What Breed Should I Get?

[batmanforever]

A miniture schnauzer should fit your requirements - they are great little dogs. You will have to clip them every 5 weeks as they shed very little :)

Thanks! I'll have a look into one.

[hankdog]

Pugs are quite high maintenace with the brachy breed issues. Overheating, needing their skin folds cleaned and I believe they can have skin issues and they need their people around them. There are always exceptions but generally brachy breeds are quite costly to maintain.

[Simply Grand]

Not a breed specific con but more a size related concern... You will have a MUCH better chance of getting a rental or share place to live down the track with a small dog than a larger one. I am hunting at the moment and there are not many pet friendly rentals around and the majority of those that are say 'small pet friendly' or 'small pet considered'.

I'm much older than you but I can tell you it's bloody stressful trying deal with finding somewhere, and despite what parents say things can change (you can read about it in my "I need help with my dogs" thread is you feel like it) but even finding a PAID dog sitter who will take the larger one (and she's smaller than a Goldie) is difficult for me at the moment.

I don't regret having my dogs for a moment and would sacrifice anything I have to to keep them but geez, life is more difficult, stressful and more expensive with them.

[YOLO]

My understanding is that Goldies are very similar to Flatties and other retrievers.

They make excellent family pets, but are not dogs that should be left alone. They crave attention, and are exceptionally intelligent. If you have the time and patience they can be trained to a high standard. However they are also boisterous, and if left alone will become destructive (digging, chewing, etc. Personally, whilst I love retrievers, I would not recommend them for a single person with a busy life.

I don't know too much about Westies, but from what I have heard they are excellent little dogs.

Based only on what I have read, Pugs have a lot of issues with skin and breathing problems.

[LisaCC]

I personally would go a goldie out of all of those for your situation. I'm asthmatic and I find short hair like pugs the worst, I have an Aussie and his fur doesn't affect me at all.

IF you have the commitment to have a dog, provide for it yourself, study/work at the same time, your parents allow it and when the times come be committed to look harder for dog friendly accommodation when you move out, I don't see a reason why you couldn't raise a puppy if you so wish.

I bought my boy at 8 weeks as a full time uni student/ and worker while renting, but I put in a lot of time and effort into my dog. He is a well adjusted 18month old now, but I also know of other students dogs who are left in the backyard or who don't get enough socilisation or training. You will have to make sacrifices, but to me anyway, they aren't so much sacrifices, but an added bonus to my life

I highly suggest you crate train whatever dog you get, it will make renting with an indoor dog a lot easier. My boy is free in the house, but when my landlords recently came for an inspection he was in his crate, he knows to be calm in it and relaxed, and they were so impressed they offered giving me a reference for him for when I move and need to apply for more rentals.

[LisaCC]

Also, when you talk to breeders do be completely honest about your situation. I noticed in my search some breeders switched off as soon as I mentioned I was a student or even my age (21 when I started looking), but plenty were open and understanding when I showed them my commitment.

[denali]

I agree with Terri and Lisa CC-

I too am a uni student with dogs- and will be for the next 7 years () I technically got my first dog when i was 7yo, however i didnt get my OWN dog that i was financially responsible for until grade 10 after he passed away.

Then i got another in grade 12, and another in grade 12 again (through less than ideal circumstances with my grandmother passing away)

However- my dogs are first and foremost in my mind. Always.

I have always had parttime jobs to afford it. Started when i was 10yo as a local dogwalker

I am also lucky to live at home while studying, and when i do have to move- in 3 years- its into a small town where I already have real estate options lined up and my dogs accepted. I am lucky enough to have travelled a bit in the past, and even occasionally now (takes a whole lot of extra planning!), however a lot of my friends will go on weekend trips that I prefer to stay home with my boys. I usually have an agility competition to attend anyways

I have a dog sitting arrangement with another cavalier owner, so for me it is virtually free, but you may also have to factor kennel costs into it if you go away at all.

And i am not much of a partyer to begin with- never have been- but if i were I would definitely have been in for a bit of a shock with all that i 'miss out on'. You can't go anywhere without thinking about the needs of these other creatures- how will they get dinner, do they miss a walk, how long would they be alone etc. And sometimes i just cant justify it.

Also agree about being completely transparent with the breeders- i had some turn me down- but the ones that don't are well worth the hunt. Also consider the cost of owning a dog- as a student will you be able to afford this? <I own three. And i always put their needs above my own. I have never sat down to work it out- but found this:

According to a study commissioned by the Australian Companion Animal Council, the average cost of owning a dog per annum was $1,056 (just over $20 per week)

Also factor into it the actual cost of the dog: $1500+

Desexing: $400 ish

All its supplies (lead, bowl, collar, crate, bed): anywhere from $200 to $2000!

These are likely bad estimations but will give you an idea..

It can be done- i do it. I just want to make sure you know what you're getting into :D

Breed wise: In my experience

Goldens:

Shed, are boisterous but trainable. So can easily be trained to walk nicely. Very happy go lucky. The largest of all the three- would eat more. May be harder to rent a house with in future.

Also it's not really fair- but supplies for bigger dogs cost more. Beds, bowls, collars etc. are all more expensive.

Pugs:

Shed prickly hairs.

Can have breathing difficulties so wouldn't recommend for anyone wanting a super active dog.

I love them though- they are so funny and spunky.

I do know, they are also $1800+ to buy. My older sister has been searching for one for a little while now :)

Westies:

need clipping- $60/$70 every 6 weeks or you can learn to DIY.

Happy to exercise, smaller, shed much less than any of the above if at all?

I do know a few who can be barkers and cheeky- but if trained from a young age that can likely be taught otherwise.

All are different, all have their own traits that both fit and probably dont.

If you can get to a dog show to see all 3 in a day it would likely help you a lot.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make excellent pets ;)

I hope something was useful in this essay. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Happy to help if i can :)

ETA: Also consider the worst- Kokoda for a while was looking like he may have needed knee surgery- $2000+

fortunately with rehab work this was avoided but not without cost

Edited January 11, 2015 by denali

[Purdie]

I am thinking of getting a new puppy in 3 or 4 months. I'm tossing up between a Golden Retriever, Pug and West Highland Terrier. There should at least be one person at the home at all times (not me, though I would be the primary caretaker). We have a smallish-mediumish yard. We are also close to a few parks. I also have asthma, though it's not too severe. Would be able to take it for walks in the morning and evening. Which breed would you recommend? Also, I was wondering if a Golden Retriever might be too powerful/strong for me to control it...

Also take a look at Cocker Spaniels .

[batmanforever]

@LisaCC and @denali

Thanks SOOOO much for the great input guys, it seems like a lot of work, but I believe I can do it!

Edited January 12, 2015 by batmanforever

[batmanforever]

Also take a look at Cocker Spaniels .

Sure thing, thanks!

[Tay.]

Thank you all VERY much! I will keep this all in mind when either choosing a breed or talking to my parents about it. Right now, I'm leaning to a golden retriever. Does anyone know more major cons of the retriever apart from the constant shedding, the health problems and the constant chewing on things?

"My" first dog was a Golden Retriever.

They are lovely dogs, apart from being absolutely gorgeous they are smart (but also a bit dopey :laugh:), super friendly with everyone, active and playful without needing hours and hours of exercise and great family dogs. They really thrive on attention and company... Because everyone in my house works/is in school full time, the dogs are home alone for a lot of time during the day, if Bailey was an only dog I think he would struggle a lot but he has the company of my Border Collie which keeps him happy. As for the walking on a leash, I got my Golden when I was 11 and was able to walk him - whilst the can be strong, mine has always been controllable on lead and walks without any pulling. Though it really does come down the training.

The only real health issues I've had with my boy is he has sensitive skin and gets hot spots at least a couple times a year. They also put weight on really easily so you have to be careful with their diet.

My experience with their coat is it doesn't take a huge amount of grooming to keep it free of tangles and matts but if you want it looking really nice and free of dead hair (to minimise shedding), you'll have to groom them quite regulary - pretty much every day.

Not sure about other Goldens but mine is an absolute sook and cries until he gets what he wants, usually food. He also drools quite a bit (heaps when food is in sight). Food is basically his life.

In short - they are great dogs, I'd reccomended them for first time dog owners providing you can put up with dog hair everywhere, are prepared for regular walks and don't mind your life revolving around a fluffy golden creature. :p

Edited January 12, 2015 by Tay.

[batmanforever]

Thank you all VERY much! I will keep this all in mind when either choosing a breed or talking to my parents about it. Right now, I'm leaning to a golden retriever. Does anyone know more major cons of the retriever apart from the constant shedding, the health problems and the constant chewing on things?

"My" first dog was a Golden Retriever.

They are lovely dogs, apart from being absolutely gorgeous they are smart (but also a bit dopey :laugh:), super friendly with everyone, active and playful without needing hours and hours of exercise and great family dogs. They really thrive on attention and company... Because everyone in my house works/is in school full time, the dogs are home alone for a lot of time during the day, if Bailey was an only dog I think he would struggle a lot but he has the company of my Border Collie which keeps him happy. As for the walking on a leash, I got my Golden when I was 11 and was able to walk him - whilst the can be strong, mine has always been controllable on lead and walks without any pulling. Though it really does come down the training.

The only real health issues I've had with my boy is he has sensitive skin and gets hot spots at least a couple times a year. They also put weight on really easily so you have to be careful with their diet.

My experience with their coat is it doesn't take a huge amount of grooming to keep it free of tangles and matts but if you want it looking really nice and free of dead hair (to minimise shedding), you'll have to groom them quite regulary - pretty much every day.

Not sure about other Goldens but mine is an absolute sook and cries until he gets what he wants, usually food. He also drools quite a bit (heaps when food is in sight). Food is basically his life.

In short - they are great dogs, I'd reccomended them for first time dog owners providing you can put up with dog hair everywhere, are prepared for regular walks and don't mind your life revolving around a fluffy golden creature. :p

Awww, Bailey sounds like an absolute sweetheart! Thanks for the info though! So, your dogs are at home alone until around 4 in the afternoon? And when did you start training him not to pull on the lead? And, how did you train him on the lead?

[LisaCC]

Thank you all VERY much! I will keep this all in mind when either choosing a breed or talking to my parents about it. Right now, I'm leaning to a golden retriever. Does anyone know more major cons of the retriever apart from the constant shedding, the health problems and the constant chewing on things?

"My" first dog was a Golden Retriever.

They are lovely dogs, apart from being absolutely gorgeous they are smart (but also a bit dopey :laugh:), super friendly with everyone, active and playful without needing hours and hours of exercise and great family dogs. They really thrive on attention and company... Because everyone in my house works/is in school full time, the dogs are home alone for a lot of time during the day, if Bailey was an only dog I think he would struggle a lot but he has the company of my Border Collie which keeps him happy. As for the walking on a leash, I got my Golden when I was 11 and was able to walk him - whilst the can be strong, mine has always been controllable on lead and walks without any pulling. Though it really does come down the training.

The only real health issues I've had with my boy is he has sensitive skin and gets hot spots at least a couple times a year. They also put weight on really easily so you have to be careful with their diet.

My experience with their coat is it doesn't take a huge amount of grooming to keep it free of tangles and matts but if you want it looking really nice and free of dead hair (to minimise shedding), you'll have to groom them quite regulary - pretty much every day.

Not sure about other Goldens but mine is an absolute sook and cries until he gets what he wants, usually food. He also drools quite a bit (heaps when food is in sight). Food is basically his life.

In short - they are great dogs, I'd reccomended them for first time dog owners providing you can put up with dog hair everywhere, are prepared for regular walks and don't mind your life revolving around a fluffy golden creature. :p

Awww, Bailey sounds like an absolute sweetheart! Thanks for the info though! So, your dogs are at home alone until around 4 in the afternoon? And when did you start training him not to pull on the lead? And, how did you train him on the lead?

Collar and lead training should start ASAP in my opinion. If you search through the puppy and training sub forums you will come across lots of useful advice.

[persephone]

hi again :)

BEFORE you get a new pup/dog is the BEST time to start learning- researching breed is important - however, MORE important is learning wht to expect :) WHY does dog do x,y,z ... how do I understand what pup is telling me ? How do I teach dog to come/sit/walk/not jump...

The following links are full of info - much of it useful - some not applicable- but all of interest, and handy to store away , just in case!

CLICK

CLICK

CLICK

[Tay.]

Thank you all VERY much! I will keep this all in mind when either choosing a breed or talking to my parents about it. Right now, I'm leaning to a golden retriever. Does anyone know more major cons of the retriever apart from the constant shedding, the health problems and the constant chewing on things?

"My" first dog was a Golden Retriever.

They are lovely dogs, apart from being absolutely gorgeous they are smart (but also a bit dopey :laugh:), super friendly with everyone, active and playful without needing hours and hours of exercise and great family dogs. They really thrive on attention and company... Because everyone in my house works/is in school full time, the dogs are home alone for a lot of time during the day, if Bailey was an only dog I think he would struggle a lot but he has the company of my Border Collie which keeps him happy. As for the walking on a leash, I got my Golden when I was 11 and was able to walk him - whilst the can be strong, mine has always been controllable on lead and walks without any pulling. Though it really does come down the training.

The only real health issues I've had with my boy is he has sensitive skin and gets hot spots at least a couple times a year. They also put weight on really easily so you have to be careful with their diet.

My experience with their coat is it doesn't take a huge amount of grooming to keep it free of tangles and matts but if you want it looking really nice and free of dead hair (to minimise shedding), you'll have to groom them quite regulary - pretty much every day.

Not sure about other Goldens but mine is an absolute sook and cries until he gets what he wants, usually food. He also drools quite a bit (heaps when food is in sight). Food is basically his life.

In short - they are great dogs, I'd reccomended them for first time dog owners providing you can put up with dog hair everywhere, are prepared for regular walks and don't mind your life revolving around a fluffy golden creature. :p

Awww, Bailey sounds like an absolute sweetheart! Thanks for the info though! So, your dogs are at home alone until around 4 in the afternoon? And when did you start training him not to pull on the lead? And, how did you train him on the lead?

Yep, on weekdays they're home alone until around 4 - it's not an ideal situation but they cope.

Training started asap. I'd reccomended joining a obedience club of some sort as it's not only helpful for the training of your dog, but a great socialisation opportunity for puppies which is important. :)

[batmanforever]

Thank you all VERY much! I will keep this all in mind when either choosing a breed or talking to my parents about it. Right now, I'm leaning to a golden retriever. Does anyone know more major cons of the retriever apart from the constant shedding, the health problems and the constant chewing on things?

"My" first dog was a Golden Retriever.

They are lovely dogs, apart from being absolutely gorgeous they are smart (but also a bit dopey :laugh:), super friendly with everyone, active and playful without needing hours and hours of exercise and great family dogs. They really thrive on attention and company... Because everyone in my house works/is in school full time, the dogs are home alone for a lot of time during the day, if Bailey was an only dog I think he would struggle a lot but he has the company of my Border Collie which keeps him happy. As for the walking on a leash, I got my Golden when I was 11 and was able to walk him - whilst the can be strong, mine has always been controllable on lead and walks without any pulling. Though it really does come down the training.

The only real health issues I've had with my boy is he has sensitive skin and gets hot spots at least a couple times a year. They also put weight on really easily so you have to be careful with their diet.

My experience with their coat is it doesn't take a huge amount of grooming to keep it free of tangles and matts but if you want it looking really nice and free of dead hair (to minimise shedding), you'll have to groom them quite regulary - pretty much every day.

Not sure about other Goldens but mine is an absolute sook and cries until he gets what he wants, usually food. He also drools quite a bit (heaps when food is in sight). Food is basically his life.

In short - they are great dogs, I'd reccomended them for first time dog owners providing you can put up with dog hair everywhere, are prepared for regular walks and don't mind your life revolving around a fluffy golden creature. :p

Awww, Bailey sounds like an absolute sweetheart! Thanks for the info though! So, your dogs are at home alone until around 4 in the afternoon? And when did you start training him not to pull on the lead? And, how did you train him on the lead?

Yep, on weekdays they're home alone until around 4 - it's not an ideal situation but they cope.

Training started asap. I'd reccomended joining a obedience club of some sort as it's not only helpful for the training of your dog, but a great socialisation opportunity for puppies which is important. :)

Thanks!

[indigirl]

I have a golden who has just turned 9 yrs old. She arrived at 8 weeks and she and has been hard work since the day she arrived. She is s beautiful girl, well bred and great tenperament. However she digs like she is possessed, shreds toys books and anything else she can snaffle off the kitchen bench.

She has always been very demanding and opinionated. She sheds like you wouldnt believe even when groomed regularly (she was shown for the first 4 yrs). Smart dog and learned commands easily but hard to live with due to her demanding nature and destructive behaviour. Great with other dogs, great with cats too. Too strong for kids and too boisterous for toddlers.

Not all goldens are as difficult as mine. But many are. A golden can be a force to be reckoned with. I wouldnt recommend anyone get a golden pup unless you are comitted to spending oodles of time with them. They can't live outside they need to be indoor dogs snd be with their ppl so this has to be taken into consideration.

I doubt parents who are not doggy ppl would cope with a golden pup.

[batmanforever]

Ok, now, I am to find a breed, then hopefully, within a few months, start looking for a puppy. The puppy has to be a small or medium sized. And I'm thinking about a Pug or Cocker Spaniel (English). I thought of a Westie before, but I have a rabbit and am thinking of getting another, and Westie's and small animals don't mix. So, if there were any other breeds any one could suggest, that'd be great.

[raineth]

Ok, now, I am to find a breed, then hopefully, within a few months, start looking for a puppy. The puppy has to be a small or medium sized. And I'm thinking about a Pug or Cocker Spaniel (English). I thought of a Westie before, but I have a rabbit and am thinking of getting another, and Westie's and small animals don't mix. So, if there were any other breeds any one could suggest, that'd be great.

Go to a show and see what appeals to you. As you say, you might want to rule the terriers out, but there are loads of other breeds. Exhibitors usually love to talk about their dogs and they'll be able to tell you whether they'll suit or not.