Dogs

[Speedbird]

When selecting a new member of the family, things have to be taken into consideration that the OP doesn't include.
They may "want" Lab. But it might not be best.
Let's assume that they have the space and time for a large dog with large energy needs.
I prefer German Shepherds and if my life style would allow, I would have one like I have had in the past.
But it doesn't.
Now, my wife was raised with a Boxer and after that dog passed and the children were older my wife's family had two Chihuahuas.
You might consider a Boxer.
A Chi is not a dog for a small child. My wife wanted one for my son when he was growing up.
And knowing what I know now, I wish that I had allowed it.
They CAN be great little companion dogs. Low maintenance and very loyal. (Tend to bond to one person).
Yet, they are not for small children.
As with any dog, it is preferable to see the parents.
While I know that with rescue dogs it is not possible to see the parents, it is very important with Chihuahua puppies.
The bottom line, I think, is that we need to separate our wants from our needs.
And the dog's too.

 

[Pops1967GTX]

 

[PRND21]

Labs and lab mixes are hard to beat. Had a black lab, golden retriever mix years ago, best watch dog I ever had. Our yellow lab just died a year ago, really miss her. Wife picked up a 3 year old border collie rescue dog about 10 months ago. Very smart, but very hyper. Next dog will definitely be another lab or lab mix. It all boils down to how much time you can spend with the new dog (pup) for the first year or two. With a pup its critical to spend time with them and be consistent with what you are trying to teach them.

 

[steve from staten island]

Thanks to all. This they will have to decide because it is a big decision. My son has a Chihuahua and she is not good with small children, in fact thats how he got her from people who had a child and had to get rid of the dog. She is great with older kids who dont bother her as well as adults.

 

[steve from staten island]

I'll never forget i was attacked by a very big very vicious Shepard while i was doing concrete work for someone at a local Synagogue. I saw the dog rushing me and i grabbed the first thing i could get my hands on which was a large bush broom. That dog and i squared off and the SOB was trying to conner me. When i stoped being afraid and got mad i started to fend him back with that broom and try as he might he couldn't get to me. I was trying to get to a shovel and if i did that dog would have been no more. Finally the owner called him off and i really tore into him for not keeping that animal behind a locked fence. We dont want a animal like that.

 

[Glenwood]

Doing a service call at a mansion one day, I was confronted by their airdale terrier when i stepped out of my truck and put my pouch on. Scary. There was no way he was letting me near the front door as he stood on the step. Hand on hammer i called the boss.
I found out later that crazy dog went through a plate glass window after the mailman. The general contractor said later that the dog was locked up but got loose one day and bit one of his guys working in a section of this 21000 sqft house. There are crazy dogs in probably every breed but that one is off my list lol.

 

[Kern Dog]

I had a black lab pit bull mix, by far the best dog I've ever had, would protect the home and owner. Could let her out the front doors unattended and she wouldn't leave the property. House trained since the first day I got her.

In around 2002/2003 my older brother bought a Chocolate Lab/Pit bull mix. Great dog and not too big. The Pit Bull side made him shorter than a standard Labrador. "Buddy" grew up following Wayne everywhere. When my brother got sick, the wife and I would take Buddy in for a few weeks at a time. He integrated well with the other three dogs we had here. My brothers condition got worse and when he knew he was nearing the end, he asked us to take Buddy for good. Buddy was 8 years old then. That was in 2010. Buddy is still here, graying in the face like an old man. We still love him and see him as a living reminder of my older brother Wayne.

 

[67Satty]

If you adopt a dog from a rescue organization they will have had the dog long enough to get a feel for their temperament and how they do with kids, other dogs, cats, etc...

Also, they will have any health issues sorted out before they will adopt out the dog and be very upfront about any ongoing medical issues that may need to be dealt with in the future. If you adopt from a shelter that part is kind of a crap shoot as I am finding out the hard way with a cat we got from a local humane society.

There are rescue organizations for just about every breed you might be interested in. You can usually pick and choose between the several dogs of a certain breed they have available to adopt and you be helping to do something about he millions of pets that are euthanized every year in this country.

 

[mmissile]

I love all the Huskies we've had, but wouldn't suggest one for most people. They're high-upkeep and not for those who can't always be the alpha.

This thread is equal to asking what caliber pistol a person should buy.

 

[dieseldazzle]

I'll never forget i was attacked by a very big very vicious Shepard while i was doing concrete work for someone at a local Synagogue. I saw the dog rushing me and i grabbed the first thing i could get my hands on which was a large bush broom. That dog and i squared off and the SOB was trying to conner me. When i stoped being afraid and got mad i started to fend him back with that broom and try as he might he couldn't get to me. I was trying to get to a shovel and if i did that dog would have been no more. Finally the owner called him off and i really tore into him for not keeping that animal behind a locked fence. We dont want a animal like that.

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. I can understand your apprehension with choosing a German shepherd. They aren't for timid folks and require time and commitment. They are also in adolescence for about 24 months.

Regardless of what dog you choose please don't raise an animal like the one that "attacked" you. Has nothing to do with the breed brother.

 

[Sonny Black]

this guy is 1 1/2 years old......all he wants to do is please

 

[steve from staten island]

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. I can understand your apprehension with choosing a German shepherd. They aren't for timid folks and require time and commitment. They are also in adolescence for about 24 months.

Regardless of what dog you choose please don't raise an animal like the one that "attacked" you. Has nothing to do with the breed brother.

No i like Shepherd's not just idiot owners who dont mind there own animals. I was young and strong then,what if it was a older person or a younger child that day. I would never intentionally raise a vicious dog. I have encountered a few nasty animals mostly dogs used to protect business's

 

[Dans 68]

I have two German Shepherds (rescues), and my brother two Labs. Both breeds are great - loving to all, playful, and protective. No matter the breed you get go to training with them. Life is a lot easier when there are boundaries that the dog knows. And I have found that my Germans are too smart for their own good. But in a good way.

Dan

 

[Pops1967GTX]

 

[Budnicks]

There are no bad breeds of dogs just
ill-informed or bad/lazy owners,
that don't put in the necessary time,
{yes you have to "actually" spend time with them too, puppies need stimulus & play, walks time daily, can't just
throw any dog out back, pay no attention to them or put them on a chain & expect them to be well trained dog}
time necessary for the proper training,
regardless of the breed !!

My labs have mostly been mellow dogs,
any dog can be trained...

My pup Elvis is 19 months now, he's doing great...

Labs seem to run between 80 & 100 lbs average
Females tend to be a bit smaller "mostly"

Make sure you get a pup from a reputable breeder,
if you chose to go that rout, to get a purebred...

IMO if you don't know about dogs & actually training them,
I'd highly suggest you go thru professional training with your puppy,
what ever breed you chose, It's money well spent...

I am partial to labs too, best breed IMO, I've had Shepherds, Dobermans
Various different Terriers, Belgian Malinois, my family has had Shepherds & labs
always growing up too...

My grandfather had Dobermans that were psycho

Different breeds have different health issues,
different breed have different exercise & training needs

you need to do some reasearch

Seeing the parents & knowing a breeder is great advice too...

There are no bad dogs, just bad owners...

 

[oldbee]

46 yrs of marriage to an animal lover(me too)and if you can stand the hair--Golden Retrievers... First two were so well behaved the wife took them to Children's Hospital where the rules are very strict.(tolerate ear pulling,wheelchairs rolling up close,banging pans,etc.)Sweeper has to be run everyday. Absolutely love kids and get along very well with other dogs.

 

[747mopar]

this guy is 1 1/2 years old......all he wants to do is please
View attachment 386290 View attachment 386291

Now that's a good looking pup.

 

[747mopar]

I don't think it matters the breed, you'll hear good and bad about most. Myself... I want a breed that is naturally protective, loves kids, loves attention and is big enough to do something about it. I've always loved my Rotts and never had any trouble but it does seam that males tend to be more laid back in most breeds. Here's the new pup, Bull mastiff/Rott mix.

 

[Beekeeper]

We've had three labs but two now my old pal kicked the bucket a few months ago. They are great with children and all around top notch family pet and you don't ever have to worry about them being cold if they live outside. They bark when strangers show up but wouldn't bite a flea
and very smart.

 

[68gtxman]