Guest Anonymous Posted May 27, 2003 Posted May 27, 2003 We are seaching for a new dog to add to our family, and we would like to get a purebred this time. I have always owned mixed breed older dogs aquired from shelters, but now that I am home all day, I would like to start with a puppy. We have 2 older children, a lot of land, a small house and no fencing but we do have a very large 6 ft. high dog kennel. The family's vote is in favor of a large dog. However, since "Mom" will be the major caretaker of the dog, it is going to have to be a dog that trains easily, and is not a high-energy dog that requires 20 miles of running a day, or shed too heavy. If anyone has experience with any of the large-breed dogs that would be good for our family, I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you can offer. Thanks. Quote
alicat613 Posted May 27, 2003 Posted May 27, 2003 Well what appeals to you? What do you consider a large dog? For some a lab is big, for me that is small. One good way (and fun for the whole family) to look at dogs is to go to an all-breed dog show. You can find them in your area at http://www.infodog.com Understand that breeders there may be too busy to talk. If you see dogs you like, you can approach a handler after ringtime and ask if it is a good time to talk. Buy a show program (about $10) and make notes of the dogs you like. Research the breeds, both through breed sites, the breed clubs and breeders. Learn about their personalities, health issues and what health tests to look for. Learn how to choose a reputable breeder. Be honest about your lifestyle, what you want in a dog and how much time you have to spend. Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted May 28, 2003 Posted May 28, 2003 This would be a house dog only. Since we live in the country, in a pretty rural area, activities are basically long walks, frisbee, fetching balls etc. Nothing special....just regular doggy things. And I guess what one person thinks is a large dog, another doesn't. To me, a lab is a large dog. Quote
Nancy B Posted May 28, 2003 Posted May 28, 2003 Betty napisał(a):We are seaching for a new dog to add to our family, and we would like to get a purebred this time. I have always owned mixed breed older dogs aquired from shelters, but now that I am home all day, I would like to start with a puppy. We have 2 older children, a lot of land, a small house and no fencing but we do have a very large 6 ft. high dog kennel. The family's vote is in favor of a large dog. However, since "Mom" will be the major caretaker of the dog, it is going to have to be a dog that trains easily, and is not a high-energy dog that requires 20 miles of running a day, or shed too heavy. If anyone has experience with any of the large-breed dogs that would be good for our family, I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you can offer. Thanks. Hmm, how do you feel about having to take a dog to a groomer regularly? You may collect a few suggestions but, the best thing to do would be to read up on all the different breeds that fit into the general size you'd like. Yeah, different breeds "look" different but, they also behave very differently. You'll need to look at the breed characterisitcs to see which breeds would fit with your family's lifestyle. That said, if taking a dog to a groomer on a regular basis isn't a problem, go take a look at what's written up on Standard Poodles. They don't shed, they're very intelligent and highly trainable. They do need exercise but, not as much as many mid to large size dogs. Quote
Mary's Mama Posted May 28, 2003 Posted May 28, 2003 Also as a general starting point, www.ivillage.com in their pets section has what they call a "breed selector" It asks you a series of questions and then provides you with dogs that fit your profile. It cannot of course recommend the perfect dog for you but it can serve as a starting point for some breeds you might want to research. Good luck. Quote
Sanvean Posted May 28, 2003 Posted May 28, 2003 Dogbreedinfo.com also has a good quiz: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm I thought it was quite accurate. Quote
Rosebud Posted May 28, 2003 Posted May 28, 2003 alicat613 napisał(a):Well what appeals to you? What do you consider a large dog? For some a lab is big, for me that is small. One good way (and fun for the whole family) to look at dogs is to go to an all-breed dog show. You can find them in your area at http://www.infodog.com Understand that breeders there may be too busy to talk. If you see dogs you like, you can approach a handler after ringtime and ask if it is a good time to talk. Buy a show program (about $10) and make notes of the dogs you like. Research the breeds, both through breed sites, the breed clubs and breeders. Learn about their personalities, health issues and what health tests to look for. Learn how to choose a reputable breeder. Be honest about your lifestyle, what you want in a dog and how much time you have to spend. This is a great way to start, when your at the dog-show write down the names of ALL the dogs that appeal to you as far as size and structure; from this list you will research temperment, activity level, maintenance, health etc. Once you narrow your search down to around 5-10 breeds start visiting breeders and interacting with the dogs and ask the breeder tons of questions, from there you will be able to start researching pedigrees and be able to pick the best and healthest all-round breed for your family. I would not rush this process, take your time and understand the commitment you will make to owning a dog is the same as deciding to have a child, it's a life-time commitment. Don't settle for a pup from a store or mill/BYB stick with the reputable breeders that have health guarantees, you will pay more upfront with a reputable breeder but you could end up paying more in the long run with a dog without these guarantees if it ends up having health problems or hip problems. Hope this had helped. :angel: Quote
danyell Posted June 4, 2003 Posted June 4, 2003 I had a doberman when I was little and she was the sweetest dog! But that might be to small :) I also love Tibetan Mastiffs ! Quote
mouseatthebusstop Posted June 5, 2003 Posted June 5, 2003 COULD YOU GO TO A DOG SHOW. HAVE A LOOK AT DIFFERENT BREEDS. TALK TO OWNERS AND BREEDERS. SEEING THE ADULT DOG WILL SHOW YOU HOW BIG HE/SHE WILL GROW. YOU WOULD BEABLE TO SHORT LIST THE BREEDS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN. :) Quote
danyell Posted June 11, 2003 Posted June 11, 2003 Thats a great idea! Or go to the dog park and be a "lookie-loo" ask people where they got their puppies and what breed! Quote
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