Hello all,

This looks like a great forum. I have always been interested in getting a dog. Now, I want to make that dream a reality.

I wanted to ask - which forum should I post in, asking "what kind of a dog suits me?"

What is your lifestyle? How active are you? What kind of size of a dog are you looking for? Short, long hair?

Originally Posted by WOLVERINE1000

Hello all,

This looks like a great forum. I have always been interested in getting a dog. Now, I want to make that dream a reality.

I wanted to ask - which forum should I post in, asking "what kind of a dog suits me?"

hi welcome to this forum and u just go around for dog site id and contact with them they will help u

Ok I might as well put what dog I'm looking for on this forum.

Here is what I'm looking for:

#1: Athletic dog. One that likes to run around. I love to swim, and I want a dog that would like the beach, to run in the sand and jump in the water. Also I do jog / walk in Central Park with my mother every now and then.

#2: Easily trainable and people friendly. I have no clue how to house train a dog. Don't want him peeing and pooping all over. Also want super friendly. Don't want a dog that hates people and barks at them.

#3: Can live in an apartment. I don't have a house (yet).

#4: Minimal shedding. Looking for something with short hair.

#5: A long living dog... Good health / longevity.

#6: Size: I'm thinking medium sized dog would be perfect. But if it's a slightly large, or slighty small, no problem.

My dream dog - rottweiler. However, heard they can be very aggressive unless you really train them well. Don't want a killing machine, something gentler. So maybe a Labrador retriever??

[puppylove2009]

Welcome


Yes I think a Labrador would be perfect for you!

Or a mix of one from a shelter.

I'm giving you a breed selector link to go to.....it will give you some more ideas of what would be good for you:

Breed Selector, Dog Search, Puppy Survey, Puppy Test, Test to find the right dog, Breed Quiz

Animal Planet :: Guides :: Dog Breed Selector


You can always go to a shelter and see what fits you best

[puppylove2009]

I think a lab would be perfect for you or you could go to the shelter and see if any dogs choose you.

I have to wait for approval but I did add a link to a breed selector quiz but you can find it at animalplanet.com

Its just a guide to help you

Originally Posted by puppylove2009

I think a lab would be perfect for you or you could go to the shelter and see if any dogs choose you.

I have to wait for approval but I did add a link to a breed selector quiz but you can find it at animalplanet.com

Its just a guide to help you

Yes. I want to go to a shelter. I want to get a pup there because they're... how do I put it... more in danger? Maybe were abused and need good loving owners? Also some of those shelters kill the animals.

The ones where you buy from a breeder are going to do fine.

a lab or some other sort of retriever would be a good choice for you, or some sort of mix breed would also be good. you might also want to consider an australian shepherd. they are very friendly, super intellegent, and lots of energy for someone who likes to go out jogging/walking frequently.

I have two boxers and they are WONDERFUL. My female isnt big on water but my male does like to swim. They have lots of energy and really short haired. Labs shed, A LOT.

Also, if the dog gets the amount of exercise that you have listed (and by that I mean daily long walks) then apartment life will be just fine!

They are very good with people and naturally good with children. Both of mine are rescues and I have no history/background on them, and they both are very naturally drawn to children.

[wishbone]

One place to start searching is to visit some shelter or rescue houses and tell them your lifestyle. Many says adopted dogs are tend to be lovely and more behaved.

In looking for a dog that will suits you...
Is depend upon to you and your lifestyle...
You can search for dog breed and take a look in their characteristics...
Google will give you much information about that...

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by WOLVERINE1000

Ok I might as well put what dog I'm looking for on this forum.

Here is what I'm looking for:

#1: Athletic dog. One that likes to run around. I love to swim, and I want a dog that would like the beach, to run in the sand and jump in the water. Also I do jog / walk in Central Park with my mother every now and then.

#2: Easily trainable and people friendly. I have no clue how to house train a dog. Don't want him peeing and pooping all over. Also want super friendly. Don't want a dog that hates people and barks at them.

#3: Can live in an apartment. I don't have a house (yet).

#4: Minimal shedding. Looking for something with short hair.

#5: A long living dog... Good health / longevity.

#6: Size: I'm thinking medium sized dog would be perfect. But if it's a slightly large, or slighty small, no problem.

My dream dog - rottweiler. However, heard they can be very aggressive unless you really train them well. Don't want a killing machine, something gentler. So maybe a Labrador retriever??

Lol, I know what you want--'a dream dog'! Seriously--The Boxer does sound like a good choice (I had one once--only thing I didn't like was that they---at least mine did----like to 'fling' slobber.) Will tell you what I found in a couple of my books on Boxers. Body is compact and powerful, shiny.
Intelligent and easily trained, Boxers have been widely used in military and police work. Training should start young and be firm and consistent--------
these exuberant animals need to be handled by a strong adult. They are reliable and protective with children and intensely loyal to their family. Excellent watchdogs, they will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does. Smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. An active, athletic breed, Boxers need daily work or exercise. As well as a long, brisk, daily walk, they enjoy a session of play, fetching a ball. There are no special feeding requirements. Adapts well to urban living, but needs space. Regular, vigorous exercise. BE AWARE: These dogs need a strong, energetic owner to play with. May be aggressive with other dogs. I can't find anything right now on longevity, but would guess close to 12-15 years. (The bigger the breed of dog--They don't live as long as smaller dogs--as a rule.) They do have a long list of things they are prone to-health-wise which I don't have time right now to list--BUT if a dog is fed right and well taken care of (weight stays good-not fat) the dog has more plusses on it's 'longer life.' If your best friend is a Boxer, you can rely on it absolutely to take care of your property and to be waiting with the most enthusiastic welcome whenever you return home! MALE: 22-24 inches and 60-70 lbs FEMALE: 21-23 inches and 55-65 lbs. If this breed sounds of interest to you and you would like to know the list of health problems they may be prone to--ask and I will supply it!

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by SwayRaines

I have two boxers and they are WONDERFUL. My female isnt big on water but my male does like to swim. They have lots of energy and really short haired. Labs shed, A LOT.

Also, if the dog gets the amount of exercise that you have listed (and by that I mean daily long walks) then apartment life will be just fine!

They are very good with people and naturally good with children. Both of mine are rescues and I have no history/background on them, and they both are very naturally drawn to children.

SwayRaines---How old are your boxers--approximate if you had to make a guess? Have you had any health problems with them ? Don't know if you have submitted any pics, if not, would love to see some! The one I had was named Zeke.

Originally Posted by WOLVERINE1000

Ok I might as well put what dog I'm looking for on this forum.

Here is what I'm looking for:

#1: Athletic dog. One that likes to run around. I love to swim, and I want a dog that would like the beach, to run in the sand and jump in the water. Also I do jog / walk in Central Park with my mother every now and then.

#2: Easily trainable and people friendly. I have no clue how to house train a dog. Don't want him peeing and pooping all over. Also want super friendly. Don't want a dog that hates people and barks at them.

#3: Can live in an apartment. I don't have a house (yet).

#4: Minimal shedding. Looking for something with short hair.

#5: A long living dog... Good health / longevity.

#6: Size: I'm thinking medium sized dog would be perfect. But if it's a slightly large, or slighty small, no problem.

My dream dog - rottweiler. However, heard they can be very aggressive unless you really train them well. Don't want a killing machine, something gentler. So maybe a Labrador retriever??

No, a rottie would not be suitable for you... Rotties are a strong breed that needs a strong but gentle hand. They are protective and not necessarily the "outgoing, people friendly" dog you describe wanting.

I was thinking that you were describing a Golden Retriever perfectly. It might shed a bit more than you would like but consistant grooming should keep that to a minimum. A Goldie would certainly be the friendly, outgoing, athletic companion you are looking for and with plenty of exercise outside, should be just fine in an apartment.

If you have not had a dog I would not recommend a Boxer, They are a large powerfull breed and require a lot of professional training. My thoughts for you were as follows:

1. Viszla - Low shedding, ACTIVE, easily trained, medium size, very loving.
2. Golden Retriever - Active, EASY to train, clean (house train easily and FAST), love people and other dogs, love water require brushing about 3 - 4 days a week but the hair they shed is like tumble weeds and balls up in corners instead of sticking to EVERYTHING!
3. Labrador Retriever - Active, a little harder to train then a golden but still easy, they do shed a lot.

TO be honest it seems like a Golden would be best for you. Here are a few things to look at when choosing breeder... Here is an article I wrote for a local magazine:

How to choose a reputable and responsible breeder:
So you want a puppy and you have decided that rescue is not for you and you are not going to contribute to puppy mill suffering. You have selected your breed now all you need is to select a reputable breeder. Here is a list to help in your search.
A Reputable & responsible breeder…

Is a member in good standing of at least one regional or national breed club.

Is involved in showing/training for conformation, performance or breed specific events.

Encourages/requires puppy buyers to stay in touch and is happy to help with any aspect of care and training during the dog’s lifetime.

Will ask you questions about why you have chosen the breed and about your home, family and lifestyle.

Tests all their breeding stock through OFA, PennHip & CERF for Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disease, heart defects, thyroid, patella and other genetic health problems (check with national breed club to find out what testing your breed requires) and DOES NOT breed those who do not clear.
Will ONLY breed health cleared adult dogs and not young puppies and adolescents.

Guarantees the health IN WRITING for at least 18 months.

Does not speak badly about other breeders or their dogs.

Does not try to SELL you a dog.

Requires dogs be returned to them in the even the puppy buyer cannot keep them.

REQUIRES that pets be spayed/neutered as well as selling them with Limited Registration (which does not allow them to be used for breeding)

Asks for references, including a vet reference.

Be prepared to be on a waiting list for a puppy from a responsible breeder. A quality puppy is worth the wait!!