Should I be taking on another responsibility right now? Probablly not. But the boys want one and I think it can help teach them responsibility and I REALLY want one.
So... what breed of dog is: *Good with kids *Intelligent *Preferably a larger dog *Loyal *Hopefully lower shedding
Thanks!
ETA: I should mention that the dog would be alone for about 3-4 hours a day most weekdays... is that terrible?
**UPDATE** We actually wanted a shephard.. I grew up with them... but they do shed A LOT. Same with Labs and Retrievers. I really want a dog to have free roam of the house and I don't want to stress about dog hair everywhere in the summer!
Boxers, schnauzers, doodles, terriers... all great choices... but we really wanted LARGE.
We were talking about an Old English Sheepdog yesterday... but determined that they are just TOO stubborn in their puppyhood and have been warned thta they have a tendency to nip 'their' children in an attempt to 'herd' them!
SO... we have narrowed it down to either a Newfie or a St. Bernard!
If anyone knows anything about these two breeds, or knows any rescue organizations that specialize in YOUNG animals, we would love to hear it. It is very important that the animals be young or puppies becuase we want them to be socialized with our children. If you see one at one of the shelters... let me know!
ALSO!!!!!!!!!! ISLIP ANIMAL SHELTER IS HOLDING A PUPPY ADOPTION FAIR NEXT WEEK! ANYONE LOOKING TO GET A PUPPY OR DOG MIGHT WANT TO CHECK IT OUT! ADOPT A DOG AND SAVE IT'S LIFE!!!!
Thanks!
Ginal
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
I grew up with a Siberian Husky and I still think they are the sweetest, most gentle dogs ever. I would reccommend it or a Golden Retriever. They are wonderful too and I agree about getting it a t a shelter, you really shouldn't have to pay $1000 for a dog, especially since you are spending many !000s on a wedding, I'm sure! Good luck though, I would love to get a puppy too!
AMGBride2008
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
Posted by ant n tilde
i love my boston terrier
he isnt that big but he isnt tiny either
and he is PERFECT with children. . .he knows he cant jump on the bed when my niece is sleeping on it and he just lays on the floor and guards her i love it!
FM if you have any specific questions I am like National Advocate for Boston Terriers LOL
ETA: miminal shedding!
I'm partial to the Boston too! They're always up for playing but they are the biggest lap dog. As I type this my baby boy (Cooper... he's a 2 year old Boston) is sleeping in my lab snoring away. Good luck!
lipglossjunky73
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
I just met a wonderful therapy dog - get this - he is part golden retriever, part standard poodle - he is very sweet, with black curly fur, doest shed, hypo-allergenic, and a DOLL!!!
obviously, a doggy like this would be difficult to find in a shelter - I think this sweetheart was adopted though...
I met an adorable little purebred chocolate lab who was just delicious who was adopted as well...
I love German Shepherds, but can't deal with watching them get that awful dysplasia in their legs - so sad to see....
Good luck!
You can't go wrong with any lab or lab mix!
sfmullen
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
I have a Boxer and a Yellow lab. I love them both and both meet your requirements but my yellow lab Phil does shed. and Hamish my boxer needs a lot of exercise. but both loyal and mama's boys!
AMGBride2008
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
I have to write again. Someone mentioned boxer... GREAT DOGS!!!
Also remember, with whatever breed you get the dogs temperment all depends on how it's raised and trained. Pit Bulls are another great breed esp. with kids and when they are trained properly.
On where to get the dog. I am 100% for no kill shelters, but be very careful and find out where the dog is coming from and what it's 'past life' was like (ie... abuse, neglect). Also be sure that the dog is in excellent health. Sometimes with these shelters, they'll give anyone any dog just to make room for more incoming dogs.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
sfmullen
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
my boxer my files wont upload!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nickipa
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
Im partial to labs.....we have one and he is absoluetly wonderful with kids, is very smart and gentle. i would get another one is a second, and we take him to alot of family functions and he does great with all the kids. feel free to FM if you have any lab questions, I also know of a great breeder upstate
BJandDan
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
Boxers are GREAT with kids!!!!!!! They have short hair so even when they do shed it isn't a lot. Super loyal. Males are larger than females.
woobie113007
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
Posted by CLMon7906
german shepherd...they are very obedient [but you have to be disciplined yourself] and great with kids. my daugther's grandparents have 3 of them and they are like gentle giants around her.
they shed like crazy though.
I agree...GErman Shepards or even maybe a Golden Retriever
sfmullen
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
ok last attempt to show off my boxer and then my lab
for larger dogs that don't shed but are great with kids, the mixes with poodles are good, like cockapoo, labordoodle. don't worry about the responsiblity, you will step up to the challenge!
BelMal
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
If you are looking for a golden, lab, or 'doodle try calling guiding eyes or canine companions for independence to see if any of their puppies did not make it through the program. They have very well socialized dogs, they do health screenings before breeding, and the young dog will already be well trained. Canine companions is located in Smithtown.
snydl40
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
Boxers sound like your breed. Labs, goldens, husky, shepards-all shed. Shitzus, miniature schnauzers, bichon frise, min. poodles-all require a lot of maintenance. Boxers are high energy-great with kids, very limited shedding, very sweet. FM if you have any questions-we own a pet shop-and we DON'T sell puppies but I can answer any questions you may have. Your best bet is to google boxer rescue and save an animals life.
MichLiz213
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
We had a black lab growing up, and he was AMAZING. He would rough around with my middle brother, but when the youngest was a baby he was as gentle as can be with him.
FH and I want to get a Beagle, but I hear they are really hard to train.
Jack Russels are awesome kid dogs, but overly hyper.
I would say Golden Retrievers are great too.
SuzanaS
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
Posted by TheBigDay
my vote:
A Golden Retriever, Lab, or golden lab mix...
they are gental dogs, VERY loyal, easy to train, any dog is going to shed! I recomend a Girl, they are a little easier/calmer.
We just picked up our 'daughter' monday night, 8 week golden, she is just precious!
she is GORGEOUS!
storkey7
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY
You should really get a boxer. They are great family dogs and really great with children. They are so loyal and love to just be part of the family.
Good Luck on your search, Marissa
njbound07
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY UPDATED WITH CHOICE!
I have a black lab mix (I think he's mixed german sheperd) see in my album. I have to admit that they are extremely hyper and need a lot of excercise. Labs are full of energy.. and can drive you nuts! but I love my son and he's the best.. they are very obedient and they listen well to the female voice but my dog totally disrespects my FH lol! but he's gentle with me.. & FH does more for him than I do... but it's the best feeling in the world to come home to him and he has all this love just waiting for you!...
Now I can't wait to go home!
sr081906
Posted:
Member since
Re: NWR: PUPPY UPDATED WITH CHOICE!
Posted by rojerono
SO... we have narrowed it down to either a Newfie or a St. Bernard!
That's more than a large dog.. Those are 'monster' dogs.
