What breed would suit me best?

[Demi ^_^]

Hey guys. I am trying to persuade my parents to get a me a puppy for my birthday and they are not so keen as of yet (But they are slowly wavering thumbs2: )

Dad is sticking to his "once you move out we'll be stuck with it" but he knows he has no evidense to back that up. (Any animal I have kept, I have cared for long-term)

This'll be my first real, only-mine dog.

I want to find a breed thats just right for me.

I want a small dog, we already have Boof, who is half mastiff (sp?) so a big dog is a nope for me. I would love a breed thats energetic and loves being taken on walks. I love those pretty long-haired breeds :-)

Can anyone give me some breeds that you have experienced or own or know of that I can research? <excited>

[Neon]

Of course an Irish Border colliethumbs2: this breed is graded as the most intelligent of dogs and it is really very active !

[Dave66]

Jack Russell Terrier = energetic, loves being with people, and will go anywhere with them.

Dave

[Sharon]

Demi, we've owned a Miniature Schnauzer and a ShihTzu. We enjoyed and loved both, but found that as far as long brisk walks go, we'd end up carrying the ShihTzu. The Mini Schnauzer was the perfect dog, as far as I could see. VERY intelligent, hardy enough to take my kind of walk, and loved to cuddle. Do a little reading on them....BTW, you're parents will probably love the fact that they don't shed. They do require grooming, though....and haircuts...

[Neon]

From Wiki:

Temperament

A Border Collie in WalesBorder collies strive to please their owners. They are very loving dogs. Border Collies are an intelligent breed with an instinctive desire to work closely and intensely with a human handler. Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular as pets. True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that can provide them with plenty of play and exercise with humans or other dogs.[3] Border collies are happiest with a job to do. However, a job to a border collie isn't necessarily working livestock. An activity such as Frisbee, chasing and retrieving a ball, or just simply playing chase will suffice. As long as the border collie is in the herding/working position (crouched down, tail tucked between legs, eyes firmly fixed on the matter in hand) it considers it work. Border Collies are now also being used in showing, especially agility, where their speed and agility comes to good use. Some Border Collies tend to bite or nip their owners due to herding instincts. They will try to bite at their owner's ankles and try to lead them[6] which makes dog sports popular with Border Collie owners.[7] However, in an appropriate home, with a dedicated, active owner, a Border Collie can be an excellent companion.[8]

Though they can be a wonderful choice for some households, Border Collies are not perfect pets for all people. For example, as with many working breeds, Border Collies can be motion-sensitive and may attempt to control the movements of family members, cats, bicycles, cars or anything else that moves if not given enough mental and physical stimulation. These dogs are also generally not suitable for households with small children. Many Border Collies that end up in shelters or rescue groups are there because owners, who may have been attracted by their appearance and intelligence, were not prepared to meet their dog's daily activity needs

[VoidParadigm]

My experiences with breeds:
We had a Jack Russel who literally would NOT sit still unless for some reason you had burst out crying.

Every Labrador Retriever I've ever met I could control (even when I wasn't the owner, and always on the first try) However you said you wanted something a bit smaller, so that's not a great breed.

I've found poodles always active and willing to go for long walks, but they aren't the brightest of dogs. My friend's grandmother bred and trained poodles. They needed a VERY strict training program, and only about half of them would come through it, and even fewer of them would be tolerable of following their owner's commands ALL the time. Very stubborn, ime.

However my Shih Tzu has been perfect. He's on the larger end of his breed's size, and his hair is kept short and curly with haircuts as opposed to long and silky. If he doesn't know what you want he'll try to do everything in his power to find out what it is. "Neo, where's the squeaky?" *dog runs off, brings back a stuffed toy* "No. Where's the squeaky?" *dog runs off, brings back the squeaky* After the first time of learning what a toy is Neo doesn't forget. Shih Tzus do need a lot of attention and love though, as they're lap dogs. Neo always wants to be up in someone's arms or wrapped up in his blanket. As for long walks and games? Neo would play and walk for days if you let him. I think the energy level is a hit or miss with Shih Tzus. The ones across the street are the laziest things I've ever seen.

Erh. That kinda just turned into a rant about Neo's awesomeness. :lol: If it was me I'd go look around at the shelter first, then decide. If you don't feel like getting a lovable mutt, though, I suggest a private breeder as opposed to a petstore.

In any case, good luck on picking a breed, and better luck on convincing your parents! =D

[Northernguy]

Why not an Australian shepard.They are not big dogs and they are very smart dogs.
Shih Tzus are known as the hardest dog in the world to train.They are more like cats when it comes to an attention span.I am not knocking cats!lol
Border collies are amazing dogs and are very easy to train.
I hope you get the pup of your choice!

[VoidParadigm]

lol, really, NG? Guess I just got lucky. thumbs2:
Mine learned to go, come, fetch, find, sit, stand, go in a circle, say goodbye, and "Steal the ball from Essex! (Shih-poo)" all with minimal training effort. :lol:

[Northernguy]

lol, really, NG? Guess I just got lucky. thumbs2:
Mine learned to go, come, fetch, find, sit, stand, go in a circle, say goodbye, and "Steal the ball from Essex! (Shih-poo)" all with minimal training effort. :lol:
You did get lucky.
You also must have started training it real young.They say after the first year if its not trained it probably never will be.I have never owned one though!
Ceasar even agrees with that one! lol:19:

[VoidParadigm]

You did get lucky.
You also must have started training it real young.They say after the first year if its not trained it probably never will be.I have never owned one though!
Ceasar even agrees with that one! lol:19:

Uh, nope! :lol: We didn't even get it until it was a year old!

It had been locked up in a cage for a year, just waiting for someone to actually want it. When no one did they were going to put it down, so Mother got all "Sigh. =( We'll take it. Dean, for your 16th you're getting this dog." :lol:

Ah well. Maybe all the time away from loving human contact just made it want to listen and behave really well? The first year we had him, even though he was full grown, he was just like a puppy (Mother suspects 'cause he was probably taken from his own parents too soon, and then left completely alone) Into this year, though, he's getting more independant and more like his age.

[Northernguy]

Nice job!
I have a neighbor that loves their two. They have absolutely no control over the dogs.They have apparently tried everything,I doubt that.
These two are so noisy and too spoiled.I am not impressed!lol
I have only ever seen one that listened to their owners commands but most are owned by senoirs that have no idea what to do.They walk them,feed them,and clean up after them for something to do but they never train them to listen.
I don't think any dog is stupid just not trained.You obviously did good with yours.

[Deleted User]

Shih-tzu's are my favorite breed, hands down. They are actually pretty smart and they are very, very people oriented. They are usually very healthy and long lived. Really, I've found them to be like big dogs in little dog bodies. There is A LOT of self confidence and self IMPORTANCE packed into their little bodies! They're not yappy or nervous at all.

Herding breeds are usually exceptionally smart, but they need activity to occupy them. If you live on a farm, they are great and very happy. If not, then they do best with a lot of interaction and a lot of activities to do.

We have shih-tzu's, a collie and a lab x chow cross. I feel like in the future, I'd be very unlikely to take on another mix breed if I did not know absolutely for sure the breeds (and breed dispositions) of the parents. Due to our lifestyle, I think the best large dogs for us are really herding breeds and I do not like some of the aggression issues I see in our mixed breed dog. We've not had problems, but I see a tendency in her and will not leave her alone around our horses / goats nor around our little dogs (erring on the safe side). If you have little kids, small animals, etc., it's important to really know the temperament propensity (that the right word) of the dog, and you don't always know that in a mix... I know from raising ours that it is not only about nurture.

Good luck!!! Dogs are hands down my favorite animals. They are for sure best friend material :1luvu:

[gabbyguppy]

lol, really, NG? Guess I just got lucky. thumbs2:
Mine learned to go, come, fetch, find, sit, stand, go in a circle, say goodbye, and "Steal the ball from Essex! (Shih-poo)" all with minimal training effort. :lol:

I think you might own the exception to the rule. I've been a groomer for 15+ years. It's a rare occasion to have a nice Shi* Tzu. They are the aristocrats of dogdom, taking orders from no one.

This breed has its share of loyal owners, but I think they would be ill suited for an active home. Their short muzzles make it hard for them to breathe outdoors when it's hot. They also have their share of health problems (eye, skin and kidney issues).

Perhaps the dogs I see in my groom shop just come from poorly bred stock. From my personal experience, it's a breed I would NEVER own.

With that being said.....I've owned Australian Shepherds for 25+ years. They are the perfect dog FOR ME. However, the average Aussie is far too much for the average pet owner. My dogs need countless hours of exercise, both mental and physical each day. This breed is protective of its home and will take charge if given the chance.

All breeds have 'issues'. Be sure to read about a breeds purpose before buying. Most dogs end up in shelters because the original owners did not take the time to research before buying.

Terriers are going to bark and dig. Herding dogs are going to chase the kids. Working dogs might scare the mailman.

I think every child should have the opportunity to own a dog, but I do understand your Dad's point of view. When I left home, my dog stayed with my folks. Taking a dog to college simply was not an option.

Karen

[Sharon]

Nice job!
I have a neighbor that loves their two. They have absolutely no control over the dogs.They have apparently tried everything,I doubt that.
These two are so noisy and too spoiled.I am not impressed!lol
I have only ever seen one that listened to their owners commands but most are owned by senoirs that have no idea what to do.They walk them,feed them,and clean up after them for something to do but they never train them to listen.
I don't think any dog is stupid just not trained.You obviously did good with yours.

I agree...Can't blame a breed for the owners' shortcomings. Both our ShihTzu and our Schnauzer were very well trained and obedient, and a pleasure to own. Problems arise in any breed if the owner is clueless...:ssmile: If a dog is not properly handled, they aren't a lot of fun...I've seen that with a friend who has rehomed one and put down another , and still blames the dogs...GRRRR....

Also, my sister had a ShihTzu from the same breeder that ours came from...Her's cost her a fortune in vet bills, ours cost us nothing for health issues except for shots....she never had as much as an ear infection, although they are prone to them....

[lmgiles88]

Of course an Irish Border colliethumbs2: this breed is graded as the most intelligent of dogs and it is really very active !
I second the border collie. An amazing dog. Very intelligent. Always energetic. We have two and they never stop chasing each other in our local field.

[Sharon]

Remember that Demi is in school, and will have homework, social life etc.....

Demi, you are supposed to be accepting all responsibility for this dog. Maybe choose a breed that loves to get outside with you, but doesn't REQUIRE it to be happy....

[Nobodynotime]

A good old fashioned mutt from the pound! Best dogs around.

[VoidParadigm]

Shame Shih-poo isn't a "real" breed of dog. Could have been perfect for you. :lol: Essex has enough Shih-Tzu in him that when you get home he loves to be around you and play, but enough Poodle in him that he's independant enough to not mind you being away for eight hours of the day.

[bigbad-ratman]

well so far far my male jack russel terrier (Nemo) is the best dog i have ever owned, and the female is an awesome dog as well (just not as awesome as Nemo). they are both family oriented, very protective of "their" houselhold, inteligent and good with other animals. they are challenging dogs to own though. if you are not firm and consistent they will own you!!! if you want an active dog that you will have to be involved with i vote JRT. but if you are not ready for a active inteliigent dog that will test their boundaries and get bored easily then they are not the dog for you.
the only dog i cant recomend at all is a chihuahua. for purely personel reason. i can tell you about later.

[Lolita]

We have a shetland sheepdog! They're generally on the small side of medium and are extremely loyal, intelligent dogs. They are big barkers though unless you train them right--our dog Morgan neeeever barks, which is really odd--but we were told it was because we trained her very well at an early age.

Welsh Corgies are also great dogs! They're not tiny dogs, but they're also very loyal and very playful. My good friend Laura has a corgie and he's the funniest, most energetic dog I've ever met!

[Mr.Bluegill]

get an astrailian red heeler she has a big bark and she is small:22:

[Padams]

A good old fashioned mutt from the pound! Best dogs around.


AGREED
The most loyal easy-going I ever had was a mutt. AND your helping out a dog in need!!!!!!

[Deleted User]

Mutt's are as easy going, smart, nice, or not, as the breeds and care that's gone into them.

If you decide to adopt from a rescue or shelter, you might be surprised at how many purebred dogs also need homes. There are tons of purebred dogs in shelters today.

[hybridguy]

I currently have 2 shih Tzu dogs.They are molly and ernie, they r without a doubt the best dogs i have ever owned. I also love pitbulls and staffordshire terriors, they are energetic and the most loyal of all dogs.:18:

[Jacko]

I'm going to go with some sort of herding dog... I've got 1 black tri aussie and while she isn't perfect compared to breed standards (her ears refuse to flop :P) she's got a great personality to make up for it... also very energetic dogs but they can stand not running around a ton, IMO, the ones with the working coats look the best (curly, somewhat long hair)... we're getting another one next summer too :P
Border collies are awesome, one of my friends has a 23 acre christmas tree farm where they also bred their border collies, they had such great personality, even the tiny little pups.

And you said you didn't really want a bigger dog... but I love golden retrievers :P so I'm going to put them out there too... my parents used to breed them long before I came to be and I grew up with the last one they kept, great dogs but they don't ever really grow out of being a puppy.:hmm3grin2orange:

[Nobodynotime]

Mutts also come without many of the problems that pure breeds do like hip dysplasia.

[Lady Hobbs]

Dogs definately come with their own baggage as much as we love them. It can be pretty difficult to rent a house or an apartment with a dog but sometimes they don't mind if you stick to the 15 lb limit. Just something to keep in mind since you probably will be moving one of these days.

[Demi ^_^]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I have been thinking about getting my own dog for months now, but only just really brought it up the other week when I was talking to my mum.

I agree Jack Russels are absolutely gorgeous dogs. But we had one a few years ago, she was only a baby and was run over in our drievway (Not by us, but by some visitors) Dad had put a sign on the gate and everything "Small dog, drive slow". She knew the drievway was off limits, but I spose that one day was a one-off that cost her her life. I don't think my family really wants another Jack Russell after what happened then..

I am definately thinking about the responsibilities involved.
I want a dog I can walk with because, I walk everywhere lol. Me, my brother and some friends usually walk down to a creek, fish and then walk back home everyday after school. I like walking and it would be nice to have a bit of company when I am by myself.

I am seriously thinking about the Mini Schnauzer :-)
Seems like a great type of dog, after much research.

I was talking to my father this after saying "Mini Schnauzer is nice dog, isn't it?" and surpisingly enough he agreed with me and we talked about trainability and stuff. Maybe the corner is coming up faster then I expected lol.

I am happy to see this breed seems to have 5 stars for being around children too. I know my parents won't get a dog from the shelter for me, I have two quite young siblings and they wouldn't want to take that 'risk'

I'll be researching all these dogs.
Thanks everyone and thanks Sharon, I really like the sound of the Mini Schnauzer!

[Sharon]

That's great, Demithumbs2: ....I don't think you'll be disappointed! Don't forget to mention the "no shedding" and "hypoallergenic" if the need arises!!!:hmm3grin2orange:

[gabbyguppy]

Mutts also come without many of the problems that pure breeds do like hip dysplasia.

Not true.....was a Vet Tech for over 10 years.

The practice was mostly mixed breed dogs.

Believe me, mixed breeds carry just as much medical baggage as purebreds.

Karen

[Northernguy]

Thats a great decision Demi! Fantastic dogs.I hope you find the right one soon!thumbs2:
I am kinda surprised that you are not interested in an Australian Shepard!
They extremely smart and easy to train.


I have seen many dogs get hip displasia.Small and large!It really depends on the amount of exercise the dog gets.If they get too much or too little it can start.Mostly working dogs that get it.
It is also heriditary.It does pass along in genes from litter on down.Most any dog can get it but mostly in the larger breeds.
I thankfully have only had one dog get it.I have always had 100lb plus dogs.

[bushwhacker]

i've got 3 shih tzus (all trouble makers) lol but i love em. an adult aussie and a aussie pup. of all dogs i've had the aussies are the smartest things in the world. not too big, very trainable and super loyal