please help us pick a puppy!

[madmcoby]

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

[binka_nugget]

Welcome to pet talk!

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.

[wolf_Q]

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.

[wolfsoul]

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!

[GoldenRetrLuver]

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!

[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.

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!

[Crikit]

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.

[clara4457]

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.

[Pam]

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" 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!

[4 Dog Mother]

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

[cocker_luva]

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

[wolfsoul]

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

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

[tikeyas_mom]

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.

I own a siberian husky as well her name is Tikeya *pic in signature * 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 .

[wolfsoul]

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

That's true, Tikeya is very well behaved

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!

[tikeyas_mom]

lol well what can I say 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. . .