picking a dog breed?

IDKWTNT · 03-14-2011

So, my chihuahua which was my first dog died last summer and i just now felt like i was ready for a new dog. So my problem is what breed to choose. What i really want is a Labrador Retriever, but having one would not be very practical. What i am looking for is a medium breed that i can go jogging with. It would also be nice if they enjoyed swimming. Also it would be nice if i could just pack my dog up in the car and go visit relatives. So i am open to any breed, but they need to do pretty well with cats and strangers.
I am sorry if this is in the wrong place, i am very new to this forum.

cigwyllt · 03-15-2011

Sorry about the loss of your chihuahua. They leave such a huge hole in our lives don't they :-(

Why do you say that a lab or retriever would not be practical for you? We had a golden retriever and she was the easiest dog ever. She was everything you say you want - she loved to come everywhere with us, she would attempt to swim in a puddle, she loved water so much! And she just loved everyone. But once we came home she would lie on the floor and await her next adventure.

Although she was a largish dog in body size she took up far less space than my terriers who never stop moving!

Deafdogsrule · 03-15-2011

Take a look at a Border Terrier. They are great little dogs, tough, energetic, and playful when you want them to be, but calm and relaxed when you dont. They're considered fairly easy to train, as they hate upsetting you. Honestly, they could very well be a good match.

IDKWTNT · 03-15-2011

I would love to have a retriever but i am at school during most of the day. Is it easy to travel with a retriever or a lab?

cigwyllt · 03-15-2011

We only travelled by car. We had our girl on the Tuesday and on the Saturday we went on holiday - 5 hour car journey - and she was good as gold. She was a young adult when we got her, she had been seriously abused and, at the risk of being anthropomorphic, she really seemed to appreciate her new home and all her creature comforts. She just went with the flow and relaxed when we wanted to and played when we wanted. Couldn't recommend the breed too highly!

IDKWTNT · 03-15-2011

After reading all of this, i still really want a lab retriever, or golden retriever. But, i still need to consider smaller breeds. So are there any others that somewhat fit my needs?

cigwyllt · 03-15-2011

I really wouldn't recommend a terrier or a sheep dog of any sort - what about a spaniel? Perhaps those who know more about them would say they were not suitable for you but size wise and activity - love of water for instance - they might be good?

IDKWTNT · 03-15-2011

Thank you for all of your help. I think i will go to the shelter and just find a dog who i fall in love with. But im going to be keeping an eye out for a lab retriever or a golden retriever.

skivvies · 03-15-2011

If you're going to a shelter, you're likely to find a mix that includes lab or golden retriever. I know the shelter I volunteer at gets retriever mixes frequently.

Not a common breed, but a boykin spaniel sounds like it'd be a good match.

cigwyllt · 03-15-2011

That is the very best decision you could make. It is sooooo refreshing to hear someone decide to do that. You would not believe the number of people here who post a pic and say "I want a dog like that one!" No idea of the breed or characteristics, no idea if it will fit with their lifestyel, they just go for looks. Unless you have researched and want a particular breed for a particular reason go with your heart and choose the dog you love!

And don't forget to come back and tell us all about him/her!!!!

IDKWTNT · 03-15-2011

So, after visiting the shelter, and a humane society, I am stuck between a golden retriever Australian Shepard mix. And a red heeler. Do you know anything about Red heelers? The golden retriever mix is a stray and isnt quite up for adoption yet. But i got to play with the Red heeler. So i am stuck between the two. Another thing about the heeler is she had a litter of puppies that were lost.

Deafdogsrule · 03-16-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDKWTNT

So, after visiting the shelter, and a humane society, I am stuck between a golden retriever Australian Shepard mix. And a red heeler. Do you know anything about Red heelers? The golden retriever mix is a stray and isnt quite up for adoption yet. But i got to play with the Red heeler. So i am stuck between the two. Another thing about the heeler is she had a litter of puppies that were lost.

A Heeler is a very high energy dog, and a very "strong personality" they aren't for the faint hearted.

and the Aussie Mix could also be very high energy, especially with being mixed with a retreiver. Herding breeds are a very different kettle of fish, and have needs specific to them, however the Aussie x GR may be more GR like, personality wise, so might be a better choice for you. Dont take any dog home that you're not 100% sure is the right fit. If the dog is not exactly what you want, and you have to take it back for whatever reason, it's really unfair to the dog. Make ABSOLUTELY sure you can handle the dog, that any issues it may have are workable for you, and that you'll be able to have the dog for the rest of it's life. Do not make a rash decision...

on the other hand, thanks for deciding to rescue, there are not enough people who do, and too many dogs are euthanized every year. I have 5 rescues