I have a large enough area of land, though not fenced in. And though I am a girl, a fluffly little poopy yapping dog is not my type. I real dog, one which will have courage and life and intelligence.
2006-03-20T20:25:04Z
I would never pay money for any animal. I will go to the local pound or animal adoption for certain! Also, no children to think about here, just myself. So a family doggy is not an issue.
2006-03-20T20:27:07Z
nintendofreak: she is great! thanks for sharing your photo.
2006-03-22T16:48:31Z
Mary: Yes, thank you. I am aware of the costs involved in taking in any pet. I only stated I would prefer to open my home to a dog in need. Every dog, cat and snake I have had were all in need of a home and much love. Sadly, the only dog I brought home from the pound died two weeks later.
paul673372006-03-20T20:10:00Z
Favorite Answer
A Labrador retriever or a German shephard would be good choices.
Courage, life and intelligence is a part of all dogs characteristics. What you need to ask yourself is, "What is your purpose for wanting a dog?" Watch dog? Companion? Etc. As you seem to have an aversion to small, yappy breeds, then why not try a Labrador Retriever? There are a few types to choose from too. I would recommend getting your yard fenced in though as dogs like to roam. The bigger the area the harder to find them when they stray or investigate the area. Check out your local Humane Society or dog shelter's in your area. Be very careful of attack breeds like a Rotweiller, German Shepards, Pit Bulls, etc. If they get loose and attack someone, you will be found liable and will have to pay for damages. Plus you will have to have the dog put down (euthanized). Check your local laws concerning these factors. One last thing. Consider your climate extremes also. You don't want a Norweigian Elkhound, Huskies, Sammoid's, etc. if you live in a place that is hot and humid. Also, consider whether you want a house dog or a yard dog when making your decision.
I am a big fan of www.petfinder.org this is a site dedicated to animals in need of rescue, whether from a shelter or specific breed rescue organization. I adopted my cockapoo from there 3 years ago and he is wonderful! I would take the time to talk to a vet or a vet technician and let them know what type of lifestyle and home you have. They could help you by telling you some characteristics of different breeds and some of the health hazzards also. IE: pugs have a lot of respiratory problems, shar-pei have skin conditions etc. These health concerns cannot only be costly for you in vet bills, but constant commercial breeding of these animals is cruel and strictly for profit. Good luck and I hope you find a wonderful doggy like I have!
You do realize that even if you go to a shelter, you're still going to have to pay around $100 at least for a dog...probably more...reason being you're getting a dog that is up to date on all vaccines, which would probably cost well over $100 if you were to bring the dog to a vet yourself. Don't forget that dogs are expensive to own if you are going to care for them responsibly! A quality dog food is going to cost $1/lb of food if not more, add that to basic necessities like a brush, bed, crate/seatbelt for travelling, treats, not to mention veterinary care...most good dog owners spend close to $1000 annually on their dogs. If you go to your local shelter and tell them what you are looking for in a dog, as well as how much free time you have, how big your property is, etc, then they should be able to tell you which dogs they have that will be the best match for you!
I used to live on a small farm and needed a dog for stock protection, and loyalty. I didn't have good fencing where the dog would be, so the one that was recommended to me was a Great Pyrenees, as they don't leave their teritorry. My G.P. couldn't have been better for this situation. All you have to do to keep them home is walk the boundries with them a few times, and it belongs to them forever. And, no coyotes or other dogs or predators can come on the property. However, he was great with our many cats and the other dogs.
I just checked out http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?tmpl=1&breed=Great+Pyrenees&animal=Dog&size=XL&preview=1 And they have 600 Great Pyrenees and GP mixes. Great looking dogs! Just enter your zip and I'll bet there is one in your area. Click on the picture and it will go to more pics and contact info. Best of luck to you!