What breed for me?

[*blackrose]

That's pretty much what I want to, SillySally, only swap birds with caged rodents/cats.

One of the things I LOVED about Seabees was that she lived in my apartment and don't react to any noises. Neighbors, people outside my window talking, cars, loud thumps, nothing phased her. When we'd go out to potty and kids and people were everywhere, she was social enouh to be comfortable in that setting, but indifferent enouh to ignore everyone, and in to "her person" enough to want to be by my side and waiting for my direction instead of saying hi to the neighbor right by us sitting in his lawn chair. And when a big guy started walking towards us (he was just walking, mind you, but I'm sure she picked up on my watchfulness) she stood alert and woofed, which, in my mind, made it seem as if she would have defended me (althouh I'm fairly certain she would not have, other people didn't know that). That's pretty much my ideal, although having a dog that would back up that bark with a bite in the right situation is also fine by me.

She'd follow me from room to room, but didn't have to be in my lap. As long as she could see me. She could play for hours if you wanted to, but was also just as happy chomping on a bone. She loved my rats and Dameon, but also had enough prey drive that outside the house she would chase small animals. Great social skills with other dogs, extremely patient and tolorant of handling of all sorts, loved to wrestle, short coat, medium/large size, quick learner, toy and food driven, responsive to voice/body cues...just brilliant. Chloe is much the same way and I really enjoy her as well, she just has **** poor social skills and can't be trusted around anything or anyone outside of her person: I think my sister and I are the only ones that she responds to and hasnt tried to bite. She's a reactive, touchy, domineering bitch. She is the reason I'm so adamant that my next dog have the social skills I want - I can't handle another Chloe. Been there, done that, hate it.

[monkeys23]

How about learning to appreciate the canines you already have?

I cannot see a GSD suiting you AT ALL. Especially with how much of a Lab/sporting breed person you are. I strongly advise against ever getting one. Please don't.

[thehoundgirl]

Originally Posted by monkeys23

How about learning to appreciate the canines you already have?

I cannot see a GSD suiting you AT ALL. Especially with how much of a Lab/sporting breed person you are. I strongly advise against ever getting one. Please don't.

I agree with this.

[*blackrose]

Originally Posted by monkeys23

How about learning to appreciate the canines you already have?

I cannot see a GSD suiting you AT ALL. Especially with how much of a Lab/sporting breed person you are. I strongly advise against ever getting one. Please don't.

I didn't say I was going to get a GSD - I said it was a breed I had looked at in the past and had piqued my interest.

As for the other comment - I currently have no dogs. Cynder is Mike's dog, through and through. She's mine to help care for, but her entire body and soul belongs to Mike. Gracie and Cooper are dogs we took in and neither one of us really wants to keep as they don't suit either one of us. If Mike joins the Navy, they will be going to live with my family. I have nothing against them, they're good dogs. I enjoy them in the sense that they are dogs. But they are no where near the kind of dog I really, truely enjoy having.
None of them live with me.

Chloe lives with my mom and will likely stay there because of her anxiety and aggression issues. Its for her stability of mind and saftey as much as everyone elses. She will likely stay with mom for the remainder of her life, unless I am living in a rural setting and have the ability to keep her seperate from other household dogs/people.

I find it offensive to be told to just learn to enjoy the dogs I have and not get another. I have wanted my own dog ever since Blackie passed away three years ago, life just keeps happening and postponing it.

[Laurelin]

One thing though is that German Shepherds are one of the most common 'banned breeds' as far renting goes. Just something to keep in mind.

My thought was definitely sporting breeds.

[thehoundgirl]

Nevermind.

[Emily]

This was a reply to Krista's post, but since she (wisely, IMO) chose to change it, I'll do the same out of respect for her.

[thehoundgirl]

Thanks.. now back to the topic. Sorry.

[sillysally]

Originally Posted by monkeys23

How about learning to appreciate the canines you already have?

I cannot see a GSD suiting you AT ALL. Especially with how much of a Lab/sporting breed person you are. I strongly advise against ever getting one. Please don't.

Not sure if this was aimed at me or blackrose or both, but I very much appreciate the dogs I have . They're awesome, but I don't see the harm in learning about other breeds that may suit me.

I absolutely love labs, but I love traits of other breeds too, and the more I'm around dogs the more I learn what I like and don't like. Besides, I've seen a lot of owners with both labs and GSDs.....

[Emily]

Originally Posted by thehoundgirl

Thanks.. now back to the topic. Sorry.

We made a huge mess.

Anyway, blackrose, I would probably avoid GSDs. Genetics and socialization go a LONG way but I definitely see many that are reactive/aggressive in one way or another. The right one would probably fit you REALLY well, but finding the right one would be kind of difficult and chancy, I think.

I think if I were you I would start by looking within the sporting breeds, maybe at some of the less popular retrievers. I've met several really cool Chessies and Curlies.