Comments on: What Dog Breed Is Best For Me?

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:23:48 +0000

Do some research on Boxers. That would be a first choice I think, based on your criteria. They are very active, compete in agility frequently, & love being around kids. They are very good tempered dogs who get easily attached to their owners & like to go everywhere with them. They are fine with other animals also, given that you raise the dog from a puppy around them (I wouldn’t know if I’d trust any adult dog with other small animals until it has ‘proven itself’). Boxers are very trainable, especially in the ‘potty training’ arena. My 11 week old Boxer has been potty trained for a couple weeks now, & he knows several commands. (Sit, lay down, shake, come here, heel, ‘knock on the door’ – for when he has to go potty-, & ‘go in your house’ -his kennel-).
These dogs need a lot of exercise (which you seem to want to offer to it anyways) or the ‘destructive behavior’ that people say these dogs have will come out. The only reason they can tend to be ‘bad’ is because people don’t realize Boxers are ‘working dogs’ who need something to do with their minds AND physically. You can’t leave a Boxer in the backyard or in a kennel all day & expect it to behave! The same thing happens with Border Collies & other similar dogs that have lots of energy & smarts.
Here is a link to one site’s information on Boxer dogs:http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/boxer.htm

By: blank

blank — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:27:20 +0000

I have had a handful of border collies easy to train. Very obedient I currently have a border black lab mix. Most well mannered dog ever. I highly recommend that mix best of both dogs. Energy level isn’t as high but will run all day if want it to. If I turn on our sprinkler system the crazy dog will run from sprinkler head to sprinkler head. I have had a few blue healers that personality wise not far from boarder collies. If cattle dogs are out of the question then i would look at labs and retrievers.

By: Mutt for the Truth

Mutt for the Truth — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:47:39 +0000

Border Collies
Australian Shepherds
Shetland Sheepdogs
All are good choices for agility and flyball, and all are very intelligent and eager to learn. Most herding breeds will do nicely for active sports like flyball and agility, and some working/sporting dogs will as well. Heck, i’ve seen some terriers do good in those sports as well! Any breed can do them, you just have to find an individual with the drive and determination to obey you and learn.
I’m confused though – will you be living with all these people trying to tell you what breed to get? If not, then ignore them and focus on yourself and your own needs/preferences. If you will be living with them then take their considerations to heart – they have to put up with the dog no matter WHAT (yes, even if you do the majority of the caring… they live in the house with the dog, after all.)
Are you even old enough to own your own dog? Sign legally binding contracts? Enter yourself in competitions? Just wondering…. If you won’t be buying the dog yourself then you’re pretty limited to what the buyer wants.
I wanted a large breed dog after our last passed on but agreed on a schnauzer/poodle mix (15 lbs, still bigger than my 7 lb Maltese) when my own parents said “no.” I still live with them, their rules always apply.

By: bells301

bells301 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:21:36 +0000

I would recommend a GSD. Its one of my favorite breeds. Females are usually smaller than males, if you are worried about the size. They are very intelligent and trainable. Agility and Flyball would probably be good for them.

By: Bree

Bree — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:39:37 +0000

If you are a little person (not midget but short) and you want a dog that is athletic, but is small enough to sleep on your bed and is easy to train, then get a golden retriever. They are loyal,live for a long time, when you say “No cat!”or”No ferret!” They are smart enough to know that they shouldn’t disturb them. If you dont believe me just go to http://www.akc.org/index.cfm and look at the breed and maybe find another breed you like better!

By: Jillian.

Jillian. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:37:28 +0000

i think that the best dogs for you…an active person…is a german shephard, a golden retriever, golden lab, or black lab.
they are all really reliable. they become your best friends really fast. they are very active and gentil. they wont harm anyone or anything. they might be a bit fussy when they are puppies. but when they get older, they are amazing!
my neighboor has a black lab, and it is soooooooo obedient! it doesnt go off the grass.it barely barks, and it is really fun to play with!
Good Luck!

By: shari_ki

shari_ki — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:44:43 +0000

I know someone who runs Pyr Sheps and they are great dogs. Blowing contacts left and right, any dog can do that. That really depends on training. I’ve seen BC’s have tons of problems with contacts and knocking bars. It really depends on the dog, and more importanlty, on the training. It sounds like you are doing your research. I would say get a sheltie.