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Dog Breeds

azdancer8azdancer8 member
1000 Comments
in Snarky Brides
DH and I are thinking about maybe getting a dog. We definitely want something medium sized that can handle being an outdoor dog and will be good with kids. Based on what I've read and seen, I'm leaning towards a Harrier or a Vallhund. Anyone have any experience with either of these? Or have other suggestions?
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Re: Dog Breeds

  • cheeseandricecheeseandrice member
    2500 Comments Second Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Either of our dogs would be perfectly happy being outdoor dogs, if they still got the love and attention. BUT I'm talking Minnesota outdoor dogs. Huskies probably wouldn't do too well in Arizona ;)

    Sorry, that's all I've got. I would recommend talking to a few adoption places and see what they say for breed recommendations. Or even staff at PetSmart/Petco. They get asked so many questions, and I'm always in awe of how much they know (and care!) about pets.
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  • kd.josephkd.joseph
    5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    I agree with Steph, if you are adopting, the agency should be able to match you up with a pup that meets your/his needs.

    Research dogs in general as well. I love watching Animal Planet for Dogs 101, but I'm not sure what time its on. They go down thw list of care requirements, whether they are good with kids, lap/or exercise they needs as well as health issues with certain breeds and what kind of grooming they need.

    Good Luck!
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  • musicalsunlightmusicalsunlight member
    5000 Comments Third Anniversary 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    I would agree with PPs about talking to shelters and pet stores, but I would also put in a plug for beagles. Beagles are GREAT family dogs and our old beagle was between 25-30 pounds. 
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  • kd.josephkd.joseph
    5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dog-breeds?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1a21a3e4-df14-4628-97e7-22feaf1fd732Post:df8db20a-5f44-42c9-a2f6-a718fca1d0bf">Re: Dog Breeds</a>:
    [QUOTE]I would agree with PPs about talking to shelters and pet stores, but I would also put in a plug for beagles. Beagles are GREAT family dogs and our old beagle was between 25-30 pounds. 
    Posted by musicalsunlight[/QUOTE]

    Yes, beagles are awesome!
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  • mkruparmkrupar member
    5000 Comments Third Anniversary 5 Love Its
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_dog-breeds?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:1a21a3e4-df14-4628-97e7-22feaf1fd732Post:ee2fc26f-42a3-4ba0-94f3-4680db01788a">Re: Dog Breeds</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Dog Breeds : Yes, beagles are awesome!
    Posted by kd.joseph[/QUOTE]

    They are awesome, but they're also hyper, and "talk" a lot. At least mine does. He's a crier and barks loudly.
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  • divinemsbeedivinemsbee member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary 5 Love Its
    edited June 2012
    If you are planning to adopt a dog through a rescue/shelter there are two things to keep in mind. First, you probably won't find the breed you want unless you go to a breed specific rescue. Many of the dogs in rescues are mutts of some kind, or may be mostly one breed but they won't be able to tell you exactly. Especially the two breeds OP mentioned which seem like they might have a lower rate of being taken in by rescues. Second, if you do try to go to a private rescue, or breed specific, if they hear that you want an outside dog they will probably not adopt to you. They're pretty strict and there's a good bit of paperwork. They may want to come and see your house or your yard and you will probably go through some sort of application and interview process. I think if you go to your city or county shelter they have less rules, but any sort of no-kill, pretty much everywhere I've lived, that's private, and even the Humane Society will not look kindly on you taking a dog to be strictly an outside animal. That's something to think about. The people who work at these places can be somewhat fanatics. 

    We adopted our pup from a private rescue last September and there were definitely some checks we had to get through. I probably filled out close to six applications, some of which included essays. Many of them wanted home visits. We were looking for a specific breed, but ended up falling in love with our Archie. He was worth it, but I probably spend close to eight weeks on and off researching. 

    ETA: Sorry, that got long. I don't have anything against outdoor dogs, and I feel like it came off that way. We had a few dogs when I was younger that were mostly outside animals, and they were awesome and lived to ripe old ages. We mainly had Australian Shepherds, which can be a little larger that what OP is looking for (I think ours were between 40-50 lbs) but they're smart as whips and really good with kids. I was just sharing what I learned dealing with rescues and what I know from some people that work for them. 
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  • azdancer8azdancer8 member
    1000 Comments
    Thanks for the input, ladies.

    I should clarify -
    I live in Northern Arizona, so it doesn't get as hot, and we get snowstorms. We have four seasons with a wide range of temps.
    Also, the dog wouldn't be strictly outdoors, we just want one that could be left outside occasionally without it being an issue.
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  • graceb15graceb15
    500 Comments
    Wow I haven't posted in forever, but been lurking, anyway...

    Instead of typing this all out, check out this link on Harriers...
    http://www.harrierclubofamerica.com/about-harriers/

    They are pack animals and would most likely do better with another dog, they get bored by themselves and if you and your H both work might not do well staying by itself all day. Keep in mind, most hounds are very stubborn and require a strong hand and a lot training. We have Ridgebacks and they test my patience a lot and I've own and trained dogs my whole life and sometimes they are a lot for me.

    Are you wanting a puppy? Check out a dog show in your area. They will be lots of breeders there to answer questions and let you know if their breed is right for you. And please if you go the puppy route buy from a responsible breeder or rescue. Nothing out of the newspaper or Craigslist :)
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  • KnittibellKnittibell
    1000 Comments
    Also keep in mind that mutts are generally healthier and longer lived than purebreds, and tend to have the nicest aspects of each breed. I'm very pro-shelter, anti-pure bred, so that's all I'll say, except if you do spend a small fortune on a dog, be sure you research the breeder, not just the breed! :)
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