Need Help Picking A Breed

[Jetty]

We are not looking for another dog for at least a year yet but I would like to do some research. We would like dog number 2 to be rather friendly with other dogs and especially Jet, I know this has to do with socialization at a young age but one that is known for being rather friendly normally is a plus. Jet is a fox terrier x. We will be going through a breeder this time. We got Jet at a pet shop before we knew anything about them.

We both have different ideas for breeds, so I was thinking there has to be a breed we can compromise on and that we both would be happy with.

OH wants the following breeds:

Husky (I am really unsure if this would suit us)

Bull Terrier

SBT

I am unsure what the last two would be like.

I want more along the lines of an:

Australian Shepherd

German shepherd

Border collie (I am unsure if I could meet the exercise requirements)

Finnish Lapphunds

The breed we both like are the White Shepherds.

Now I could do 30minutes-1 hour worth of exercise daily. I am happy to do regular grooming and we would definitely do obedience and even do some agility maybe just for fun.

So we are open for suggestions of any type of breed and then we will go from there. Thanks

[alpha bet]

You have really got a diverse range of preferences at this stage..... good luck deciding .... I'll give you my opinion and no doubt you will be inundated with replies..

German Shepherds - I have had and bred GSD's for nearly 30 years - great dogs but they can be a lot (and I mean a lot) of work...... and it doesnt matter what color you go for. It can be difficult to socialise with others more because others tend to be a bit worried about GSD's because they can be such big powerful dogs.

Staffys - Heaps of staffy people here to tell you how they love their staffs and they will hate me being critical - however as a Professional Trainer and in our boarding kennels I find them a dog who stresses when not actually by your side. They are also a dog who can tend to run into you and its like someone has thrown a house brick at you. They are good for older kids but very pushy around smaller kids and I have found you have to be very careful with a staff around other dogs as they can have a short temper and can strike out at strange dog if they dont like them. Therefore they need lots of supervision before they are good with new dogs.

Aussies - 6 years ago i got my first Australian Shepherd and now have three plus just had my third litter - wow - so much fun to work with and so easy to raise, play and train - one of their biggest asset is that they seem to have a real softness towards little kids and we have just started working with some Aussie to train for Service Dogs for people in wheelchairs - they have great natural Agility and health and their coat is easy maintenance and they seem to self clean after running around the paddocks or going for a swim. Their coat doesnt seem to have a strong scent even when wet - unlike the GSD who used to really pong out the car. - The main thing with an Aussie is to get them out and give them some good excercise then they are happy to relax around the house.

Every active family should experience an Aussie in their life at some stage - but then I've been totally won over by this great breed.

Edited May 18, 2010 by alpha bet

[poodlefan]

We are not looking for another dog for at least a year yet but I would like to do some research. We would like dog number 2 to be rather friendly with other dogs and especially Jet, I know this has to do with socialization at a young age but one that is known for being rather friendly normally is a plus. Jet is a fox terrier x. We will be going through a breeder this time. We got Jet at a pet shop before we knew anything about them.

We both have different ideas for breeds, so I was thinking there has to be a breed we can compromise on and that we both would be happy with.

OH wants the following breeds:

Husky (I am really unsure if this would suit us)

Bull Terrier

SBT

I want more along the lines of an:

Australian Shepherd

German shepherd

Border collie (I am unsure if I could meet the exercise requirements)

Finnish Lapphunds

The breed we both like are the White Shepherds.

Now I could do 30minutes-1 hour worth of exercise daily. I am happy to do regular grooming and we would definitely do obedience and even do some agility maybe just for fun.

So we are open for suggestions of any type of breed and then we will go from there. Thanks

Whatever you do get a female.

Last two on your OH's list are bull breeds - not renowned for their friendliness towards other dogs. A well bred SBT female might be OK.

Husky? Ask your OH what he likes about them other than their appearance. They can be very challenging dogs to own and their prey drive can be an issue around small dogs. Huskies are not what I'd be recommending for obedience or agility.

Of the breeds you list, an Australian Shepherd would probaby be your best bet.

Given what you've told us about Jet, he is likely to react poorly to overtures from pups - you will need to manage this carefully.

If you read the White Shepherd + CKCS? thread running here, you'll get a feel for some of the issues that a large pup with a small dog can create. They can be managed but you'll need to put a fair bit of effort into it.

[Jetty]

Thanks aplha bet thats exactly what I was after feedback wise

I known all the breeds mentioned are totally different thats why I have no idea what would of suited us best. My first choice is the australian shepherd though!

[Jetty]

We are not looking for another dog for at least a year yet but I would like to do some research. We would like dog number 2 to be rather friendly with other dogs and especially Jet, I know this has to do with socialization at a young age but one that is known for being rather friendly normally is a plus. Jet is a fox terrier x. We will be going through a breeder this time. We got Jet at a pet shop before we knew anything about them.

We both have different ideas for breeds, so I was thinking there has to be a breed we can compromise on and that we both would be happy with.

OH wants the following breeds:

Husky (I am really unsure if this would suit us)

Bull Terrier

SBT

I want more along the lines of an:

Australian Shepherd

German shepherd

Border collie (I am unsure if I could meet the exercise requirements)

Finnish Lapphunds

The breed we both like are the White Shepherds.

Now I could do 30minutes-1 hour worth of exercise daily. I am happy to do regular grooming and we would definitely do obedience and even do some agility maybe just for fun.

So we are open for suggestions of any type of breed and then we will go from there. Thanks

Whatever you do get a female.

Last two on your OH's list are bull breeds - not renowned for their friendliness towards other dogs. A well bred SBT female might be OK.

Husky? Ask your OH what he likes about them other than their appearance. They can be very challenging dogs to own and their prey drive can be an issue around small dogs. Huskies are not what I'd be recommending for obedience or agility.

Of the breeds you list, an Australian Shepherd would probaby be your best bet.

Given what you've told us about Jet, he is likely to react poorly to overtures from pups - you will need to manage this carefully.

If you read the White Shepherd + CKCS? thread running here, you'll get a feel for some of the issues that a large pup with a small dog can create. They can be managed but you'll need to put a fair bit of effort into it.

Thanks Poodlefan. Jet does quiet well with other puppies, we definately would be wary with them together to start off with and would only get a female. Jet is our first priority at the moment so I will try and find one that would get along well with him.

I am not 100% sure what OH likes about the huskies other than there looks so I will ask him. I know they are quiet challenging which is why I would not prefer them.

I will try and find that thread thank you again.

[ellz]

Staffys - Heaps of staffy people here to tell you how they love their staffs and they will hate me being critical - however as a Professional Trainer and in our boarding kennels I find them a dog who stresses when not actually by your side. They are also a dog who can tend to run into you and its like someone has thrown a house brick at you. They are good for older kids but very pushy around smaller kids and I have found you have to be very careful with a staff around other dogs as they can have a short temper and can strike out at strange dog if they dont like them. Therefore they need lots of supervision before they are good with new dogs.

Yes to a dog which needs to be with its people, but like most dogs they do appreciate the occasional "me time" so 24/7 company is NOT an absolutely essential thing provided you give a lot of yourself to the dog when you are with it.

Yes, they are a heavy breed and have been known to cause bloodshed when solid body parts collide with something smaller and/or softer. And they like to play and they play HARD!

I do NOT agree that they are not suitable for smaller children. I have raised two children from birth with Staffords around them and found that almost without exception, the dogs behaved themselves with the smaller children in a manner in which they tend not to with older children or adults. My Staffords taught the younger two how to walk and were frequently seen being dragged around the house and yard by the tail, all with a huge good-natured grin on their faces. BUT a disclaimer here is that as with ANY dog, supervision is essential. However, I'd be more inclined to trust my "Nanny Dogs" with my children than some of the larger, more boisterous Gundog or Working breeds, and that actually includes my American Cocker Spaniels.

As for Staffords having a short temper and striking out at strange dogs. NOTHING could be further from the truth. A well-bred, well-socialised Stafford from a good breeder in the RIGHT HANDS is no more at risk of doing this than a SWF is. In fact, possibly less so. There is an old saying that a good Stafford will not start a fight, but once started, he won't walk away from it. I have found this to be more the point. Part of the "problem" with the Stafford is that they are very intuitive and their handlers need to be alert and aware of what is going on around them, and that includes body language and unseen "signals" from other dogs.

IMO, part of being a good Stafford owner is managing your dog and the situations around you and not placing your dog in a position where it has to defend itself or in a situation that may escalate or be misconstrued.

[Teebs]

Bull Terrier and SBTs can also be very rough pups, you need to be able to keep an eye on them when playing with Jet until they learn not to be, well.. Bullies

[Gemelo]

Agree it sounds like you would definately suit an Aussie.

Both of mine are very social and can go and go but dont destroy if they miss a days walk for whatever reason. Grooming is easy, a brush once or twice a week, and I brush every day when they are dropping coat (but thats moreso because they are inside dogs and keeps hair to a minimum).

Definately suit obedience and agility!

[Monah]

Hi JJ

I agree with PF. Please do a lot of research through the breed threads. Most dogs would be good with a smaller dog, but a rough large pup may really upset your dog and this could need a lot of supervision. The only other thing is are you OK re housing etc? I know you had a thread about maybe having nowhere to live with Jet etc. not long ago, but I think you went back home? Sorry, my memory is not that great. Anyway, it is always a lot harder with EVERYTHING, costs, renting, travelling, staying with friends etc etc etc. with more than one dog. Good luck.xx

[♪♫LMBC♫♪]

Husky (I am really unsure if this would suit us)

Border collie (I am unsure if I could meet the exercise requirements)

I'll give you my advice on these two, since I don't know much about the others.

Huskies are not a breed I ever would have chosen for myself. They are gorgeous dogs but the shedding is insane. They drop coat by the handful and it gets everywhere. Diet is important, they put on weight easily so you need to be careful. And I have no doubt that they would just eat all day if you let them. They don't really bark much but they are very vocal. OH loves it, I find it incredibly irritating and would rather listen to constant barking I guess its a matter of opinion. They are diggers. They have a high prey drive. We've had to go out and rescue possums that are stuck in trees etc because the huskies will just stand there and wait for it to come down (we have nine here so they take turns to watch ) so they either have to stay up there until they starve or they come down and get eaten. I'm not sure how much of an issue this would be if you only had one though.

Border Collies are a fantastic breed (not that I'm biased or anything :D). They have a lot of energy and they can be destructive if they don't get enough stimulation (both physical and mental). They are very intelligent which can be both a pro and a con You can't spoil them, I've learnt that the hard way But they are not really as full on as you might think. Darcy gets most of his stimulation from chasing the huskies around the yard. I don't think they really play with him much but he keeps himself amused running circles around them he loves his ball so I go out and play fetch with him whenever I get a chance. When we lived with my parents he used to get a couple of games of fetch every day plus a walk or run. Now, its more like one game of fetch and the rest of the time he just entertains himself :D He doesn't seem to be suffering too much. He's usually pretty happy just chilling inside with his mummy. When he was an only dog I used to spend a lot more time exercising and training him because he seemed to need it more then.

Really, if you are prepared to put in an hour daily for exercise that would be plenty, as long as the pup is getting mental stimulation as well, thats the harderst part. Darcy loves his Kong but he has figured out how to clean it out in about 5 minutes :D Darcy's biggest problem is he barks at everything. Bird flys over the yard, he barks. He hears a noise next door, he barks. Someone gets home, he barks. He wants you to throw his ball, he barks Lucky I love him.

[Jetty]

Yes the more I hear about the Aussies the more I like. Its just to get OH on the same page.

Hi JJ

I agree with PF. Please do a lot of research through the breed threads. Most dogs would be good with a smaller dog, but a rough large pup may really upset your dog and this could need a lot of supervision. The only other thing is are you OK re housing etc? I know you had a thread about maybe having nowhere to live with Jet etc. not long ago, but I think you went back home? Sorry, my memory is not that great. Anyway, it is always a lot harder with EVERYTHING, costs, renting, travelling, staying with friends etc etc etc. with more than one dog. Good luck.xx

Thanks for the concern Monah

I stated that it would be at least a year minimum at the moment before we get another dog and that was due to us needing our own home first. I just wanted to do alot of research to make sure I was prepared when that time comes.

[corvus]

Oh boy, breed choice thread!

Aussies are really popular! They seem to be a great breed to me. I would always prefer my Lappies 'cause they're a spitz breed and just that little bit less intense and that little bit more independent (plus they have cute little pointy ears and curly tails). I love my Lappie's spitz moments. He gives me just enough of them to appreciate how easy he is to get along with most of the time.

I used to be into GSDs when I was a kid and there was this guy down the road with one called Rebel who seemed to have a relationship with that dog bordering on magical. You'd see him out in the yard lying on the ground with Rebel having quiet personal time and I was like "I want that with a dog". Then I grew up and realised I wanted moments like that, but not all the time! My last dog was a bit obsessed with me and I found it stressful to be honest. I felt like that was a lot of pressure on me somehow. I love my Lappie because I can leave him with anyone and he will be perfectly happy. He won't sulk or get depressed. I can understand why people like that super people-focused temperament, though. Erik is a bit like that and he's so much easier to train than the Lappie. We barely had to teach him a recall at all. He always has an ear out for us.

I think Lappies can be good obedience/agility dogs if you get the right one. I doubt my boy would be very quick, though. It's hard work getting him motivated enough to break out into a trot, let alone a run. Other Lappies compete, though. Lappies I think are a good compromise for people that want a Husky for the look of them but would find one hard to keep up with. Lappies look similar, but I reckon they are prettier (pied racing sibes aside;)) and a good deal easier to train and more reliable and are quite a bit more friendly towards strangers IME as well. They don't need as much exercise, are a little smaller, and a lot more easy going. And cuddly. Nothing like Lappie cuddles. My Lappie is quite possibly one of the sweetest dogs in existence. He's over 2, now, and still not so much as a growl from him. He has the tolerance of a saint and most people declare that he has a lovely nature within about 10 seconds of meeting him. Friendly, but gentle. Too lazy for a real Lapphund, though.

SBTs are pretty freaking friendly, and I guess from what other people on here say a good agility or obedience prospect, but I find the short fuse to be a bit scary. Happy happy happy then suddenly they are picking a fight because some dog told them to go away. I dunno if this is normal, but I have rarely seen a SBT just growl or snap. They seem to dive right in with bites and wrestling. Don't think it would be a good mix for Jet.

I reckon Aussie or Lappie.

[Jetty]

LMBC

to the huskies.

Jet I swear has border collie in him! He loves to play fetch and would go all day if he could and he is to smart for his own good sometimes He sounds like Darcy's evil twin actually.

After all I do for and have done for Jet and the amount of information I have learnt from having him I am really positive I can handle a working breed along with him.

Thanks corvus, I agree that Staffys are probably not the best choice for Jet. I will get some information together about the lappies as well

Edited May 18, 2010 by ♥JJ

[poodlefan]

After all I do for and have done for Jet and the amount of information I have learnt from having him I am really positive I can handle a working breed along with him.

I think you should speak to breeders and owners of working breeds with reasonable drives and spend time with their dogs to ensure that your positivity becomes a certainty.

No agility BC I know would be satisified with a half hour on lead walk a day.

Edited May 18, 2010 by poodlefan

[corvus]

There is an old saying that a good Stafford will not start a fight, but once started, he won't walk away from it. I have found this to be more the point. Part of the "problem" with the Stafford is that they are very intuitive and their handlers need to be alert and aware of what is going on around them, and that includes body language and unseen "signals" from other dogs.

Okay, don't take this wrong because I'm not bagging the breed. We love these guys and OH generally takes about 3 seconds to be on the ground rubbing bellies whenever he sees a SBT. My thing is, I have SO OFTEN seen these guys construe what most dogs would consider warnings as something to fight about. These are what I think of as well socialised dogs. They're at the dog park getting along fine with everyone, but then they'll go too close to a dog that isn't that keen on being jumped on and that dog will growl a warning and it's all on for the SBT. I am relieved these dogs have good bite inhibition and don't cling on like people often say they do. They make their point and leave off. Still scares the bejesus out of me, though. I just find them hard to follow. They are all super happy and then WHAM. What happened? It'll be so quick I didn't even see the body language change. Then back to happy as soon as it's over.

[poodlefan]

They are all super happy and then WHAM. What happened? It'll be so quick I didn't even see the body language change. Then back to happy as soon as it's over.

In my experience the dogs that do this (regardless of breed) are often "super dominant" in terms of body language. On their toes, sometimes pilar erect, tails up and wagging furiously. If a dog rebuffs their display and offers anything other than submissive responses, they react aggressively.

[ellz]

You don't see the body language change Corvus but the Stafford obviously does. The growl may be all it takes for that particular dog to react. I'm not there so I can't say for sure, but to be honest, I personally wouldn't have my dogs offlead in a dog park anyway no matter how much I might trust them myself. So in that case, again it's an owner issue and the owner putting the dog into a situation for which it is not suited IYKWIM.

My dogs play here and play hard amongst themselves.....American Cockers, Greyhound and Staffords and the Pug and Puli when they were here too. But they were supervised and the minute things started getting a bit serious then it was time out and this spoilsport Mum pulled the pin on the fun and games until everybody has calmed down and things have reverted back to the normal status quo.

If I were in a position of having to use dog parks to exercise my Staffords, then I wouldn't be going when there were other dogs there or if I did, my dogs would stay safely on lead.

[WreckitWhippet]

My young child is currently playing with two of our SBT's . They are great with children, infact they are renowned for how they interact with kids of all ages.

They should be a gentleman unless set upon and one that is well bred and raised correctly and socialised ( which does not include leash free , free for alls) are more than capable of living together with another dog and they are certainly capable of being civilised upon meeting other dogs.

My dogs and bitches are the kings and queens of not giving a shit , when it comes to other dogs.

[corvus]

They are all super happy and then WHAM. What happened? It'll be so quick I didn't even see the body language change. Then back to happy as soon as it's over.

In my experience the dogs that do this (regardless of breed) are often "super dominant" in terms of body language. On their toes, sometimes pilar erect, tails up and wagging furiously. If a dog rebuffs their display and offers anything other than submissive responses, they react aggressively.

Might have been it, although that's what kind of throws me. I don't notice anything like that and I normally do if it's there.

I meant the body language change in the Stafford, ellz. I guess I'm used to dogs that do a lot of warning before they get as far as snapping, even. Sometimes it might be really subtle so that most people don't pick it up, and some dogs don't, either, but if I can see it I have time to do something. I've never been able to step in before a SBT gets going. Fair point about the dog parks. I often wonder if they are suitable dog park dogs, really. I guess people tend to think they are because they are so friendly and outgoing. As long as no one treads on their toes they continue to be friendly and outgoing.

Anyway, I don't wanna take the thread off topic. Seems like the OP has probably ruled out SBTs.

[Jetty]

I think OH seems to like the "manly" look of the SBT. My friend has a blue staffy and I do think they are very strong and over powering. Jet has had a bit of socialisation with this one and even though he has never been phased by it she was very in his face and I don't think he could handle that all the time.