What breed dog to get/avoid?

[kittykorat]

Too bad I am not ready to adopt yet... I just saw a listing for a doberman boxer mix on CL
http://worcester.craigslist.org/pet/1513819966.html

 

[dawny2u2]

This is my personal experience with a German Shepard.... He wasn't my choice, a divorce settlement. He is a wonderful compainion, but needs a lot of interaction. He did come from a reputable breeder. So smart, every event can become a battle of the minds, super possesive (that would be my concern with children) although, I often wonder if a larger pack would suit him better, more to possess, in his dog mind. Protective, but to my suprise, very good with the chickens. He likes to patrol the length of the run,but they are used to him, he shows no inclination of agressiveness. I can go in with the gate opened, and he will not come in. . He doesn't shed that much, maybe its just him. I am sure he can be trained to sweep the table dust, thats how smart he is!
Sorry about your lab, such a hard decision, but quality of life makes the call. I do have to say, I am suprised by the doberman comments...(sorry) I have only met two, and they were kind of wild, even with obedience classes. Could be the owners. Our neighbors also had a GSD who lived outside next to the chicken coop, and took good care of the girls.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

It pays to remember there are no perfect dogs, and ALL BREEDS have good and bad points. I have seen Golden Retrievers with very poor temperaments, and Rottweilers who are excellent and careful with children.

Good with children has a lot more to do with the individual dog, how it is brought up, and how the children are taught to behave/respect the dog than what breed the dog happens to be.

Some breeds I think you might consider:

Pug
English Cocker Spaniel
English Setter
Boston Terrier
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Remember that ALL breeds have inherited health issues, and responsible breeders will be screening for these issues, and selling all puppies with a contract and guarantee.

So sorry for your recent loss, hope you have a 4 legged friend again soon.

 

[kittykorat]

I like the reccomendation of labradoodle/golden doodle.
I just checked the labradoodle/golden doodle website. There are a couple of reccomended breeders nearby... I will show DH the website when he gets home.

 

[chixie]

Quote:
my dad was attacked by his own doberman and he had to shoot the dog to get him to let go of his arm(all my dad dis was went to get him out of the yard so they could go to the vet for shots) and just a few days early said dog was playing with my nephew...In my opinion dobies are not safe to be with children ... there maybe some exceptions...my best dog growing up was my pit bull "pebbles" never had a dog as good as her

 

[Wifezilla]

Pugs are great family dogs. Good suggestion. They are so ugly they are cute!

 

[babymakes6]

My handicapped aunt had a 4-year-old Rottie that they got as a puppy. One day she had steaks thawing on the counter and he cornered her there and wouldn't let her past. She had to give him the steaks before he bit her. They had him put down. I don't have much experience with Rotts, other than him-we played with him often as children, and he was very sweet. My neighbors have one now that is about a year old and he also has shown aggressive tendencies.
I do agree on the chow-they are NOT trust-worthy! Another aunt has her 4th one now. None of them have lived to be older than 5, due to health problems, or viviousness. They had to put one down that was not even a year old (gotten as a puppy), because it couldn't be trusted around their own children! The 3rd Chow, ripped open their 12-year-old adopted son's arm from elbow to wrist, and left a terrible scar. They still insist that Chows are the best breed to have.

 

[kittykorat]

I really don't want a dob, GS or husky. DH does.... but....
I had a husky/shep mix as a kid and that thing dragged me all over the neighborhood, would pull until I dropped the leash and then I had to chase him all over the neighborhood. If I couldn;t handle him when I was a teen, I doubt my 6 year old could walk one.
Also.. yes Hubby is the "dog person", but I am the one home most of the time, and therefore will do most od the training, so I would prefer a dog less than 60lbs.. in the 40-50lb range would be ideal. Hubs does not like small dogs at all.

ETA- I will not even consider a Chow or Pit Bull or mix containing either... Not taking the chance w/ kiddos.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Quote:
my dad was attacked by his own doberman and he had to shoot the dog to get him to let go of his arm(all my dad dis was went to get him out of the yard so they could go to the vet for shots) and just a few days early said dog was playing with my nephew...In my opinion dobies are not safe to be with children ... there maybe some exceptions...my best dog growing up was my pit bull "pebbles" never had a dog as good as her

This has nothing to do with the breed of dog per se, however, it does have to do with whoever was the breeder of the dog, the person who socialized and brought it up and a puppy, and how the dog lived and was trained on a daily basis.

NO ONE should judge an entire breed by the actions of one or two they have experience with. There are good and bad dogs in all breeds. Most fall somewhere in the middle.

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Also be advised that people breeding poodle crosses can in no way be considered responsible, no matter what or how they are making these crosses.

IF you decide to go that way, make CERTAIN that both breeding partners have been examined and cleared of inherited eye, hip, elbow, and heart disease. The only acceptable proof is a record at the OFA http://www.offa.org

You should expect a guarantee of normal hips and heart at minimum after screening at 2 years of age.