Is it a good idea to get another dog of the same breed after my 'dream dog' has died?
I'm really torn about this. My 'once in a lifetime' dog is gone, and I miss him so much. On one hand, I'd love to have another. But I worry that I'd always compare any dog of the same breed to the one I loved and lost, and would find fault with it. Ideas, thoughts, suggestions? Thanks.
Opinions on the dog breed - American Bullnese.?
The Bullnese is a combination of the French Bulldog and Pekingese. The French Bulldog generally is not a 'yappy' breed but they are more athletic than some other companion type dogs and need a lot of excersise. Unfortunately the French Bulldog tends to have several health issues, including respiratory and joint problems, both of which may make it difficult to properly excersise the dog. The Pekingese has been bred for its unnaturally short face and upturned nose. This makes the breed prone to pinched nostrils and excess tissue in the throat which can cause significant respiratory problems. The genetic tendency towards respiratory issues coming from both parent breeds would make me very suspicious of any puppy I looked at. Both breeds are reknowned for their stubborness. They can be very loyal dogs, but they need an owner who will be the alpha of the pack or else the dogs will take over. Hope this helps.
Calling all dog experts! What breed in your opinion would make a good 'pub dog'?
I'm opening a pub which means I will finally have enough free time to own my own dog - I have had hounds and a dalmation as a child but from my experience they can be a bit too frisky and high maintenance for a pub environment - any suggestions welcome!
What's a good dog breed for beginners?
I personally do NOT suggest Labs or Goldens. They are WAY too over bred due to their popularity, and so they have a number of problems ranging from temperament to physical issues. What I would suggest is going to your local shelter, look at each dog and pick out a few your are really interested. This can be something that you can do over a few weeks, don't rush it if you don't find a few you really like right away. Once you have a few spend a good amount of time with each. In the end you'll know which dog to get. Then ask about the dog's history and breed, found out as much as you possibly can and do your breed research, then you'll be ready to adopt. Good luck!
What dog breeds go well with pitbulls?
We have a female pitbull mix that is about 5 years old, and we were looking to get another dog. She is very nice and friendly, and is not aggressive. What breeds of dogs, along with an age and gender (if possible) will get along well with our dog?
Which dog breed should we get?
Most breeds that are termed "protective" fall into two sub-groups: watch dogs that are barker alarm dogs (only) and those that ("may" or may not) actually stand their ground at at least threaten to bite, if challenged or if they perceive a threat to: you, the home or yard. (This can become PROBLEMATIC - if you have children.) Say you get a GSD who is INDEED protective, and challenges everyone FIERCELY - (until called off, or put up) who comes to the door. This might work fine for a stranger or a UPS delivery - but NOT WILL NOT BE FINE if it is a kid that has come to play with your children (and get the shi# scarred out of it) or walks into the back yard (to get a ball) and gets bitten, for trespassing into the dog's territory he is "protecting". A lot of protective or guard-dog breeds are a problem for your homeowner's insurance policy - so start there, and see if you are prohibited from owning certain breeds. Know that a burglar alarm system is more reliable protection, than any dog. A true guard dog, costs THOUSANDS and needs to be BOUGHT (as an adult) from companies specializing in such - and they come already TRAINED. You need to do MORE RESEARCH. IMO, you do not need anything more than an alarm barker. Labs can be that. They are good with children but are EXTREMELY active HUNTING DOGS, so they not always advisable for any kids (under age 6) who can be easily knocked off their feet. The book, "The Right Dog For You" compares and contrasts all AKC breeds (that existed when written) on 16 characteristics and I think you ought to look into a NUMBER of breeds more closely. Both the Standard Poodle and the Lab are easy to train but unlike the lab, the poodle sheds FAR LESS (than most breeds) and is better for anyone with allergies, and does generally weigh LESS than the Lab. Standards are very sociable with children and are great alarm barkers and moderately protective. However, both breeds have a NUMBER of health problems so you must buy from a responsible breeder who is doing as much genetic testing as possible, to prevent or rule out health issues in their breeding stock, before having a litter. The Vizsla is not very protective AT ALL, side from being a good alarm barker but is very good with children and easy to train and is remarkably healthy. The Brittany and English Springer Spaniel are also alarm barkers, good with children and easy to train but have more coat than the Vizsla.