Monday, September 7, 2009

What kind of dog should I get?

I've been researching different dog breeds for several months now. There's so much to consider - each dog's individual personality, health issues, training, food, exercise, shelter, vet visits, etc. I never realized how much work went into taking care of a dog. The more I research, the more confused I get. The only thing I know for sure is that I'd adopt the dog from a shelter.

So far, I've narrowed down my ideal dog to three choices, based on various factors:

#1 - Golden Retriever



#2 - Dachshund



and #3, my favorite so far: Norwich Terrier





Which dog do you like the most? Why?

5 comments:

Hypo said...

If you are adopting from a shelter, then you'll probably have a hard time finding a full breed of something. The most often abandoned breeds are mixes or pit bulls...and pit bulls are not on your list.

Anyway, I think Golden Retrievers need some room. I'm not sure that they are bad for apartments, but I'm sure they'll need apartments on the bigger side. And if you want a retriever to get along with a cat (I'm not sure if you are planning on having a cat at wherever you are living when you plan on having this dog), it'll have to be a puppy so the cat is at least not (or not as) intimidated by the dog. And you'll have to be on constant look out with a puppy, since wrathful cat claws poke out puppy eyes. Plus, puppies are not as commonly found in shelters. In other words, you might want to think twice about the Retriever. But I'm sure you've thought it through thoroughly.

Meggy said...

I love medium/large-sized dogs, so I automatically fell in love with the Golden, but Frank's right about their energy levels/need for space. However, I'm sure you can find a mutt at a shelter who's more on the chill side.

If you love a more terrier-esque pup, though, you should go for it! There's something to be said for their convenient size.

Sharon said...

Ok, I should have been more specific. Yes, I have considered the space issue extensively. Because I do not want to adopt anywhere else besides a shelter, I don't plan on getting a puppy or purebred. I will also not be living with a cat.

I guess what I wanted to do is facilitate a conversation about our "dream dogs" and hear some dog stories. :)

Unknown said...

UMM... you have really good taste as these are some of my favorites. Golden retrievers are super cute as puppies, and gorgeous/distinguished looking as adults but I prefer to be able to carry my dog in two arms in case of emergency. The doxie is really adorable because of its disproportionate body (long and short stubby legs... a real bonus). However, Jackie had one and said it was a real bitch (literally and not). And the Norwich Terrier... so random that you like this dog too... it's freakin cute AND terriers don't shed much. And carry-able. I think right now, my all time favorite pure bred are the pembroke welsh corgi and cairn terrier, mainly because of looks. Really, though, I'd prefer a dog that is lazy and doesn't move. However, negative on the bulldogs and dogs with similar facial structures because I think it's inhumane to breed dogs with such lengthy health problems.

How about a stuffed dog so that you can still have a life?

Hypo said...
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