Did you do any reasearch before getting a new dog?

Question

Did you research the different traits of of the dog groups before getting a new dog? Did you take into account shedding, energy level, size or maintence?

Answer 1

I did. I researched for a year & a half, got every book I could on the breed, visited dog shows & spoke to other owners. See we had these psycho cattle & we wanted a dog that could handle them as well as be a good pet. I looked at Border Collies & Australian Shepherds which are beautiful intelligent dogs but not what I was looking for & then I found Australian Cattle Dogs. I could fine BYB ones everywhere but it took a long time to find a good breeder.
Unfortunately GOOD ACD's are hard to find & there's only 4 (well 4 now coz of me ha ha) breeders in Ontario where I am & they were too far to drive to.

We have a 200 acre farm so I knew the dog would get lots of excercise plus I am home all day everyday to be with the dog. We didn't plan on the amount of fur they shed twice a year lol but since we have 5 cats we are pretty used to fur. I also loved their size since they are a medium sized dog.

Took me a long time but I have never regretted it & Roper is still with us as our main working dog & lap crusher lol. Of course I got the ACD bug & after researching for another year, I now raise them.

It's always important to research, research, research & meet as many adults of the breed you are in love with to find out if you even like the breed, talk to many breeders (not the first one you find) talk to groomers if your dog will need grooming, talk to obedience trainers to find out how well that breed does for training & talk to anyone you can find who you happen to see with your breed of choice.

The ACD is perfect for me but definitely not perfect for other people. I go through a long screening process with potential puppy owners & most don't make it.

As I always say RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.

Answer 2

Oh yes.

Even though I had experience with various breeds (my family owned about 10 other breeds growing up, and were involved in many aspects of the "dog world") and I had been around papillons on-and-off for years before I got one of my own (my former 4-H dog project leader when I was a kid had them), I still did extra research to make sure that the breed was suitable for me.

In addition to those things you mentioned, I also researched the breed standard, potential health problems, compatibility with other dogs/pets, etc.

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ADD:

RE: "I have had dogs all my life so I am well aware of dogs etc. "

I am still a believer in research, even if you have owned dogs.

I was in 4-H dog project for 10+ years (and served on the Kansas state dog committee), trained a dog for Kansas Specialty Dog Service, my parents used to breed cocker spaniels, and at any given time growing up we had between 4 and 15 dogs.

However, I still researched my breed of choice so I would know what I was getting into and what health issues to watch for.

For example, german shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, so it's very important to have the hips OFA'd. Papillons have virtually zero risk of hip dysplasia, so no need to OFA the hips. However, papillons are prone to luxating patellas, so the patellas need OFA'd.

Also, if you don't research the breed standard, how can you tell if the dog is quality or not? True, there should be titled dogs in the pedigree, but if you don't know the breed standard, you don't know where to start when you see a dog. Instead of evaluating it, you are left to just think "um... cute dog", rather than understanding the structure, coloring, etc.

Always research your breed.
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Answer 3

Of course. I'm a big believer in researching and preparing, and rarely make big decisions without a good deal of reading and thought on the matter. I researched for about 4 months before making the final decision to get a smooth Dachshund. It turned out to be such a perfect breed for me that I added a longhair Dachshund to my family recently as well. I continue to take every opportunity to learn more about the Dachshund breed, and I feel excited every time I learn something new and valuable. Dachshunds are NOT NOT NOT for everyone, but for me, they are very close to perfect (because every breed, no matter how "perfect," does have its drawbacks).

Now, I am considering a third (and probably final) dog, but I want to go with a different breed. I am about half-way through another planned 4 months of research. There is a breed I'm strongly leaning towards (Whippet), but more research is needed before I can make my final decision. I don't think of the research as a chore - I think of it as a gift I am giving myself and my future dog. A gift that will assure many wonderful years with a dog who is perfect for me.

It just kills me that so many people bring a dog into their lives without so much as a single thought as to whether or not the breed fits their lifestyle. There are SO MANY aspects to a breed that could make them a terrible choice for a person, and the dog is the one who ends up paying the price. In this day and age, when all the information we could ever want is right at our fingertips if only we will look for it, there is NO EXCUSE for making a snap decision that will affect your life and the dog's life for the next 12+ years. It will just never cease to amaze me that people continue to choose breeds that couldn't be a worse fit for their lifestyle, or are so confident that they know everything there is to know about dogs that they don't need to do anything extra before choosing a breed.

Answer 4

Not really - I have had dogs all my life so I am well aware of dogs etc.

My 1st dog was a collie X Alsatian - I was just 7
2nd dog was a collie X Labrador

My current doggie is a black Labrador rescue dog, he was 7 months old when we adopted him - he had been left neglected starving for human company, but very overfed, titbits etc - we had him micro chipped (free at dog home) had his bits chopped, all his injections and put him on a strict diet advised from the vets!

Now 2 and a half years down the line he is a soft, silly, black fur-ball! He is trained in every respect, on & off the lead, house, obedient. When i got him he was a quivering nervous wreck and jumped at the slightest noise, he now does not bat an eyelid at fireworks, this is a busy house with 4 kids & he has to share with a 12 year old grouchy cat, I think the training and love you put into a dog pays off whatever the breed!

Answer 5

I was only 7 when I got my first dog. I wanted a golden retriever (we already had a black labrador), and one day, my dad came home with a golden retriever (5-9years old) that he had found. I did reseach them alot. I love dogs, so I have reseached everything possible on them. I have like 10 god breed books, 20 dog care dogs, and a bunch of other books. I have even memorized almost every breed name, look, and description (if I see a dog on the street, I can inmeadetly lame its breed). I have been very interested in German Shorthaired Pointersfor a few years now. I have done everything possible to reaseach them. They are a pretty rare breed here, so when I saw one near my house a few days ago, I freaked out (I really wanted to talk to the owner, but we were in a hurry).

Answer 6

Yes I did. For many years (25 or more) I wanted a Pomeranian. In the meantime, I've had many other dogs from mutts to Min Pins. Over the years I read books, watched videos, went to dog shows, talked to people about them and when I finally had the opportunity, I bought one. Never a regret and I would get another one without question. I love the breed and feel so lucky that I have 2!

ADD:
If you are wondering why I waited so long to get a Pom, my son had allergies, so we decided on a Min Pin and he also thought a Pomeranian was not a mans dog. (what a loser!)

Answer 7

I sure did! I researched for about four months before I got my dog. I live in an apartment, and I needed a dog that would want to protect me, but be low energy (but need walks twice a day). And guess what I found out? English Mastiff.

I've had my dog for nine months and I couldn't be happier. She fits my lifestyle completely. I definitely recommend doing research, and keep your mind open to different possibilities!

Answer 8

I'm pretty aware of what kind of traits go with which breed groups. But, there's certainly exceptions to the rule..
When I pick out a dog, I just explain what my household is like and what I need in a dog and then let them recommend one..
I only adopt adult dogs,so I already know what I'm getting..
That's why I try to get one that's been fostered so that I know that they are good with cats and other dogs..
For instance, the herding breeds are typically very active, but, my adopted collie/samoyed mix is very mellow.. I would never have considered her breed mix because of their normal activity level, but, she'd been fostered and fit what I was looking for..

Answer 9

OMG the amount of research I did was crazy. I did a lot of reading on the net talked to owners and breeders. Went to rare breed shows and obedience competitions, you name it. I can say that I am glad I put the research time in before getting my dog. I feel like a much better educated owner and handler because of it.

Answer 10

Yes. before i got my dog i figured out what size i wanted, how much exercize it would need, and i talked to my family a lot before we decided. We ended up getting an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, because they are very smart, dont shed much, and only need a walk a day. Good luck.