Type of Dog.?

Question

I want to get a new dog, but I don't know what type to get. I want something medium sized, and short haired. I don't want something common like a lab or a retriver. I was thinging about a german shepard, or a doverman, but we have kids in our house along with 2 daushunds. I am sick of small dogs, I need something that I can grow attached to, but I also want something not alot of people have. Does anyone know of any breeds that sound my type?

Answer 1

i'm leaning towards getting an Akita right now. they're very loyal to their families, and very very protective, but if you want them to be around others you need to socialize them regularly starting at a young age, and they're very much a pack animal, so you need to show them that you're the alpha dog in your pack.

Answer 2

My husband and I have adopted three retired racing greyhounds from our local rescue. Our girls are around 60 pounds a piece, and our male is 85 pounds, so there's a pretty wide range of sizes depending on your preference. They're shorthaired dogs, and require no brushing and very infrequent baths. They're already adults, and need very little help acclimating to home life. Ours have all housebroken very easily and are very well natured. They're very low-activity dogs - sleep about 18 hours a day! - but are always up for a walk or a play session in the back yard. Most people think they're hyperactive dogs because of their racing, but quite the opposite. They're referred to as "40-mile-an-hour couch potatoes"! They're very sweet and well-natured dogs, although some are not safe in homes with small animals (think cats or small dogs). Our three are great with our cats, but as they've been taught to chase a lure at the track, some are not as gentle as they should be, so since you have small pooches, make sure you check with the rescue that the dog's been tested for aggression with said animals (a vast majority are fine). They're one of the best kept secrets - not a lot of people own them, but everyone who meets them falls in love.

I hope you get a chance to investigate these dogs. Not only do they sound perfect for what you need, it's a very rewarding feeling to bring them into your home after the hard life they've had so far. I can tell you that our dogs, and every greyhound I know, seem genuinely thankful to have a safe and loving home. Please drop me an email if you need any help contacting a rescue or if you have any questions about the breed. Good luck with your dog search!!

Answer 3

A standard schnauzer is a medium size and good with kids. Also, it should get along with the other dogs. An Irish Terrier would be an excellent choice if you didn't have the other 2 dogs.

Answer 4

Both of the breeds you have mentioned are in fact very common. If you are looking for something original you should look to adopt from a shelter or rescue because mixed breeds are often very unique and you can find them in all sizes and ages. If you get one as a pup you should have no problem with kids and other dogs, just make sure you do lots of training and socializing with the new dog.

Answer 5

This is what happened to me.

I remember the first Bichon Frise we bought , Shani. She was a pure bred 7 week old female . Her favorite sleeping place used to be in one of my husband's old leather shoes.

I didn't know then what questions to ask the breeder or what to look for when we went shopping for her. To cut a long story short we spent over $2000 on Shani over the first 2 years for 2 knee repairs and countless visits to the vet for on going allergy problems.

If only I had known then what I know today about a Bichon's diet, exercise and general needs we wouldn't have had to fork out all that money. and go through that stress. I guess in a way its a bit like buying a car. If you don't know what to look for can easily end up with a car that is not really in good condition . Bichons generally are a very healthy, sturdy dog but like any breed have weaknesses to watch out for.

Our second Bichon "Ellie", we bought as a puppy when she was 16 weeks old. Puppies are so cute at that age aren't they? We didn't know how to tell if a puppy has been socialized well or not. Well, we got home with a dog that was real hard work for several months. Ellie was so timid, barked all the time, was very slow learning anything and took a while to take to any visitors. We leant the hard way again! But wow how things have changed now!

Our last few Bichons have been absolutely perfect. OK they have been to the vet once or twice for their shots but we've had no major expenses in the last 6 years . We did our homework this time and had spent much of our spare time over the years finding out everything we could about Bichons. It honestly has taken the worry and expense out of buying, training and caring for our Bichons.

Imagine This For A Minute.

Imagine being confident that you are asking the pet owner/breeder the right questions before you hand over your hard earned cash for you new "little friend". You don't want to end up with anything less than a healthy perfect little Bichon do you?

And when you get home with your puppy, won't it be so nice knowing exactly what you need for your puppy in those first few months rather than "guessing"? Your role in the first 4 months is absolutely vital in developing a happy healthy Bichon. Why risk making the mistakes so many other owners are making and paying for!

If you already own a Bichon Frise I'm sure you want to know the answers to the common training, caring and breeding questions owners every day are asking? Questions that if unanswered may end up costing you literally thousands of dollars and can bring so much heartache.

Imagine knowing and mastering the simple training techniques that are unique" to Bichons? Having a dog that is a pleasure to have inside the house at all times, that walks well on a lead, that's gentle with children and is really your best friend without costing a heap of money to look after. You'll be the envy of other dog owners too!

Answer 6

Check these out:

Animal Planet Dog Guide
http://animal.discovery.com/guides/dogs/dogs.html

Discovery Channel - Video Clips of different dog breeds:
http://animal.discovery.com/beyond/index.html?playerId=203719213&categoryId=211217098

We got a medium/large dog, but she's a sprinter and she can run around in large spaces for a long time before she gets tired. We need to keep her on a leash at all times when we walk her, and so she doesn't get as much exercise as we'd like. It pains me to see her so confined even when we're out walking. There's a lot of big-dog breeds that don't like to run and sprint, though.

Answer 7

Well first of all, doberman pinschers and german shepherds are NOT medium sized dogs. They both are large dogs who need excessive amounts of exercise daily. If i were you, i would do some research. Dont just pick a dog because you want a new one because your sick of smaller dogs, or because its hard to find. You also have to make sure you are financially prepared before you get a dog so that when you get one you dont have to give it away because it costs too muchmoney to ensure. Good luck.

Answer 8

english bull terriers are medium sized, short haired, love children, but may not get along with your other dogs. Though not many people really have them.

They're are SOO full of energy though are very loyal and just absoloutely LOVE people and attention.

Answer 9

Get a female beagle! Mine loves everyone and every dog, she is great with the grand kids, they can do anything to that poor dog!

Answer 10

I love a bassethound! They are so goofy and will get along with your doxies! They are easy to housebreak, and one good name that everyone already knows is... FLASH, from the Dukes of Hazzard!