I love dogs, my family pet is a Rottweiler mutt, and she's an amazing dog, I wish there was a breed of her, because she is an amazing dog. When I get my own place I will definitely be getting a dog. What are the best breeds in y'alls opinions?
Whatever breed you get must meet your needs and your limitations. I don't hunt with dogs so I don't need a big dog. I was thinking of getting a Chihuahua until one day my kitty was born in my patio closet to a feral mom. Now he would never get along with a dog. So my dog days are over for the next 20 years or so. What is the best dog depends on the human.
I've had Setters, a Retriever, and a Dalmatian/Pointer mix. All in time became the best of dogs with differing personalities so I can't really say which breed was better as I wanted them for hiking buddies and they did it daily with gusto running free thru woods & fields .What they all did was share a love of people and the appreciation of being RESCUES.
I grew up with mutts--my dad always searched for a beagle mix free puppy, and they were always good family, gregarious but noisy dogs. Our golden retriever passed last year, and we so miss his laid back, loving, stranger welcoming personality. I don't miss the mounds of hair he left everywhere. We now are left with our mutt, a stray who wandered in our yard 5 years ago. She's psycho, territorial, loving to family but I don't trust her around anyone not immediate family. She's not obedient as she's so strong in the prey drive. Never bit anyone but she charges and once she meets someone visiting and grows comfortable...she will charge at them the next day if they come back and we are back to square one. You get what you get.
There is no universal best breed. That depends on your needs and abilities. I'm partial to boxers. Rowdy was the best dog I ever had. Short haired, protective, playful, good with children, and a very good judge of character.
I much prefer beeds which retain the basic wolf shape. Pointed muzzle, pricked ears, and a brush type tail. Spitz dogs, German Shepherds, native dogs, etc. As for dogs I prefer to own ... strictly working (stock herding) breeds. Their intelligence and energy is a joy to live with. PS: Rescue dogs are the only way to fly. Save a life.
In my opinion, labs are the friendliest and most loyal dogs there are. I've had many dogs throughout my life, but these dogs are the best.
I currently have two rescues. The smaller one appears to be a terrier/greyhound mix. The other is mostly german shepherd. Both are outdoor dogs because there is a plenty of open space for them to run around. They come inside for family time in the evening and if the weather is bad which is not very often around these parts. From a temperament standpoint they are both friendly and alert. They only bark when necessary and usually only to alert each other of something. If they continue to bark it is because there is something that needs our attention. If you are going to look for a rescue dog you want to see signs of intelligence. For instance there were 12-15 puppies at the center and all rushed up to greet us. The terrier/greyhound mix was one of the smaller ones there and instead of joining the pack she jumped onto the top of one of the kennels for a better view of us. The other was one of 3 siblings who all looked like german shepherds but her outgoing personality made her stand out from the rest. Aside from that make sure that they are healthy, have been neutered, have all their shots and are otherwise well treated. From everyone I know who has rescues they all say that they make great dogs and my SIL reckons it is because they know what it means to be part of a family.
That's great advice, thank you. My apartment is really small now so I don't want to get a dog since they'd be really crammed. I'm moving back to Massachusetts in a few months. I'm buying a house in the town I grew up in. At that point, I'd really love to rescue a dog.
There is no best breed. Just the best breed for you, your family, and your energy levels. Personally though, I'm against the smaller breeds. They tend to be a bit neurotic living in a world where everything is larger than they are and also tend to be very high energy. I like the medium to larger breeds. Especially the breeds with moderate energy levels. Gimme a dog that loves to play when we're outside, but is equally happy just lounging around the living room getting pettings. Beagles are fun, especially the way that they bay. They see a squirrel and you're honestly not sure if they're happy or are being beaten to death...possibly even really happy that they're being beaten to death. Labs are also a good choice. They're eager to play, love people, and are just as happy to just be part of the crowd. You're a bit further north than I am so a Huskey or Malamute is also a good choice as they'll do well in the winter and the New England summers aren't as brutal as ours can be. Just be ready for a dog that will talk back to you if they don't think something is fair.
Labs are awesome indeed. Personally, I really like Pekingese. I think their pushed-in little noses are super-cute.
If I wanted a dog - and I don't, because I find it perfectly possible to live without them - it would be a Welsh Border Collie. Alsatians are okay but can be temperamental.
I'm a animal nut and I love all dogs. The "mutt" next door is one of my best friends. She'll wander into my backyard and she gets a Milkbone as a treat. My favorite breed, and my current dog Gus, is English Springer Spaniels. Gussie is a liver and white spaniel. He's a sweet boy and loves everyone, especially the neighbor kids. Cheers, Jason Bourne
I've owned nearly everything you can imagine. From Pugs and Chinese Cresteds to a pair of Soviet Military Bred Ovtcharkas. What type of living arrangements would you have? A large open area in a rural part of a state? Get an Ovtcharka (I've only ever owned them from Red-Star Kennel, and they were bred for agression towards humans. They wouldn't let anybody on my property that I didn't want there, also one of the easiest of all breeds to train, somewhat stubborn at times) ,Tibetan Mastiff, Akbash, Kangal (One of my personal favorites right next to the Ovtcharkas), or even a Rhodesian Ridge back. Confined area with a small yard? Stick to either moderate sized dogs or small dogs. Chinese Cresteds, Weiner dogs, and Pomeranians i side against. I suggest a Labrador, German Shephard, Pug, or even a Beagle.
Labs are great dogs. I've also owned two Great Pyrenees Mountain dogs. Gentle giants except when their flock is threatened. Great with other animals and children. They've both passed away now. Still really miss them both. This was Arie ...
We only have rescue dogs, and we only will have rescue dogs forever. Currently we have 4 rescues - a beagle, a Basset Hound, a terrier mix, and a Boxer.
Mountain dogs for me. Pyrs, Bernies, Saints, all make fine companions. Breeds I've never had but most interested in are Irish Wolf hounds and Borzois.
