breed advice please!

[charlie116]

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.

Are there any other breeds on my list that are prone to bloating, or should be calm after eating?

[Karen]

Are there any other breeds on my list that are prone to bloating, or should be calm after eating?

Any of the large breeds, but especially Mastiffs and Rottweilers when they are growing pups, and the Saints and Newf just keep an eye out and be aware.

[Husky_mom]

also Dobermans... for the bloating.. they have dep chests..

and yes.. huskies are awesome pets

[charlie116]

Any of the large breeds, but especially Mastiffs and Rottweilers when they are growing pups, and the Saints and Newf just keep an eye out and be aware.

I also read that big dogs shouldn't be exercised too much before their limbs are fully developed or they may form abnormalities. Is that true?

[leansnslobbers]

I also read that big dogs shouldn't be exercised too much before their limbs are fully developed or they may form abnormalities. Is that true?

Yes. Danes should not have forced exercise until at least the age of 18 months, preferably 24 months. They should have plenty of exercise, but low impact exercise on a soft surface at their own will.

As far as bloating, danes should be kept calm and in a low stress situation an hour before as well as an hour after feeding, but really, that's not a guarantee that your dane will not bloat. One in four danes will bloat. Many of us in the dane world feel it has a genetic component to it and that if it's going to happen, it's going to happen...regardless of the precautions taken. It's still advisable to take the precautions, but just don't let it lull you into a false sense of security. Gastropexy is another thing you should research should you seriously consider owning a dane.

I have to leave for work now, but if it is a breed you are seriously wanting to learn tons about, I'd be happy to yap your ears off more when I get home tonight.

[dab_20]

Well, I know about Dachshunds and Australian Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs. My dad just adopted an Aussie pup and I've done tons of research on them. And I have owned to Mini Doxies in the past which I'm pretty sure temperament is the same as the full size. And I've also had an Australian Cattle Dog.

Dachshunds:
Sweet and adorable, these make great dogs only if you have a fenced in yard or they are leashed. Number one thing with scent hounds is... They're brain shuts off when using their noses. They will follow a scent and may get lost, not to mention the many dangers for a dog to be out alone in today's society. They are not very easy to train, (potty train specifically!), so plan on working with them A LOT with that. We were never able to potty train our two mini dachshunds... course it was probably our fault not theirs. Other than those things, these are wonderful little dogs. They are very happy and tend to be quite friendly with people if socialized well as a pup. They can be barkers.

Australian Shepherds:
I'm sure you know, these are highly intelligent dogs!! Basically the geniuses of the dog world. They are very easy to train. Unfortunately, intelligence also comes with easily being bored. These dogs need PLENTY of mental stimulation throughout the day. They are very active dogs. They need lots and lots of exercise. If you do not plan on having a "job" to do with this dog (whether it be herding, frisbee, agility, etc.), I would not recommend it. My dad lives on a farm with our new Aussie pup, he will have plenty of room to run around and we also plan on having him as a therapy dog. (my dad directs a nursing/assisted living home) They've got medium length coats that are quite thick, and they need weekly if not daily brushing. They do shed quite a lot during shedding seasons (spring and fall). As long as they have the mental and physical exercise they need, these dogs make wonderful pets. And they're absolutely beautiful too! They are known to be aloof, but polite, with strangers.... so they need plenty of early socialization to people, places, and things. These dogs get very attached to their owners and follow them room to room. They are not meant to be left outside.

EDIT: And they LOVE to herd. So if you have small children, you've got to teach them early on that they cannot herd the children. They need to be taught that they cannot nip at human's ankles.

Australian Cattle Dogs:
These dogs are much like the Australian Shepherd, but in my experience, are a bit more intense. They need tons and tons and tons of exercise. Better yet, it is almost mandatory that they have a job to do. Simply jogging them in my experience just isn't enough. They are very easy to train, they're a crazy smart breed. My mom's boyfriend has a red heeler, and she seems to not have the energy my red heeler had. So it may depend on whether they were bred for work or show. Plan on spending plenty of time with this dog, getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are extremely loyal and loving pets. This is a great breed for the right owner. They also need a lot of socialization.

Unfortunately, my dad got an Australian Cattle Dog without fully researching the breed. (I was very young at the time) At the time he did not have the room or the time to exercise him (Buddy was his name), and we had to give him up because he had too much energy and became very destructive. A friend of my dad's lived on a farm and took him in, and he herded cattle there. I got to see Buddy a lot after that and he was a great dog.

Anyways, good luck on your breed searching. Its great that you are getting the information before choosing your breed. I'm sure you'll find an awesome companion

[Taz_Zoee]

I think the above post covered what I would have said about Australian Shepherds.

Mine have a huge yard to run in and each other to play with. My pure bred has the nice double coat that is normal with Aussies and she does need to be brushed a lot (more than I actually do ). And I get her groomed (trimmed) probably every 4 months or so. I invested in clippers myself so I can do any trimming needed on her rear. Some have nice flowy fur on their bottom, but Zoee has the coarse kinky stuff that is a pain for both of us.

Zoee loves to swim, while Taggart is not crazy about it. But he loves to play in the sprinklers.

They are very smart. They will do tricks/commands for you before you even ask. Of course seeing the treat or carrot helps.

I also know some about German Shepherds. These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. My sister had four and two of them had this problem. One was a retired police dog because of the HD. The other had to be carried around in a sling because her back legs would give out on her. There was a supplement my sister gave her to help. I can't remember what its called, but can find out if necessary (or maybe someone else knows).

Corgis are almost like an Aussie with shorter legs. Very smart dogs, double coats and herders.

I'd love to have most of the dogs you have listed as well. Good luck to you on that endeavor!

[charlie116]

so, here's what i've learned about dogs (feel free to correct me or add things ):
- big dogs tend to bloat, so they should be fed small equal portions 2-3 times a day & should refrain from exercising for an hour before & after eating. they are also prone to hip dysplasia
- herding dogs need a ton of exercise & mental stimulation. they're happiest when they have a job to do. they tend to nip at people's heels
- dogs that are low to the ground (Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, etc.) need to be kept fit so there will be no extra stress on their back
- small dogs with long spines (Corgis, Dachshunds, etc.) shouldn't jump from high heights or they might hurt their back
- dogs with facial wrinkles need to have them cleaned a lot
- dogs with folded or floppy ears need to have them cleaned & checked for infections a lot
- dogs with smushed snouts need to be kept out of the heat cuz they have a hard time cooling down cuz they can't breath right. they overheat easily
- dogs that are bred for hunting or tend to wander should never be trusted off leash
- big dogs should be allowed to exercise freely until their bones are fully developed, so they don't form abnormalities
- small dogs should wear a harness on walks, so their windpipes aren't damaged
- fluffy or long-haired dogs generally prefer cold weather & should be kept cool in the heat
- short-haired dogs generally prefer warm weather & should be kept warm in the cold

I've learned a lot about the breeds I listed but it's way too much to type! haha

[charlie116]

please keep posting if you know anything about the breeds!!!

[CatsMeow]

Beagles! I have owned a beagle before (Goldberg... this is if you remember her, Smarties mother, amalia) he was the total best. I would say, BEAGLE BEAGLE BEAGLE! I hope you get a beagle, haha.

[charlie116]

Beagles! I have owned a beagle before (Goldberg... this is if you remember her, Smarties mother, amalia) he was the total best. I would say, BEAGLE BEAGLE BEAGLE! I hope you get a beagle, haha.

haha. yea, i love beagles too. i currently own 2 beagle basset mixes

[akitrix]

Most large deep chested dogs are bloat prone. In the past few years vets have been performing prophylactic laparoscopy gastropexy. Having lost 2 Akitas to bloat in the past, I had it done on my female pup 10 yrs ago. It is wonderful to have one less worry.
That is a hugely varied list, which ones are you serious about?

[charlie116]

Most large deep chested dogs are bloat prone. In the past few years vets have been performing prophylactic laparoscopy gastropexy. Having lost 2 Akitas to bloat in the past, I had it done on my female pup 10 yrs ago. It is wonderful to have one less worry.
That is a hugely varied list, which ones are you serious about?

I'm serious about all of them, really...I absolutely love dogs. I own 4 right now. Like I said, I've owned some of them (Beagle, Pomeranian, & Shiba Inu). I can't really narrow the list down haha. I guess it would all depend on my lifestyle when I go to buy one.

[wallyblue]

I have a ton of knowledge about pit bulls and bully breeds. I own two pitties and have owned other bully breeds in the past. I would be glad to share more info with you if you're interested. dog obedience