

Re: Dogs!

two Dobermans ......great dogs

 

[GarnetTy1473]

Re: Dogs!

Definitely go with a rescue and not a breeder. **** breeders. We are looking at getting another dog right now that itself, along with a shit ton others were rescued from a breeder that kept them in piss poor conditions and all need a lot of medical attention before they go up for adoption. Seems to be the norm with 90% of breeders out there.

I grew up with cats. And have had 2 dogs since moving out.

On that note, we have a rescued border collie mix. She came from an abusive home, so it takes her time to warm up to strangers, but she is a million times better now than she was 10 years ago when we got her. Border collies are known for being very smart, which she is. Very gentle with kids, etc. Can't say enough good things about her.

The other dog we had was a rat terrier mix. Outside, she was a PITA. Sometimes she'd get a hair up her butt and take off chasing someone down the street. Sometimes, she'd just ignore them. Inside the house, she just wanted to sit on anybody's lap that would take her. She passed away last year at only 6 years old. Got a staph infection somehow. Vet diagnosed it as allergies, and gave her a steroid shot, which ended up killing her a few days later.