Help Choosing First Dog
- Thread starter bSd
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A humane society or SPCA in your area has a bunch of adult, male dogs that have great temperments, but are mutts. On the internet you might see a mutt and say you'd rather have a purebred, but if you go see those sad faces in real life, I bet by 3 trips you will find the dog of your dreams, purebred or not. 
So I suggest to just go to you hs/mspca (lots of dogs) every weekend or so and let the dog pick you!
So I suggest to just go to you hs/mspca (lots of dogs) every weekend or so and let the dog pick you!
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If your not really sure what you want... Just going and looking around a shelter is a good idea... They may just have the perfect dog for you.
Just remember there is a financial committment as well...
I am in college and have pets, so I am not going to try and say you shouldnt have them it can be done and they are great to come home to after a stressful day. However, I am lucky that my parents are able to financially support my **children**. Food, vet bills, flea and heartworm meds, etc. can add up. As well many of the dogs you are considering require constant grooming. My poodle costs $40 a month to groom.
Good Luck
Elissa
Just remember there is a financial committment as well...
I am in college and have pets, so I am not going to try and say you shouldnt have them it can be done and they are great to come home to after a stressful day. However, I am lucky that my parents are able to financially support my **children**. Food, vet bills, flea and heartworm meds, etc. can add up. As well many of the dogs you are considering require constant grooming. My poodle costs $40 a month to groom.
Good Luck
Elissa
doggies
I saw border terrier on your list and had to chime in. My Wrigley is a border terrier mix (we think with cocker spaniel) and he is wonderful. He does not have seperation anxiety and barely barks at all. He sheds a bit but not uncontrollably. He is playful but also content in his crate for a couple of hours. He loves to run and play.
Where you located bsb? I have a great recommendation of a shelter here in Indiana if you are anywhere nearby.
I saw border terrier on your list and had to chime in. My Wrigley is a border terrier mix (we think with cocker spaniel) and he is wonderful. He does not have seperation anxiety and barely barks at all. He sheds a bit but not uncontrollably. He is playful but also content in his crate for a couple of hours. He loves to run and play.
Where you located bsb? I have a great recommendation of a shelter here in Indiana if you are anywhere nearby.
Just take a trip down to the Shleter near you and take a look. I'm sure you'll be able to find a dog that suits you. You right, in that your less likely to find a purebred in a Shelter, however, you did state that you wanted to adopt. I don't think anyone here will be able to tell you what mixed breed would suit you. You have to go look for yourself. I'm sure you'll pick the right one, or better yet, he/she will pick you!
Everyone keeps saying not to get EVERYTHING hahaha. I've heard not to get every dog except retired greyhound and poodle (and even poodle with it's contant grooming). Would terriers/labs/whatever be a problem if I ran with them in the morning? I need an excuse to get up and run in the morning anyways and am really active with sports. For instance, run with dog at 6am go to class at 830 come back after 3-5 hrs and feed and go play fetch/walk again. Would that work?
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I think the problem is you dont want shedding or excessive grooming. That is why every dog you want people are saying not to get. With a dog you need to pick one or the other. I dont know of many dogs that dont shed and do not need to be groomed rather frequently.
Activity Level Wise you sound like you will give the dog plenty of exercise.
Good Luck
Elissa
Activity Level Wise you sound like you will give the dog plenty of exercise.
Good Luck
Elissa
This is the details of a Portugease(sp) water dog.
Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 42-60, female: 35-50 lbs
Height: male: 20-23, female: 17-21 inches
Color(s): black, white, brown, or combinations of black or brown with white
Coat: The Portuguese Water Dog has a little to no shedding coat, and is great for homes with allergies. The coat may be either curly or wavy, and is thick, covering the whole body at an even length. The coat of this breed is somewhat weather resistant, so bathing should be sparse.
Overview: The Portuguese Water Dog has aided Portuguese fisherman for centuries by herding and catching fish, carrying messages between ships, retrieving anything and everything that fell overboard, and guarding the catch and boats. Being that they were bred for water work, this breed loves the water and is an excellent retriever.
Character: The Portuguese Water Dog is very intelligent, devoted, loyal, and very alert. Him being so alert, this makes him good as a watchdog. This breed is very people-oriented and should be kept as a family pet as he does not do well in kennel life. The Portuguese Water Dog can be protective of his family and territory so socialization at an early age should be performed to avoid any dominance and/or aggression issues that may occur in the future.
Temperament: The Portuguese Water Dog has is very fun loving and enjoys the company of others. He can be somewhat protective making him a great candidate for watch dogging, although he should not display any aggressive tendencies. This breed can do well around children, however can be protective and somewhat combative around other dogs so early socialization again is necessary if this dog is to live in peace with another. The Portuguese Water Dog should not be trusted around smaller and more passive animals.
Care: Regular combing and brushing this breed is necessary. This breed has a very thick and close-knit coat which can easily get tangled or matted, so daily combing should be provided. Bathe only when necessary. Brushing with a wire brush or a fine-toothed comb would work best. Checking for burrs in the coat should be performed if this dog is to have free roam in a fenced yard.
Training: This being such an intelligent breed, he does well in obedience and agility. The Portuguese Water Dog is also very lively which makes him quite stubborn at times. Trainer must be firm yet gentle, but this breed is very willing to learn. Given the proper handler and training, this breed will do wonderfully.
Activity: The Portuguese Water Dog does well in a family environment and can be very active both indoors and out. This breed does best with at least an average sized yard, but if given the proper amount of exercise, he can do well without one. Portuguese Water Dogs love to jog and would make a wonderful companion for the outdoors type.
Ownership: If you are looking for Portuguese Water Dog puppies for sale from reputable Portuguese Water Dog breeders or to adopt a Portuguese Water Dog from a Portuguese Water Dog rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Portuguese Water Dog puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Portuguese Water Dog puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.
Characteristics Rating
Size:
Grooming requirements:
Exercise requirements:
Good with other dogs:
Watchdog ability:
Mo
Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 42-60, female: 35-50 lbs
Height: male: 20-23, female: 17-21 inches
Color(s): black, white, brown, or combinations of black or brown with white
Coat: The Portuguese Water Dog has a little to no shedding coat, and is great for homes with allergies. The coat may be either curly or wavy, and is thick, covering the whole body at an even length. The coat of this breed is somewhat weather resistant, so bathing should be sparse.
Overview: The Portuguese Water Dog has aided Portuguese fisherman for centuries by herding and catching fish, carrying messages between ships, retrieving anything and everything that fell overboard, and guarding the catch and boats. Being that they were bred for water work, this breed loves the water and is an excellent retriever.
Character: The Portuguese Water Dog is very intelligent, devoted, loyal, and very alert. Him being so alert, this makes him good as a watchdog. This breed is very people-oriented and should be kept as a family pet as he does not do well in kennel life. The Portuguese Water Dog can be protective of his family and territory so socialization at an early age should be performed to avoid any dominance and/or aggression issues that may occur in the future.
Temperament: The Portuguese Water Dog has is very fun loving and enjoys the company of others. He can be somewhat protective making him a great candidate for watch dogging, although he should not display any aggressive tendencies. This breed can do well around children, however can be protective and somewhat combative around other dogs so early socialization again is necessary if this dog is to live in peace with another. The Portuguese Water Dog should not be trusted around smaller and more passive animals.
Care: Regular combing and brushing this breed is necessary. This breed has a very thick and close-knit coat which can easily get tangled or matted, so daily combing should be provided. Bathe only when necessary. Brushing with a wire brush or a fine-toothed comb would work best. Checking for burrs in the coat should be performed if this dog is to have free roam in a fenced yard.
Training: This being such an intelligent breed, he does well in obedience and agility. The Portuguese Water Dog is also very lively which makes him quite stubborn at times. Trainer must be firm yet gentle, but this breed is very willing to learn. Given the proper handler and training, this breed will do wonderfully.
Activity: The Portuguese Water Dog does well in a family environment and can be very active both indoors and out. This breed does best with at least an average sized yard, but if given the proper amount of exercise, he can do well without one. Portuguese Water Dogs love to jog and would make a wonderful companion for the outdoors type.
Ownership: If you are looking for Portuguese Water Dog puppies for sale from reputable Portuguese Water Dog breeders or to adopt a Portuguese Water Dog from a Portuguese Water Dog rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Portuguese Water Dog puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Portuguese Water Dog puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.
Characteristics Rating
Size:
Grooming requirements:
Exercise requirements:
Good with other dogs:
Watchdog ability:
Mo
I recommend going to a shelter and finding the perfect dog for you! You'd be amazed how many wonderful dogs are just sitting in shelters waiting for you to come along =0)
Ideally, try to look for a dog who is already reliably house-trained, weighs under 50 lbs, is 1-3 years old, friendly to all people/animals, and relatively calm. I do not recommend a Pit Bull or mix thereof for a first-time owner, or a herding breed mix. Labs and Lab/sporting breed mixes sound like a good fit! You should look into private rescues as well, as often dogs in foster homes are already house-trained and very well evaluated. Do you like Boxers? It sounds like that could be an awesome fit for you! Most states have Boxer rescues, do a search for one in your area =)
Good luck, I hope you find the perfect pup.
Ideally, try to look for a dog who is already reliably house-trained, weighs under 50 lbs, is 1-3 years old, friendly to all people/animals, and relatively calm. I do not recommend a Pit Bull or mix thereof for a first-time owner, or a herding breed mix. Labs and Lab/sporting breed mixes sound like a good fit! You should look into private rescues as well, as often dogs in foster homes are already house-trained and very well evaluated. Do you like Boxers? It sounds like that could be an awesome fit for you! Most states have Boxer rescues, do a search for one in your area =)
Good luck, I hope you find the perfect pup.