Dog Breed Recommendations

[caboose56]

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don't kid yourself, AKC registered breeders who breed for conformation have ruined a lot of breeds as many, many standards have absolutely nothing to do with a "purpose" and everything to do with a particular breed fancier group whim. It's gotten so bad that many breeds have split into two or more types where one type is bred for performance while the other for show. The hunting and performance breeds that have maintained their confirmation based around performance vs. show would fall into your description, buth few of those breeds are left.

Golden retrievers and any of the labs are a good example of this. We have had many Golden Ret. field dogs in my family, and they are very different from those you'll find from just an ordinary breeder. The labs generally don't make great family dogs as they are too high strung and/or have the personality of a potted plant. The Golden's are very active/busy but they are fun dogs with tons of personality. When ever i go back home to visit it's a half hour frenzy of play time. They shed a lot tho..

 

[afong56]

pm'd

 

[pm127]

So it's been said a few times already, but I'm +1 on Greyhounds. We foster for GLOHW and would recommend them in a heartbeat.

We have Great Danes at the moment. They are sweet and lazy, but not for the faint of heart, or for people who like to keep their walls clean

 

[murf]

I've seriously considered a greyhound. I've only met one before and it was an awesome dog... very quite, gentle, and listened well.
I'll check out some of those contacts provided and see if I can adopt an ex racer.

petfinder is also a great link... thanks to those that suggested it.

As for the other suggestions... all breeds I will have to consider - I really don't care at all about pedigree. The dog I grew up with was a mutt that lived for 18 years with zero health issues (like hips, cancers, etc) - died on the road after he started to go blind and deaf.

So far the wife is mostly interested in a dog like the one we saw a couple weeks ago... a mutt that had a lot of collie and shepherd... but more collie than shepherd.

didn't you want something of a gaurd dog?

 

[ajaxguy]

I would highly recommend a Boxer! I have owned my guy since a puppy and hes just over a year now. Im not sure if I got really lucky with a super smart one or what, but he is the best dog i have ever owned and I have have quite a few but big to small( including a jack that lived 18 years) and he is so obedient, can leave him off leash while im doing stuff on my bike or whatever, and he wont run away, or even chase dogs ( as long as I tell him no).
Very very smart breed and looks very intimidating but most of them are big sucks! They are very loyal and as long as you can get them out for at least one good walk a day , then there good.

 

[Geeser]

Until this year, I had a Toller (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever). Really great dog. Friendly temperment of a retriever, but only half the size (35-40 lbs). It also was very smart/trainable, and only barked when someone knocked at the door. A people dog that follows you from room to room, lays at your feet in the backyard. Only downside was the shedding: terrible if you have allergies. The pic is of someone else's dog (not mine), but representative.

 

[Yamaha_Gurl]

I just wanted to add, greyhound "parents" have one of the best support systems out there. Almost every adoption group has a website/forum, they have numerous people that are willing to help with any issues that may arise. You can check out the forum called Greytalk, it's national.

There's a system called "GUR" Greyhounds under rail, in which people volunteer to bring dogs from coast to coast.

There's a greyhound legend called "Dr. Couto", who works out of Ohio with the Ohio State university, who with funding provides information regarding cancer, as well as actual chemo treatments.

Greyhound groups do on-line auctions, were people donate items to raise money for either the group, or other greyhound related causes such as funding for cancer research.

I honestly could go on and on about the people and animals...you really should consider an ex-racer

 

[XTRAWLD]

If you get in touch with any of the greyhound agencies, you more than likely will be able to go and visit a house full of greyhounds to see if they really are a breed for you. That's what happened with us - we went into a house of 5 greys - and all 5 had a different personality, but more importantly you can see their interactions first hand and ask all the questions you want. That's how our first meeting went and we stuck around the house for 2 hours before walking away and said - awh yea!

Aside from suggesting a greyhound, I do think that there are breeds out there for every person. Obviously don't get a husky or a border collie unless you are prepared to make it work and exercise every waking moment you have or else it will destroy your house. Don't get a dog just because it looks nice or cute, you should really get a dog that fits you and your lifestyle because it won't be fair to either you or the dog if you guys don't get along. If you want a lazy dog - a greyhound is great. If you want something with more energy to go biking or hiking with, then a higher energy sporting dog might be better for you. There are lots of breed selector quizzes out there for you to help you out, but I know some are inaccurate.

We originally looked at Whippets before looking at Greyhounds because I was worried a grey would be too big in the home, but now we have 2. I also bought the annual Dogs in Canada book regarding dog breeds and read about alot of the dogs I thought would be best for me. It's education and research that is important.

Best of luck with it all. Don't take it lightly, dog ownership is a great responsibility. We have to drop our boys off somewhere to be cared for if we are going to be away for an extended period of time (8 hours or more). This sucks for weddings, or going to visit people far away, etc. I'm sure this sounds like common sense, but sometimes people are just blinded by getting a dog because they want a dog, and really don't think things completely through. It's not fair for the dog if you won't be home 20 hours in the day, etc., and plenty live for a long time.....life expectancy of our greys are 14 years - a long time for a large breed.

I know one of the biggest guilt factors for hubby is getting geared up to go for a ride on the bike and both dogs come up to him wagging tails and he has to tell them they can't come. We still haven't found helmets that will fit, or a sidecar......

 

[CrazyKell]

Best of luck with it all. Don't take it lightly, dog ownership is a great responsibility. We have to drop our boys off somewhere to be cared for if we are going to be away for an extended period of time (8 hours or more). This sucks for weddings, or going to visit people far away, etc. I'm sure this sounds like common sense, but sometimes people are just blinded by getting a dog because they want a dog, and really don't think things completely through.

SO true. My life revolves a lot around my dog simply because of her exercise needs. It's okay because I like to hike and walk with her too.....but a lot of people fail to take this into consideration and it's not fair to the dog.

 

[mistamo]

I have a husky and he is a great dog, although he requires a lot of exercise. But I like to run and he is a great running partner because he doesn't quit. Probably not a good choice for yourself.

My parents always had Irish Setters, they were awesome dogs. Very good with people and especially kids. They were quiet (well the male would bark when people knocked on the door but that was it) and didn't chew the furniture. Just make sure you feed them properly because they are prone to bloating.

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