Holy Crap that is one cute dog!!! I agree with cthree on this one, it's pretty much impossible to tell someone what kind of dog to get. Everyone has their preferences and requirements that need to be met. One of mine was short hair because I don't like hair all over the house and furniture. My wife wanted a small dog. We ended up getting a Chocolate Minature Weeeeeeeeeeiner Dog.... and he's perfect!!!

 

I was looking at getting a Shiba Inu before I got my second dog. Great dog.



But I would suggest getting a pure breed. I know people say mutts are good dogs too, but with a pure breed you will know what kind of habits that dog has and you will be able match a dog to your lifestyle.

 

I agree with anyone who says to get a boxer. I love those dogs!!

btw, what type of dog is that? the white one.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by kuni
[B]But I would suggest getting a pure breed.

 

I grew up with German Shepherds and would always have gone back to the breed. My wife was concerned over any possible overprotectiveness should we, mistakenly , have a family.

We compromised on a Golden Retriever....



I've got to say she's absolutely gorgeous. Far too clever for her own good and far to affectionate too .



Like others have said.... there's far too many choices and far too much responsability for this forum to decide

 

As a HUGE dog lover, this brings up a couple of interesting issues for me...

I'm not going to suggest a particular breed of dog to anyone. But I will say that this is a decision that should NEVER be taken lightly. As someone who is bringing an animal into a home, I believe you have the obligation to do a ton of research to see what kind of dog fits into your lifestyle, your family, your activity level, the number of people in your home, the amount of people who visit, the amount of time you travel for work...all (and many more) of those things need to be considered before you make the decision to buy a particular breed. It's too easy (and borderline irresponsible) to suggest that someone get this or that dog, when they may totally be the wrong dog for your particular lifestyle...now saying what one's experience with a particular breed is one thing, but that may not work for you...

I hear too many stories about yahoos who rush out and buy a Dalmatian because of some stupid movie and their endless cries from their children wanting it because it's 'cute' ... then after 3 months of that dog being in the home, they have to get rid of it because the dog doesn't fit their lifestyles. This really ticks me off...

So whatever choice you make, make sure that you do a great deal of research into that breed...WAY too many people take this decision too lightly and the dog ends up neglected, depressed, or worse, in a home that is the wrong fit for that animal.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

 

My Vote/Preference depending on your size requirements


Size Breed

Small Pug

Mid Full Size Schnauzer

Big Lionberger

 

I love my Sheperd. I have a Black and Tan. The White Sheperd is not recognized by the AKC (last I checked) if that is important to you.

My Sheperd is smart as a whip (but can be dumb as a box of rocks at times). At 6 years old I taught her to play dead in like 10 minutes with nothing but positive praise. They are very eager to please and great watch dogs. This dog will try it's best to be alpha so if you can't handle a big dog then a GSD is not for you. There are times when you really have to straighten him/her out and if it doesn't respect you you can forget controlling the dog. And an out of control GSD can be pretty frightening.

Mine knows her neighborhood like the end of nose. The minute anything strange comes into her territory she knows it and lets me know with a bark that goes to about 110db. And people respect the breed like you wouldn't believe. They get deceptively big too. People guess mine weighs around 70lbs. They freak when I tell them she is 95lbs.

Here is my baby:
http://www.shutterfly.com/my/osi.jsp?i=67b...e21b31e990ea497

 

I would highly recommend a Jack Russell. I didn't want a dog. My wife talked me into it 2 years ago when we bought our first house, and I don't regret it one bit. We adopted from a shelter...He is very smart and obedient, and hasn't been a bit of trouble. At 30 pounds, he's a good size, also. He's big enough to rough-house with, yet small enough to handle easily. I grew up with a German Shepard as a kid, and they are great dogs also....

-Paul

 

Found a couple of sites on choosing a dog

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/getting-a-dog.html

http://www.pakpets.com.pk/faq.htm