What kind of dog??

[MariaM]

Well I am thinking about doing some serious research on different breeds of dogs. Im looking for one about the size of a border collie, more or less. We have a fenced yard and a farm a few minutes out of the little village. Any ideas of what I should look for?

[Moose]

It all depends...do you want a dog with more or less indoor/outdoor energy? Do you want a long-haired, short-haired, or "in between" dog? Do you want a dog that is more affectionate and dependent, or one that is a little more reserved and independent [and no, I'm not saying independent dogs aren't affectionate ]?

There are tons of things to consider when trying to decide on a dog breed. In my opinion, I'd head down to the shelter to meet some dogs. I honestly don't think breed should be the deciding factor...I mean, you could have a stubborn Golden and an docile Husky...or an unenergetic Border Collie and a hyperactive Saint Bernard-- it all depends on the individual dog.

But honestly, the best advice I can give is head out to a local shelter and "mingle" with the dogs there.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[MariaM]

Well I also like the fur length of border collies and golden retrievers and all. I don't think the border collie would get sufficient excercise though and I think goldens might be too big. I was thinking sheltie, but I've heard they're noisy. I'm just trying to find a dog that will fit me best. (and of course one that my mother likes!!)

[Moose]

Originally posted by MariaM
I'm just trying to find a dog that will fit me best. (and of course one that my mother likes!!)

Again, I have to say...go to your local shelter!

You'll be able to meet all kinds of different breeds and different individuals of those breeds. You can't base your whole decision on a few dogs and what you've heard about a certain breed...because you could pass up that perfect dog for you.

[MariaM]

Thanks for the advice! I will ask my dad if we can go to the SPCA soon, I've only been there once in my life!! (dad's on my side) =) But if we find one I like, hopefully I can bring mom to show her!

[Moose]

Originally posted by MariaM
Thanks for the advice! I will ask my dad if we can go to the SPCA soon, I've only been there once in my life!! (dad's on my side) =) But if we find one I like, hopefully I can bring mom to show her!

Good luck! But remember, keep a level-head when you go -- seeing all those dogs can be tough, and you'll want to take every single one of them home. Make sure if you really do find a dog you want, that it's really what you're looking for and really fits well with you and your lifestyle.

Again, good luck and let us know how it goes!

[DogLover9501]

Well I slightly disagree, I do agree with going to a shelter, but I disagree because there are all different breeds to suit different people.

And if you can't base your opinion on a certain breed because you've met a few, then what is the point in reading a book about the breed, and I think if every breed could possibly be the same as any other breed there would be no reason what so ever to research.

Jasper is everything I have read about boxers, he is clown ish, fearless, smart, alert...etc, and I have never met one in my life besides him, but based my opinion on the breed by talking to other owners and reading books, because even though every dog has its own personality, there are sill unique qualities in each breed.

[binka_nugget]

Visiting your local animal shelter would be a good idea. Whether you pick a specific breed or not, you may be able to find it at the shelter. We found Kaedyn there. I wasn't even looking for a Sheltie, just a second dog but I fell in love with him and couldn't leave without filling out the papers.

I was thinking sheltie, but I've heard they're noisy.

Shelties are known to be barkers but I know of some who don't bark much. Before we got Kaedyn, Kai rarely barked. And if he did, I'd be able to stop him just by saying "Quiet". Kaedyn on the other hand, loves to talk. But he's starting to learn when it's okay to bark and when it's not. It just comes back to training.

[Moose]

Originally posted by DogLover9501
Well I slightly disagree, I do agree with going to a shelter, but I disagree because there are all different breeds to suit different people.

And if you can't base your opinion on a certain breed because you've met a few, then what is the point in reading a book about the breed, and I think if every breed could possibly be the same as any other breed there would be no reason what so ever to research.

Jasper is everything I have read about boxers, he is clown ish, fearless, smart, alert...etc, and I have never met one in my life besides him, but based my opinion on the breed by talking to other owners and reading books, because even though every dog has its own personality, there are sill unique qualities in each breed.

I agree with what you're saying, but I have had other experiences. I've met a quite a few Labs that act nothing like Moose...and Moose is what I would call the "ideal" Lab. He fits the "textbook personality" and "textbook appearance."

Eh, what do I know?

[DogLover9501]

I also forgot to add somethings.

Even if MariaM goes to a shelter and mingles with the dogs, and finds one that seems to suit her, without research there could be other qualities in that dogs breed that she wasn't ready for because it didn't come out of the dog when it was at the shelter.

But I would maybe suggest going to a local shelter, and if you find a dog you like, maybe research it first, or if its mixed research the breeds that are in it, because most of the time the breeds are alot like books and things say about them.

[DogLover9501]

I agree with what you're saying, but I have had other experiences. I've met a quite a few Labs that act nothing like Moose...and Moose is what I would call the "ideal" Lab. He fits the "textbook personality" and "textbook appearance."

I bet Moose is probably different than my old black lab lol because he wasn't much like we expected but still had some lab qualities, but he was VERY stubborn, hyper(even at the age of 8) and seemed to like to annoy people

[Moose]

Originally posted by DogLover9501
I also forgot to add somethings.

Even if MariaM goes to a shelter and mingles with the dogs, and finds one that seems to suit her, without research there could be other qualities in that dogs breed that she wasn't ready for because it didn't come out of the dog when it was at the shelter.

But I would maybe suggest going to a local shelter, and if you find a dog you like, maybe research it first, or if its mixed research the breeds that are in it, because most of the time the breeds are alot like books and things say about them.

I never said not to research it...that's why I mentioned that if she does find a dog she likes, she needs to make sure it "fits" with her, her family, and her lifestyle. I guess I just assumed she knew what I meant by that...

[DogLover9501]

Sorry lol That part wasn't actually a respond to yours though, just added it, didn't realize it was already said, I guess she knows that part for sure now

[Moose]

Originally posted by DogLover9501
I bet Moose is probably different than my old black lab lol because he wasn't much like we expected but still had some lab qualities, but he was VERY stubborn, hyper(even at the age of 8) and seemed to like to annoy people

That's my point...yes, some Labs are very much "to the book," but there are always those that don't quite follow the "book" exactly. That's why I was saying that you can't completely cross a breed off your list because of something you read...it all depends on the individual dog.

[MariaM]

THanks so much for all the advice! I had another question though. I was reading on the internet about bonding with dogs when they are like 2 months old. It was saying not to get dogs under 2 months, but not much over because there is an important bonding period there. But lots of people get older dogs from shelters and they fit right in so.... I don't know what to think.