Some advice, please...

[Roody]

Hi everyone . My family and I are looking into getting a dog, and we'd like some advice as to what kind of dogs to consider. It would be easy if it weren't for a few restrictions: 1) My brother is allergic to some breeds of dogs...problem is, we don't know what kinds, 2) We have neighbors with babies and young children, and 3) We're away from our house for hours at a time (baseball games, work, etc.) in places where the dog wouldn't be able to come. There are also some things we would like in a dog: 1) Playful and energetic, 2) Calm and quiet when it needs to be, 3) Easy to care for, and 4) Loyal and intelligent. We want a medium or large size dog. The only breed we have looked into is Rhodesian Ridgebacks, because my dad saw one and liked how it looked and acted.

So, what breed of dog would you recommend to us? Any advice is great, thanks !!!!!

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

Well, a golden seems to fit your description.

However, it is VERY important to find out what your brother is allergic too. It would be really sad to have to give away the dog if your brother reacted badly. I would suggest picking a breed that suits you and then go and visit the breeders dogs and see how your brother reacts.

Make sure you go to a good breeder!

The other thing I would look into is a shelter dog. That way you can test your brother out and see how he reacts. Also, you can see the temperment of an adult rescue dog, whereas with a pup it is more of a guessing game.

~Tucker

 

[milos_mommy]

you don't want anything too high energy, and also i'd make a list of different breeds, both non-shedding, human haired, wire-coated, and regular dog hair dogs, and go a visit some to see about your brother's reaction. if his allergies are mild, you can do things to control them, such as not allow the dog into your brothers room, use hardwood and tile floors, etc. dog hair and dander WILL get throughout the house, but if it's just mild allergies, it shouldn't be bad if you do some things to help contain the dog hair.

a standard poodle might be a good choice.

 

[Roody]

a standard poodle might be a good choice.

Not to put down poodles or anything, but my dad is the main part of us getting a dog. He wants something very "manly."

 

[Maxy24]

Not to put down poodles or anything, but my dad is the main part of us getting a dog. He wants something very "manly."

Make sure he knows not all poodles look like this:

But they can look like this too:

http://homepage.usask.ca/~schmutz/brownStandard.jpg
http://web.breedersclub.net/birdpatchstandards/mora3.jpg


they were bred to hunt (which is pretty "manly")

 

[Mindy40]

My husband wanted Manly as well...

I wanted a standard poodle, but my husband said it was "doggy" enough.

Well, I got a goldendoodle instead who weighs 100 pounds. We have enjoyed him so much, he takes mostly after the poodle, that I now have a 15 week standard poodle puppy.

They are NOT wimpy, smart, non-allergenic.

My only worry is you not being home enough. When deciding to get a dog, you need to be around or I don't believe it is fair. Its sounds like you are gone quite a bit. Dogs need interaction, especially puppies. Maybe you should get an adult dog that does not need to constant attention and training.

Just a thought.

 

[bubbatd]

I would suggest a Golden too ... but I'd suggest a test with them and your brother if that's a major factor . Goldens love to go to ball games or anywhere with their family !

 

[Roody]

We've also considered a Golden Retriver and a Lab, but my dad doesn't want one. I know, he's EXTREMELY picky.

 

[simplymisty]

Please don't take what I'm about to say as negative, but as information.

Dogs are not things to have because they're fun or cute. They are a lot of work and need for their family/pack to be home with them. You're post said that "3) We're away from our house for hours at a time (baseball games, work, etc.) in places where the dog wouldn't be able to come."

If you're considering getting a puppy you'll need to make sure that the puppy is never left alone for more than 4 hours and not even 4 hours if it can be helped. A dog can only hold his bladder for 1 plus his age. If the dog is 2 months then he can only hold his bladder for 3 hours.

There is a lot of work, training, etc. that goes into owning a puppy/dog. Just make sure that you consider all of this before your family gets a dog. Cats tend to be easier because they can be left alone for longer hours.

Again, I'm not trying to be negative but too many times I'm fostering or rescuing dogs from homes where the people didn't consider these things or left the dog locked up for longer than the dog could handle. I work close enough so I can come home at lunch and I work it out with my 11 yr old son who walks home so that our fosters are never left alone for more than 3 hours.

 

[Lizmo]

Where are you? I've got two goldens that need a home. They are both adore a tennis ball. One male, one female.

 

[ToscasMom]

However, it is VERY important to find out what your brother is allergic too. It would be really sad to have to give away the dog if your brother reacted badly. I would suggest picking a breed that suits you and then go and visit the breeders dogs and see how your brother reacts.

Excellent suggestion.

Roody I am so glad you are putting a lot of thought into this. Kudos to you!

 

[Roody]

Please don't take what I'm about to say as negative, but as information.

Dogs are not things to have because they're fun or cute. They are a lot of work and need for their family/pack to be home with them. You're post said that "3) We're away from our house for hours at a time (baseball games, work, etc.) in places where the dog wouldn't be able to come."

If you're considering getting a puppy you'll need to make sure that the puppy is never left alone for more than 4 hours and not even 4 hours if it can be helped. A dog can only hold his bladder for 1 plus his age. If the dog is 2 months then he can only hold his bladder for 3 hours.

There is a lot of work, training, etc. that goes into owning a puppy/dog. Just make sure that you consider all of this before your family gets a dog. Cats tend to be easier because they can be left alone for longer hours.

Again, I'm not trying to be negative but too many times I'm fostering or rescuing dogs from homes where the people didn't consider these things or left the dog locked up for longer than the dog could handle. I work close enough so I can come home at lunch and I work it out with my 11 yr old son who walks home so that our fosters are never left alone for more than 3 hours.

We're completey aware of that. My dad and I were talking last night about our situation. The longest we could think of the dog being left home alone for is about 3 hours. During the week my brother and I go to school and my mom and dad go to work (they work at the same place). While it would be impossible for my parents to get out of work, I will have a lunch period as well as a free period during my school day to do whatever I want. Because I will probably have a vehicle to use, I would be able to come home and let the dog out and feed it during my lunch period and/or free period.

We're highly considering a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Would one of these dogs be good for us?

THANKS AGAIN EVERYBODY!

 

[Romy]

The ridgebacks I have met have all been pretty active. They were farm dogs and it took a lot to wear them out. Also, you want to be careful with the allergies here. See if you can find someone with ridgebacks though, meeting some in person will give you a better idea of whether or not they would be a good match for your family.

You might try looking into a bouvier des flandres. My mom's best friend has a puppy, he's 100 lbs now. He's really sweet and gentle though, and looks much more "manly" than a poodle. They are a poodle ancestor, so the allergy factor is something you'll have to look into.

Greyhounds don't have much coat, and are laaaaazy. He would like going for walks and maybe running a lap or two around the yard, but other than that they are great loungers. Also, the retired racers are used to being crated 20 hours a day. Many of those dogs cope all right if they do have to be left. Some get separation anxiety because they are normally near other dogs at the track, but if you want low energy and easy grooming that may be a good choice.

And if your dad doesn't think they are macho enough, have him meet one in person! My husband was dead set against a grey because he thought they were like girly skinny chihuahua dogs. I took him to a meet and greet, he was blown away! Some of the dogs weight 80-100 lbs, they are VERY muscular, and TALL! He is 6'2'', and some of the dog's backs were above his waist. We definitely plan on adopting one some day.

It's great that you could come home and give the dog some potty breaks.

 

[Romy]

Another thing you might consider, is picking a breed and then going to a breed specific rescue for a dog. Sometimes they get puppies, and often adults. The bonus to them is they can help match you up with an individual dog that is a good fit, or help you determine if the breed is right for you.

Usually breed specific rescue websites have very realistic and thorough writeups about that breed's traits, and common reasons why people give them up.

Here:

http://rrcus.org/assets/html/breedinfo/For_you.htm

 

[Roody]

Thanks for the link! Definitely going to look into that!

 

[ToscasMom]

What about a portuguese water dog?

 

[Roody]

Nah, not our type.

 

[ToscasMom]

Well if allergies are a big consideration, it does dwindle things down. Standard Schnauzer?

 

[Lizmo]

I would def. recommend a IG or Greyhound! Great dogs.

 

[BostonBanker]

I've met and worked with several RR, and house-sat regularly for one. I adored that dog - one of the few I was always sad to leave when the owners came home. However, they are a LOT of dog. Fairly intense and very protective. Protective always sounds good, but it isn't always. This in particular worries me:

2) We have neighbors with babies and young children

What happens when your neighbor's kid comes running into your yard chasing a ball, or all wound up to tell you something or pet the dog? I would not have trusted this RR with that situation - it can look an awful lot like an attack on his people or his property, and if the dog decides to defend, they are very large and strong.

They are also very active dogs, bred to cover a lot of ground in a day. I would plan to commit to a couple hours of exercise a day with an adolescent; you then have to take into consideration that they are not generally very trustworthy off-leash, so you may need to take up jogging (if you don't already) .

In general, it is not a breed I would recommend to most people, although I admit my experience is limited. I think there is someone on here who has had many RR? I feel like it's someone who has a rottie...can't think of who it is now. Perhaps they will see this.