We're Looking To Get a Dog! You Can Help!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

So we're thinking about buying a dog but haven't decided on a breed yet. Growing up my dad ran a small ranch/petting farm so I'm really used to animals, I've just never owned my own pet. Give me your opinion on a small to medium sized dog for us to purchase!


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23 comments:

Trice said...

Cocker Spaniels are the best. Very low maintenance in my opinion not too feminine or masculine. I have had 2.

Anonymous said...

I have and minature daschund and they are the greatest. They are loving, sweet, and like to cuddle. Pugs are great (my mother has one) also. Lastly, I am partial to English Bulldogs. Nothing like a good slobbery bulldog to complete you family - that is my next dog as soon as I have a backyard. Good Luck with the new addition to the family!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Turkessa. An English Bulldog is so loving and so cuddly!!


asm

Mac said...

Jack Russell's, they are small, playful and make good guard dogs . i would recommend them to you guys .

Anonymous said...

My shih tzu, Brinks, is absolutely, paw-sitively the best dog ever. He's a ladies man, too. So, that's my recommendation.

Anonymous said...

I read your blog often, haven't commented much 'til now. We've had a Miniture Schnauzer for the past 10 years. His name is Sam & he is a great dog. He looks good all the time. He does well with children (He really is not interested in them but they love him). We have all types of clothes for him (angel,Santa, coats,combat etc. When we took our family portaits, we included him. He has traveled on a plane 4 times with us during the holidays and done well. And the best thing about this brand is that they don't shed! This comes in handy if you don't want to see dog hair all over the place and keep your pooch in the house. That's great for anyone with allergies. (esp kids).

Sorry for the long write but my dog is great!
Trynright

Anonymous said...

I believe the first type of dog you photographed and posted is a mini French Bulldog, and that would be my recommendation...just look at them! And they have tons of personality! But get ready to put down some money for one...I think they often run between $2000 to $2500. They're my favorite small dog, but my ultimate favorite dog is an English Labrador. You can't beat them!

Raquita said...

I think you should concider Airedale Terrier, or the English Springer Spaniel - it seems like the right dog for you - very regal..

Raquita said...

although if you live in an apartment I suggest a great dane.. very stately as well..

Troy said...

Hmmm, a small to medium size dog...depends on what you mean by medium. We have a Yorkie and although I love him to death, I do not consider him 'my dog,' he belongs to my wife! Kinda' tough to claim a 10 pound dog when you are 6'1" and 250 pounds.

My dream dog is a Boxer. They are extremely smart, very mild tempered, but extremely loyal. They are very playful and very protective. Not sure if your home will allow a Boxer to thrive though. They can get anywhere from 60 to 100 pounds (may not be your idea of medium.....smile). They have very short hair so no shedding probs. They are fantastic with kids and visitors.

I agree with the one post on the Schnauzer; they are great dogs. They're hair is short, so not a lot of shedding with this breed either.

I disagree with the Cocker Spaniels. Although they are great dogs, they are very prone to health problems and can have crazy vet bills. My mom has had a Cocker for the last 15 years, but hasn't learned her lesson yet.

Bulldogs are cool, but I have heard that they sometimes have respiratory issues and trouble with drooling on ocassion. Plus, they can be a bit lazy, unless that's what you want. They are cute as buttons (only a face an owner could love) but they are not as stressful as the typical small dog. Trust me when I tell you that sometimes I wish my Yorkie would hibernate like a bear.

So, with all that said, be careful what you wish for and, as you always do, do your research. These jokers are not cheap and can be expensive as h-e-l-l! But they make excellent companions and can really get you moving in the right direction for parenthood (did I say that out loud)!

SBrownART said...

I agree with Trish. I love Cocker Spaniels. They are loving and playful. I bought a Lhasa Apso last December for my daughters, and he is not the friendliest pet in the world! Now, he is very cute, but can be mean!

Be vigilant in your research, because you can't give him back!

Michele

nicolelennox said...

If you were looking for a big dog I would ABSOLUTELY recommend an Akita. I love mine to death! No barking, no jumping, no drooling, just a chill dog. She has the sweetest spirit and has actually converted a few animal haters. I just have to share her picture =) http://restlessindeed.blogspot.com/2008/09/picture-below-is-my-beautiful-dog-lia.html

Since you're looking for small/medium I would go with the French bulldog. I think that breed will be next for me.

I can't wait to hear what breed you end up with

Anonymous said...

Ross,
I have the dog for you and Brandi! A Bichon Frise. I have one for the past 8 years and she steals everyone'e heart. "Misty" has travelled with me and lived in 3 different cities and has adjusted well every time. She has been a great companion and now that my 3 year old is here she has become his companion too.

This breed does not shed so if you have guests that are allergic to pets its okay. Also when you start a family your kid(s) will be fine if they have allergies. This breed is super intelligent which makes them easy to train. The breed has a life span of 13-16 years and requires little attention as they can entertain themselves in the house if you are busy this trait makes this breed an excellent choice for busy couples who may pull late hours at work. This breed has a beautiful personality and can be described as gentle mannered, feisty, sensitive, playful, and affectionate.

You will be very happy with this one!

Lisa M. McGainey said...

I like poodles. But I also like alaskin huskies. I love dogs. I had a mix breed, she was collie and lab. Sierra was her name. I miss her so...she was also a lap dog. Meet a few before you make your final choice.

Bernice L. McFadden said...

My vote is for the French Bulldog! I love them!

clo said...

Ross,
check our site for a picture of our new addition. Blitz is ten weeks old and gets to be about 10-12 lbs.......NO SHEDDING! We love him.
Shi Zu and Bichon mix. "Shichons" they are called.

Deewonda said...

Border collie! A dog big enough to wear a small harness to carry some of your equipment, herd an unruly wedding party into place and can fetch a cell phone in mid-air before it hits the ground!

Tamera said...

Hi! There are so many great dogs out there. I would like to highly suggest that you adopt from a rescue shelter. I've volunteered at Atlanta Pet Rescue (one of the best in the city!) for the past 4 years and have seen so many awesome dogs find homes. You can have your mind set on a specific breed and just never know which dog is actually going to steal your heart. They definitely choose you.

I'm a fan of bichon frises, poodle mixes, lhasa apsos, terriers, boxers....there are so many.

BTW, I walked with you all at the Obama rally! :-)

Good luck in your search!

Anonymous said...

I vote for the Minature Schnauzer, too. We had one when I was married. Her name was Jasamyn. Spoiled rotten. Unfortunately, we had to put her down. My auntie and uncle had one named, Scnapps. Very smart dogs!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Ross,

Am a new reader to your blog. Stumbled upon it while doing some research. My vote is for either a border collie or a french bulldog. Border collies are amazingly intelligent and very very helpful and obedient.I had a border collier and Like deewonda says, they could be of real help carrying your equipment. LOL!

A french bulldog is abosolutely amazing. Very unlike an english bulldog. very very active (trust me I have one now) they may have some respiratory problems but are it is not a big issue. They are small and very compact. Unlike other small dogs, french bulldogs can go up to about 14kgs.

The frenchies (as they are also known) you featured are so adorable!! I am biased...

Anonymous said...

I like Puggles. They're a pug and beagle mix. I personally just find them adorable. I've always loved pugs but the first time I saw a puggle my heart melted. They have a less smooshed face than pugs do, but the general smooshness is still there. They also have floppy ears [like a beagle]. They're beagle-sized too. The only thing is that they definitely have a lot of energy. If that's something you want, great. But I know some people don't like dogs that are too energetic. Also, like most shorthair dogs, they shed quite a bit.

G. Paras Photography and Stuff said...

so yall like the obama now? My vote is a jack russell terrier or golden retriever

Anonymous said...

I would suggest that no matter what breed you settle on, rescue/adopt a dog. There are a lot of great rescues in Atlanta - I got mine from Small Dog Rescue:) She's not so small - more like a small medium (40lbs) but she is wonderful. I went in for a Lhasa Apso - great dogs by the way - and came back with a Black/Tan dachshund/Spaniel Mix.

Note - Many terriers like to dig. If that will bother you, skip those breeds. You can train them not to do it but it's instinct.

Dachshunds like to burrow

Bichon Frises are wonderful - really smart, get bored easily. They need a lot of mental stimulation.