please help us pick a puppy!

Congrats on your soon to be addition, and welcome to Pet Talk!!

We researched Shibas a lot before we found our Kito, and we love him to pieces--I wouldn't recommend a Shiba though, because they are a bit aloof, and stubborn, and they shed a lot!!!
I grew up with a beagle, and just had to have one, so that's how Abbey came along--we got her at a local beagle rescue. She is a wonderful dog. Beagles do have somewhat of an odor sometimes though, so maybe one wouldn't be ideal.
Last but certainly not least is our little Riley, I found him at the shelter and got him before some lady dumped him off. He is energetic, but such a lover!!!!

I commend you for doing your research, so many people don't, and that's why there are countless dogs in shelters. I encourage you also to look into rescue groups and shelters in your area--if it's a pup you want, they are often available.

Let us know what you decide, but my vote for you is for a beagle:)

Terriers are fabulous;but they can be very very energetic!! some of them also have a bit of a skin problem when it comes to humidity-the wireier ones anyway!! Good luck and it's great you're going to get a beastie!!

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Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
I own a siberian husky as well her name is Tikeya *pic in signature :D* My siberian was not hard to train at all and she can run off leash, she doesnt mind cats but has a high prey drive,

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Running off leash isn't always the smartest thing, now is it?

Quote:

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Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
it is just how you train your dog, it has nothing to do with the breed, except that my dog has a certin tast for small animals.

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I think training has something to do with it. Afterall, a bigger dog is always easier to work with rather than a little maltese.

Quote:

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Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
I own a siberian husky as well her name is Tikeya *pic in signature :D* My siberian was not hard to train at all and she can run off leash, she doesnt mind cats but has a high prey drive, I think if you deside to get a siberian husky you should remember that they DO shed ALOT!! lol they do. almost all year round. My siberian is a inside dog and is med sized. But I love the breed. and I would recomend them to anyone really interested about the breed. Just get the calmest puppy of the litter :D.

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I would recommend a greyhound. They are awesome dogs shed little and have no doggie smell altho no matter how much you train them they cannot be let off leash, which is kinda like huskies. Regardless of how confident you THINK you are. I personally wouldn't want to trust it given her 'taste for small animals'.

one breed came to mind as soon as i started to read this thread

the staffordshire bull terrier (small english one's)

they are a wonderfull breed quite small but stocky, are active and somwhat easy to train (but need ALOT of socialising) as all dogs do :D
and if introduced to stranger correctly can be a social dog

oh welcome to PT by the way :)

Welcome to Pet Talk! Well, you're in Texas, so whatever the breed it needs to be an indoor-mostly dog! :D Whew, it's gettin' gross already. What part of Texas are you in? If you're close to Dallas I'd be more than happy to assist you in your search and help you locate/meet shelter or rescue dogs. (I know of several rescues in the area and volunteer for a couple of them.)
I personally don't recommend either of my two small breeds (Toy Fox & Jack Russell), way to active and the JRT is hard to train. :rolleyes: I personally don't think it's fair to have Huskies here, too hot, and Basenjis can very difficult to train for a first time owner.

A greyhound may very well be a good choice for you. Or even a Great Dane (major couch potatoes)

Some other questions to ask yourself:

Do you want a very active dog to run, hike, or bike with? (if yes, you'll HAVE to exercise this dog a LOT, EVERY day)

Do you want a couch potato that will occasionally want to go on a walk, hike, or play with toys?

Are you totally against a different size, even if everything else about the breed is perfect? (like activity level, trainability)

How much time are you willing to spend training?

Let me know if I can help, I'd be more than happy to. :)

I highly suggest just going to your local Humane Society or Dog Pound. There are many great homeless dogs. Going a couple days a week really helps, That's how I got my two. Get to know the dogs there. New dogs come in almost everyday, and alot stay around for a while. Talk to the dogs, play with them..not only does it give them something, but it helps you find out what's right for you. Maybe one of you can volunteer there. Although I don't volunteer ( i'm too young) The people at our Humane society pretty much know me by name.
You also might want to check out PetFinder Good Luck!

Doberman Pinscher...however, here is what it takes to have happy Dobes:

plenty of attention, plenty of excercise, plenty of affection from you, plenty of training (they are much smarter than most people), plenty of love, plenty of play, plenty of socialization with humans and other pooches. And also plenty of couch and bed space with good TV viewing angles! (I realize I've just described all dogs needs)

Dobermans aren't good in extreme heat and since you are in Tejas bear that in mind.

Dobermans aren't going to attack a stranger and rip them to shreds unless they are trained to just like you could train a chiquaqua to do (just in smaller bites). Of course their mere appearance will put the fear of God into most people. They will treat a stranger exactly as they have been trained to and in the absence of training they will probably sniff, lick, jump on and generally scare the pants off of most people.

Talk to your local Dobe rescue...they will be honest and let you know whether a Doberman is for you.

Good luck!

:D :D :D

I really think you should try looking at your local shelter. Or like KayAnn said try Pet Finder. That is where I found my newest addition Prissy. She is a Australian Shepherd mix.

I don't think anyone can really tell you which breed is best for you. Like I said you should visit your local shelter's and see what dogs they have there they interest you.

Good luck in your search:D I really hope you find the right dog for you.

www.petfinder.com ..... is the perfect way!