breed advice please!

[charlie116]

So, I have a list of breeds that I would like to own in the future (not all at the same time of course ) & I would love to get some info on them. If you have any tips about owning any of these breeds, or just things you think I should know before purchasing one, please let me know! Here are the breeds:

Alaskan Malamute
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Shepherd
Basset Hound
Beagle
Bernese Mountain Dog
Border Collie
Bulldog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Corgi
Dachshund
Doberman
French Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shepherd
Great Dane
Husky
Jack Russell
Lab
Mastiff
Newfoundland
Pit Bull
Pomeranian
Rottweiler
St. Bernard
Shetland Sheepdog
Shiba Inu

**Just to let you guys know, I have done prior research on these breeds, I just want to get as much info as possible. I have also owned some of these breeds myself. The breeds I have owned are Beagle, Pomeranian & Shiba Inu. I've had experiences with most of the other breeds, but have never owned one myself.**

[sana]

Ask me all about Corgi and German Shepherds.

[charlie116]

Ask me all about Corgi and German Shepherds.

Let me know anything you're willing to share

[MoonandBean]

that's quite a variety I admire your passion.

[Karen]

Great Danes are big lovable goofballs - you have to be careful about when they eat, and when they get exercise as they are susceptible to bloat, which can be fatal. So no playtime or running around right after they eat. Things to watch for are hip dysplasia - if you are getting a puppy, ask if the parents' hips have been checked. Be willing to spend time training them when they are still small, or you will have an unruly teenager who can out run you and is stronger than you, and less willing to take direction. They can be a tad stubborn, and are usually quite sure they are "lap dogs," so just be aware of that! They can be alternately sensitive and oblivious, just be persistent and consistent in training.

Saint Bernards - if you can't stand drool, don't get a Saint Bernard, it's that simple. Sweet, sensitive and real "people dogs," you'll hurt them more with yelling than if you actually hit them. There is no sigh deeper than a sulking Saint's sigh. Again, training should begin right away, leash training and not jumping up and crucial for these dogs. Great swimmers - with webbed paws that also are good snowshoes, they tend to like cooler rather than hotter temperatures, and can get heat rash in summer, so be careful, and attentive. Wonderful dogs - IF you can tolerate drool.

[charlie116]

Great Danes are big lovable goofballs - you have to be careful about when they eat, and when they get exercise as they are susceptible to bloat, which can be fatal. So no playtime or running around right after they eat. Things to watch for are hip dysplasia - if you are getting a puppy, ask if the parents' hips have been checked. Be willing to spend time training them when they are still small, or you will have an unruly teenager who can out run you and is stronger than you, and less willing to take direction. They can be a tad stubborn, and are usually quite sure they are "lap dogs," so just be aware of that! They can be alternately sensitive and oblivious, just be persistent and consistent in training.

Saint Bernards - if you can't stand drool, don't get a Saint Bernard, it's that simple. Sweet, sensitive and real "people dogs," you'll hurt them more with yelling than if you actually hit them. There is no sigh deeper than a sulking Saint's sigh. Again, training should begin right away, leash training and not jumping up and crucial for these dogs. Great swimmers - with webbed paws that also are good snowshoes, they tend to like cooler rather than hotter temperatures, and can get heat rash in summer, so be careful, and attentive. Wonderful dogs - IF you can tolerate drool.

Question: How long should I wait to let my Great Dane run around after they eat? Do I have to restrain them or anything? Or just not exercise them (like take on a walk or let them outside)?
& I had no idea that St. Bernards could swim!!!

[Karen]

Question: How long should I wait to let my Great Dane run around after they eat? Do I have to restrain them or anything? Or just not exercise them (like take on a walk or let them outside)?
& I had no idea that St. Bernards could swim!!!

They should be kept calm for an hour after eating - if you are potting training, take them out on a leash, and then back inside for relaxing time, to give their food time to digest. You don't need to restrain them, just keep it calm after they eat. Make it into a habit, and it will service them well for life. This is true of many breeds that are large dogs with deep chests.

Oh, goodness, most Saints I have met or known LOVE the water - unless it is b-a-t-h-t-i-m-e.

[Husky_mom]

you´ve got quite a selection there.. mnay many different traits, sizes, etc..

unless you get like 3-4 at a time I see it hard to own every one of them.. lol..

working breeds
hound breeds
toy breeds
terrier breeds
sporting breeds

wow.. very nice ones though..

my input would be huskies and poms.. but since you´ve already had poms.. here´s my say on huskies:

if you can handle the hair (which is like a pom only like zillion times more..lol).. the howling, digging.. you don´t mind an independent dog, very smart for their own good, incredible rubber-body escapists.. they are awesome.. they can be very stubborn but yet incredibly loyal and lovable.. but beware.. never EVER EVER trust one off-leash.. these dogs are made to run and WILL run until the end of the world if allowed to.. no matter how trained they are.. even if you trust them enough there´s always one time they didn´t listen and ran off... they are high prey drive dogs too.. so introduction with small pets is very very important thing.. if you don´t want to end having your lil pet as food..

[Freedom]

You can learn quite a bit about each breed from their AKC Club.

For instance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a lot of genetic defects due to improper breeding (my groomer shows them, she owns 5). Plan on a separate bank account for your vet!

Some are going to need a lot of attention to the coat. Most are going to need obedience classes, although as you go through life and own first one and then another, you will become a good alpha leader. Border Collies need a job, or they will be in trouble constantly, and will try to herd cars.

[charlie116]

you´ve got quite a selection there.. mnay many different traits, sizes, etc..

unless you get like 3-4 at a time I see it hard to own every one of them.. lol..

working breeds
hound breeds
toy breeds
terrier breeds
sporting breeds

wow.. very nice ones though..

my input would be huskies and poms.. but since you´ve already had poms.. here´s my say on huskies:

if you can handle the hair (which is like a pom only like zillion times more..lol).. the howling, digging.. you don´t mind an independent dog, very smart for their own good, incredible rubber-body escapists.. they are awesome.. they can be very stubborn but yet incredibly loyal and lovable.. but beware.. never EVER EVER trust one off-leash.. these dogs are made to run and WILL run until the end of the world if allowed to.. no matter how trained they are.. even if you trust them enough there´s always one time they didn´t listen and ran off... they are high prey drive dogs too.. so introduction with small pets is very very important thing.. if you don´t want to end having your lil pet as food..

yea, my boyfriend has 2 huskies & boy are they hyper! but, I love their personalities. once they calm down, they're so friendly & cuddly. I love how vocal they are too. I believe that with the proper training & a good exercise regiment, they can be great pets!

[Husky_mom]

feel free to correct me if wrong.. but I´ll input some traits, behaviours I think are predominant in some breeds that were listed..

Alaskan Malamute: pretty much like huskies but bigger and goofier
Australian Cattle Dog: always need to herd something
Basset Hound/ Beagle: howlers, barkers, due to being hounds.. it´s their job
Border Collie: NEED an occupied mind ALWAYS..
Bulldog: they snore.. lol
Jack Russell: diggers.. just as any terrier.. their job again
Mastiff/Newfounland: big slobbery goofballs
Shetland Sheepdog: can tend to be hi-pitched barkers also

I think it really depends what you are looking in a dog or for what you want it/need it..

[*LabLoverKEB*]

feel free to correct me if wrong.. but I´ll input some traits, behaviours I think are predominant in some breeds that were listed..



I think it really depends what you are looking in a dog or for what you want it/need it..

Bulldogs- are a Brachycephalic (short nosed) breed. They have an elongated soft palate, which makes it very difficult to breathe! These dogs, although absolutely adorable and great dogs- are unfortunately a genetic mess. They are very costly to purchase, and to take care of. Special precautions have to be taken while under anesthesia, due to their breathing issues. You can't run them, play fetch, or do much exercise wise with these guys, again due to the breathing issue. They also get horrible skin issues!

[Mooshi]

Well since you like big dogs add american bulldog to your list! they are one of the best breeds i have ever came across i own a 3 year old american bulldog called zeus he's my protector and my best friend i've never had a bond so strong with a dog like him before. he's super smart very laid back and just loves to play he's goofy most of the time and if you don't mind dogs that slobber a lot u'll be fine with an AMbulldog lol overall they are gentle and make great family pets extremely loyal and lives to please it's owner.

As for the malamute i own one as well a 10 month old female called Blaze. From my experience malamutes are independent BUT much easier to train and handle than huskies i had a husky before and comparing him to my Mal she's a breeze but still malamutes need early and firm training since they tend to do what they want to do and ignore you a lot lol but none the less outstanding beautiful animals super friendly with people.

Hope i helped

[charlie116]

ok. thanks!

[luvofallhorses]

OK this post may be long and I mean long... as I am going to answer them all. My experience with them anyways.. and the ones I don't answer; I haven't had any experience.

Alaskan Malamute - They are great dogs but remember they are a northern breed and are classic escape artists. They are wonderful dogs but you need to be experienced and have an active life to have one.

I would not recommend this breed to an in-experienced person. You have to ask yourself if they are the right breed for you and they need a firm handler. If you have a low fence, you should not get one as they will climb.

Also you need to have understanding neighbors if you own them.. they howl a lot.


Australian Cattle Dog - They are awesome and I adore them. However, they are a working breed and need physical and mental stimulation daily.. I would also not recommend them to inexperienced owners. If not properly socialized you will have some problems. You need to do some kind of dog sport with these dogs as lure coursing, agility, fly ball, etc. This dogs were bred to do cattle drives and love their job. Not all ACDs are cut out to do it, but they are highly active!! Plenty in shelters to rescue and not purchase!

Australian Shepherd - They are another amazing breed but need an experienced owner. They like the ACD were bred to work and herd sheep. Lack of mental and physical stimulation they will become destructive like any dog but they are very high energy. They are not for couch potatos, you must have an active lifestyle. Also plenty in shelters and rescues.

Basset Hound - Wonderful breed! I personally owned a mix and adore these dogs. They can't walk a marathon, so if you are looking for a jogging partner do not choose a basset. They are low to the ground and it's hard on their legs to jog. Plenty in shelters and rescues!

Beagle - Highly active breed! They are great dogs, but they were bred to hunt! They also are classic escape artists and follow their nose. They are not easy to train either as they follow their nose.


Bernese Mountain Dog - Have not had any experience.


Border Collie - AMAZING breed! They are also in the working group and need a job. They are highly intelligent and excel at flyball and agility. However, some need to be herding sheep that is what they were bred to do and protect livestock from predators. If you have an active lifestyle, they may be the breed for you. If you have sheep even better. Plenty in shelters and rescues.

Bulldog - Which are you refering to? English or American?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - No experience.

Chihuahua - Cute little dogs. They aren't the dog for me but they usually are one person dogs. If you don't like one person dogs, don't get one. I would highly suggest against getting the 'teacup' ones because those are usually from BYBs. Plenty in shelters!

Corgi - They are awesome little dogs but also cannot run a marathon! A little quirky, but a lovable breed.

Dachshund - Great little dogs but they are most of the time one person dogs as well!

Doberman - I would NOT get one if you are inexperienced. Do your research. I love them but I would not own one. They are just not the breed for me.

French Bulldog - no experience
German Shorthaired Pointer - no experience

German Shepherd - Great breed but also not for the inexperienced. They are a very dominant breed as well and very active. They are a guardian breed so do your research.

Great Dane - great dogs! They are the biggest goofballs ever! I personally love them but you must know how much to feed them as they are prone to bloat. Do your research!

Husky - same applies for Alaskan Malamute.

Jack Russell - Great little dogs but VERY active. If you have cats, I would not suggest a JRT to you. They are very prey driven.

Lab - Great dogs and are great for the average owner. They are however active and you must be active. They excel in dock dogs, agility, and flyball.

Mastiff - Not a whole lot of experience.
Newfoundland - Not a whole lot of experience.


Pit Bull - The American Pit Bull Terrier is a wonderful breed. However, you must be experienced with them. They are not for the average owner. They are a faithful, loyal companion and will go to the end of the Earth for you than most dogs would. However, dog aggression is common so that means if you have a dominant dog, do not get an APBT.

Get the dog for yourself, not your other dog. If you have other dogs, your APBT may not get along with any of them so you will have to seperate them, permanently for the rest of their lives. If you are not up to that, do not get an APBT. Also no dog parks, either.

Just have strictly supervised play-dates with your friend's dogs. You must have thick skin as well, you will get negative and un-called comments all the time. Also, APBTs are a medium sized dog, the ones with big heads are american bullies.

Plus so you know the term "pit bull" is a term to classify the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier.. but there is only one "Pit bull" and that is the APBT! The Amstaff and SBT are totally different breeds. Please do your research before getting any of those breeds. There are APBTs everywhere in shelters and rescues, if you go to a breeder you need to go to a VERY responsible breeder. I work with bullies every day and adore them, I can give you a forum to go to if you'd like PM me if you are seriously considering the bullies.


Pomeranian - not a whole lot of experience.

Rottweiler - Awesome breed. I had a mix for 10 and a half years and she was my heart dog. They are a guardian breed and I wouldn't recommend to the average dog owner. They are very alpha and need a firm hand. However their loyalty is amazing.

St. Bernard - big doofus' but a very lovable breed. They are huge so you need to be careful on how much exercise you give them as they have deep chests and are prone to heart attacks and bloat. I would say they could go to the average owner. A lot of grooming up keep though!

Shetland Sheepdog - not a whole experience with them. Shelteez2 may pipe in.

Shiba Inu - great little dogs! However, you need to do your research on them. They are a northern breed and very classic escape artists. They are adorable but they have their quirks. I would not suggest a shiba to an inexperienced owner.

Hope that helps a bit.