I've never been a dog lover (scared of them, didn't like the smell, you name it). This is because despite all of the wonderful stories my father told me of dogs he's own in his life, the only experience I 've ever had with them was being chased. Yet, I am very fascinated with them...especially dogs that are stereotypically seen as brave (i.e., dobermans, rotts, german shepards, etc). I think I'm going to make the 10 yr commitment and purchase a dog. However, I don't want a small punk dog that's not intimidating and/or won't stick up for me. And I don't want a huge dog that's too much for me to handle. I want a smart dog that's friendly to me and my friends, has a somewhat aggressive stature, and can defend when it's time to defend. I was thinking of maybe a boxer. What do you think?
2006-11-23 13:12:50 · 24 answers · asked by Wilhelm 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I don't want a dog that would be "everyone's dog" inviting strangers to pet it (like a lab). And not a small one. A medium to large sized dog with a somewhat aggressive stature.
2006-11-23 13:33:21 · update #1
Get a friend that has a dog. That way you don't have to take it home with you once you decide you have had enough. Or on the other side, you will then learn how to deal with dogs and their issues whatever it may be. You can get one of "toughest"breeds out there but it will have severe anxiety disorders...what are going to do then?
Animal shelters are overcrowded with animals that come from homes where the people think they like the dog, then realize that the dog doesn't quite fit in their lifestyle or meet their requirements. Go volunteer before subjecting some poor animal into your life on inexperiance.
2006-11-23 16:24:37 · answer #1 · answered by nightowl_2134 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Boxers are fantastic dogs. I have 2 of them. However, I would look into Staffordshire Bull Terriers. If you want all the tough image in a small package this is the dog for you. Check out www.claymorestaffordshires.com and you will see what I am talking about. Males are extremely impressive! However I must warn you these dogs are extremely aggressive when it comes to being loved, they just don't know when to stop cuddling! I have one of those too and her name is Action because she is full of it!
BTW, I was raised with Rotties for 15 years and they are lovely except for their hip displaysia and arthritis.
2006-11-23 13:17:03 · answer #2 · answered by Tenners 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude, based on your picture of the ideal dog, you shouldn't get one.
To get a dog to do exactly as you want it to do, you'll need to give a lot of time, energy, patience, and love to that dog in order to train it (no matter what breed), and sorry, but you don't sound like a person who loves dogs so much that you'd do anything for your dog. The bigger "tough dog" image comes with baggage: they have more poo to pick up, pull and yank harder on a leash which can be very annoying, and can try to dominate YOU if you're scared of it, which you sound like you would be. Also, they don't necessarily defend all that well.... I live in Alaska, and this summer a couple of people got attacked by a grizzly bear while they were walking their big aggressive dogs, and you can probably guess what happened. Yeah, the dogs fled for their lives and left their owners to get slapped around by the bear.
You want the image of being tough and aggressive through your dog, and that's gonna backfire on you.
You sound like you need a house alarm system, not a living, breathing dog with needs.
2006-11-23 13:54:15 · answer #3 · answered by SmartChick 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As a dog lover I would say do not get one . Sorry but you already hate them and everything about them. Honestly I think you may be a bad candidate for having one. I do not think you can put up with all that goes with owning a dog. It is like raising a child. they pee and chew and require a lot of attention. Also a dog that is well cared for will live beyond 10 years. So for dogs sake rethink it. I would hate to see another one given to the SPCA because the owner made a mistake. No offense intended
2006-11-23 13:29:48 · answer #4 · answered by Psycmixer 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should get a pittbull lab mix. They look tough, and will defend you no matter what. (you jut need to take them to basic dog training, and form a bond) That's what my dog is, and he's the biggest attention hog there ever was. He knows when to be serious, and when to be a goof. You should adopt at an animal shelter.
2006-11-23 13:32:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend a lab because they are friendly and loving, you just have to train them right. I have a yellow lab and shes a great watch dog yet she loves people. Any dog can welcome in a stranger or be friendly you just have to train them right. If you are really set on not getting a lab I would then prefer a golden retriever.
2006-11-23 14:28:09 · answer #6 · answered by Pinstripequeen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, don't get a chihuahua, they yap non-stop and they get snappy too.
I think Labradors and Golden retrievers are good dogs, i had a dog that was cross with both, he was a really good dog.
Rotties aren't good dogs, they are the kinda dogs you need to train alot, or they tend to bite, they are bred to be hunters, and kill smaller animals, so if you get a rottie, boxer, pit bull, don't have smaller animals, don't have cats or kids.
2006-11-23 13:24:56 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having no experience with a dog, you should go to a dog shelter, rescue or the pound and ask them for help. They probably can match you w/the perfect dog for you.
2006-11-23 13:23:46 · answer #8 · answered by grrl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own 3 greyhounds, and i love them all. many people think that greyhounds love to run, but our's are couch potatoes! they're loveable, cuddly, and very loyal. plus, a lot of greyhounds need good homes. racing is not a very pretty business because they can get hurt. so when you adopt them, its like giving them a whole new life. they're amazing dogs and i love each of mine with all my heart.
but i don't just have greyhounds. i have 2 chinese cresteds. they're perfect for people with allergies, because they're hairless. well, some can be powder puffs, which are very furry, but the hairless are adorable! my boy, damon, is my baby. he sleeps with me at night, which in the winter is very comfortable. their bodies can be up to 103 degrees! damon is also always there with me, and it's fun buying him clothes for the winter. like all breeds, however, cresteds have drawbacks. they can get acne, because of all the contact from the oils in our skin to their skin. in the summer, they need sunscreen, and in the winter, they need clothes. they can have teeth problems, and are sometimes hard to housebreak. but other than that, they're a wonderful pet!
2006-11-23 13:28:22 · answer #9 · answered by goldie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personaly like Colie(Scottish Terrier) but it leaves lots of hair.You should try getting a Husky.They are verry playful,very loving,but try to find a young husky.Don't ever try getting a Dalmatian.It's saddly very stupid and it dosen't get triks so easely
2006-11-24 03:25:33 · answer #10 · answered by Nevermind 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋