Want to get a dog (in the future, just want to ask some questions first)

[antinous]

I'm planning to get a dog next year or in the next few years, but I've never had that much experience with them. What breed of dog would you recommend for me based on this criteria:

-I'm a somewhat active person, I like to walk for at least five miles a day (is this too little for some dogs?)
-I'd really like a dog that could keep up with me while hiking/backpacking/etc.
-A breed that's a bit 'easier' to train as I'm not experienced with dogs in general and whenever I go out of town for extended periods, it'll be staying with my parents who have even less experience
-A 'quieter' breed, I know this largely depends on the individual, but if there's a breed that's quieter in general that would be great
-I tend to be gone for a decent period of time during the day, a dog that could stay by itself for a while would be great. I'd still be there in the morning/night and will walk them daily as mentioned above.
-Must be friendly and not defensive/aggressive. I have family members who have had horrible experiences with dogs and I want to change their mind with whatever dog I do end up getting.

I'm also highly considering a dog from the shelter as I'd much rather adopt than buy one from a breeder, but my only concern is that I wouldn't know the background of the dog (if it is aggressive/defensive, health problems, etc.).

Based on this, what kind of dog would you recommend me? Also, if all of this sounds improbable, I don't mind holding off until I get more experience as I want to be able to take care of this dog to the best of my ability and make it a part of my family.

 

[Ashlynn Rose]

I have two Standard Poodles. They are active, friendly, a joy to train, and fairly quiet. They can be a touch aloof with strangers, but I find that to be a good thing. They don't love everyone like some breeds tend to. They are also hypoallergenic. They do not shed, which has its pros and cons. They need to be trimmed regularly, but then you don't have hair everywhere, which is really nice.

I would strongly suggest that you consider getting a poodle from a reputable breeder if you did get one. They will check their dogs for health problems and behavioral issues before ever breeding them. Cross-breeds and "doodle" type dogs are often bred from lower quality dogs since reputable breeders usually won't sell their high-quality, purebred dogs to be cross-bred.

Your concerns about getting a dog from a shelter are legitimate, but shelter dogs can also be fantastic. I had a dog from the Humane Society for years, a little Pomeranian, and I loved him. You just have to make sure you know what breed(s) it comes from, spend time with it, and do your research.

Finally, take a look at some good books about dog breeds, don't trust any dog breed selection quizzes, and talk to people who have the breed you're interested in. A dog show can be useful for that. Hearing personal experiences goes a long way. If you have questions, feel free to message me.

Good luck with your search! It does you credit that you are doing your research and asking questions, not just impulse-buying a cute puppy.

 

[basin79]

Border Collie. Unreal dogs.

 

[antinous]

I have two Standard Poodles. They are active, friendly, a joy to train, and fairly quiet. They can be a touch aloof with strangers, but I find that to be a good thing. They don't love everyone like some breeds tend to. They are also hypoallergenic. They do not shed, which has its pros and cons. They need to be trimmed regularly, but then you don't have hair everywhere, which is really nice.

I would strongly suggest that you consider getting a poodle from a reputable breeder if you did get one. They will check their dogs for health problems and behavioral issues before ever breeding them. Cross-breeds and "doodle" type dogs are often bred from lower quality dogs since reputable breeders usually won't sell their high-quality, purebred dogs to be cross-bred.

Your concerns about getting a dog from a shelter are legitimate, but shelter dogs can also be fantastic. I had a dog from the Humane Society for years, a little Pomeranian, and I loved him. You just have to make sure you know what breed(s) it comes from, spend time with it, and do your research.

Finally, take a look at some good books about dog breeds, don't trust any dog breed selection quizzes, and talk to people who have the breed you're interested in. A dog show can be useful for that. Hearing personal experiences goes a long way. If you have questions, feel free to message me.

Good luck with your search! It does you credit that you are doing your research and asking questions, not just impulse-buying a cute puppy.

Thanks for this!
Just a question though, you mentioned that ‘doodles’ aren’t as ‘high quality’ as poddles, does that make them not fit for a first time owner? Only reason why I’m asking is because I came across an owner with both a labradoodle and Goldendoodle and they both were amazing and seemed to be really smart. The owner was pretty clueless when it came to me asking questions though.

Border Collie. Unreal dogs.

I love the look of them, but I’ve heard they’re too ‘hyper’ and had bad separation anxiety?

 

[Ashlynn Rose]

I'm not saying that doodles aren't good dogs. I have known a number of "doodles" that were fantastic dogs. It's just that some breeders aren't ethical, so they don't care about breeding healthy dogs as long as they can sell them. The mixes also can inherit health problems from both breeds and may not be hypoallergenic like the poodle parent. Again, this doesn't mean they aren't good dogs, just that the breeder might be an unethical person.

No matter whether you are looking at purebred or cross-bred dogs, you have to do your homework on the breeder, making sure that they have a good reputation and good, healthy dogs.

I have never owned one, but I know that border collies are extremely high energy, since they were bred to be herding dogs. Very smart, but VERY active. They also have a strong herding instinct. If you want your family members who have had bad experiences with dogs to get along with your future dog, I'm not sure that I would recommend a border collie.

 

[basin79]

Thanks for this!
Just a question though, you mentioned that ‘doodles’ aren’t as ‘high quality’ as poddles, does that make them not fit for a first time owner? Only reason why I’m asking is because I came across an owner with both a labradoodle and Goldendoodle and they both were amazing and seemed to be really smart. The owner was pretty clueless when it came to me asking questions though.


I love the look of them, but I’ve heard they’re too ‘hyper’ and had bad separation anxiety?

They are dogs that basically never tire but 5 miles a day will be more than enough. Ideally you'll want a field or similar though he/she could be let off in to run.

To be honest I think it's more about the individual dog with regards to being left alone.

 

[AnObeseHippo]

Labs. Not sure there is a frendlier breed out there.

 

[Godzillaalienfan1979]

Two words-Black. Lab.

My dad used to have two when I was really little. Super friendly. depending on the individual.

 

[PanzoN88]

Boxer, whippet

 

[Ashlynn Rose]

Two words-Black. Lab.

My dad used to have two when I was really little. Super friendly. depending on the individual.

I grew up with two labs. My first words were actually calling my lab a "pretty boy." I don't remember them, but from videos and stories, I know that those two were great dogs.

On the other hand, I do know a Lab that is a nightmare because he is a field-bred Lab and does not get enough exercise. Like you said, it depends on the individual. You have to know what you're getting into.

 

[AnObeseHippo]

On the other hand, I do know a Lab that is a nightmare because he is a field-bred Lab and does not get enough exercise. Like you said, it depends on the individual. You have to know what you're getting into.

Well, yeah. That is pretty much any dog. Labs are usually one of the friendliest breeds you can get, regardless of how their training goes. If you wanna compare how breeds do with poor training, try a husky. Those make a poorly trained lab look like a Saint

 

[Ashlynn Rose]

I know that they aren't the worst, not by a long shot. I'm not attacking Labs or anything. I'm just trying to put out any useful information and personal experiences that I have, and I thought that the difference between field-bred and show-bred Labs would be useful.

 

[boina]

I'm thinking completely opposite to @Ashlynn Rose. I wouldn't ever get a pure bred dog anymore. Show bred dogs are the absolutely worst. A lot of breeds have inbred health problems, including poodles. I love poodles and had one myself only to have it go blind at an early age because of inbred retina atrophy. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, do not have the health problems of the parent breeds because most of these inbred health problems are recessive genes, meaning they need to come from both parents to show up.

Poodles moreover are a bad choice for many outdoor activities since their fur isn't functional. They will soak through in heavy rain and that plus a bit of cold/wind can mean pneumonia for them. Their disfunctional fur will also knot and collect all the dirt in a wide range and needs constant attention. They are easily trainable, though. If anything get a poodle mix that has not inherited the fur structure from it's poodle parent.

Border collies are great dogs and easily trainable but they need a lot of attention and exercise, otherwise they'll become neurotic or 'hyper'. If you have the time there is hardly a better dog for outdoor activities.

Personally, from all you are saying I'd go with Lab, too. Doesn't need to be a black one, they come in different colors. As a breed they are easy going, friendly, moderately easy trained dogs that will appreciate outdoor activity but can be left alone for a day. Lab mixes are often just as good.

Boxers are not bad for what you want, too. They are a little more sensitive than most Labs, but otherwise just as suitable. Get one with a slightly longer snout, though.

I would stay away from any watch dog breeds, though, since you don't want a dog with a strong instinct to protect.

 

[Ashlynn Rose]

We're talking over the internet, without facial expressions, so please understand that I'm not being snotty, nor am I trying to start an argument. I want to respectfully disagree with your point that all purebred dogs are inherently more unhealthy. The poodles I have, as well as their siblings, parents, and relatives, are very healthy because the breeder spends a lot of money and time testing her dogs for health problems.

As for the poodle coat, it can be a pain. Snow, especially, can be hard to get out of their fur once it's knotted up in their curls. Thanks for pointing that out as a consideration. I just like that it does not shed.

I'm just trying to put out breeds that fit the personality and activity-based criteria that the original poster requested, and I thought that poodles were a pretty good fit. Labs are a good fit, too, as some have pointed out, probably better than poodles.

 

[boina]

We're talking over the internet, without facial expressions, so please understand that I'm not being snotty, nor am I trying to start an argument. I want to respectfully disagree with your point that all purebred dogs are inherently more unhealthy. The poodles I have, as well as their siblings, parents, and relatives, are very healthy because the breeder spends a lot of money and time testing her dogs for health problems.

As for the poodle coat, it can be a pain. Snow, especially, can be hard to get out of their fur once it's knotted up in their curls. Thanks for pointing that out as a consideration. I just like that it does not shed.

I'm just trying to put out breeds that fit the personality and activity-based criteria that the original poster requested, and I thought that poodles were a pretty good fit. Labs are a good fit, too, as some have pointed out, probably better than poodles.

Yes, we are talking over the internet and thank you for disagreeing so respectfully. My opinions just differ but they are opinions, not facts and I'm happy to agree to disagree.

 

[Potatatas]

-I'm a somewhat active person, I like to walk for at least five miles a day (is this too little for some dogs?)
-I'd really like a dog that could keep up with me while hiking/backpacking/etc.
-A breed that's a bit 'easier' to train as I'm not experienced with dogs in general and whenever I go out of town for extended periods, it'll be staying with my parents who have even less experience
-A 'quieter' breed, I know this largely depends on the individual, but if there's a breed that's quieter in general that would be great
-I tend to be gone for a decent period of time during the day, a dog that could stay by itself for a while would be great. I'd still be there in the morning/night and will walk them daily as mentioned above.
-Must be friendly and not defensive/aggressive. I have family members who have had horrible experiences with dogs and I want to change their mind with whatever dog I do end up getting.

I'd recommend a labrador. High energy, super smart loyal dogs. Smart dogs needs more stimulation though so could be a problem if you're away a lot during the day. I think most breeds left on their own for long enough will get bored and become destructive.

I always notice that dogs that bark a lot are not being walked or exercised well. Not a problem for you as you walk everyday already. Probably best to split your walks into two though, morning and evening.

Most aggressive dogs are that way because of their owner, so good training and discipline will ensure a well behaved dog. However, with my own dog I've found that he takes a dislike to specific dogs and they take the same disliking to him too. No idea why just a dog thing maybe?

I'd recommend crate training your dog. I never did with mine and regret it. It may seem cruel at first but they come to recognise it as a safe space. My dog gets nervous at night and sprays a lot and think crate training would have helped with this.

Also socialising your dog does it so much good! Teach it to play with other dogs early and you'll have fewer problems later on.

And DO NOT trust anyone that says their dog is friendly... My dog has been attacked so many times but "friendly" dogs he is actually wary of all dogs now.

 

[antinous]

Meant to respond to this sooner, but I did some more research and I think I'll be going with a lab if I do get a dog. However, after looking into some breeders they're asking for $1,800-2,500 for a puppy. I know I shouldn't be cheap when getting a dog, but I was reading articles saying that even if they do come from a breeder, you shouldn't be paying more than $800-1,200. Not being cheap when I say this, but if a breeder is asking for anything more than that should I look elsewhere?

 

[PanzoN88]

Meant to respond to this sooner, but I did some more research and I think I'll be going with a lab if I do get a dog. However, after looking into some breeders they're asking for $1,800-2,500 for a puppy. I know I shouldn't be cheap when getting a dog, but I was reading articles saying that even if they do come from a breeder, you shouldn't be paying more than $800-1,200. Not being cheap when I say this, but if a breeder is asking for anything more than that should I look elsewhere?

Shelters are overrun with labs.

 

[Ashlynn Rose]

As PanzoN88 said, shelters almost always have labs or lab mixes. Take a look in your local shelters, meet some dogs, and see what happens, I say. Even if it isn't a purebred lab, it might be just what you're looking for.

 

[Bree24]

A few things:

1. Don’t buy from a breeder. There are too many dogs alive already that need a home.

2. Try to adopt from a private rescue. They will work with you to find the perfect dog and you can do a foster-to-adopt program to make absolutely sure.

3. Don’t get a puppy. I know everyone loves puppies, but they are a lot of work and a bad idea for first time owners.

4. Labrador or golden retriever are the best choices for first time owners, but as I said, a rescue will find you a good fit regardless of breed. I would HIGHLY suggest avoiding any breeds with high prey drive or working class animals. No bull breeds, collies, or shepherds. They require a lot of experience to train them properly.

5. Buy and use a portable dog crate. Even if you don’t use it often, it’s essential for the mental health of a dog, especially if you work long hours, to have a place that’s made specifically for staying safe and calm.