I need a dog...

[rgramjet]

Love all the dogs mentioned, but years ago I had the best dog (IMO) that I have ever had. Very mild mannered, great with kids and above all was extremely obedient.



Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They've had alot of bad raps but that comes down to the owners who don't give a sh*t about their dogs!

Damn thats a handsome dog!   

[superjohn]

I really want to get a dog as well, but unfortunately my schedule and habits are just too scattered. I could never give a dog the attention it'd deserve. If I could, I'd probably go for a Boston Terrier or some sort of Bulldog. I used to dogsit for my friends Boston and it was a great (though flatulent) dog.

[somegirl]

I really want to get a dog as well, but unfortunately my schedule and habits are just too scattered. I could never give a dog the attention it'd deserve.

One option is volunteering to foster a rescue dog temporarily, or walking/playing with/training shelter dogs.

[River]

1. Go for a rescue dog first (IMHO)
2. Labs are easier/less work than JRT.  Not necessarily cuter or better, but less work.  You have a family.  Less work is better.
3. Best/smartest/most amazing dog I EVER owned was a rottweiler.  In spite of their rep they are FABULOUS with kids and very loyal to and protective of their family.  If you get a rott when its a pup and raise it properly, you will not regret it.  They are AWESOME.

On a side note, I currently have a black lab, two rescue dogs and two rescue cats.  (It's a long story...)  And they are all great.  Except Sunny, a pit/lab mix who is still puppy-ish and has a fondness for mutilating leather furniture.   

[hbliam]

1. Go for a rescue dog first (IMHO)
2. Labs are easier/less work than JRT.  Not necessarily cuter or better, but less work.  You have a family.  Less work is better.3. Best/smartest/most amazing dog I EVER owned was a rottweiler.  In spite of their rep they are FABULOUS with kids and very loyal to and protective of their family.  If you get a rott when its a pup and raise it properly, you will not regret it.  They are AWESOME.

On a side note, I currently have a black lab, two rescue dogs and two rescue cats.  (It's a long story...)  And they are all great.  Except Sunny, a pit/lab mix who is still puppy-ish and has a fondness for mutilating leather furniture.   

#2 is true AFTER about about 5 years. I've had two labs. Very immature for the first 3-5 years. Then the greatest dogs ever. Always great with kids but they are hard to train when young compared to a JRT and many other breeds. 

[lauramonster]

JRT's are very hyper.  Sister in law had one - and she was a sweet dog.  They bred her, and kept a pup and he was a holy terror!!  Never staopped, he had a piercing bark - very irritating, and he was aggressive with other dogs and toys.  I miss the female dog. 

Sounds like you know dogs.  Spend enough time to learn their personality, and don't let the kids pick.  They pick the MOST active dog.

post pics on what you decide.

[ZLTFUL]

Weimereiners are another fabulous dog. My friend had one that seemed to be denser than a stone but was incredible at keeping the kids gently away from stuff they shouldn't be in and he had this great pink belly that you just couldn't help but rub hehe.

[Speedbag]

Don't think you need to get a puppy GSD to properly train them.  My first GSD Max was purchased from a reputable breeder and he had plenty of training and was smart as a whip...most of the time.  He was a great dog, to me...to others he was a pain in the ass.  I just recently rescued a female GSD that is about 2 yrs old now...she has been easy to train and is so loyal and loving.  Between the two of them I'd say the rescue dog is much smarter than the breeder dog.  That is just my experience though.

The breed is known to be one of the smartest out there and they are so willing to please their owners and there is a very short turn around for training...in a way they are too smart for my own good. 

Generally speaking breed specific rescues test the dogs in many situations to make sure they are kid, cat and/or other dog friendly.  I wouldn't poo-poo a rescue without looking into it, if you tell them what you are looking for they will try to find the perfect dog for you.

Also, talk to reputable breeders.  They should take dogs back (if they for some reason don't work out) and resell them for a much lower price and they tend to be quite young still.

Just food for thought...and a couple of pics of my rescued girl. 

Good luck to anyone looking to bring home a family member! 





Tanya

Good info.   

She's a beauty, T!