Any Ideas?

[SheltieLover234]

I`m looking for a dog but i`m not to sure what one is for me. If anyone can offer any ideas or books that might help.Thanks!!

[KYS]

A couple of good older books:
The right dog for you by Daniel Tortora PH.D
and The complete Dog buyers guide by
T.F.H. publications are pretty informative.

There is a web site that compares
dogs. It might be put out by Pedigree?
Maybe someone on this site might know
the web addy. AKC has a good site on the web also.
Once you narrow your choices down its a good idea to visit a dog show and see all
the breeds you like and talk the the breeders. If they are not busy they
are usually happy to answer questions.

Also write to the official breed clubs.
(some of the breed clubs have web sites also) Most breed clubs have a packet of information on their breeds, which will state pro's and con's.

Have fun in your search and when the
time comes share your choices. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[teena]

Another good idea would be to visit a local shelter or animal rescue. Rescued dogs tend to be very loyal and thankful pets.

[carrie]

Give us a clue! Do you work? Do you like to walk? Do you want to do obiedience agility or are you looking for a pet? Do you have kids,if so how old? Is this your first dog? Have you ever had a puppy? That sort of thing.

[SheltieLover234]

Well carrie ,This is not my first dog i had a German Shepard,i`ve never had a puppy before ,I have two younger sisters one is 16 the other is 3 and i love to walk and im not to picky about obiedience.And I am definiatly looking for a dog! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif

[Sudilar]

Well, well, well...You've already owned a GSD before, so why should you even ask what kind of dog to get? http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif Shouldn't it be obvious? Aren't GSDs great? http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/cool.gif Just kidding. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif But...why not another GSD, maybe from your local GSD rescue group? http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Anyway, whatever you choose, good luck!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif
Su (owner of 2 rescued GSDs)

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***Save a life, ADOPT***

[SheltieLover234]

What is a GSD?? I have no idea but the reason why I dont want another German Shepard is because it would remind me of my old dog too much and I dont want to go through that? http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif

[RachelJ]

You wouldn't believe how many wonderful dogs are available at animals shelters. If you need convincing go back through the archives of Dog of the Day and look at the different dogs that had been "unwanted" before they found their forever homes through a shelter or rescue organization or were rescued in some other way. I can't tell you the sense of satisfaction you get from "adopting". When I got one (a 2 yr. old) I worried we might not bond like the dog I had raised from a puppy, but it is the other way around. My "adopted" one is the one who is most appreciative, most loving, tries the hardest, and is closest to me. The past two Saturdays I made a visit to an animal shelter. Each time I saw gorgeous dogs, several of which looked like pure breds. There were 4 Great Danes, a Fox Terrier, Dalmation, Poodle, and Llasa Apsa (sp?) there today and some sweet mixes. If it weren't for my husband, the Grinch, I would have a third dog in my home tonight.

[RachelJ]

Originally posted by KYS:


There is a web site that compares
dogs.
Maybe someone on this site might know
the web addy.

[/B]

Go to www.personalogic.com (http://www.personalogic.com) and then click on dogs. They have some questions and answers to help you narrow down some choices based on your lifestyle

[Sudilar]

GSD means German Shepherd Dog. I know what you mean when you say you don't want another GSD because it would remind you too much of the one you lost. I said the same thing when my GSD died, so I got a Great Pyrenees. She was a beautiful, loving dog, but she was not a GSD. There are differences in personality in some breeds. She was independent and obeyed you if she felt like it. (They were bred to think for themselves when they are out protecting their flocks.) Even though I loved her with all my heart, after she died I went and adopted two GSDs! I really appreciated the temperament and personality of GSD in comparison with the Great Pyr. Good luck in your choice!
Su

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***Save a life, ADOPT***

[SheltieLover234]

The only reason i`m not allowed to adopt in most places is because I`ve adopted before and it did not work out with my baby sister because shes to little

[AdoreMyDogs]

The fact that you have a baby sister should not prevent you from adopting. Most shelters (at least all the shelters I have seen) put their dogs through some sort of personality test to see what kind of home the dog would be the safest in. Before I adopted my pug I went to the Michigan Humane Society and looked around for a dog that's great with kids...I ended up falling in love with this GSD/Rot mix who was WONDERFUL with kids! She plopped down and exposed her big belly in hopes that someone may want to rub it.

I had about 150 dogs to choose from that were said to be good with kids. I can honestly tell you that I bet most or all of those beautiful dogs that I looked at are now dead because no one wanted them. Please think about adopting. Talk to the shelters and see what they think. I even saw some purebred golden ret. and labs at the shelter. Those are usually GREAT breeds for a family with young kids. If you have your heart set on a purebred and only a purebred, find a breed that most fits your lifestyle (think carefully, this is a HUGE decesion) and look on the web for a rescue of that breed. I bet you will get dozens of hits! They have a rescue for just about every breed you could ever want.

[Breezybabe01]

If you are looking for a new dog, I would say get a Black Lab, or a German Shepard. My dog is a german/black lab mix, and she is a great dog. Shelties are good dogs too. my friend has two of them. I hope I gave you good advice!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[SheltieLover234]

Thanks Breezy!but those dogs are a little too big but I will think about those breeds. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif

[shais_mom]

There is a another website, I think it is purina or pedigree, where you put in your profile and what characteristics of dog you want(size, activity level, hair legnth, where you live, etc). It is very good I checked it out even tho I am not really looking for another dog.
I understand what you saying about your sister being too young, some friends of mine went to their local H.S and they wouldn't let them adopt b/c they had a 5 year old son and she was pregnant!
I went to the HS looking for a small dog and came home with a greyhound!!!Which is a big dog with a small dog personality. They had all sorts of dogs there, long haired dashunds,boston terriers, dalmations,several huskies,rotts, GSD, dobs.
When my girl stands at my side, my hand touches her back, but she can also curl up to the size of a poodle when she wants too!(except when she sleeps!!!)
If you want a dog that is good with kids, moderate activity level, very loviing- get a greyhound!! BUT it helps if you have a fenced in yard, and I speak from experience here b/c I do not!!! And they are very prone to separation anxiety, as any shelter dog, I learned the hard way!!! But I wouldn't trade her for the world!!!
Whatever you choose, good luck, check out the rescue sites for different breeds, simply b/c they will list the +/- for their specific breed. I am sure we are all anxious to hear your decision!!
~~~~~Smiles~~~~~

[dogncatluvr]

shais-mom,

Yeah!! for greyhounds. My next dog will be an ex-racing greyhound, and I'm finding out all sorts of things about them on the web. They seem to be such lovable dogs.

[SheltieLover234]

shais-mom,When I find the right dog I will definatly tell you first!!!THANKS!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[shais_mom]

Originally posted by SheltieLover234:
shais-mom,When I find the right dog I will definatly tell you first!!!THANKS!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

like I said Congratulations-- any dog will be so grateful!! I wish you luck!!!:-) http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[SheltieLover234]

Well i`ll tell you all at the same time I just got my new puppy a 4 month old male Lab/Border Collie named Goblin a breed i did not think i would get http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/tongue.gif

[This message has been edited by SheltieLover234 (edited November 12, 2000).]

[SheltieLover234]

BreezyBabe I took you advice with the Lab but mines a mix Lab/Border Collie http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[Mollie]

The best dogs are mixed breeds. If you go to your animal shelter you will definatly find a dog for you there. That is how I got my dog and she is perfect!
Not only will you be getting the dog perfect for you, you will be saving a dogs life!

[Kendall2]

I agree with Mollie, even if you're dead set on a full breed, our shelter has a lot of them too. Our only 2 full breeds came from the shelter...our Dane and our Aussie. We will probably never get another dog that doesn't come from the shelter.