What breed of dog and why???
Beagles are great dogs as you know Eddy. There used to be one named Shakespeare who would come over for attention every day cause his owners didn't give any. Everyone else loved the ole boy though. As far as breeds go I'm partial to Irish Terriers. That was the family breed growing up and they had all the good attributes a dog can have. Intelligence, loyalty, and protectiveness/gentleness, whatever was required. If you go to a shelter bless you for that and I've got a feeling the right companion will let them self be know to you.
The sharpei you posted was coooo cute!!!
However, my favorite are rotties. They're gentle, extremely intelligent and loyal. They are fabulous with children and other pets. They shed very little (but I stay with the German line versus the American). Why? Because of their conformation, temperment, intelligence and genetic diversity. The control is very tight on in-breeding. I've had quite a few, and use to breed them.
I've have had several different breeds throughout my lifetime. Currently, I have a long coated German shepherd:
and an English Mastiff:
I've had puppies from breeders and the local rescue shelter -- all have been wonderful dogs. Each with their own personalities but all were loving and forgiving. I've had older dogs from breeders and the local rescue shelter -- all become wonderful dogs. It was rough in the beginning with the rescue dogs, but with a lot of love, patience and companionship, they learn to trust you and they become they most faithful and loyal friend ever.
Life isn't the same without the pitter patter of four paws and tail that swishes about when they come to greet you.
sometimes my dogs make better mates than a human!!
nah, these are my pets!Well, alrighty then. Guess I'm out of luck!
You may be the exception. But, I'm still waiting for a pic of you.... and it's only been two years!!!
Ah... anticipation, how erotic!
@ Eddy -- I haven't had a dobie before, but my friends have. The dobies and rotties are a bit different in temperment. When I think back, my rotties were very quiet -- laid and sat still, very calm even when a stranger approached the door. Their dobies were different. A bit hyper, moving all the time and when they saw a stranger (or even someone they knew), they were barking and aggressive. Another friend's dobie could never sit still. He paced a track around the house -- he literally imbedded a track in the hardwood floor over the years of his trotting around the same path. Maybe these dobies were reflective of their owners.
The one thing with the mastiff -- he chews and chews and chews. And, he's so large that he doesn't stop at the toys. He's chewed holes in my drywall, eaten bookcases, the seat in the car and the door frames. No matter what I do, he doesn't stop. This is the only discouraging thing about him. But I love him!!
Let me know what breed you decide on.Bear in mind that beagles are not for everyone. They bark a lot, which can be a problem for you and your neighbours. They cannot go outside without a leash because when they start sniffing something it's very difficult to stop them. Like Alexadry said they can be difficult to potty train. If you don't have a problem with these things, then beagles are amazing in everything else you can imagine
My miniature Schnauzer is seven years old, my first pet ever in my life, and I didn't get her until I retired at age 61. She was a pup, practically house-trained herself, chewed on her "teething" toys instead of things she shouldn't. She's smart, but very independent. No shedding, which is wonderful, but she must be groomed then brushed every day to prevent matting.
Schnauzers are prone to pancreatitis, so should be fed a lower fat diet than most breeds. (I homecook my girl's food so I know what it contains, and she thrives on it.)
She loves to watch the neighborhood out the big front window and, in her role as "watch dog", barks at anyone or anything walking past our picket fence. My neighbor's cats are the bane of her life, and I think they know it! They'll prance back and forth just to taunt her....
She loves all my family members and friends, and they love her back. When anyone comes to visit, she gets so excited her bark goes up an octave! She sleeps with me at night on her own pillow with the cover pulled up to her chin, and after she goes to sleep slowly backs up closer to me. If I'm restless and can't sleep well--especially if I toss and turn--she tosses and turns as well. It's funny, but I try to be still and read by a lamp when I have insomnia so I won't disturb her sleep.
In case you can't tell, I love her dearly, and consider her my best friend. Whenever I've convalesced from surgery or been sick in bed for a day or two, she rarely left me. She would lie at the foot of the bed and check on my occasionally, peering into my face. She's very protective of me, but so am I protective of her.
We're growing older together and will be old ladies together. I hope she lives a long time in good health and that I will be able to care for her the way I do now. My only regret is that I didn't realize until my senior years what a wonderful companion is a dog.
Thank you Nature by Dawn, I would love to adopt from a rescue group. I will remember all of your instructions..Thank you again.. I love this photo..It is not a dog but soo cute.
Stick to the dobermans!
Either that, or I highly recommend getting a quality working line shepherd! We have one who is 15 months, and he is the most amazing dog ever. Extremely affectionate and cuddly, and very protective!- Gypsy Rose Leeposted 12 years ago
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I would say the Shitzu, simple because they are easily house trained, very adaptable to their environment, great with children and a loyal companion
I completely agree that doing research before getting a specific dog is extremely important. I have a 10-month-old Chinese Crested. Because I have seen really ugly pictures of Chinese Cresteds and I did prefer dogs with fur, they definitely weren't my first choice. However, my Sookie is such a happy dog and I think she is so adorable- I couldn't imagine my life without her.
They do have skin issues, though, so they regularly need sunscreen when going outside, moisturizing lotion, etc. On the other hand, obviously they don't need a lot of grooming, besides the occasional trim of the little amount of hair that they have. And they are little balls of energy, though mine is still a puppy so I supposed all puppies have tons of energy.
My parents had a few dogs when I was growing up but the one that was with us the longest (and still is) is Alfie! Our adorable, loveable, beautiful, crazy westie! West Highland Terrier that is! He is the most intelligent and loving dog I have ever meet. He has such a personalist and clearly thinks he is human. Although I think it depends on how you train and bring up a dog as to how his temperament turns out.
This is him looking all clean and tidy, after a hair cut! He likes to pose for photos!
But this is how he spends most his time these days as he is getting old - 13 now
I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog Angus. He is hairy but lovely. He loves to sit on my lap and he is very easy to be taken care of. I wish you can find the dog you wish to have. Take care.
I thought I had already posted here, but I didn't see my post. If this is a duplicate...sorry!
The best dog breed is the Great Dane! I've owned, bred, and trained lots of breeds, and the GD is the best, overall. They're sweet, laid back, easy to groom, funny, and easy to train. They also make great watch dogs because of their imposing size and their deep, menacing bark. They really are gentle giants, and they LOVE kids!
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