not for beginners

[protodog]

I think it somewhat depends on what exposure people have had to various breeds and breed groups, the amount of time they've spent with those breeds, if they've ever helped care for someone else's dogs, et cetera.

I have a friend who got a JRT as his first dog, not normally a good idea. But, this particular guy had spent more time with JRTs and WHFTs than any other breeds. He had lots of friends with terriers and had helped with their care. To him, terrier behavior was normal, and retriever behavior was weird, as he'd had little exposure to retrievers. He did very well with his first dog because he got what he knew.

[showdawgz]

Originally Posted by Dekka

Both of those breeds, Misty, are fairly easy breeds. I would recommend a good GSD or a golden in a heart beat as first dogs.

Oh lord . First of all a TRUE GSD cannot even be compared to a Golden. I dont know what you mean by good? But a good GSD to me would be a high-drive, solid nerves (a little sharp is ok) hard, dominant, and civil, preferable from Czech bloodlines (I am partial to them as they tend to be very high drive) and that combination would definately not be good for a first time owner. If any of my dogs were to be owned by a first time dog owner they would have been PTS a long time ago. The most out of control dog breed I have seen to date are GSD's because owners dont know how to handle and control them. Everywhere I go, I see GSD's dragging their owners down the street trying (emphasis on trying) to kill my dog(s), in pet stores they are barking and pulling and acting agressively for no apparent reason. Then you have the owners trying to correct the dogs. You have the ones who ASK their dogs to behave (like it understands you) and then you have the ones who are choking the life out of the dog, and one day that will result in a very devastating bite. People take on more than what they can handle and have false perceptions of dog breeds. People see GSD's as social, calm, easy-going dogs and they arent (at least the real ones). People who have alot of money decide to import dogs and dont really know what they are getting in to. Yes sometimes you get lucky, but most times you dont.

If you want a GSD, PLEASE research the lines and decide from there on what you can handle. My Czech male is an absolute NUT, cant keep still, and can easily KILL someone if given the opportunity too. He is a friendly dog but he's the one I have to watch the most because in an instance he can change. One wrong move by anyone and he's on it. He's definately a civil dog and I have to keep that in check. Sasha my Czech female even more loony than Keelo. She has incredible ball drive and is very sly and quick when doing things, and that could easily lead to a bite if an inexperienced owner were not watching her and reading her. Sage (west german working/showlines) is dog reactive. She is on guard when dogs are around but doesnt act out unless one crosses her she's ready to fight and her agression level is very high. Mace (West german working lines)is VERY civil and doesnt like people, he is a sharp dog. I had alot of work socializing him but even know I have to watch his every move, and read his body language in any given scenario. Lark (west german working line) is going to be just like Mace, he's a great dog but he also has natural agression. He tolerates people, and due to his background he has trust issues.

Not one of my dogs will I reccommend for a first time owner. GSD are a breed with natural agression that can turn fatal for someone who does not know how to handle them properly. They are a breed that needs to be respected, they are not the cuddly-couch potatoes people make them out to be. And by sayign that they are great first time dogs is making the breeds population skyrocket and ruining the reputation of the breed. Please do your research.

[Ladychaos]

I think a mutt makes the best first time dog. Goto the local shelter and find a big ol' fuzzy mutt. As for purebreds I say any breed of dog would make a good first dog as long as your dedicated, educated, and not easily discouraged. I love pit bulls, I think that as long as people do the right amount of research and make sure they understand dog aggression they make excellent first dogs. They are obediant, eager to please, and have enough energy to keep up with people. Ofcourse they havent my exception to the breed. mr. to smart for his own good, stubborn, lazy pain in the neck dog. lol.

[simplymisty]

showdawgz

I couldn't agree more. My GSD is from german west working lines. She was a very difficult 1st dog (ex-hubbys choice). They are so smart and she often challenged me for her spot as alpa female in the house.

I'm glad that I took her to training classes when she was pretty young so we could start early.

She can be a "weapon" in some situtations and she's never had training to be agressive. She's attacked people and dogs to save us from being attacked.

I don't know enough about the breed (american lines vs. german) but both my female german west lines are more agressive than my golden. They are all well trained and I'm really not worried about them doing anything to anyone unless they need to protect us.

[MelissaCato]

There is a huge difference between a Lab and a GSD when it comes to quality working lines. Just do a youtube search and watch the difference.

Also, the term "weapons" and dogs shouldn't have been mentioned, PETA loves that sheet. And it's an insult to trainers defending such breeds. JMO.

I think a first time dog would be the St. Bernard or Great Dane puppy, you get alittle bit of crazy both in and out the house, with no real harm to anyone. JMO.

[Dekka]

Originally Posted by showdawgz

Oh lord . First of all a TRUE GSD cannot even be compared to a Golden. I dont know what you mean by good? But a good GSD to me would be a high-drive, solid nerves (a little sharp is ok) hard, dominant, and civil, preferable from Czech bloodlines (I am partial to them as they tend to be very high drive) and that combination would definately not be good for a first time owner. If any of my dogs were to be owned by a first time dog owner they would have been PTS a long time ago. The most out of control dog breed I have seen to date are GSD's because owners dont know how to handle and control them. Everywhere I go, I see GSD's dragging their owners down the street trying (emphasis on trying) to kill my dog(s), in pet stores they are barking and pulling and acting agressively for no apparent reason. Then you have the owners trying to correct the dogs. You have the ones who ASK their dogs to behave (like it understands you) and then you have the ones who are choking the life out of the dog, and one day that will result in a very devastating bite. People take on more than what they can handle and have false perceptions of dog breeds. People see GSD's as social, calm, easy-going dogs and they arent (at least the real ones). People who have alot of money decide to import dogs and dont really know what they are getting in to. Yes sometimes you get lucky, but most times you dont.

If you want a GSD, PLEASE research the lines and decide from there on what you can handle. My Czech male is an absolute NUT, cant keep still, and can easily KILL someone if given the opportunity too. He is a friendly dog but he's the one I have to watch the most because in an instance he can change. One wrong move by anyone and he's on it. He's definately a civil dog and I have to keep that in check. Sasha my Czech female even more loony than Keelo. She has incredible ball drive and is very sly and quick when doing things, and that could easily lead to a bite if an inexperienced owner were not watching her and reading her. Sage (west german working/showlines) is dog reactive. She is on guard when dogs are around but doesnt act out unless one crosses her she's ready to fight and her agression level is very high. Mace (West german working lines)is VERY civil and doesnt like people, he is a sharp dog. I had alot of work socializing him but even know I have to watch his every move, and read his body language in any given scenario. Lark (west german working line) is going to be just like Mace, he's a great dog but he also has natural agression. He tolerates people, and due to his background he has trust issues.

Not one of my dogs will I reccommend for a first time owner. GSD are a breed with natural agression that can turn fatal for someone who does not know how to handle them properly. They are a breed that needs to be respected, they are not the cuddly-couch potatoes people make them out to be. And by sayign that they are great first time dogs is making the breeds population skyrocket and ruining the reputation of the breed. Please do your research.

I never compared them, was responding to a previous post. My family had GSD they whole time I grew up, nice dogs. Not nearly as bad as you are making them out. Now they were conformation type, not working. But I wouldn't recomend a working dog of any variety as a first time dog.

[Barb04]

Anatolian Shepherds not for everyone and a potential owner should know everything about the breed first.

[Saintgirl]

I have to mention because it is the second time it has been said- Saint Bernards or any giant breed for that fact do not make the best of first time dogs. With that being said, I think that any dog with the proper amount of research and understanding (which includes time spent with the breed) can make a good first time dog when well educated.

Saint Bernards are wonderful dogs, but first time dogs, not so much. First off they are the second largest breed, and this immediatley comes wiht many issues. Because of size alone, they take over your home. Drool will literally be hanging from your ceilings, unbelievable shedding, outrageous health care costs (vet and other), health problems, something as simple as do you have the appropriate vehicle to own a Saint- because they will not fit in a 2 door car. They need alot of training from day one- in no way can you allow for slack training because a 100lb puppy can and will do incredible amounts of damage with little effort. Imagine this 100lb pup mouthing a stranger! A full grown male 175+ lbs that has not had a solid foundation of training can be a serious problem. And I think that this applies to all giant breeds. Saint Bernards are by breed standard wonderful with people and should be great with other animals, however it is not uncommon to have same sex aggression in the breed. They are a working breed, and they are very sensitive to their families emotions. They require alot of time (as should all dogs) and they will demand it in clean up time alone! I think that they are an amazing breed, but they are hardly for everyone- just check petfinder! Saints are not an uncommon giant breed in the shelters, and there is a reason for that! With the proper amount of research- they will make a wonderful addition to a home (if you don't mind fur and drool on your work clothes- because no matter how hard you try...)!

[planet molosser]

Central Asian shepherds
Exceptions to the rule due apply but in general not for first time dog owner or first time molosser owner.

http://centralasianshepherd.homestea...yersguide.html

[PWCorgi]

I think a mutt makes the best first time dog. Goto the local shelter and find a big ol' fuzzy mutt.

I have to disagree. Especially going into a shelter that keeps the dogs in kennels all day, the dogs there may have a lot of extra baggage that a first time owner may not be able to deal with. I do agree with a first time owner going though a rescue organization where all the dogs are kept in foster homes because they will be able to tell if the dog is right for a first time owner/that particuar owner or family. Just my opinion