Dog Breed Recommendations

Motorcycle Mike

Motorcycle Mike

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We are considering getting a dog.

Live in Mississauga with a medium size backyard, not too far from an off-leash dog park, and nearby many walking/biking paths. We are not crazy energetic people, but plan to walk the dog a couple times a day, and someone is usually always home.

I grew up with dogs out in the country... best friend was a husky-shepherd, so I know a bit about caring for and training a dog.

What I don't want: Don't want a small yappy thing, but don't want too big, and don't want to spend too much money -- and don't want a dog like a husky or border collie who demand crazy amounts of exercise.

I am thinking some kind of a shepherd mix would be ideal... they are good watch dogs but tend to be easy to train and have good temperments.

Any suggestions? Any one know anyone with a cheap or free mutt?
 
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Go through a save organization. Please. Not only will they already know the temperament of their dogs, but you will not be contributing to the already nasty puppy mill problem in this country.
 
Diesel said:
We are considering getting a dog.Live in Mississauga with a medium size backyard, not too far from an off-leash dog park, and nearby many walking/biking paths. We are not crazy energetic people, but plan to walk the dog a couple times a day, and someone is usually always home.I grew up with dogs out in the country... best friend was a husky-shepherd, so I know a bit about caring for and training a dog. What I don't want: Don't want a small yappy thing, but don't want too big, and don't want to spend too much money -- and don't want a dog like a husky or border collie who demand crazy amounts of exercise.I am thinking some kind of a shepherd mix would be ideal... they are good watch dogs but tend to be easy to train and have good temperments.Any suggestions? Any one know anyone with a cheap or free mutt?
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Too bad you don't want a husky it would solve your noise problem. They mainly whine but don't bark. Very energetic. Good thing you're looking into the breed and matching it with your life style.

How about a golden retriver? They can be a bit energetic, but are good with a few walks a day. A lot more obedient than a husky.
 
golden retriever or lab sound like a good fit...

seeing several of my friends with their huskies, while they are cool to look at - i didn't get the feeling theyre easy to train...or maybe they were just trained improperly.
 
TomC said:
golden retriever or lab sound like a good fit...

seeing several of my friends with their huskies, while they are cool to look at - i didn't get the feeling theyre easy to train...or maybe they were just trained improperly.
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labs can be very noisy if they become territorial (of your house) and other dogs are walking on the street. They just start barking and don't stop.
 
I would NEVER recommend someone gets a Husky. Never!

I would suggest choosing the dog based on your level of activity and how often you want to vacuum.

I got a dog last fall. I love her to death. But, she is the most hyper little thing that you will ever meet in your life. She's getting better....but she requires a LOT of energy and attention only magnified by her puppy stages. But she fits in my lifestyle. She goes lots of places with me, dog park every day, toys, walks, etc.

Match the dog to your energy level and you can't go wrong.
 
Want a easy to train, loyal, allergin free dog? Get a Standard Schnauzer. I love the idea of pound dogs, rescues etc.... But when I need to trust my home and family to a dog I have chosen to buy for life. Some of my family members have had expensive nightmares with rescues, and it is heartbreaking.
 
We've definitely considered going to a shelter, but so far at the shelter near our house (Mavis and Central Parkway) I haven't seen any dogs that appealed to me. Most of the dogs I saw were there obviously because their owners couldn't handle them -- like huskies, border collies, a shepherd/rotty mix, etc...I will keep visiting the shelter though, and if the right one comes we will probably take it.
 
By the way, why is everyone of my posts just a wall of text in chrome, but formats fine in firefox?
 
Diesel said:
We've definitely considered going to a shelter, but so far at the shelter near our house (Mavis and Central Parkway) I haven't seen any dogs that appealed to me. Most of the dogs I saw were there obviously because their owners couldn't handle them -- like huskies, border collies, a shepherd/rotty mix, etc...I will keep visiting the shelter though, and if the right one comes we will probably take it.
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Try checking online at the pet websites. They can show you a whole wack of shelters some that might be out of your area, but worth it if you can find the dog that you like and you can rescue.
 
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Get a Bullmastiff, a female will be smaller than a male, they have one of the best temperments of any dog breed, they listen, they don't need 14 walks a day(They're lazy)

I can leave mine in the front yard, leave the house and she'll be there when I get back,, my male was the exact same way.

Other dogs can wall by the front yard freaking out with their owners and neither one of my dogs would even lift up their heads.
 
CrazyKell said:
If you want a rescue dog, try an all breeds rescue association OR if you know the specific breed you're looking for you can see if they have a rescue association too.

www.petfinder.com can be a good resource.

www.helpinghomelesspets.com is another one I've heard good things about.

I'm partial....but I love Boston Terriers. http://www.helpinghomelesspets.com/dogsforadoption/bostonterrierclubofcanadarescue/availabledogs.htm
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+1 to petfinder. Last year, being self-employed out of my home (so lonely lol), my son's 9 so a good safe age, etc. decided it was time to get one. I'd never owned a dog before, so wanted to avoid all the puppy 'stuff'. I visited a couple local rescue groups over the span of a month or two, met a bunch of different dogs, spent time with them, taking them for walks, etc. Ended up with a 1-2 year old german shepherd / australian cattle dog mix - she's a blast, great with my son, no accidents in the house and keeps the damn rabbits out of my garden. The rescue folks were super patient with my 1,000,000+1 questions and worked hard to ensure a good fit (for all) was found.
 
reciprocity said:
Get a Bullmastiff, a female will be smaller than a male, they have one of the best temperments of any dog breed, they listen, they don't need 14 walks a day(They're lazy)

I can leave mine in the front yard, leave the house and she'll be there when I get back,, my male was the exact same way.

Other dogs can wall by the front yard freaking out with their owners and neither one of my dogs would even lift up their heads.
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He speaks the truth. The most activity i've ever seen from Madra after someone saying "GO KILL TIM!" is a slow wander over to me... by the time she gets there she forgot why she was coming in the first place and some scritchin makes her happy.

Or... get a pug.. who doesnt love pugs?!
 
I agree with the mastiff. My parents have a cane corso x neo mix and she is probably the biggest suck ever. All she wants is love.

I would throw a rottie in the mix here too. I grew up with them and i know just how loving they are. Our current rottie could lick you to death if given the chance.

Im probably biased but i'd say go with a rottie!
 
I have a Golden Retriever and he is an amazing dog! Very obedient, but also very furry. I can have him out in the driveway with me while working on the bike and he won't run off. He won't chase the kids and he won't chase a squirrel. He doesn't bark, and doesn't jump on people. He was very easy to train and is very loyal. But did I mention that he's very furry? Golden's shed a lot! I wouldn't hesitate to get another Golden but I would also consider a Weimaraner. They are such nice looking dogs and have much shorter fur.
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