What kind of dog should I get next?

[Roxyluvsme13]

Alright, nobody freak out first of all.

I'm just starting super early research into what kind of dog I'm going to get in the future.

It's definitely going to be a good 2-3 years before I have an apartment or somewhere I can keep the dog and everything I just want to go ahead and research my options.

The dog will definitely live inside and I want to be able to feed it either raw or something high quality. I think I'm going to rescue the dog, a puppy would be nice, but I'd settle for whatever.

I've been thinking a lot about the breeds that I'd want and I'm really leaning towards a Pit Bull. I know, they are a handful and everything, so if you have one, can you please give me some general advice on the breed and some things that you think I should know?

Also, I'm open to other suggestions on breeds. Something that would suit a city lifestyle. I'm a college student, so take that into consideration too.

Just wanted everyone's opinions. Thanks!

[Freedom]

I've not owned a pitte, but have known quite a few. Some can grow very large, like the one in Willy's class just now!

I would plan that your expenses will include obedience classes if you get ANY bully breed, just to be safe.

Oh, and many cities have passed breed specific legislation, so you can't even OWN a bully breed. Then, if the city allows it, the landlord may not.

Many landlords who do allow dogs often limit you to a 35 pounds maximum.

Just things to ponder!

[Roxyluvsme13]

I've not owned a pitte, but have known quite a few. Some can grow very large, like the one in Willy's class just now!

I would plan that your expenses will include obedience classes if you get ANY bully breed, just to be safe.

Oh, and many cities have passed breed specific legislation, so you can't even OWN a bully breed. Then, if the city allows it, the landlord may not.

Many landlords who do allow dogs often limit you to a 35 pounds maximum.

Just things to ponder!

Yeah, I realized all of this when I thought about adopting a pitty. I'll just have to find an apartment that is Bully breed friendly and large dog friendly. If not, then I'll wait longer till I have the proper living conditions for one!

I hadn't thought about obedience classes though, but I think that's a good suggestion.

Thanks !

[Karen]

As your Roxy was a pittie, I think another - there are always available rescue dogs and pups - would be a great choice if your housing permits it! You already know about their energy level, etc., they don't shed a lot and would be fine being a city dog as long as they got enough exercise!

Of course, it will all depend the most on who tugs at your heart when you are ready, but I have a feeling a certain wrinkly-faced angel will be guiding that choice, regardless of breed!

[Husky_mom]

besides the breed... you should consider.. how many time he would be alone at home.. how much exercise he will need as well as food.. and how are you going to provide for it...considering you are considering top quality food

also about the landlord issue.. you might wanna have 2-3 backup breeds..

[Here Kitty Kitty]

Pitbulls are raised to fight, even as a puppy when they are first born they're... in fighting rings, alot get killed. They grow large, and they need severe social training... they make good pets, but they're reccomended if you live alone. I'd reccoment a nice Lab, or maybe a Golden? A hairless crested is a perfect size for apartments.... or a beagle?

[Roxyluvsme13]

Karen One of my main reasons for wanting a Pittie was due to Roxy, haha. I think she would highly approve of her momma rescuing another sweet Pittie girl like herself. But I know she'd be happy with whatever dog I decided to rescue. Roxy was a pit mix though and this time I want to try to get a full-blooded Pittie rescue. And it will probably end up being another girl, though I don't mind a boy either.

Isabel Yeah, I've been considering all of this. I'm a bit worried about how the dog would handle it if I was at class all day and wasn't there with it. But maybe in a few years it won't be too bad. I could walk him/her in the evenings when I got back from class, so I don't think that would be a problem, hopefully. As for providing for it, by that time I'll hopefully have a job, haha. I kind of have to have one if I plan on living in an apartment that's pet friendly anyway, so hopefully that won't be too much of a problem either.

I'm trying to decide on backup breeds too, but I really have no clue. I decided that I wanted a Pittie as soon as I felt I was going to have my own first official dog that I have to provide for and take care of myself. I'm open to suggestions though!

[Karen]

Pitbulls are raised to fight, even as a puppy when they are first born they're... in fighting rings, alot get killed. They grow large, and they need severe social training... they make good pets, but they're reccomended if you live alone. I'd reccoment a nice Lab, or maybe a Golden? A hairless crested is a perfect size for apartments.... or a beagle?

Here Kitty Kitty, that is just not true of all pitbulls. And she had one before, so knows they need a firm hand when a puppy, and proper training. Not every one will grow large, in fact, most are what I would count as medium at best. They are stocky and muscular, that's true.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Yeah, I was pretty much going to say what Karen just said.

I had a Pit Mix, her name was Roxy. She was a handful, she probably could have used a lot more training than what she had, lol.

It depends on how a Pit is raised to how they're going to grow up. If one is rescued from an early age and trained to be a good, loving dog, then there shouldn't be any problems .

[Grace]

I would go to my local shelter and bring home one of those sweethearts who has been lost or abandoned and needs love and a forever home.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I would go to my local shelter and bring home one of those sweethearts who has been lost or abandoned and needs love and a forever home.

Me, too . I wish I had a place for a dog now, but no dogs in my dorm room, LOL.

Look, guys .
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17793820

ETA: I love this guy.
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17059418

[Alysser]

You can have Mikey

I think you should just go to the shelter, when the time comes of course and see what you find rather then a specific breed. Honestly, everytime I try and get a specific breed I have wound up with something completely different. This time, I was looking into greyhound, jack russel terrier, fox terrier, or a beagle, although we did get kind of close with this one lol

Good luck in whatever you choose, Bri!

[Alysser]

Pitbulls are raised to fight, even as a puppy when they are first born they're... in fighting rings, alot get killed. They grow large, and they need severe social training... they make good pets, but they're reccomended if you live alone. I'd reccoment a nice Lab, or maybe a Golden? A hairless crested is a perfect size for apartments.... or a beagle?

FAR. From. True.

They do not need anymore socialization then any other breed. It depends on certain dogs and their personalities. They're great with kids and other dogs alike, I don't know very many pitties that like being alone for long periods of time, Granted, I only know a few. A beagle could be a good idea, minus the barking and the baying. Mine's not even full beagle and that goes on all day.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Alyssa That's a good point, haha. Every time I go to the shelter though I seem to be drawn to the pitties anyway, LOL. A lot of them remind me of Roxy .

Most shelters/rescues require you to be 21 to adopt from them anyway, so it's definitely going to be at least 2.5-3 years before I'm able to get my own dog.

Anybody know how pitties can do with cats? I'll have to have Tallulah with me because she's officially my cat. Roxy LOVED cats and dogs, so I guess it depends on the dog?

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Bree I think that's great you want to rescue a dog/puppy, and are looking into more about pitties!

From what I've heard, pitties make great apartment dogs, that is if you can find one that allows large dogs, let alone pit bulls! :/ Like you asked in your last post, yes, it DEFINITELY depends on the individual dog weather or not they are friendly towards dogs, cats, or other animals. A majority of pit bulls have a hugh prey-drive, and tend to be dog aggressive.. because unfortunately, that is what they were bred to do, fight other dogs. But, if you socialize, socialize, train, and did I mention socialize they tend to do much better around other animals, people, and different situations/places. They definitely need a firm pack leader, they tend to be dominant if you don't take charge!