What do you think?
As most of you know our dog Tucker passed away about a month ago. Ever since the boys have been begging for a new puppy. Who knows, maybe Santa will bring one.
I saw this video on my good friend Randy’s blog. I think I would be ready to get a puppy if I had this guy’s touch.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCnAjel02lM&hl=en&fs=1]
So I need your suggestions. If you were getting a dog what kind of dog would you get?
Can’t tell you what kind of dog to get. All of mine were strays that either showed up at the house or we found walking somewhere dangerous (like Murfressboro Rd near the airport).
They were the best, most loving dogs.
If you aren’t going with a breeder, I would suggest going to the Nashville Animal Control off Harding Pl. Alot of people are letting go of really good dogs because they can no longer afford to take care of them. Alot of those dogs are going to be put to sleep because they can’t find homes.
I can tell you what not to get. DO NOT GET AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD. THEY WILL DESTROY YOUR HOUSE INSIDE AND OUT. But, they are very sweet, loving dogs at the same time.
Let me add that our Aussie is from a shelter, so she’s not a purebred. It might be whatever she is mixed with causes her destructive temperment.
Pete, I have the solution. Plus you can be part of solving an unplanned pregnancy. T.J.’s Malti-Chi visited our neighbor’s Corgi at the wrong time or the right time, depending on whether you’re looking at it from the dog’s perspective.
To make a long story short, the vet says he sees at least four on the x-ray. This could be the answer to your prayers. lol
They will either be the cutest or ugliest puppies in history, since the parents are so ugly they’re cute.
So……..keep this in mind.
Jack Russell Terrier….FO SHO!
That’s one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen!
We have a Lab mix…she’s seriously hyper but LOVES playing and running around with our boys! I think any kind of Lab is a great family dog, they’re just very high maintenance!
Wow–this is getting around pretty fast–and it ought to. I saw it last week from a different source, too. We watched it over and over and laughed so much! What a great video — appreciate the person who started it! Oh, and I’m talking about babies on my blog today, although not of the four-footed kind…lol!!
The next time we are in the “market” for a dog, I plan to seek adoption through a shelter or rescue. There are several in Nashville via google….just fyi. And there are also rescues for specific breeds.
golden retriever. all the way. good, smart and loyal dogs.
That is awesome!
Basset Hound would be my vote. We have had ours for 5 years and they are low maintenance and very loving. We got ours from a rescue when our son was 6 months and he was terrific with both our kids. Sorry to hear about your dog Pete – good luck in your search.
We have a Bichon Frise and we love him. He is great with our kids and beat of all he doesn’t shed which is awesome. And he also doesn’t smell. We cut him like a puppy not those stupidshow dogs. You may pay a few hundred up front but it’s worth a lifetime of no shedding
As much as I love my Maltese, I’d go with a big dog for your kids to rumble with. Although my brother used to have a beagle that couldn’t have been sweeter with his kids and was great to have in the house. And when we’d get him worked up he’d do that great beagle throw-your-head-back-and-howl. So cute.
And that video was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. I am going to admit that I sang my dog to sleep when he was a puppy. I think a professional would call it transference, but I call it being single and childless
sara
http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com
Dude. With 3 boys, stay away from the small, yappy dogs. You have enough commotion in the house as it is. You need a bigger breed that can withstand the chasing and abuse from the boys, and keep coming back for more. You need a dog that can withstand some weather when you put it outside for chewing a hole in the leather sofa. If you go small, definately go Jack Russell Terrorist. They will keep you on your toes, and pee on everything.
The rugged Labrador is your best choice and easy to train if you can live with getting them through the chewing on everything phase, AGAIN (Go Chocolate Male with Block Head). Golden is a great dog, but way too much hair maintenance. They ARE very loyal though, like the lab.
If you are looking for a change from the lab, bigger dog, protective when it HAS to be, low maintenance, and usually low percentage of health problems, go with the Weimeriner. My experience with these dogs has been great. Easy to train. Chick magnets. People love the look, feel, and temperment of these dogs. They are awesome pets.
If you go with the lab, can I train and hunt with it, while you pay to feed it and maintain its vet bills?
Trout-N-Ducks
Boxer. Awesome dogs. Loyal, sweet… and apparently fall asleep when you sing (according to this video). I was going to say boxer before I saw the video too!
Either that or a cocker spaniel. Keep them cut short and they seriously are solid, sweet tempered dogs.
We have a Border Collie mix we adopted 2 1/2 years ago. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds is her name. Absolute BEST dog in the world. I recommend Proverbs 12:10 Rescue. Brandi should have a brochure on it. Lavonne goes to the Dickson campus.
Also, go to taprootphotography.com to their blog & see recent posts, look for Lucy In The Sky. That’s my Lucy. Turn up the volume.
You guys are really tearing apart my pitch for the Malti/Chi/ Corgi mix. I’ll provide pictures. It should be any day now. lol
@Tommy Sircy, I’ll be waiting on that pic!
Have you tried the breed finder tools online? They are really neat. There are several out there on the web, just Google ‘breed finder’. There are questions about what your lifestyle is like and what kind of traits you want in the dog.
I used to want a Weimaraner until they never came up on these lists. I researched the breed a little more and found out that they LOVE to bring dead things to their owners. Something about being bred for hunting. Yikes. I still think Weims are beautiful and brilliant, but I don’t want to step over birds and squirrels every time I go to the car.
BTW, if you decide you want a Weimaraner, I know a good breeder.
That is SO CUTE!!!!!
Tell Santa to fill his sleigh with a very thankful dog from the animal shelter.
Great Dane. Seriously the best dogs ever. Surprisingly don’t need lots of room or exercise, and are the sweetest, most loving dogs in the world.
Hey! I have three kids, a 2 year old and 2 one year old (that is a WHOLE other comment…) and we have a 3 year old great dane… She is the BEST dog EVER… they are gentle and sweet and so great with the kids… plus, when you are walking your kids and have this HUGE dog – it is a show stopper BUT no one would dare touch you – so added security too!
Well we raise boxers. We love them. The make our family complete. They are exciting, silly, they love hard and play ever harder. But I will tell you, they are part of the family and hate to be left out. They are emotional, get their feelings hurt and can be destructive if left home too long. We believe they are puppies till they are 2-3 years old and should never be alone. We do everything in two’s. They are just like our kids.
We just got a 5 month old German Shepherd pup. They are one of the smartest dogs out there. You do have the hair and chewing thing to deal with, but they more than make up for it. They are easy to train, love their families and can give all of your boys a run for their money!
Breeding does count. We prefer the German blood line as opposed to the American. Pic’s on my blog!
That was THE CUTEST THING EVA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get a horse….get a horse!!!
We’re a Great Dane family. Yes they’re big but they are laaaaazy and actually eat less than Labs and Shepherds (once they’re full grown). They’re great family dogs and get along wonderfully with kids. Plus who’s going to mess with your kids when there’s a Dane standing watch?! Love, love, love our dogs!!
Pete,
Don’t know about the dog thang – we’ve got three working our way to two. Just know that I’m praying for you and Crosspoint tomorrow. Unwrap that baggage, Bro! Peace.
Awwwwwwwwwww. That is the sweetest video ever….I just called my kids in to see it. Awesome. Get a dog asap! I am thinking of getting one myself (for the kids really) I am leaning toward German Shepherd.
Newfoundland! With three boys the perfect friend for them!
We have two boys (almost 6 and almost 3) and two boxers (4 and 10). My sister has a baby girl (8 months) and two boxers (4 and 9). And my dad grew up with boxers. They are the most tolerant dogs I have ever seen. My kids are rough with them and my niece pulls on their ears all the time. They are lovable and sweet and athletic. My 10 yr female boxer still keeps up with her 4 yr old daughter in the backyard! And though they shed, their hair isn’t long (like labs and retrievers), so it’s not as noticeable. We love our dogs and probably will always be a boxer family!
A German Shepherd pup.
We had one and he was a great dog, very good with kids, great protector, and great pet.
We had a psycho Golden Retriever at the same time that learned how to get out of the fence and we lost our German Shepherd. Never found him. He was a great part of our family.
Schnauzer – any size (mini, medium, and full). No shedding, great temperment, easily trained, doesn’t bark much. Good dog.
Rat Terriers are great too, but you’d better be ready for high-energy dog. They also shed a little, but they are super smart and really great with kids.
Golden Retriever! Check out the GR puppy videos on YouTube and you will fall in love with the breed!
We’ve had 3 and we now have a Golden/Mutt mix but he has the Golden good looks and sweet personality!
I also highly recommend getting a dog from a shelter! They are so grateful for their new homes and their family.
Good Luck!
we’ve always gotten our dogs for the shelter and the absolute best one was a wheaten terrier mix. she was fantastic. and i’ve heard the purebred are wonderful!!
I also have a Bichon Frise, Teddy, and he is the sweetest dog, and they love everyone and everything. Very friendly, loving, playful, and sooooooo cute! Although with all the boys, I’m not sure. The no shedding part is a bonus, but with that comes monthly grooming bills! Let us know what you decide! As for the rat terrier, we also have one of those. Very hyper and the bark is not fun to be around!
OH, if you want a big dog again, look into Bernese Mountain dogs. They are also incredibly smart and loving and sweet, but do shed a lot!
I can’t possibly recommend a breed without knowing things like the activity level of your family, the size of the outdoor run you have, etc. Although I would gladly offer my service in this area if you would care to discuss it via e-mail.
The important thing is NOT to buy from a pet store, on-line ad, newspaper add, or backyard breeder. If championship bloodlines and dog shows aren’t part of your personal equation, then PLEASE look into a shelter or rescue dog. If you decide on a particular breed the go to your favorite search engine and look for the name of your breed and the word “rescue” and check out the results. EVERY breed has a national rescue organization (or at least a confederation of regional rescues).
There is little on this earth as precious as the love of a rescued dog. And you’ll save the life of at least one dog that is in a shelter counting down the hours to death.
If you don’t know why this is so important, please read my blog on the subject here.
Good luck!
Chocolate Lab. They are the best. You dont see many of them around. You either see black or yellow.
We had a Goldent Retriever and Jack Russell growing. Both then to shed. I have fond memories of having to vaccum the steps ever Saturday morning sucking up clumps of hair.
We have two dogs. The first we adopted from a shelter for Christmas and honestly, she’s the best dog I’ve ever had. She’s a black Sheppard/lab mix. She’s protective when she needs to be and loving when she doesn’t need to scare someone off (she sounds FIERCE). The other is a blond lab – she was the runt of the litter and she’s super sweet but neurotic and dumb too.
I am a big believer that boys need big dogs around to rustle and tumble with. Can’t wait to see what kind of dog you guys get.
holy cow, that video was amazing.
i would get a St Bernard again, but i don’t recommend it for this climate. they don’t do so well in the summer. golden retrievers are great, too.
Get a cat!
The best family dog that I have ever owned was my basset hound, Lucy. However, there are some breeds of bassets that are prone to cancer or cysts. I also blame some of the cancer in any dog, here lately, on the dog food manufacturing companies. My dad said that none his dogs, as a boy, ever got cancer because they ate table scraps. Makes me wonder?? So, I feed my new dog (he’s a rescue mutt) table scraps. If you can find a breeder that has a basset without a history of cancer or cysts…I would highly recommend getting one. Mine never minded a child petting or pulling on her. She was quiet, unless the pizza delivery guy showed up or a stranger. She was perfect for an apartment because she was a medium size (I couldn’t step on her), but she had the bark of a Great Dane (a perk for a security guard dog)! They look like they are lazy, but they actually like to play and yet, they are not as hyper as a terrier. Good Luck!
Dogs as pets are so specific to an individual family and what they are looking for in a pet. As a dog owner of dalmations, golden retrievers, muts, and a Westie the last 8 years they all hold special places in our hearts for the time they were/are a part of the family. So as a family decide what you want in a pet, study pet personalities and then hope that pet fits into the personality or completely take a chance and rescue a dog. Anyway you go, dogs are like having extra children with a little less need for nuturing but a whole lot of need for caretaking. They are also a way for children to learn responsibility. Good Luck!
Hi Pete: To be honest…I would go with the Jack Russell Terrier…they come in mighty handy for getting boys up in the morning and they are great watch dogs. They have real personality and they are easy care…once you get past the “marking stage” (peeing on everything) stage.
top 3: Black Lab, German Shepard, Golden Retriever
I had a GR growing up,and loved her, Andrew raised a G.Sheperd and she was such a sweet dog and was like a brother to Him.
And our last dog was part B.Lab and i loved him!! B.Labs are so pretty too, or a chocolate lab !!! Good Luck —wish i was getting a puppy …Andrew still says no
What a great video! My suggestion is a Shelty, I had mine for 16 years she was a great dog for my daughter and for our family. A brilliant, loving, faithful friend
chocolate lab. that’s what my wife wants. i’m talking her down for at least for the first year of marriage, but she’s getting relentless. i don’t know how much longer i can hold out.
I am soooooo partial to labs, my childhood memories all include our black lab Maggie & yellow lab Sadie…I say get one of each, Black, chocolate & yellow-for each of the boys!!
If you do decide to get one…I hope you check out a shelter! Good luck!
Oh, and if you need a dog-sitter, call me!
English Bulldog
Rescued on that rescued me…
http://twenty-onedays.blogspot.com/2008/07/healthy-obsession.html
They are great with Kids and as you see in the video full of personality.
Golden Retriever!! They are great with kids…gentle and very protective…have had 2 and each of my 3 grown kids have their own special goldens…Laura…who goes to CP Nashville does Golden Retriever rescues….and right now has Mr. Buddy who is precious!
@Anna, not on your life!!!!!
We just got a new German Shepherd this year. She’s going to be a BIG dog, but she’s so good with our boys!
no question… English Bull Terrier. Its the “Spud Mckenzie” dog from years back, the Target puppy, with the target over its eye. People (girls) are usually like, “They’re ugly! It looks like its smiling, or a shark.” That’s why I want one! i could never have a smiling shark, this is the next best thing!
Seriously though, they are very loyal, obedient dogs. A friend for life kind of dog. Also, its not a “cat-dog”. One you brush and tie ribbons in its hair. That is not a dog, its a cat. This is a Dog Dog. Those are my 2 cents…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull_Terrier
I’ve seen the video and I love it…as far as the dog is concerned, I think you need to visit an animal shelter and then let your heart decide. Just remember though, come home with one…
Get a snauzer .. we have had 2 and they are loyal and playful!
My Vote: NORFOLK TERRIER
http://puppydogweb.com/gallery/norfolkterriers/norfolkterreir_haynes.jpg
I’ve had dogs all of my life. Most of them from shelters, but a couple of them came from breeders. I know the PC thing is to rescue a dog from the shelter, but the way I see it is that all dogs deserve a loving home no matter where they come from. All dogs appreciate being adopted! They will all love you for giving them a home where they are safe and cared for.
The dog I have now is from a breeder. She rocks! Her name is Sophie and she is a Norfolk Terrier. There are not a whole lot of them out there, but man they’re funny little creatures. I got her in Florida from a breeder who said she was not “Show Quality.” I could care less about showing a dog, so I took her. Norfolk’s don’t shed, they’re good with kids (I can’t tell you how many times my 12 year old step daughter has dressed her up and taken her hostage), they don’t bark (except when someone knocks on the door), and they’re sturdy little things. Ours is a couch potato who is addicted to TV and watching videos on the computer. I don’t think that is the norm for that breed though. I think they are usually a little more active than she is, but they are all low maintenance non-yappy dogs.
You should check them out some time…
Sweet video. I would say visit a shelter.
Don’t be silly, get a Chocolate Lab dude! They can be a little messy,but you’ve got boys, so get used to it. I’ve heard good things about the Weimeriner and I have (and have had) friends that rave about Great Danes. If you get a little yappy dog I’ll think you’re a closet cat person! peace
well after two dogs, we have learned we are not a “dog family”. We had a lab/chow mix, lovely, but we were all allergic. Next we got a puppy, mix from rescue- but had behavior issues.
I agree with Anna get a cat– or just get some fish LOL
Love the video, very cute!
Melissa
A boxer. My husband sold me on that one last weekend. We went to a pet store and he asked to hold one. Normally my kids are scared of dogs but Caleb wanted to take this one home. They are so friendly and gentle with little kid…. now we just have to wait until we are in Brazil to buy one!
Something big enought to keep up with the boys, retreiver or spaniel size, but easy to train so Brandiandboys can not add another offspring to care for. Sporting or Hearding breeds are usually easy to train, but you have to be careful. If you get one of the really smart dogs, Border Collie or Aust. Shepard and don’t give them something to do they will create havoc in your life. Pick a few breeds that you think you might like and then head out to Williamson County Agriculture complex the week end of Oct. 4th. There is a dog show there and you can see them in person. YOu can also talk to breeders about each kind of dog. But a word to the wise as an ex breed/dog show person. No dog is perfect so take what they say with a grain of salt. If you have some questions give a shout. This is one of the few things in life I really do know a little about!
Pete, whatever you get I second the earlier comment of going with Lavonne Redferrin at Proverbs 1210. We got our shephard/retriever mix from her almost two years ago and Winthorpe’s a great dog! Proverbs 1210 is a no kill rescue and they have foster families that keep the dogs until someone adopts them. They are usually at the Petco in Bellevue every Saturday. If you adopt the dog, it will have already had some of it’s shots and they come with a certificate for nuetering/spaying. Can’t beat that.
We are an English Setter family! Such a loyal dog…(more loyal to the kids than us though!) He covers his ears when the kids are too loud, he covers his eyes when the light is too bright. Sometimes we wonder if he really knows he’s a dog!
as a breeder of first quality, conformaiton Labrador retrievers, go with the breeding. well-bred Labs have the BEST disposition, fun enough for 3 growing boys, but gentle enough to sleep in their beds. call me, litter on the way this Winter.
Research, research, research. Find the breed of dog that fits your family, then contact a rescue for that breed. Rescues will provide you a dog that has been fostered, so you will know its quirks before you adopt. Plus, the dog will most likely be “fixed”, have its shots and have been tested for parasites. I STRONGLY recommend only contacting reputable rescues. There are new ones popping up every day, so investigate a bit first.
Hi! I have a bit to say. First, PLEASE rescue a dog and do not buy one. There are soo many dogs dying in shelters every single day. Dogs of every breed, pure bred and mutt, senior and puppy. Supporting stores that sell dogs is only contributing to the problem (if you’d like more info, feel free to email me). I recommend petfinder.com. It allows you to get in touch with tons of local rescue groups and you can search by breed and age of the dog you are looking for. Plus, these dogs are generally in foster homes so you can talk to a person that has been living with the dog and knows its history, personality, best and worst qualities, etc.
As for breed. Every everyone has said mostly… it is very family specific. I don’t know really anything about your family because I just started reading today, but I gather that you are a younger couple, busy, and have at least one child. Consider how often someone will be home with the dog (does your wife stay at home or work?). Some breeds do great alone all day, others will eat every cushion in your home. Consider how much time you can devote to exercising the dog. Are you a family that takes long walks every night? Or are you generally couch potatoes once you enter your home (again, get a high energy dog in a low energy family and you are just asking for destroyed things). Also consider the age of your child(ren) and whether you are thinking of having more. Some dogs (labs for example) are very tolerant of curious and sometimes not-so-gentle fingers. Other dogs (yorkies for example) are less tolerant.
I would also recommend seriously considering getting an older dog. Rescues have plenty of puppies, but puppies are not the only option. They are very cute, but they are a TON of work and they require almost constant supervision when they go through their potty-training and chewing phases. If you get a dog maybe 18 months or older, it will still be adorable and puppy-esc, but it will be past the potty training/chewing/constant supervision stage.
Just my thoughts– good luck! And thanks for thinking of getting a dog (and researching it in advance!!)
Holy cow. I have never seen anything like that in my life.
Pete, October is ‘adopt a dog from a shelter’ month, so I’d go that route…(although there were some DARLING abandoned pups on Lab Rescue as well) My daughter’s bugging me on same, but I’m an ‘older dog/second chance’ fan…especially since they’re often abandoned at midlife for no good reason (other than they’re no longer ‘cute puppies’ and now big dogs) w/many abandoned to backyards sans TLC.
My two goldens were like this, both adopted at age SIX, and as I wrote in your prior post, I lost one when he was 10 to a kidney failure, so his sister is forlorn and seeking a friend…AGAIN, not a puppy, imho, tho my daughter keeps trying to convince me the older dog would ‘mother’ it…sigh. It’s a tough call.I think the tiny teeth and destructive/attention-getting ploys (tugging her ears and such) would drive her nuts. Although not all pups have that temperament either…
Re: The breeds…As a humane society volunteer for 9 years, I’ve worked with them all…
I can tell you that any mutt with a MIX of lab or golden retriever tends to be on the even keel side.
Mutts in general tend to have that ‘balance’ from being a mixture, rather than some of the over-bred ‘personalities’ that come from purebred dogs. —btw, that video is a classic, I love it.