Dalmatians? (What breed should I have?)

[milos_mommy]

I think a viszla might be a good choice for you!

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Originally Posted by thehoundgirl

LOL I was talking about the DOG having a job NOT you.. no need to get defensive. I did not say that you couldn't think about getting the dog for fun but you seem pretty serious about it so..

That was directed at MandyPug, not you. Sorry!

Milo_Mommy: I've never considered a Viszla. Aren't they hounds though? I've always thought most hounds couldn't be trusted offleash (as a general rule, i know it's a training issue for the most part).

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Oh, and TheHoundGirl, by minimal exercise, I mean, romps around the backyard, fetch, training for mental stimulation, etc.

Basically, not hardcore dogsports or anything.

[*blackrose]

The Dalmatians I've met have all been...odd. Over breeding really hurt them as a breed, I think. My experience with them (through the clinic) is that they are sharp, aloof (tolerant of strangers, just not ZOMG, its a person!! YEY!!!!), protective, very active, intelligent (but not necessarily biddable), and the shedding. I'd take Lab hair over Dalmatian hair any day. LOL Most of the Dals I know seem to have some kind of temperament issue...either they are very sharp, very nervy, or very DA. (Please keep in mind I have only met eight Dalmations.)

I personally am not fond of Dalmatians. They are one of those breeds that I've never had any desire to ever own.

I've been wondering what type of dog I want when I have my own place. Ideally I'd like something small-medium sized, good offleash, not too much grooming (preferably nothing that sheds massively), willing to please, off-switch, at least tolerant of other dogs and cats, and honestly I'd prefer a dog that would be okay with minimal exercise, but all the breeds I'm drawn to, seem to have a higher energy level, so I'm lenient with that one.

How do you feel about spaniels? I'd look into Field Spaniels (certain lines are much less energetic than others), Welsh Springer Spaniels (again, certain lines are much less energetic than others), and Clumber Spaniels (but they shed). I'm not a huge spaniel fan in general, but those are my favorite spaniel breeds and the ones I wouldn't mind owning. I prefer Fields over WSSs and I'd *love* to have a Clumber at some point. Also, one thing I like about Spaniels is that even though if you keep them in coat they require brushing, you can get a pair of clippers, shave them down yourself with little effort, and the dog still looks good. lol I've discovered it isn't the grooming part I don't like, it is the upkeep between grooms I hate.

A Golden would be a good fit, but keep in mind that retrievers as puppies need more exercise than you would think. They don't typically calm down into the nice calm adult dogs until they hit about three or four. If we missed a day of walking with Sadie (2 mile walks, typically) she'd start getting fiesty and stealing things/chewing on things because she was bored. A bench Golden might be less active, but when they're pups they are still a breed you can't skimp on the activity with. When Blackie was a pup he was insane. LOL

And if you didn't mind the coat/shedding...maybe a Keeshond?

ETA: I would be worried that a Vizsla would be too high energy...sort of like a GSP.

[~Dixie's_Mom~]

Thanks blackrose! I've never really considered a Spaniel, besides Cockers. I just tend to be drawn more toward sleeker looking dogs, with longer noses. Nothing against Spaniels or hounds, but I've just never really been drawn toward that general look in dogs. I'll look into Spaniels, though! I really do love Cockers.

ETA: Oh, and one spaniel I ADORE are Cavaliers. I've always wanted one. When I first joined Chaz, there was a user who had three of them (I think she had two when I joined, then added another, actually) and I just fell in love with them. It's the heart issues that make me wary though.

[Psyfalcon]

Viszlas are pointers. Very much like the GSP in general terms.

Generally, all the really sleek dogs are made for running.

[JennSLK]

If you wanted a Vizsla maybe froma show breeder and they wouldnt be so "on" all the time.

What about a Brittany?

[SaraB]

Ooooo... Keeshond is a great suggestion for you! The coat may be the only downfall. There are a couple we do agility with and they are just phenomenal dogs, super happy, very biddable and just want to have fun.

[thehoundgirl]

Originally Posted by ~Dixie's_Mom~

That was directed at MandyPug, not you. Sorry!

It's all good.

[milos_mommy]

Viszla's are in the hunting group, and they're pretty similar to dogs like pointers, but are definitely a bit hound-y....I don't usually consider them hounds, and know quite a few who are regularly trusted off-leash.

Spaniels require a lot of grooming....