Which dog should I agree to?

Question

Me & the boyfriend want a dog when we move in together, the trouble is we're arguing over which breed.
He wants an english bull terrier but I can't stand them,I think they're ugly and the last one I saw tried to rip my leg off.
I want a Rottweiler but he's saying no because I wont let him have an english bull.
We need a comprimise, what dog should we get? Someone suggested a German sheppard.

Answer 1

Does it have to be a particular breed? There are many rescue dogs all over the country (PDSA, RSPCA,BLUE CROSS ETC). Many are just pups & ALL deserve a loving home. With animals I usually choose one that seems to be interesred in me & want to interact with me rather than by breed or looks etc. Guess you could say the animal chooses me rather than the other way around. Hope this helps you decide

Answer 2

I work at a shelter, so I have seen this happen time after time after time. I hate to be the downer here, but you DO need to remember that you two are only in the courting phase until you actually make the committment and get married. The chance of you spiltting up in the future is very high. So the end result is that you need to consider who will take the dog when you do eventually break up. (You need to assume for the sake of the dog that you WILL. Hopefully not, but the chance are the dog will need a safety net.) So, whoever will keep the dog gets to pick. However: IF he loves you, he should recognize your fear of the bull terrier breed and give you a break. If he is so selfish that he can't accommodate your fear, then why would you want to live with him? You also have to acknowledge that he may have an ideal dream dog. If a bull terrier is it, can't you get over your fear by raising it from a puppy? If you personally socialize it and train it to be a good dog, don't you think it less likely that it will eat you? Couldn't you live with that for him?

Just remember, that if you can't even compromise over a DOG it does not bode well for your long term relationship.

Answer 3

I don't think either of you are responsible enough to own a dog full stop!! He wants a Bull Terrier you want a Rottweiler you can't decide so HEY lets get a German Shepherd, you haven't thought this through nearly enough, you'll get the GSD home and a few weeks later you will decide that you should have got one of the other breeds instead!! Go to a few dog shows, go to CRUFTS what better place to speak to people who know their breeds and will be able to advise you, do a bit more research and decide on 1 breed together!

Answer 4

NONE!

If you are arguing this much over what dog to get I think you should wait until you have moved in together and settled down a bit before you get any dog.

If 'he' is saying 'no' to a Rottweiler just because he can't get his own way over the Bull Terrier then I think you have other issues to resolve!

It is unfair to bring dog into a house where it is not really wanted just to spite one's partner.

A dog should be a pet and companion not a compromise.

I think you should read some of the statistics on animal cruelty and neglect and the numbers of unwanted dogs that are euthanized every year. Dogs shelters are full of unwanted dogs looking for homes.

Answer 5

As you like large dogs, I suggest a Rhodesian Ridgeback, they are good tempered and I have never heard of one hurting a child, otherwise a German Shepherd,I have owned all of the dogs you mention and the best (in my opinion) is the RR, all will need excercise at least twice a day although mine have been taken out 4-5 a day,only because I love my dogs, all of mine have been big babies. You will need to discuss this with your boyfriend and come to a compromise .Rottweilers are great dogs if you treat them well,and give them a lot of love, they must be trained because they are powerful dogs,mine have always been softies.
My friend has a Labrador,German Shepherd and a Rottweiler and they are great dogs,people try and give these breeds bad names but always remember it is not the breed, it is the owner so make sure one of you are home (to begin with) all the time, and train them properly.(You should not have a dog if you are at work all day)

Answer 6

Hi Rainbow.
I see your problem.
I have always kept a dog, from childood, and love them, although I seemed to of out-lived them ! Bless.
It seems to me that, as you say, a bit of a compromise is in order.
I get the notion that a larger dog could be favourite.
I could recommend a Boxer.
They are on the larger side of the doggy world, very friendly, good with people of all ages, and great fun personality.
I had one called Gandolf, a bit of a wizard with party tricks.
Previos to him, there was Stitchy the Jack Russel Terrier.
A weird critter adopted from my Sister. It ate all the mail regularly.
Not really in my good books.
German Shepherds seem fine, or how about the cross with a greyhound, the Lurcher ?
They need a bit of space, though. Running flat out across a field.
Please don't go for a "lap-dog" type thing. Poodles etc.
Well, not my style, nor yours, seemingly.
As for the notion of a Rottweiler, well fair play to you, if you have the space, & tons of dog-food.
All the best with your combined canine friend.
Bob.

Answer 7

Ask you boyfriend if he wants a Jack Russell Terrier. Personally I think Bull Terriers are cute but since you dont I'd suggest a Jack Russell. They are almost the same but are about 100 times more energetic and playful. Youd probably think they are cute too. Just keep away from little kids and as puppy's they bite a lot but with good dicipline it should stop. I have a Jack Russell Terrier and its aways a party with him! But if your boyfriend still doesnt want it or you dont either I'd take a German Shepard. They are like in the middle of Rotwielers and Bull Terriers and they are very smart and loyal and will only bite if it is protecting you. It is a very good guard and watch dog and a good companion. But I like both Bull Terriers and
Rotweilers but for you and your you should get a Jack Russell of German Shepard. Or just get a mix of a Bull Terrier and Rotwieler.

Answer 8

It depends on where you will be moving to, an apartment, a house with a yard and fence, no fence, etc.. If you get a bigger dog, it will require more exercise. And even small dogs require walks.

I think Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (small dog),is a good choice, or a Golden Retriever if you like a larger dog. Both kid friendly also.

Answer 9

Bull terrier/Rottweiler mongrel

Or a Boxer

Answer 10

none. you shouldnt get a dog till you are married. just moving in together isnt a secure home for a pet. who gets the dog if you split up? you should think about gettin a dog as much as you would think about having kids. if you still go ahead with it,you should go on the net and look at dog breeds, bearing in mind if you do have children in the next 15 years some breeds have very bad press for bein aggresive