Hi. My family is adopting a dog now that our last dog has passed. We visited a shelter today and are going back soon. There are a few dogs we are interested in. The first dog in a 10 month old red bone coonhound/ merema (sp?) mix. He weighs 70 pounds and is going to be very big- think great dane big. The other dog is a collie/ shepherd mix and is 4 years old. They are both very sweet. The collie likes to be around people all the time because she has seperation anxiety (and because we have a family of 6) someone is always home. The coonhound loves people but is a bit more independent and loves to run. We have a big yard. We are thinking of adopting them both but we do not know if they will get along. (we think the coonhound may be to agressive), we have many other animals too that they need to get along with, cats, guenia pigs, horses, fish (big pond) and its just a tough decision. Help?
2007-08-11 12:06:36 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
As an ex shelter employee, I would say if you could swing it to take the collie mix I would do that. Almost anyone would be happy to adopt a 10 mo old pup, but it is rare indeed to find someone willing to take in a 4 year old. You will literally be saving his life!!!!
Based on personalities I would say that the collie mix might be your best bet. Coonhounds do tend to be a bit more independent. The collie mix already has an established personality and is probably better mannered as far as training and commands.
Good luck! Let us know who you go with and show us pictures!!!
2007-08-11 12:20:11 · answer #1 · answered by cms121979 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well I doubt a coonhound mix would get along with cats and guinea pigs, but if the Maremma side of him comes out he may do okay. More than likely that he'll chase them, and will be highly territorial. He doesn't sound like the best fit for your family, although personally I like the sound of him the best.
The collie has a better chance of living peacefully with all of those animals, but it's hard to know without testing him first, which I know most shelters won't let you do. If you adopt a puppy, you have a better chance of training it to live with all of these other animals. Your best bet is to speak with the shelter staff. They have been interacting with these dogs for a few days and may have some idea of which would be better for your situation. I would not recommend you adopt them both, as they seem to have very different personalities. Good luck, and thanks for adopting!
2007-08-11 19:15:30 · answer #2 · answered by Luv big dogs 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okay, first of all, you should know that if you decide to get the collie shephard mix that you will need to take him on long walks and give him something to chase or he will go crazy. Collies need alot more excersize then most dogs. Having a big yard will not solve the excersize problem unless there is something to chase in the yard, (like people, or the other dog you want to get.)
Collies also love to herd things. If you have small children then the collie might herd them and nip at their ankles if they decide to wander. If you get the collie watch out for these behaviors and try to train him away from them.
remeber Collies are intelligent and learn quickly, and they love being around people
2007-08-11 19:22:26 · answer #3 · answered by DanceDanceRevolutionRocks! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, you might try asking the shelter if you could get those two together to see how they act with each other to find out if they will get along... but i would pick the collie/shepherd because i like dogs that are really people friendly... plus i like collies (but that doesn't help u very much)... and especially since it's a dog that might not be able to find another home that can fit it's needs (always being with someone)
well, if the whole family went to see the two dogs, i think the best way to pick is to have a family vote-- that is if you don't want to take my advice : )
2007-08-11 19:49:06 · answer #4 · answered by Sum 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Coonhounds are extremely independant.
Marema are flock guards.
Collies are very people oriented.
I think the collie would be an easy addition to the family!
2007-08-11 20:59:31 · answer #5 · answered by Wyandotte Hen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both sound like wonderful dogs. Take them both, if you can afford to take care of both of them.
But if you must settle for only one, you'll probably want the coonhound: Eventually, the kids in your family will grow up and move out, so there might well be times when there won't be anyone at home.
Good luck!
2007-08-11 19:14:00 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The collie shepherd mix will probably be very social and a good family pet. We have a collie mix and he is great with our other animals. They are also very smart! One of our dogs (not the collie mix) is aggressive with food and does sometimes fight with some of our other pets which gets very annoying sometimes. I would probably choose the collie/shepherd.
2007-08-11 19:31:45 · answer #7 · answered by Stepahnie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most places will allow you a short trial period. and what is the best they of dog to fit you family life and style. Is it to soon to replace you loved on . my dog passed away march I had her 12 1/2 year i still am not ready to replace her. but, each person is different. here is a few sites i looked up . good look on your decision
2007-08-11 19:32:18 · answer #8 · answered by kat M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take them both if they don't both work you can return them to the animal shelter or look for a trainer but it is possible that they may both get along
2007-08-11 19:14:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
DOBERMAN
2007-08-11 19:18:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋