please help us pick a puppy!

Hello all, this is the first time we've ever posted here.

My hubby and I are just about to move to a spacious house with a good size yard. We would love to get a puppy but don't know where to start on picking the right one for us. We've been around cats (although we have none now) but aren't so familiar with dogs.

We like medium sized dogs; with short to medium length hair; one that is playful and friendly to strangers; preferably not too slobery (!!); not too loud; and not too smelly!!! (Yeah we know keeping it bathed and groomed helps tremendously, but we've heard that some breeds smell a lot more than others!) We live in Texas so it does get hot during the summer, but this would be an indoor/outdoor dog (mainly indoor).

We're dog newbies... please help us! We've spent countless hours scouring the internet in search of information on specific breeds.. but we're now more confused than ever.

Thanks for your input,
R and E :)

Welcome to pet talk! :D

I think you should try dog breed info . There's a "breed selector" which is basically a test. You can sort of get an idea of the breeds that would be right for you and read more into depth about them.

Does it matter to you if the dog is purebred or not? You could just try going to your local shelter and meeting the dogs...also try looking at http:///www.petfinder.com

I was thinking maybe a basenji fit your discription...I've heard they clean themselves like cats, not smelly, they can't bark....short fur, medium sized....not slobbery....but I think they may be somewhat aloof to strangers.

Siberian huskies are dogs that generally don't smell or have little smell. They aren't particularily drooly. They don't bark much (but howling can be a problem with some dogs). They are usually friendly toward strangers, and they have medium hair length, and they are medium-sized. They are fine in the heat because of their undercoats that protect them from heat and cold. They are playful, and require a large yard.

How 'bout it? ;) I find that there are alot of them in rescues here. One of the most common breeds I see in the spca, so if you are looking to rescue, you probably can. There are also many breeders for them. They can be difficult for a first-time owner though, so you would need someone to help you.

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/huskies.html

Another one I thought of was the labrador retriever. I have noticed that they can be quite smelly though, and they are more prone to barking than huskies. But they are more of a lesser-maitenance breed than a husky, and the rest seems to fit your description.

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/labradors.html

good luck! :)

How about a Jack Russel Terrier? I know there a small breed, but there terrific! They are afterall terriers, so they could be feisty and a little yappy. Going to the animal shelter is always a good idea too. :)

P.S. Welcome to Pet Talk! :D :)

Huskies are also very high maintenance, and can be quite stubborn to train...they require a lot of exercise...and can never be allowed to run off-leash. They shed a LOT.

I live in Utah where we have pretty cold winters and I'm sure it doesn't get nearly as hot here in the summer as in Texas...and my husky has been very hot and panting constantly lately. Yes, they can live in the heat, but not as easily as some other breeds.

The reason why so many are in rescues are because most people just get them for looks and don't realize how high maintenance they are. They are also known to be escape artists. Honestly, I don't recommend them for first time dog owners..but that's just my opinion.

Of course there are many dogs that aren't usually good for first-time dog owners...but if you research and fully prepare yourself for these breeds, they can be wonderful pets!

Well for starters any dog that you get you should research the breed to find out what kind of dog you're getting. There are a lot of dogs out there that match your wants but aren't good dogs for first time owners. That includes quite a few of the herding breeds.

I personally have a dog that almost meet all your wants and he's a mixed breed so you might want to try petfinder or a local shelter. Just remember sometimes you might be looking for something but actually find what you want in something else.

Oh and welcome to pet talk.

There is a great book by Brian Killcommons and Michael Capuzzo called "Mutts, America's Dogs". I am personally in favor of adopting shelter dogs and there are quite a few shelters that have puppies. This book talks about the different mixes of breeds and gives a good understanding of what mixed breed would fit into your lifestyle. IMHO - mixed breeds usually make the best family pets.

Welcome to Pet Talk and I commend you for asking for help in your search for the perfect puppy. Too many people just plunge in without much thought and then Fido gets "too big," etc." and winds up in a shelter. :( The advice of my fellow Pet Talkers is all good but that is not surprising. This is an excellent place to come and ask for advice and there are some very kind and caring people here! :) I would comment on the Basenji just briefly. My sister-in-law has had two, a male and a female. The male was a bit of a handful. Although their female is a much better pet, this breed is very strong willed and aloof as has been mentioned.

As you may have noticed by my signature and avatar, I am a BIG poodle fan. They come in three sizes and many colors. They are very intelligent, easy to train, don't have any "doggie odor" :o don't shed, and make wonderful companions. They do, however, need a good clipping and bath about once a month which you can learn to do yourself or you can find a good groomer. Depending on the size of the dog, the prices for grooming vary, with the larger the dog the more $.

The black poodle in my signature (Ripley) was a shelter dog. I adopted him in January and he has brought so much fun to this family with his silly little antics. This goes right along with what others have said about shelters. There are LOTS of terrific dogs there just waiting for that special person - pure breeds and the Heinz 57 variety also. Whatever you choose, we would all love to meet him/her! :) Good luck in your search!

I think researching what you want is a good idea. There are a lot of breeds that are high maintenance, meaning that they need a lot of brushing and care such as huskies and golden retrievers and there are a lot of dogs that are high energy. If you do not care for a dog that is jumps alot, never seems to tire, steer clear of dalmations, weimeraners, jack russels. Personally if I lived in Texas, I would probably chose a short haired dog because of the heat and humidity. Humane societys and rescues often have a lot of pups but you don't know what size they will really grow to. But I would not rule them out because that is where Snoopy, Taggert and originally Dazzi came from.

Choosing your first dog is very exciting! Enoy:)

possibly a bull terrier, dalmatian, doberman (?) . :)

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Originally posted by cocker_luva
possibly a bull terrier, dalmatian, doberman (?) . :)

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Remember, she wants one that is friendly toward strangers ;) These breeds are great guard dogs.

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Originally posted by wolf_Q
Huskies are also very high maintenance, and can be quite stubborn to train...they require a lot of exercise...and can never be allowed to run off-leash. They shed a LOT.

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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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Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
My siberian was not hard to train at all and she can run off leash

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That's true, Tikeya is very well behaved :D

We went to a park and noticed that there were four other dogs, and Tikeya was running over to them but Jynnelle called her and Tikeya ran right back! :D :eek:

lol well what can I say :o j/k. 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. :rolleyes:. :(.

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?

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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!