First time dog owner need help picking the right dog?

Question

We are planning on adopting a dog from the local shelter (first time dog owners) We want a dog that would go walking with us year round and is relatively active. We recently were walking a family dog for a week and fell in love with his agility. We would let him off the leash in the park and he would run like a horse. It was then we decided we wanted a dog that we could trust to let off the leash in some areas. (that's why beagle was out).
Plan to have kids next year and have an elderly that uses a walker and so that is another consideration. Also I want a dog that doesn't shed much. Dog that looks and acts like a dog... no scrappy.

So now after much reading about it I think boxer might be a good mix for us. What do you experts out there think?
Also, I found a dog at the shelter that is boxer and pitt mix, the say he is very calm for his mix, walks with you on the leash, and is volunteers favorite. The pitt part is what is concerning me. Should it?
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7412396

Answer 1

Save a mutt from the pound.

Coach

Answer 2

I don't think the fact that the dog is a pit mix should concern you as far as temperment. If the dog is an adult, you should be able to get a fairly good read on its temperment from visiting at the shelter and from trying out some simple tests (touching its feet, exposing it to children, introducing it to new people, etc.), and the fact the it is one of the volunteer's favorites is a good sign. However, what you do need to do first is find out what laws regarding pit bull owndership exist in your city and county. Many areas have laws regarding how you can keep pit bulls (and many of these include pit bull mixes). Often, you are required to have a six foot privacy fence around you yard. Another common law is that you cannot have pits off-leash (which is something that you said you would like to do, so it's definitely worth checking into). In addition, it is often difficult to get home owners insurance if you have a pit or a pit-mix, so you should check into this if you already own a home or are thinking about buying one during the lifespan of your dog. Some people just don't tell their insurance companies and while they most likely won't find out, if something did go wrong--the house was broken into, someone was bitten, etc. you could end up with no coverage if there is a clause against owning your dog.

I don't mean to be a downer--I'm a firm believer in the idea that a dog is what you make it, but you do have to take some things into consideration both for your well-being and the dog's. Good luck with whatever dog you choose!

Answer 3

Don't let what the media, a few uninformed communities, and the fear mongers who hate pits let that deter you from adopting a pit or a pit mix. ANY dog can bite and be dangerous. Responsible dog ownership is about knowing what breed of dog is best for your lifestyle and family situation. I know plenty of people with pit bulls and children who have never had a days' worth of problem. Do your research on this breed, they were once known as the "nanny dog" because of their fantastic temperments.

Before you rus into getting any dog, make sure you do some serious research not only on breeds, but on what it means to rescue a shelter dog as well. A great book to read is "Second-hand Dog" and "Chosen Puppy", both by Carol Lea Benjamin. If you do find that a specific breed seems better for your situation, then check with breed rescues as they are great places to find purebred dogs that need homes. They also do a great job making sure that the dog-human match is the best one possible. Not saying this can not happen in a shelter environment, it can and does, but rescue is just another option to consider.

Answer 4

Yes. Even "nice" pitt bulls are still pitts, and it would be very inconsiderate of you to let him off a leash in a public park, because I wouldn't know how nice he was- unless it was a dog park, of course.

Also, shelter dogs are often better for more experienced pet owners- lots of times they come with issues that need to be resolved, and such.

I would reccomend a golden/short hair dog mix. Goldens are generally the most friendly breed (but they do shed), and they are very easy to train. Also consider what kind of house you have- if you have a big yard with an electric fence, you can get a larger dog, whereas if you live in an apartment or a townhome you'll want a smaller (and less territorial) dog.

*Feel free to e-mail me if you have more questions or anything.

Answer 5

Pits can be one of the sweetest dogs as long as they are trained right just like any other dog. Boxer is a good mix with pit, boxers tend to be loyal and can be calm. Just to let you know how great pits can be a friends pit, Vern, lived in a house with 2 poodles, and a rabbit at one point that ran around the house and vern just liked watching it and playing hide and seek. Don't let the media scare you away.

Answer 6

Boxers are good and it is the raising of pitt bulls that lead to their aggression. If a dog is trained and treated correctly any tendencies of aggression should be eliminated.
Boxers are can be extremely active so be prepared to exercise him. They also stay in a puppy mind set for about as long if not longer than any other breed. Good natured intelligent dog loyal.

Answer 7

A Boxer is an excellant choice!
My friend has 3 of them & they are all so well-behaved
But another great choice would be a Lab
I have 1 & they are good family pets, they are easy to train, they mind very well, & are just loving dogs.....& plus they dont shed much
Hope that helps you!

Answer 8

I think that labs and golden retrivers are very awesome dogs. I've also heard that they are great with kids. And they are so smart. I've only had my 2 puppy labs for a week and they are already almost house broken. On the other hand, my beagle is a great dog and I wouldn't trade her for the world, but your right about them running. They just follow their noses and their gone!

Answer 9

I love that you're getting a shelter dog. :) Good luck getting the perfect one. Ask the volunteers! They know the dogs very well and will be able to show you the ones that meet your needs and mesh well with your family! :)

Answer 10

You should add www.dog-breed-facts.com to that list of dog sites to do research on.

They even have an article on adopting a dog and several on choosing the right dog for your lifestyle