# What kind of dog should we get? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 24, 2017, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786 "2017-06-24T19:57:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![purplehearingaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@purplehearingaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehearingaid)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/21 "2017-06-25T02:13:52Z")
> **[Poodle Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – DogTime](https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/poodle)** > > Poodle dog breed information, including pictures, characteristics, and facts. Find out about training, behavior, and care of Poodles and dog breed mixes. Poodles are high energy dogs and need a lot of exercise , they will get bored if they don’t have something to do . I had to let my standard poodle run for a few hours before he got tried , they’re are water dogs so swimming would be a great way to exercise a poodle . ---
**Author:** ![Corry\_El](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecae2f/32.png) [@Corry\_El](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corry_El)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/22 "2017-06-25T02:21:26Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > 1. I was going to recommend a Pit Bull, and was afraid that you were going to be afraid of that breed, but if you aren’t afraid of having a Presa Canario, a Pit Bull is nothing. > > 2. On the other hand, I second the “No” on the Cana Corso and the Presa Canario. They need a really firm hand in training, and if you have never trained one before, not for you. 1. ‘Pit Bulls’ shall inherit the earth I believe, or they should anyway. 🙂 Everyone is influenced by the dogs they’ve known, but ours (Dogo Argentino/APBT? but ‘pit bullish’ definitely) is just the best dog, hard to imagine one better. She had a hard early life and narrowly avoided being euthanized in the shelter. But besides the upside for her in coming to live with us, the upside for us is she came well pretty trained and behaved, besides her sweet nature. She never barks in the house for one thing, and of course short easily managed coat. A well mannered young adult shelter dog (where we live ‘shelter dog’ pretty much = ‘pit bull’) has that additional advantage for relatively inexperienced owners. 2. Besides training, strong on walks (unless very well trained). Our girl is pretty well behaved but can still _pull_ on walks at times, a consideration if there’s an injury. And she’s smaller than those dogs, or a real purebred Dogo, just a fairly big ‘pit bull’. ---
**Author:** ![Reddy\_Mercury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/43a26b/32.png) [@Reddy\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reddy_Mercury)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/23 "2017-06-25T02:32:36Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > My husband and I are talking about buying a dog. The primary reason is for companionship: he and I work offset schedules (his is a rotating schedule), so we’re often home at different times, and since we don’t have any children or roommates, we’re home alone. > > However, this summer is different than usual. He’s on light duty because of an injury that doesn’t inhibit his day-to-day duties (yard work, cooking, etc.), but does keep him from doing the heavily physical work demanded of him in his job. So he’s working normal day hours, and only working a few days a week, so we thought it might be a good time to buy and train a dog. > > What you need to know about us: I have never in my life owned a pet of any kind. He, on the other hand, has not only grown up around dogs, but also worked in veterinary office for a few years, so he knows quite a lot about animals, and feels comfortable training dogs. Some dogs breeds that he suggested were “not recommended for first-time dog owners” (according to the Internet), but he reassured me that since he was experienced around dogs, he would tell me what I needed to do to help train a dog. > > What we’re looking for in a dog: There are three main things we’re looking for. One is we don’t want a dog with long fur, both because of the mess it would make around the house, and also to avoid aggravating allergies. The second is that we don’t want a yappy dog. Finally, while I realize that all dogs are prone to health issues, I get the impression that some breeds are more prone to issues than others, and I don’t want to be saddled with one of those. (I know very little about dogs, so maybe I’m wrong about this and all breeds are equally prone to health problems.) > > Ideally, it would be nice to have a good guard dog, since there are night when I would be home without my husband. Also ideally … okay, look, I realize dogs need to be walked and exercised. But I have a friend who owns border collies, and those dogs will jump all over your face for hours. I would like something less high energy than a border collie. > > My husband wants to get either a presa canario or a cane corso. What do you all think? Would those be good options, or would you recommend a different breed instead? Toy Fox Terrier. We had one and she was so quiet, we thought she was mute for the first few years of her life. She lived 15 years with little to no health problems, and she was very gentle and docile. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/24 "2017-06-25T02:42:23Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > - He didn’t have any objections to considering a vizsla, a greyhound, or a poodle, though he warned me that vizslas were pretty high energy. My experience with vizslas is that yes, they require lots of exercise. I mean, it’s possible to get a lazy one, but they are _not_ known as a breed that is happy just lounging around the house. They are gorgeous, gorgeous dogs, but really need lots of room to run and play. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/25 "2017-06-25T03:07:51Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > My experience with vizslas is that yes, they require lots of exercise. I mean, it’s possible to get a lazy one, but they are _not_ known as a breed that is happy just lounging around the house. They are gorgeous, gorgeous dogs, but really need lots of room to run and play. I’m on my 3rd and 4th vizslas. They are indeed VERY high energy dogs. (One of mine is 55 lbs. and can jump straight up and lick my face several times in a row without even breathing hard. I’m 6’2".) Having two of them helps a lot, since they will help each other work off their energy. On the other hand, they are very affectionate and make great companions. They can be quite loud when they are being protective and are pretty scary for a medium-sized dog. If you get one, get used to being followed everywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/26 "2017-06-25T03:50:45Z")
Had a friend with a cana corso. She was a very sweet dog but (a) she drooled, little puddles wherever she sat for a couple of minutes and (b) people thought she was a pit bull, which was banned in my friend’s city. I guess there are people who don’t mind drooling dogs, but I don’t like them (even though all the drooling dogs I know, aforementioned cana corso plus a Newfoundland retriever and a Great Dane, are very sweet dogs). Both the presa canario and cane corso are very scary looking dogs to people who don’t know them. Is that part of the attraction? I recommend mutts from the pound or a puppy rescue. I’ve always had good luck with mutts. My mutts are usually some kind of herding dog, but I also had a beagle/dachshund mix who was a great dog. If you’re set on a dog from a breeder, I think beagles are pretty healthy. Poodles are all around great. Any puppy you get is going to be a monster for a couple of years, though. Just so you know, lock up your shoes. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/27 "2017-06-25T04:09:53Z")
Is there such thing as a good guard dog that isn’t “high energy”? ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/28 "2017-06-25T04:12:43Z")
Having extensive experience with the cross I can absolutely recommend a heeler (red or blue)/lab on just about every point. The herding dog side makes them loyal shadows who want to be at your heels no matter where you go but the lab side makes them calmer and goofier and very good with kids. They’re steady, sensible, smart as hell and much less obsessive than either of the purebreds they come from. Heelers obsess over herding and keeping track of people and things and labs obsess over chasing and fetching things–the heeler/lab cross enjoys these things but in a much more relaxed manner. I have a Queensland (red) heeler/lab cross, my son has a blue heeler/lab cross, there are several of them at the dog park I frequent and my mom also has the same cross. Every one of them are smart, athletic, funny, good with kids and other dogs and definitely protective of their people without being aggressive. They can be a little upsetting for cats at first because they’re curious about them and want to play but after a while everyone gets settled and becomes friends–my son’s dog even gets into the middle of cat spats and separates the combatants with her body if needed. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/29 "2017-06-25T04:17:42Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Is there such thing as a good guard dog that isn’t “high energy”? I had a big, black Akita who was fairly “laid back.” He liked to go on walks, but mostly he liked to lay at my feet. He had the biggest Canine teeth of any dog I’ve ever seen, and when he bared them, he was fearsome looking. He also had an astonishingly loud, deep bark, which he only used when a stranger came to the fence. He was pretty much a pussycat, but his size and appearance made him a great deterrent. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/30 "2017-06-25T04:19:48Z")
My favorite is the North American Standard Mongrel Dog, many fine specimens of which can probably be found at your local humane society. That said, be warned: Although the NASMD is less prone to health problems than most other breeds, they can still have them, and you won’t have a good way to guess what they’ll be until they come up. My mom’s previous dog, for instance, was the most loveable thing you’ve ever met, but he was also allergic to dogs. She had to dump a ton of money on medications for him (though he was worth it). ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/31 "2017-06-25T04:30:20Z")
There are probably quite a few. Off the top of my head: Akitas, Mastiffs, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/32 "2017-06-25T04:36:14Z")
Akitas shed like crazy, so do Pyrenese and Bernese and Pyrs are super independent and less than obedient. Mastiffs need to be very carefully fed from puppyhood to support and grow their bones or they’ll have a bunch of health problems later. Another big problem with big dogs is they’re horrible to transport if they do get sick and can’t get in and out of the car by themselves. I restrict myself to dogs under 60 lbs for that reason now–getting a 135 lb Malemute into a vehicle with a shoulder destroyed by bone cancer is a goodly slice of hell. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/33 "2017-06-25T05:56:29Z")
I wouldn’t suggest Akitas for a new dog owner either. I was just addressing the question about low energy guard dogs. ---
**Author:** ![JcWoman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jcwoman/32/2889_2.png) [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/34 "2017-06-25T11:26:03Z")
Lots of good recommendations here. I want to comment on the training aspect because I’m getting a weird vibe from the descriptions of the OPs boyfriend. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the bf can train the dog and then the dog will also automatically be obedient to you too. Training is about more than learning commands, it’s about building a relationship with the dog. The boyfriend will need to include you n the training with the dog, having you participate in the practice sessions. The dog needs to learn who you are and to respect you and you also need to learn how to control/communicate with the dog. I shudder at dog training “camps” where you drop your dog off and then pick him up a week later supposedly fully trained. He might be, but if the owner still doesn’t have a clue (likely because he didn’t participate in the training) the dog will know that and quickly decide to ignore ya and do his own thing. As evidence, look at how many couples who call in trainers and their first comment is that the dog obeys the husband but not the wife! This is the reason some of the commenters have advised that you get a dog that YOU, a first time dog owner, can handle too. Different breeds have subtle differences in “mentality”. The ones identified as not ideal for inexperienced owners tend to be opinionated and stubborn. They need to learn to respect you and have very solid two way communication with you in order to be great dogs. Inexperienced owners are full of (unwittingly) contradictory body language and emotions. Sticking a prong collar on a dog like this won’t solve the problem. Since you seem amenable to reading, I very much recommend books by Patricia McConnell. They are about dog behavior, not training. But they will open your eyes to dog “language” (largely body language) and help you to quickly learn how to relate to any dog. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/35 "2017-06-25T11:41:20Z")
> [@JcWoman](#): > > Lots of good recommendations here. I want to comment on the training aspect because I’m getting a weird vibe from the descriptions of the OPs boyfriend. **Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the bf can train the dog and then the dog will also automatically be obedient to you too.** Training is about more than learning commands, it’s about building a relationship with the dog. The boyfriend will need to include you n the training with the dog, having you participate in the practice sessions. The dog needs to learn who you are and to respect you and you also need to learn how to control/communicate with the dog. [emp. added] Echoing this. Especially emphasized sentence. It wouldn’t hurt to take an obedience class with the dog, no matter how experienced the SO is, because they trainer will teach the OP to handle the dog. When I was in a class with my first dog, there was a kid about 11 with the family’s Cocker Spaniel. His mother was there every day, right on the other side of the fence, but the kid went through the classes. Apparently there was a problem with the dog not getting that all humans were above him in the pack, so the solution was to teach the kid to handle him. Was working, from what I understood. The dog previously listened to the mother and father just fine, but ignored the kid, and had nipped at him once, and he had originally been a dog _for_ the kid. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/36 "2017-06-25T12:32:02Z")
Cane Corso and Presa Canario make excellent guard dogs, but I would strongly recommend against one as a pet. Standard poodles are the most overlooked breed. Easy to care for, excellent temperament, generally healthy dogs. Personally, I’ve never chosen a dog. Rather, a situation has arisen and I’ve ended up with a dog. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/37 "2017-06-25T13:34:33Z")
> [@StGermain](#): > > Presently I have 2 dobermans (lost my third on Tuesday to an unsuspected cancer), a german shepherd and a giant schnauzer. I lost my standard poodle the week before Christmas. > > StG I’m so sorry for your losses, StG. I’ve always wanted a doberman. I’ve been thinking of getting one for my niece, if she keeps up with the distance running. If I wasn’t nutty about poodles, I’d get one for myself. ---
**Author:** ![JcWoman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jcwoman/32/2889_2.png) [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/38 "2017-06-25T13:44:29Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Apparently there was a problem with the dog not getting that all humans were above him in the pack, so the solution was to teach the kid to handle him. Was working, from what I understood. The dog previously listened to the mother and father just fine, but ignored the kid, and had nipped at him once, and he had originally been a dog _for_ the kid. I don’t believe in alpha theory (since it’s been pretty thoroughly debunked), so in modern dog behavior theory what is happening in a situation like this is that the kid was giving off mixed messages and/or broadcasting fear/anxiety. Dogs respect leaders who are consistent communicators and emotionally balanced and confident. Many people don’t realize that their body language is in conflict with the words they say, because in human society we disregard body language to a large extent. But since dog’s don’t speak English (at least until we teach them some words), it’s ALL about the body language for them. But then, even once they learn some words/commands, if you’re contradicting yourself, they don’t respond well. A classic example is angrily yelling “Fido, come!”. Would you want to approach someone who is clearly angry? I wouldn’t. So if you want your dog to come to you, it’s important to be pleasant about it. Always reward the dog for coming to you. Dogs are also sensitive to confrontations. So if you want a nervous dog to come, you face slightly away from it, or turn your back completely. Squat down and look at the ground. The dog will come over to investigate, and you can slowly and gently reach up to grab it’s collar or snap on a leash. Happy voice, treat and/or affection seals the deal. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/39 "2017-06-25T13:47:43Z")
> [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](#): > > What my husband likes about his chosen breeds, from his own mouth: They’re guard dogs, they’re easy to train, their personality is well-matched to both of us. (I asked him to expand upon that last thought re. their personality, but he said he couldn’t because it’s hard to describe.) He also likes how their energy comes in short bursts, rather than a constant stream of energy. And he likes big dogs. > > Our house is on half an acre. In terms of time spent on exercise, during the week, I typically work out in the morning, so a morning warm-up jog with the dog would fit my schedule. Then my husband could take the dog out for a walk or jog in the evenings, and, when he gets home in the afternoon, he’d do something in the afternoon, too. So maybe about 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day during the week, and more on the weekends. I’m not sure I agree with your husband’s assessment that cane and presa type dogs are easy to train. You don’t really see those dogs turn up much in the various training competition, like Obedience and Agility. And they’re never used for therapy work or military work either, where the dogs have to be letter-perfect in their lessons. Of course, individual canes and presas might do well at any job, but there’s no way to know if you’re getting a little one. If your husband wants the fun of training a dog, do you think he’d enjoy doing Agility competitions with a Doberman or a standard Poodle? It sounds like your yard could accommodate that. If you can find a healthy German Shepherd, they really are special. I just have my doubts about their health. You would also just have to accept that German Shepherd hair is a condiment, but it’s worth it. ---
**Author:** ![Sahirrnee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sahirrnee/32/13937_2.png) [@Sahirrnee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sahirrnee)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786/40 "2017-06-25T13:56:07Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Or a Bull Mastiff. Has that adorable bully dog look, and all the qualities of the Mastiff you mention. I know a 105lb. woman who had a 150lb. Bull Mastiff, but she was totally the Alpha. That dog listened to her. Even heeled off-leash. Unfortunately, while I haven’t had any bad experiences with them, I know people who have. One friend’s bull mastiff jumped through the living room window to go after the mail man. Another friend almost lost her husky to the neighbor’s bull mastiff, who came onto her property to attack her dog, while she was standing there. Her neighbor had 3 bull mastiffs, the other two were well behaved and friendly. I knew of another one that was a problem dog, but the owner was an asshole, so can’t blame the dog. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-dog-should-we-get/789786.md?page=3)