What kind of dog do you like? - YouLookFab Forum

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What kind of dog do you like?

JAileen

Veteran

A friend lost her doxie recently. Her lab is very sad and she wants to get him a new companion. Her doxie was very naughty. Her lab is a nine year old sweet, gentle giant.

I have two terriers which is crazy. My Jack Russell barks a lot. Our yard is bigger so we're not right on top of our neighbors like in her neighborhood. I'm inclined to think a terrier might not be the best. Also I'm trying to encourage a rescue dog (both of mine are "used" dogs), but she loves puppies. I have to admit they are pretty irresistible.

Do you have a recommendation?

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rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. I originally thought to get a spaniel, being used to them and German Shepherds, but I went by individual temperament and am glad I did. Because in the end, what you need is a good fit. That said, I like the working breeds, esp herders. It's a bit awkward walking in a park and having your dog run off and kill a rabbit... Ahem.

The only thing about puppies I really appreciate, lol, is being able to train them to go on a puppy pad. I got Lilypup when she was 1 yr - she will only go outside, but not when it rains. So then she won't drink water. Bloody dog...lol. What I don't like about puppies is it takes a little while to see what they'll be like. I had this one little puppy - and yes, had her beautifully trained, but when you got right down to it, I just didn't like her. That sounds so terrible, but I just didn't.

ps. I want to say Lilypup knows what the puppy pad is for, she just doesn't believe in it. She'll use it in the middle of the night because she knows I'm not getting up.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

It all depends on your life and what you want.
A dog to run with you is probably not the same dog that can sit in your lap.
For me, sweet, cute, easy, quiet. But with personality.
I don't want to worry about the dog barking a lot and bothering the neighbors.
Depending on your age and strength, a dog you can pick up if you need to. For example, to get to the vet.
What about shedding? Allergies?
Is the dog trained or do you need to train it?
I have a soft spot for golden retrievers. My sister-in-laws' was so sweet and cute. But not easy to pick up.
BTW, my parents didn't get a dog until after I was out of the house. My favorite is their latest dog, a Maltapoo they got from a dog rescue. I don't have a dog. Took everything I had to raise DS1&2. And now we like to be able to go away at the last minute.

rachylou

Veteran

Back to say I like to see dogs in a group. For most, I think neither the first dog to come up to check you out nor the one at the back is a good choice...

Sally

Veteran

I had a lab crossed with a samoyed as a teenager. I can't imagine a nicer dog. I read later after he died that samoyeds have a sense of humor and I can actually see what they mean by that. It was a lot of work though as the hair went everywhere and he liked long walks. I lived in the country and he was well suited to that lifestyle.
Id get another samoyed or perhaps a rottweiler . A lady I know rescues them...they seem like big sooks

Brooklyn

Veteran

Hard question because all dogs are so loveable. Most of our dogs have been rescue and generally some sort of German shepherd/kelpie/rotti/lab mix because we prefer a big, active dog. Our last dog was a GS/lab mix and we rescued her as a 3 month old puppy. Is it not possible to rescue a puppy in the US? It's quite common here for rescue organisations to have unwanted litters available. Amongst designer dogs, cavoodles are incredibly popular here. They are a mix between a cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle. Small, cute as a button, non-shedding, outgoing, affectionate. Gorgeous really. I'd take 10 if I could.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Brooklyn, I never heard of Cavoodles before -- I always like the King Charles Cavalier but avoided them because of health problems.

Colette

Veteran

Rescues are loaded with puppies from weeks old to under a year. There are even breed specific rescues. So when your friend decides what breed she is interested in, a bit of online research will help her find a new buddy. I'm a big believer in matching the breed characteristics to your lifestyle.

I really love dogs, all dogs but I adore Shih Tzus. They are hypoallergenic, high maintenance dogs, meaning they don't shed but require lots of grooming. They are so lovable and adorable. My Bailey came from a breeder but once I learned how many dogs were in need of rescue, I vowed to rescue in the future. That's where we got Ginger, she is a rescue that was not a very 'desirable dog' because she is a special needs older girl. She had been overlooked for a long time but she melted my heart. We weren't looking to add a dog but circumstances brought us together. Bailey accepted her so she joined our family. Bailey passed away a few months ago and when/if I am ready to add to our family, we will be rescuing another Shih Tzu.

And now I'm dying to see a Cavoodle!

Peri

Veteran

Greyhounds! Perfect for her! Rescue greyhounds are so happy to get in a home, they are just lovely. A lot of time people think they are hyper...the racing image and the thinness...but they are so not. The nickname "30 mile an hour couch potatoes" is so true. Even in racing they sprint and then sleep for days. Once they retire they really just want to lie around and be loved. They barely shed are very rarely bark and are very low on the doggie smell scale because of the lack of oil in their skin. Of course, if she has a lab she may be quite immune to doggie smell!

kellygirl

Veteran

I'd recommend getting in touch with the local rescues and see what dogs are currently being fostered. I feel like getting a dog from the "pound" is kind of a gamble--at least with a foster you can get a pretty good idea of what the dog is like in a home environment. Many rescues get owner released dogs too--that's how we got Oreo. (The former owner could not take care of her health needs.)

Another shout out for the Shih tzu mix. Oreo is part Maltese too. Talk about a bundle of sweetness and love!

Marlene1

We have had several herding breeds - rough collies, smooth collies, shelties, corgis. They are intelligent, easy to train and want to please, which makes sense since herders were bred to work with humans. They shed and bark, so you have to accept that.

JAileen

Veteran

My friend loved her dauschund's funny personality, even though he was very naughty. Her husband wants a small dog because its poop would be small. Their lab's poop is huge (sorry to be so graphic). The barking is a sticking point, though. Their neighbors have complained in the past. I think shedding doesn't matter.

Kelly, I remember you being a foster dog mom so I'm glad you checked in. My neighbor is a former dog trainer for disabled people, and she came with me when I went to evaluate my future Jack Russell from Russell Rescue. I'm wowed by a cute dog, but she isn't. It's about who's looking at who. A friend turned down her offer to evaluate her future puppy and she has ended up with a problem dog. BTW, our SPCA and Humane Society are filled with pit bulls and chihuahuas.

Greyhound!!! Fantastic idea, Peri. I've already made that suggestion to her. I knew a retired greyhound at the dog park, and he was absolutely lovely.

Marlene, working dogs like you've suggested would be perfect if she lived further from her neighbors. A friend had a corgi and she was so fun and quirky.

Colette, I'm so sorry you lost your dog. That's such a hard thing to experience.

Ummlila, I knew someone with a King Charles. It was a very nice little dog. I didn't know they had health problems.

Brooklyn, your dog is a celebrity here on YLF, looking just as fab as you. Cavdoodle? I've never heard of them either.

Sally, I don't know what a sook is. I knew someone who had a samoyed. What a beautiful dog!

Barbara, my friend actually isn't picky about appearance or physical characteristics. She wants the dog to be fun and funny and a good companion to her lab. Her husband wants the dog to be small. She actually wants a dog like our Scottie. He's very funny, and he's a good basic dog - chases a ball, likes sticks, etc. However, he's a big dog except for his legs, including poop (sorry).

Rachy, I agree with you about puppies. You just don't know what they're going to be like. We got both of our terriers when they were just under a year old. My neighbor is very good about judging dog behavior. She's always interested in helping people get the best possible dog. I thought our Jack Russell was funny looking, but my neighbor said his behavior was good. And now, because she was part of his rescue, he adores her almost as much as he adores me.

AviaMariah

Veteran

Doxys are all very naughty I think. We had one for 15 years. Right now we have an older lab and a young boxer. Boxers are great but they are high energy when they are young and very strong. But they are big babies and bond really well with their people. It's hard to suggest a breed to someone as the there's so many things to consider.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have no idea if it's allowed, but if it is, could you take the existing dog to the shelter with you to see which other dog it seemed to like?

JAileen

Veteran

AM, I think you're right about dauschunds! I know of two others that are/were very very naughty.

TS, I'm sure they will make sure the dogs get along. Labs are pretty easy going, so it would be the other dog that might have a negative reaction.

I talked to my friend this morning and a greyhound is out. They're too big for her husband to agree to. And shedding is an issue for her after all.

rachylou

Veteran

I swear out here, every shelter dog is listed as either a pitbull or a chihuahua. Pitbull = big, chihuahua = small. You have to go see. Lilypup is a chigi, cross between chihuahua and corgi. I think it's a good combo. The corgi calms the chihuahua and gives her a certain independence, while the chihuahua makes her incredibly loyal. That said, her individual personality is that of Hall Monitor, Teacher's Pet and Pencil Squib. Proper not boisterous.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

ALL dogs are wonderful in their own special way. If you meet an unfab dog, a human is to blame.

I think the only real questions are whether you want a large or small dog, and are you allergic.

Personally, I'm besotted with Yorkies because I love small dogs with big personalities. In my 46 years, we've had dogs of all sizes though - lots of rescues too - and I love them all. When it comes to small dogs, I love the loud barking and the snuggling. I love that they are portable, easy to bath and groom, and very playful. Greg is fine with his allergies too. (Yorkies are hypoallergenic).

Louise

Veteran

Another vote for rescue if you can convince her. Seconding Peri with greyhounds, all rescue dogs are deserving but greys just seen more so as many of them have a terrible time in racing kennels. Here's my brothers 2 Bella & Oakley x

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rachylou

Veteran

(Hehe. Ok. It's true. Little Hess was my fault. Her life was too happy and well ordered. She was too pleasant, had no difficult quirks, no sense of tragic drama... :p )

catgirl

Veteran

I love dogs that look like wild animals (foxes, coyotes, wolves, bears, dingos) and I prefer larger dogs for our rougher lifestyle, but really am just an all around animal lover. We've always had huskies or husky mixes given our climate. Kona is a husky greyhound mix, so the naughty husky is tempered by the mellow greyhound. I've heard whippets are fantastic companion dogs and very sweet. Greyhound rescues are particularly wonderful and they are fabulous couch potatoes.

But truly I'm all about MUTTS, which are healthier, usually less neurotic and need to be rescued. All of our animals are rescues and are special to us.

JAileen

Veteran

Oh now I want another dog! Two is already too many, though. My friend's husband has said no to a big dog, because they already have one, their lab.

Rachy, Nicholas Dodman, author, vet and prof, said a mixed dog will act like the one it looks like. So if you have a pit/lab mix that looks like a lab, he says it will act like a lab, not a pit. I guess this is based on his experience. Interesting theory, anyway.

Angie, your Yorkies were/are just about the luckiest dogs, so loved. What a wonderful relationship.

Louise, I'm doing my best, trying to convince her. Both of my dogs are "used" and they're both great dogs. And she loves my dogs. In fact, she wants the Scottie, aka Mr. Skunky.

Una, we had a dog that looked like a fox! A wilder looking dog does seem more appropriate for Alaska. Your dog is a lucky duck. My boys would love to be up there in the wilds. Mr. Skunky would like to think he could take on a bear!

Style Fan

Veteran

I love all dogs. My last 3 dogs have been Samoyeds. The first 2 I got as puppies and the last one was a rescue. The fur does not shed. We brush her and the fur blows out. We never have fur in our house. They have wonderful personalities. But they are independent. This means they can be challenging to train. They like to do their own thing. So do I so we get along.
I like dogs that look like wolves. My next dog might have to be smaller. That makes me very sad. But Mr. SF and I are getting older and picking up doggie when they are old is harder if they are the size of Sophie.

JAileen

Veteran

SF, I think I saw a Samoyed puppy yesterday. It looked like a little bear, but white (polar bear?). So very very cute. Puppies are soooo irresistible. I know what you mean about picking up the dog. Our Jack Russell only weighs 15 pounds. But the Scottie is big, not fat, and weighs 28 pounds. He's like a tank! The vet examines him on the floor instead of the exam table.

Jane

Veteran

How about a border terrier? Or a schnauzer? We've labradors but my sister and mum have had both border terriers and schnauzer and they've been lovely dogs. Well tempered, good natured and easily picked up when needed.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Lisa, I googled cavoodle and it turns out that they are an Aussie mix. It says that one of the reasons that they cross-bred the Cav was for some hybrid vigour (I love Cavs too but their health problems can be quite heartbreaking). Here is a photo of a cavoodle. Look at that liddle face. Irresistible!

JAileen, Ms B wants to award you a "boost" for calling her a YLF celebrity.

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JAileen

Veteran

Brooklyn, that is a ridiculously cute dog! Please thank Ms B for the boost. Seriously, Mr Skunky (not his real name) would love to meet her. I need to look up King Charles' health issues. I'd never heard of that until now.

Jane, my friend is thinking of Norwich terrier. There aren't any on Petfinder, which means if she wanted to pursue that breed she would have to go a breeder. I've never done that.

rachylou

Veteran

Blindness and hip problems are big ones for King Charleses...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I love them all but I have a particular fondness for mutts of indeterminate breed (grew up with those, all from the shelter), husky mixes (our Rocky was beautiful, smart, and such a good dog!), and of course pugs, since we have two. I'm also really fond of French Bulldogs. I didn't care much for smaller dogs until I got our first pug, but now I adore them. They are low maintenance, sweet, funny, great around children, and a big dog personality in a little package. They do shed though, and they are prone to breathing issues.

We have two herding breed dogs as well -- catahoula leopard dogs -- and they are smart and sweet but much more high maintenance. They need serious exercise, they bark, and they get bored easily.

Colette, my mom had shih tzus and she loved those dogs! They are sweet and yes, a little high maintenance. My personal preference is for a more low maintenance dog.

It all depends on what you want! They're all wonderful.

JAileen

Veteran

Janet, pugs are hilarious! I think my friend would enjoy one, but I think the flat face dogs would have a hard time here because it's so hot. I have another friend who has a Boston Terrier and she has to worry about overheating her.

Rachy, yeah, I looked up King Charles - huge list of problems. That's too bad.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

If your friend wants a 'small' dog who is naughty as hell with lots of personality, I do recommend a Beagle.

I've lived with dogs all my life. I've raised my GSD since she was 42 days old, and I got my Neopolitan Mastiff when she was 6months old (she was a rescued dog). My parents had Labs and Spitz and all came to us as puppies. Now of all these breeds, the Beagle truly stands out. And uhmm...not for "good" reasons.

Our almost 9mths old puppy is the naughtiest & craziest pup I've ever met. She's a challenge to bring up, especially since we live in an apartment. She needs to be stimulated and trained all the time, because the minute she gets bored, she gets upto mischief. She can open all the drawers in my house, and the refrigerator. She thinks she's a squirrel of some sort because the dog can find a way to climb up anywhere!!!! From my consoles to dining table to a ceiling height book rack - nothing is safe. She loves to steal and is obsessed with getting into the socks drawer. To be honest, she needs to be monitored ALL THE TIME.

Initially, I found this to be very overwhelming as no matter how much time & effort I put into training her, she just refused to be a well-behaved pup. Our GSD was an amazing puppy and is a truly amazing dog. Despite her huge size, she's so easy to handle because she really listens & responds well to verbal commands. She's almost never given me so much grief. But the Beagle....well, she has truly taught me the meaning of 'patience'.

That said, she is a ridiculously cute pup and we are crazy in love with her. She's got so much verve, spunk and personality that it's impossible not to love her. And she has started to respond very well to 'positive' training wherein I almost never punish her but try and outsmart her every single day.

However, your friend sounds like an experienced dog owner and also has some outdoor space. If she loves a mischievous dog, a Beagle pup may be right up her alley. Plus they get along so well with other dogs.....our GSD dislikes all dogs (she's a people's person, not a dog person) but is smitten by the beagle pup too.

ETA: Beagle pups are ridiculously cute too! And smell soooo amazing!

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