What kind of puppy should I get?

Question

I am debating on a German Shepherd or a Siberian Husky. Me and my husband have a 14 month old son and a 6 year old daughter. He says I can get whatever kind of puppy I want. Which would be the best for a family? I also want one that will be protective as I am alone with my son everyday, and with my daughter, when she gets home from school.
Thanks a bunch.

Answer 1

You need to research both of these breeds very thoroughly before you make a decision. Huskies are a breed that need an enormous amount of exercise. Do you have the time to take the dog out for a run for a couple of hours every day? German shepherds also need a lot of exercise. Both of these breeds shed a lot - can you cope with that? Also, neither of these breeds is ideal for someone who's never had a dog before. You also need to make sure you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, one who has their dogs certified by OFA for hip and elbow dysplasia, has eyes certified, etc., or you could have health problems you don't want to deal with.

Either of these breeds could be great with kids, provided you get a puppy with a good, stable temperament and your kids are taught how to respect and treat a dog, and either one (when adult) is large enough to be a deterrent as a protection dog.

Answer 2

If you want protection, I recommend a German Shepherd. They're good watch dogs. But they also have special exercise needs. If you have two kids, he won't get out as much. They also have special grooming needs.

Siberian Huskies have a lot of energy, and are good with kids. But, they too, really need exercise. I think that having a puppy and a baby at the same time is very irresponsible. You and your husband will not be able to give the pup the love and attention that he really needs. Getting this puppy would be terrific for you, but suck for the dog. PLEASE just consider what I'm saying!

Answer 3

Have you ever seen a White German Shepherd? LOL I highly recommend them! I own, breed, and show them! They are often commonly called just "White Shepherds".

They tend to be more laid back and managable than the "working type" German Shepherds. They are also stunningly gorgeous, highly intelligent, great with kids, protective of their family, but friendly once their "boss" says the stranger is okay.... They are so LOYAL.

They do need exercise, but not a lot... And they do shed quite a bit, but with either breed - Shepherds or Huskies - you will be dealing with a lot of shedding.

If you are interested in a White Shepherd or German Shepherd please feel free to contact me... I know LOTS of very good breeders!!!! Breeders that breed only the best dogs, check hips & elbows on parents, and guarantee the puppy against health problems for life. The breeders that I know are very helpful, friendly and knowledgable about Shepherds. They will offer help and support to you for the rest of the dogs life (even after that if you keep in contact)!!! The folks that I know who breed White Shepherds and German Shepherds are very selective about health and they try to match the puppies parents together to try and reduce possibilities of health problems.

If you just buy a puppy from someone in the newspaper, or at a pet store, etc.... You'll probably regret it. The dog may end up with horrible temperament problems and health problems. Do your research on the breeder... I would be more than happy to help you out!!!! :o)

Answer 4

any type of dog is a good addition to the family but you haven't said were you live both dogs you picked need space to run and a big amount of poop to clean up a few times a day. Both dogs you spoker about have long hair they will leave hair all over the house do you plan an the dog being inside all the time then who is responsable to feed them, do you go away the dog have to be kept someplace when you go away.
I have two and I need to put them in a kennal when we travel we have to make sure to be home and walk them every 6 hours. I live in south florida so out side is a tough placeto leave my dogs in the heat of the summer.
This year the ticks and fleas have been a constant problem More money to spend since once they get in the house its tough to get those dam pests away.
Are dogs good companions; Yes. Would I get rid of mine. NO any dog will make noise and can be a good protector.

Answer 5

Here are some good things about a German Shepherd
Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking
Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
Looks stern and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent
Is exceptionally versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything

Here are things that you might not want to deal with
An extremely careful search to avoid all the bad-tempered and unhealthy German Shepherds
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Aggression or shyness toward people in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals
Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars
Constant heavy shedding
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
A multitude of serious health problems

Here are some good things about the Siberian Husky
Is medium-sized and furry, with a wolfish appearance
Is free-spirited and playful
Is athletic and agile and loves the great outdoors, especially in cold weather
Thinks that running full-speed, pulling carts and sleds, and/or carrying a backpack on a mountain hike is his purpose in life
Is usually good-natured with strangers and sociable with other dogs

Here are some things that you might not want to deal with
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Massive destructiveness and howling when bored, left alone too much, or not exercised enough
Strong instincts to chase and grab anything that runs
Escaping from your yard in search of adventure
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Heavy shedding

Since either are really great with kids I think a Giant Schnauzer would be PREFECT for you because they are a watchdog and wondeful with kids.

Here is whats good about them
Is large and strong, yet also lithe and elegant
Has a wiry coat that doesn't shed too much and a whiskery face with a wise expression
Plays hard and thrives on vigorous athletic activities
Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent and keen watchdog
Is versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything

Heres what you might not want to deal with
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Aggression or fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Regular clipping and trimming of the wiry coat

I hope you find your right dog!

Answer 6

HI,
Those are both high energy working dogs, if pent up they build too much nervous energy and develop bad habits sometimes destructive. You need to have time to exercise them and train them, I'd suggest a sweet Maltese, Yorkie, pugs bark when strangers come, bichon frise, they are better with kids. One of the dogs you are considering is too much for a mom with 2 kids I have learned this from experience but if you insist a Sheppard is the better deal they are extremely protective over their family but a better dog for what you are looking for is a Great Pyrenees. They are protective and are not as hyper sometimes and the chance of them turning on a family member is less. They are the ultimate guardian but still need some obidience trainig but not as much as the others on your list.
Lammy

Answer 7

I don't know too much about Siberian Husky's , but German Sheperds are very loyal and make great additions to the family. Mine was like a family member.

Answer 8

Well, it all depends on how much time you're willing to give to the dog to feed it, give it all the medical attention it will need...etc. But, I'd say the German Shepherd. It will be protective, great with kids,and most likely easily trained.

Answer 9

If these are you only 2 choices then i recommend german shepard. Siberian Huskys tends to want to run..and a friend had one and had alot of trouble with it being dog aggressive. She ended up with another one and had to deal with the same thing.

Good luck

Answer 10

German Shepherd. Mine is 10 years old. They have the best personality. Huskies are beautuful dogs but they bark and howell and attack livestock, skunks, just about anything because its in their nature. A Shepherd would make a better pet in my opinion.