Pet puppy advice

[cold blood]

See, and that's why you've never had an issue training them. I am the same, and have been training/working dogs for many years, I find them easy to train and shape too, BUT that is not true for the majority of owners. They are not a breed for a first time dog owner, or a soft dog owner who doesn't know how to train them. I suppose how I should have worded it, is that they are not an easy breed for the majority of pet owners.

I'm not sure you could have put that any better. 110% agreement

I once knew a young guy that was so impressed by my pair that he went out and got one. It was his first dog experience and it turned into a disaster as it never got enough exercise, obedience, socialization or really anything to do. It was bored and an absolute handful he had to get rid of after only a year. The dog only listened to me and I was merely the neighbor...they really need an owner they can respect, which quickly leads to a strong bond.

 

[Shell]

they really need an owner they can respect, which quickly leads to a strong bond.

I've worked with many breeds, and have never had a bond like I have had with a Dobe, and in particular the one I have with Bruce. Bruce and I work as one, I joke that he can read my mind, but I'm not really joking...he is SO in tune to me, and me to him, that I swear he knows what I'm thinking before I say anything.

---------- Post added 05-18-2014 at 05:08 PM ----------

OP, I am back and forth, and didn't get to read your entire post all the way. What traits exactly are you looking for in a dog, as in size, temperament, grooming needs, activity needs, temperament, etc. If you get into that detail, I can certainly recommend some breeds that might be a good fit for you to research

Thank you also, for doing research! I work with many dogs with owners who didn't, and bought solely for appearance, and it's a nightmare.

 

[The Snark]

IMRO (In My Ridiculous Opnion), getting a Dobe for a learning curve family dog is like getting the kid a Kawasaki Ninja for his first bicycle. Not exactly negative, just a whole lot of 'this is going to get interesting'.

Shell, that took me completely by surprise. I had no idea DCM was genetic and so common. I assume there is ongoing research about this? I'd love to read up on it. A number of our 'regular customers' while I was EMT had DCM. I am/was also under the impression it is always degenerative and nearly always fatal.

I was recently reminded by an old acquaintance of the children in her neighborhood and the 'black eye' syndrome that went around for a while. The street she lived on, at one period of time, had three toddlers or younger kids with black eyes from the overly affectionate habit of her neighbors new dog, a dobie.

 

[pitbulllady]

IMRO (In My Ridiculous Opnion), getting a Dobe for a learning curve family dog is like getting the kid a Kawasaki Ninja for his first bicycle. Not exactly negative, just a whole lot of 'this is going to get interesting'.

Shell, that took me completely by surprise. I had no idea DCM was genetic and so common. I assume there is ongoing research about this? I'd love to read up on it. A number of our 'regular customers' while I was EMT had DCM. I am/was also under the impression it is always degenerative and nearly always fatal.

I was recently reminded by an old acquaintance of the children in her neighborhood and the 'black eye' syndrome that went around for a while. The street she lived on, at one period of time, had three toddlers or younger kids with black eyes from the overly affectionate habit of her neighbors new dog, a dobie.

Most working breeds and many herding breeds aren't really well-suited for a novice dog owner; the very traits that make these dogs so good at what they do also tends to make them too much of a challenge for the average first-time pet family. I had to take back several Catahoulas I'd placed with pet-only families, who had no experience with working breeds before, because it did not work out, in spite of my adamant warnings about what they were getting themselves into.

That said, here's another suggestion of a breed that I had not thought of until now: Welsh Corgis. Not too big, lively but not hyper, fairly easy to train, especially the Pembroke breed, which is the one with the bobtail that most folks are familiar with. I've never seen one that was snappy or disagreeable with kids, although I'm sure they exist, but they are a rugged herding breed in spite of their cutesy appearance. They do have that double coat that will shed, profusely, in spring, and that is an issue for some people, and of course being a short-legged breed there are some spinal issues that have to be taken into consideration, too, although they aren't as bad as Dachshunds when it comes to that.

pitbulllady

 

[cold blood]

Speaking of small legs, I would HIGHLY recommend looking at a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. A highly overlooked family dog, with great attitude, despite their short legs, they can play all day, they tend to be very social with both people and other animals and are cute as hell! They were bred to herd cattle, so you know the little guys are tough...their legs were actually bred to be short so that when a cow/bull kicks, it goes over their heads. This is my #1 recommendation for you to look at. I have yet to meet one with a bad or aggressive attitude.

They are really enjoyable dogs

 

[Shell]

Shell, that took me completely by surprise. I had no idea DCM was genetic and so common. I assume there is ongoing research about this? I'd love to read up on it. A number of our 'regular customers' while I was EMT had DCM. I am/was also under the impression it is always degenerative and nearly always fatal.
.

Yes, it is a huge problem with Dobes, and yeah always fatal, how long they will live with it is different for each dog, but once they have it, yes. There are studies, and the reputable breeders are screening their breeding dogs yearly for it, and trying to breed as far away from it as possible. One of Bruces brothers dropped dead of it a few mths ago, so ive already started screening him. The University of Guelph here has a big study going, on Dobes and DCM, and has for quite some time now.

 

[Tivia]

If you are at all considering a Dobe, do a TON of research, and find the most reputable breeder possible, who fully health test their dogs (this should be done when going to any breeder, for any purebred, do not support a backyard breeder, you are likely to wind up with a dog with either health or temperament problems or both as they aren't screening their dogs, and they aren't breeding to better their breed).

^^^This, exactly. Whatever breed you are looking for, go to a reputable breeder or a breed rescue. If you find a breed you are interested in, please research the genetic issues in the breed and find a breeder who tests for, and clears, their breeding dogs. Ask to see the health certificates for yourself. So many BYBer's are getting smart and are trying to pose as reputable breeders so research, research, research.

I would also suggest to go to a dog show in your area to see a ton of different breeds in one place. Then you can talk to the owners of the dogs and ask any and all questions. They can be a great resource in your puppy hunt!

 

[Julee]

Edit* Shetland Sheepdogs (shelties), and Collies are not the same breed, the Sheltie is not a toy version, it is it's own breed, even though they do look similar to the Rough Collie.

Thank you.

I'm having a hard time reading large blocks of text today, so I may have missed some of the answers to these questions, but this will help narrow down breeds:

Size range? I was imagining under 30lbs when you mentioned terrier, but then you mentioned Dobes...

Coat type? Are you willing to take a dog to the groomer every 8 weeks/learn to do it yourself, or do you prefer a dog that doesn't need groomer visits?

Activity level? You said "active", which to me can mean anything from a 30 minute walk every day to needing to play a long, hard game of fetch daily. Are you looking more for a weekend warrior type dog?

Does the dog being a purebred really matter to you? If you can find a litter of terrier/mix puppies in rescue and pick yours out from there, does that appeal to you at all?

How much experience do you have with dogs? What have you owned in the past?

Do you have other pets in the home? If no, is it important to you to have a breed not prone to dog/small animal aggression?

How old will the youngest child be when you guys decide to bring home a dog?

(sorry if this part is a bit offensive, lol, I always have to ask) Do you know how to choose a responsible breeder? Are you educated on health testing and the like?

 

[Shell]

Thank you.

I'm having a hard time reading large blocks of text today, so I may have missed some of the answers to these questions, but this will help narrow down breeds:

Size range? I was imagining under 30lbs when you mentioned terrier, but then you mentioned Dobes...

Coat type? Are you willing to take a dog to the groomer every 8 weeks/learn to do it yourself, or do you prefer a dog that doesn't need groomer visits?

Activity level? You said "active", which to me can mean anything from a 30 minute walk every day to needing to play a long, hard game of fetch daily. Are you looking more for a weekend warrior type dog?

Does the dog being a purebred really matter to you? If you can find a litter of terrier/mix puppies in rescue and pick yours out from there, does that appeal to you at all?

How much experience do you have with dogs? What have you owned in the past?

Do you have other pets in the home? If no, is it important to you to have a breed not prone to dog/small animal aggression?

How old will the youngest child be when you guys decide to bring home a dog?

(sorry if this part is a bit offensive, lol, I always have to ask) Do you know how to choose a responsible breeder? Are you educated on health testing and the like?

I'm assuming just the thank you was directed at me, and the rest towards the OP who is looking for a dog?

 

[Julee]

Yes, Shell, sorry for the confusion!