lovegood90 I had a weight requirement for my apartment building as well (couldn't be over 30 lbs) and I personally didn't want a puppy because I knew I didn't have the time to dedicate to house breaking and training it so went for a rescue that was over a year. I researched dogs that don't need large yards to run in and could be happy in apartments/taking walks since I live in NYC and made sure that the dog I ended up getting had been fostered in a city for at least a month so they could adjust to it.
It's one things to have some ideas of what you want/need in a dog but when you start getting into major specifics like "I only want a black teacup poodle that will never bark" it gets a little hard because as everyone has said, every dog is different. For example my rescue is mostly a beagle however she doesn't howl like virtually all beagles I know do.
Interesting! Yeah, I was researching the best "apartment dogs," and each has their different drawbacks- ie pugs and other short-faced breeds seem have expensive, chronic health issues (not trying to generalize), basset hounds can howl a lot, etc. Plus SO and I are gone all day at work so I would want to wait until I'm in a financial position to get daycare, or a dog walker, etc (since most of my disposable income is spent on travel, haha).
But when that time comes I definitely want to look into fostering a dog or at least doing what you did and getting a dog that's been fostered in a city- that's a good idea.
Yep I work full time so I have a dog walker that comes and takes her out for a full hour at lunch time. then I always go straight home from work and walk and feed her and spend time with her. If I do go out again, I make sure it's not for more than a few hours at night because I don't want to neglect her obviously!
Well, let me tell an anecdote since this is where the thread has gone!
Our big dog is a Great Pyrenees. He is huge.
That is not a doggy-sized hat on his head. That is a human-sized hat on his head. To give you an idea of size.
People who have never met him are mildly frightened of him. He has a great big booming bark, and he is big. He does not seem like an approachable dog at first glance.
However, he makes friends with literally every person he meets. He is the suckiest of sucky guard dogs. I would never leave him alone with small children, but that's common sense, not worry that he might hurt them. That's more worry that they might hurt him.
His most dangerous act? He paws at people to get their attention, and a couple of times he's bumped FI's nuts.
Our big girl is part Great Pyrenees! She is also insanely huge and the world's worst guard dog. If our house was being robbed, she would be like "HI NEW BEST FRIEND! ARE YOU HERE TO PET ME? CAN I HAVE A PUPPERONI? I LOVE YOU!!!"
Her most aggressive act so far is accidentally stepping on DF's nuts while trying to climb into his lap on the couch.
I fell in love with a Great Pyrenees at the shelter. We got very close to adopting her but realized that our house just wasn't big enough. She had a tail that wagged like crazy and realized that she would just need more space than we could provide indoors. We have a huge backyard that she would have loved though....
My 9 lb hairless dog picked a fight with my mom's pitbull. Mom had rescued her as a puppy from a house where the other dog attacked her, and this was only a few months later, so this dog had every reason to have a "fight" response. Could have killed him with one snap, if she wanted to. Nope, just sorta laid there, licked him a little bit.
Oh also keep in mind that your cat might be an asshole to a dog and hurt a dog, especially a puppy that would be similar size to a cat and your cat could get aggressive. It's not just dogs who can hurt other animals.
Well this was fun reading! OP I'm a little confused, you say you are worried about adopting because they are mostly "mixed breeds" and you want to know what's in them because of this stereotyping of breeds you have going on. Mixed breeds are less likely to carry the health problems that particular breeds can be prone to, they also less likely to carry one of those dominant personality types because they were not "bred" for that purpose. We had a large mixed breed when I was growing up and she was the sweetest and smartest dog I have ever been around. I could sit on her, paint her nails, and dress her up (the cats beat me up more than she did). BUT she got aggressive towards people she didn't know walking or riding bikes by our house BECAUSE she was not socialized, we lived in the country and she had her large property and it never became an issue. Our dog now is another mixed breed, chihuahua, dachshund, terrier.. From a puppy she never barked, chewed on anything, or acted aggressive toward anyone despite being two pretty aggressive breeds.
It sounds to me like you want to "look good" by saying you would like to adopt but really you want to get a purebred puppy. If you were really just worried about your cat's safety you would look into rescuing an ADULT dog that is in a foster home and has shown a good personality for being around cats. I find it hard to believe that is your main concern over getting a "cool" dog since you have put such a restriction on size/breed/age etc.
Well, let me tell an anecdote since this is where the thread has gone!
Our big dog is a Great Pyrenees. He is huge.
That is not a doggy-sized hat on his head. That is a human-sized hat on his head. To give you an idea of size.
People who have never met him are mildly frightened of him. He has a great big booming bark, and he is big. He does not seem like an approachable dog at first glance.
However, he makes friends with literally every person he meets. He is the suckiest of sucky guard dogs. I would never leave him alone with small children, but that's common sense, not worry that he might hurt them. That's more worry that they might hurt him.
His most dangerous act? He paws at people to get their attention, and a couple of times he's bumped FI's nuts.
Our big girl is part Great Pyrenees! She is also insanely huge and the world's worst guard dog. If our house was being robbed, she would be like "HI NEW BEST FRIEND! ARE YOU HERE TO PET ME? CAN I HAVE A PUPPERONI? I LOVE YOU!!!"
Her most aggressive act so far is accidentally stepping on DF's nuts while trying to climb into his lap on the couch.
We had a Bernese Mountain Dog growing up, similar size to the Great Pyrenees, and he really was the worst guard dog. We had someone break in, set over the dog, make it all the way up stairs until my mom heard him. The guy ran and got out. Dog slept through the whole thing.
My 9 lb hairless dog picked a fight with my mom's pitbull. Mom had rescued her as a puppy from a house where the other dog attacked her, and this was only a few months later, so this dog had every reason to have a "fight" response. Could have killed him with one snap, if she wanted to. Nope, just sorta laid there, licked him a little bit.
So vicious.
Maybe if I lick it it'll stop trying to fight me. I gonna lick you now.
I mean if someone was trying to fight you and you licked them...they'd probably stop.
Well, let me tell an anecdote since this is where the thread has gone!
Our big dog is a Great Pyrenees. He is huge.
That is not a doggy-sized hat on his head. That is a human-sized hat on his head. To give you an idea of size.
People who have never met him are mildly frightened of him. He has a great big booming bark, and he is big. He does not seem like an approachable dog at first glance.
However, he makes friends with literally every person he meets. He is the suckiest of sucky guard dogs. I would never leave him alone with small children, but that's common sense, not worry that he might hurt them. That's more worry that they might hurt him.
His most dangerous act? He paws at people to get their attention, and a couple of times he's bumped FI's nuts.
Our big girl is part Great Pyrenees! She is also insanely huge and the world's worst guard dog. If our house was being robbed, she would be like "HI NEW BEST FRIEND! ARE YOU HERE TO PET ME? CAN I HAVE A PUPPERONI? I LOVE YOU!!!"
Her most aggressive act so far is accidentally stepping on DF's nuts while trying to climb into his lap on the couch.
He's only a smidge more standoffish. He holds off on the "I love yous" until he gets the Pupperoni hahaha.
When he was younger, I trained him to "dance" - he'd put his paws up on my shoulders (only time he was ever allowed to jump on anyone; he's big enough to knock me over otherwise and we worked a LONG time on that) and we'd move around in a circle and then he would get down. I miss that; he's too old for it now.
1) Missy - Australian Shepherd/Border Collie cross. She was beautiful. She was a herding dog, but we didn't have cows at that point, so she herded our chickens off the garden all the time.
2) Jag - Rottweiler. We had him when we were little (got him when I was four, so C would have only been one). A dog bigger than their kids, and Mom & Dad trained him so well that I could have waved a piece of meat in front of his face and he wouldn't move. He was a big suck.
3) Bill the boxer, Mom & Dad's current dog. He's a fruit fiend. He LOVES oranges and strawberries, so if you're peeling citrus or cutting berries, he stands beside you and DROOLS SPIT BUBBLES until you give him some. He also gets pissy if he's tired and it's time for bed, but no one is going yet. He sits and whines at us until someone goes to bed. And when I say whine, I mean growl like Chewbacca. He's hysterical. He was already 4 when Mom & Dad got him, and the first time I met him, he was home alone. I walked in and said 'hi Bill!' and he was really worried, but really trying to like me, since I knew his name. Worst guard dog ever. Now he dances every time I come home.
4) Murphy the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. This is probably the most gorgeous dog I've ever seen in my life. He comes up to my thigh, and is so gentle. My sister & BIL's niece is three now, and he's just a teddy bear to her.
5) Dirk the Great Pyrenees/Australian Shepherd. Looks like an Australian Shepherd, but is as big as a Great Pyrenees. Or at least, he will be. He's only 9 months old right now, but he's already as big as Murphy. He's a huge suck, too. He'll try and sneak under the table to put his head on your lap (sneaks because he's not supposed to be under the table), and then sighs and mopes when you tell him to get out from under there. He also thinks he's a lapdog, which is awkward when he's as tall as you on two feet.
Both Murphy and Dirk had never been around cats until I had to send my two cats (who had never been around dogs) to live with my sister. They ignore the cats, even though the cats themselves acted like dog food for the first little while and ran like the dickens anytime the dogs were let out. They never got chased, though.
"Aggressive breeds" are complete bullshit, but since you seem completely unwilling to accept that, I have no advice for you at all.
Don't get me wrong, I completely know and believe that it's not the breeds that are aggressive but the individuals! I just acknowledge the fact that there are more aggressive individuals within certain breeds than others, for a number of reasons- inbreeding, the purpose the dogs were originally bred for etc. And then there's a fact that some breeds dogs can just "do more damage" than others- the bite strength of a golden retriever is never going to rival that of a pit bull.
If we didn't have a cat I would absolutely be adopting a dog from from of the so-called "aggressive breed" list (I LOVE huskies, pit bulls, rottweilers etc.), but I'm just so worried about having this wonderful sweet dog who one day has his/her prey drive set in and it ending in tragedy, because I've known that to happen.
All of this is still complete made up bullshit. The "prey drive" does not just randomly "set in". Dogs that are trained to be aggressive (by you) are aggressive. Period. If they attack/kill it is because they are provoked to do so. Not because of some made up ass drive.
Oh, and guess what? It has never been proven that the bite strength of a pit bull is any greater that that of a similar-sized dog.
I'm sorry but I've known too many families who have had bad things happen with their dogs to believe that dogs are only aggressive if you train them to be aggressive. The reality is, sometimes dogs just get "riled up" and accidentally bite or kill things. It really isn't even "aggression" because to the dog it's like an extension of "playing"- it's not their fault.
A close childhood friend of mine had a wonder husky who they raised from a puppy and who always got along beautifully with their cat. Until one day my friend's parents we sitting in bed watching TV and getting ready to go to sleep, and the dog brought in the cat, dead in its mouth, as a "present" (like dogs sometimes do), with completely no comprehension that it had done anything wrong. These people certainly hadn't treated the dog in any way to make it aggressive, and the dog certainly wasn't acting maliciously. But it probably just got to chasing the cat around and took it too far. If you can't tell, this incident is a large part of what makes me so cautious about this decision!
Basically every book/website/breeder says certain types of dogs should not be kept with small animals because they have a natural prey drive that will kick in... so I don't really know where you're getting your info from because I think that fact is pretty established.
I mean, you can believe that a unicorn killed Lincoln, too. Having a certain belief doesn't make it not ass-backwards.
Anecdotal evidence is not the same as facts. Do you know for a fact how that dog was treated? That the cat didn't attack it? That it had no comprehension of what it had done? Any of the circumstances whatsoever? Unless you are the dog or were a witness to the dog's entire life, i'm going to go with no.
And no. Generally when you are looking to adopt, there is information regarding that specific dog's (not the breed's) temperament around kids, other dogs, other animals, etc.
Like are you honestly trying to argue that there are no personality characteristics that are generally common (though not universal) to different breeds of dogs? Literally anyone who works with dogs professionally will tell you otherwise. Dogs became different breeds for a reason- because people were selecting for certain characteristics.
As I said before, do a google search, go to the library, call up some breeder- basically all of them will confirm for you that certain breed and families of dogs are not ideally kept with small animals (though many individuals provide exceptions) because they have an instinct to chase small animals that run away from them.
You are basically saying a dog is the sum of how you treat it, which is so backwards its laughable. Is how you treat your dog a huge factor? Of course. But dogs, like people, each have their own personality, and so yes, sometimes dogs who are treated wonderfully will lash out because that's just something inside of them. Again, just like people.
But the fact that you're devolving to the "well you don't know every single thing about that dog's life so you can't say anything about it" line of argument just tells me you're looking to argue rather than discuss, and honestly I find you pretty tiresome.
Yes, ALL DOG BREEDS have the ability to be aggressive, have hunting instincts, be protective of their "pack," have watchdog instincts, etc. . .
. . . because ALL current dog breeds were domesticated from wolves. So ALL dog breeds will have the same basic instincts. The 1st bolded is just not true, I don't care what "professionals" you are getting information from. And if these professionals have good knowledge of basic biology, evolutionary behavior, and animal behavior, then they wouldn't be claiming the bolded because it's just not true.
Aggressive dogs are aggressive because they are either trained and mistreated into being so, or they are fucked in the head due to genetic issues. A lab or golden can be just as aggressive as a pitt bull.
2nd bolded- how a dog behaves IS mostly how you as the human train and treat it and then some basic instincts thrown in. There's a lot of shit that people allow their dogs to do which is just flat out wrong- such as allowing small dogs to jump up on ppl or snap at ppl because they are little and it's "cute" Or allowing larger dogs to chase cats and horses because "they are just having fun." Permitting those kinds of behaviors is what leads to fatal accidents. Dogs absolutely can be and should be trained not to chase other animals.
And dogs just randomly lashing out and killing something? Very rarely does this happen and it never just happens out of the blue. Same with people, behavior is predictable. . . even sociopathy. Highly inbred dogs can be mentally fucked, but you can typically tell right away because they exhibit aggressive or otherwise abnormal behaviors. This is one reason you need to be very, very careful about buying a purebred dog through a breeder.
OR the dog was permitted to engage in improper behavior by the humans who own it- such as chasing cats or other animals- which leads to a fatal accident.
Your friend's husky did NOT just kill the family cat out of the blue. That might be what they told you, and they might even believe it was just out of the blue, but I guarantee the dog was either fucked in the head and showed other abnormal behaviors, though not as severe, or it was permitted to chase or harass the cat.
You need to very carefully consider the temperament of the dog you are getting because you already have a cat, and I agree that getting a puppy that you can train how to behave with the cat is probably the best option.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
I'm joining the "OP probably shouldn't get a dog at all" camp. Based on your posts, I really don't think you know what you're getting yourself into. I agree with a PP (don't remember who) that your personality/age/weight/breed/etc. requirements are insanely specific, especially with a small puppy that you probably won't know much about.
Honestly, IF you get a dog, personally I think your best option would be to get an adult rescue, preferably from a foster in a home that has cats. The foster parents would have an excellent idea of the dog's personality and how it interacts with cats. But since you've completely discounted so many breeds and mixes, it's going to be much harder to find a rescue that fits the bill. If you're diligent in searching petfinder.com you can find one, but just know that puppies in particular may be somewhat unpredictable, if for no other reason than that the foster just hasn't had the same opportunity to experience the puppy's specific behavior or personality when they're likely taking care of an entire litter, plus any other animals in their home.
If we're going by anecdotal evidence, dachshunds are clearly the most aggressive breed because the dachshund in my building has tried to bite me and/or my pup probably a dozen times. Like legitimately growling and lunching and gnashing his teeth at us and getting as close as his leash will allow.
Also, eff the concept of "bully breeds." It's so fucking ridiculous I could scream. And people who believe it (along with irresponsible breeders and owners) are the reason thousands of amazing dogs are killed in shelters every single year.
This is also a relaly, really good idea.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
Just because they live in an apartment doesn't mean that they don't take them out and do "activities" with them.
Signed,
Pit Bull-owner in a condo (which is really just an apartment that I own)
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
That is sad to me, you wouldn't be happy stuck in your house all day every day so what makes you think your dog is? I got a dog because I WANTED to spend time with them, it makes me sad that people will get a particular breed because it's "cool" but not really think about their needs (same about getting a dog in general). She is our baby and she goes everywhere with us! She doesn't love the snowmobiles because they are loud but she is a trooper when we use them to get into the cabin, then she gets to go snowshoeing which is pretty much her favorite activity even though most of the time the snow is over hear little head.
I'm joining the "OP probably shouldn't get a dog at all" camp. Based on your posts, I really don't think you know what you're getting yourself into. I agree with a PP (don't remember who) that your personality/age/weight/breed/etc. requirements are insanely specific, especially with a small puppy that you probably won't know much about.
Honestly, IF you get a dog, personally I think your best option would be to get an adult rescue, preferably from a foster in a home that has cats. The foster parents would have an excellent idea of the dog's personality and how it interacts with cats. But since you've completely discounted so many breeds and mixes, it's going to be much harder to find a rescue that fits the bill. If you're diligent in searching petfinder.com you can find one, but just know that puppies in particular may be somewhat unpredictable, if for no other reason than that the foster just hasn't had the same opportunity to experience the puppy's specific behavior or personality when they're likely taking care of an entire litter, plus any other animals in their home.
If we're going by anecdotal evidence, dachshunds are clearly the most aggressive breed because the dachshund in my building has tried to bite me and/or my pup probably a dozen times. Like legitimately growling and lunching and gnashing his teeth at us and getting as close as his leash will allow.
Also, eff the concept of "bully breeds." It's so fucking ridiculous I could scream. And people who believe it (along with irresponsible breeders and owners) are the reason thousands of amazing dogs are killed in shelters every single year.
In 1998, bull dogs were banned in some states. In 2007, it was Rottweilers. Most common throughout the years are pit bulls. As you can see, OP, "bully breeds" change because people can't make up their minds about what a "bully breed" truly is. And the media loves to show only certain dog attacks, like pitties, even though I have met some of the friendliest pitties ever.
I encourage you to look past that term and look at personalities. Chihuahuas can be terrifying or adorable. Siberians can be strong or big cuddle buddies, usually both. Fox Wire Terriers can outrun you so easily, even though they are 25 lbs. Look more at personalities rather than breeds. There could be a wonderful dog for you if you opened your mind more and got rid of the narrow list you made.
I'm waiting for the day when Homo Sapiens is banned. . . biggest fucking bully breed out there.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
This bums me out, too. Certain breeds are more high energy than others and require more exercise.
We have some friends who got a german shorthaired pointer "because it's a beautiful dog" (no doubt, gorgeous dog), but they live in a small, 2 bedroom apartment in the city and their lifestyle is to go to work for 10 hours a day and come home and watch TV. They have a little balcony where the dog has a pee turf pad thing. After the dog became an adult, they started complaining that he was neurotic and antsy. Well, no shit y'all? I'm just shocked. Shocked, I tell you.
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
This bums me out, too. Certain breeds are more high energy than others and require more exercise.
We have some friends who got a german shorthaired pointer "because it's a beautiful dog" (no doubt, gorgeous dog), but they live in a small, 2 bedroom apartment in the city and their lifestyle is to go to work for 10 hours a day and come home and watch TV. They have a little balcony where the dog has a pee turf pad thing. After the dog became an adult, they started complaining that he was neurotic and antsy. Well, no shit y'all? I'm just shocked. Shocked, I tell you.
Lord, I live in a 2 bedroom house on 3 acres of land and I don't have the room or the time for a German Shorthair. They beautiful dogs and I love them (our neighbor has 3), but at least I'm smart enough to know that isn't the breed for me.
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
This bums me out, too. Certain breeds are more high energy than others and require more exercise.
We have some friends who got a german shorthaired pointer "because it's a beautiful dog" (no doubt, gorgeous dog), but they live in a small, 2 bedroom apartment in the city and their lifestyle is to go to work for 10 hours a day and come home and watch TV. They have a little balcony where the dog has a pee turf pad thing. After the dog became an adult, they started complaining that he was neurotic and antsy. Well, no shit y'all? I'm just shocked. Shocked, I tell you.
THIS pisses me off to no end! The complaints about "my dog destroys my house and doesn't do anything I say". How about you TRAIN the dog and ENTERTAIN it.. poor pup is bored and you are the reason for that!
And now we must add pup pics because it makes me happy
ashley8918 said:Based on anecdotal evidence, Chihuahuas are by far the most aggressive dog breed. My extended family has suffered 3 separate Chihuahua bites. ------BOX-----
THIS IS ACTUALLY TRUE (anecdotally)! FI's brother had all of his chickens killed by a pack of chihuauas who broke into the chicken coop. Chihuauas can be very aggressive.
I also agree with @lyndausvi re: the anecdotal evidence about the husky killing the cat. If the dog was not trained not to chase cats, then things like this can happen. It IS important to train dogs how to behave around cats.
We have two cats, and just got a puppy. Granted, we crate train the dog (so he isn't around the cats unsupervised often), but we are training him not to pursue the cats. And he's actually afraid of them, since he gets a whap on the head (from the cat) if he gets too close.
I haven't read through the bajillion posts on here, so I'm sure someone's already offered the advice I'm about to give:
Call a few reputable shelters (key word: reputable). Talk with someone and share your requirements. Good shelters do their best to match a pet to a family's lifestyle and preferences, so chances are, even if they don't have the perfect puppy right now, they'll have you in mind when the perfect pup does come along.
Not trying to derail the OP, but is there a breed that doesn't take a very strong owner? I'm willing to put in the work with training, but when push comes to shove, well, I'm a push over at times. H and I have been looking at adopting for awhile now but haven't decided.
dolewhipper, check out a prison dog program! The dogs will have already gone through obedience school & it will be easier for you.
BTW, you can teach cats not to be bully assholes to your "tasty" dogs, your large breed dogs, your kids, etc.
I lived in a house with 5 cats and we did not tolerate fighting. If one cat started hissing at another, and the 2nd cat choose not to get the hint and back the fuck off the 1st cat, and they started posturing to fight. . . we physically stepped in and broke the two up and made them go their separate ways. Bad Kitty Juice- lemon water- and Nerf guns also work well on those days when you just can't be bothered to pause Netflix and get up off the couch.
Eventually the cats got to the point that if we heard their fuckery and told them to knock it off, they did. . . just like dogs and kids!
One day when we get a house, I really want a pair of Shepherds or Rotties. I like big dogs, if you couldn't tell I'm an Alpha and a bitch so I have no issues being a strong master :-P, I have experience working with and training a very stubborn, rescue horse and horse/dog social behaviors are actually quite similar, and since these breeds are stigmatized it will work well for me if I'm out walking alone. People should keep their distance and not try to approach me, which is what I want if you are sketch. And these dogs will know they are down the pack order from my beloved smoosh faced cats. . . but the cats will not be allowed to bully them.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
Not trying to derail the OP, but is there a breed that doesn't take a very strong owner? I'm willing to put in the work with training, but when push comes to shove, well, I'm a push over at times. H and I have been looking at adopting for awhile now but haven't decided.
dolewhipper, check out a prison dog program! The dogs will have already gone through obedience school & it will be easier for you.
Also, I would stay away from the exceptionally smart breeds if you think you will be a pushover, if a border collie gets away with something from you, they are smart enough to know they can do it again and WILL try. Mine is part terrier and is terribly stubborn, if I give in once she will try again and is always pushing the limits of what she can get away with.
Not trying to derail the OP, but is there a breed that doesn't take a very strong owner? I'm willing to put in the work with training, but when push comes to shove, well, I'm a push over at times. H and I have been looking at adopting for awhile now but haven't decided.
dolewhipper, check out a prison dog program! The dogs will have already gone through obedience school & it will be easier for you.
This. My aunt and uncle got a prison dog. Very well cared for and behaved dog.
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
Just because they live in an apartment doesn't mean that they don't take them out and do "activities" with them.
Signed,
Pit Bull-owner in a condo (which is really just an apartment that I own)
I've been told by some owners that they don't do activities with them. Once a month, maybe the dog park, but nothing like hiking, biking, running, etc. They take the dogs for walks a couple times a day, for 5 minutes to do their business. I'm not saying a dog can't stay in an apartment/condo, but if you admit to not doing things with them, then it will make me sad.
I have another question for OP, if this is your first dog you will have on your own as an adult and seem to be a bit timid about stronger breeds, why do you want a big dog? I know everyone has their preferences but just out of curiosity is there a reason you want a big one? I always wanted a bigger dog because we are very active and like to hike so I wanted one that could keep up. I got a 20lb mix breed and she is a freaking beast, she out hikes both of us and easily goes running with me. She also turned out to be easier because if we take out the snowmobiles she fits nicely on the seat in front of me and just rides along, same thing on the dirt bikes. Asking because if you are so worried about your cat then any large breed has the capability of harming the cat and a smaller breed when trained correctly can do everything a big dog can do.
Your dog must be so happy doing all those activities. I've heard of people keeping huskies in their apartments here in Chicago and it makes me sad. They don't do activities, they just wanted the breed.
That is sad to me, you wouldn't be happy stuck in your house all day every day so what makes you think your dog is? I got a dog because I WANTED to spend time with them, it makes me sad that people will get a particular breed because it's "cool" but not really think about their needs (same about getting a dog in general). She is our baby and she goes everywhere with us! She doesn't love the snowmobiles because they are loud but she is a trooper when we use them to get into the cabin, then she gets to go snowshoeing which is pretty much her favorite activity even though most of the time the snow is over hear little head.
Wait. Does your dog wear little snowshoes?! Is that a thing? Are there pictures? Because that sounds so freaking cute.
Re: Need Advice About Getting A Dog
Maybe if we ever move somewhere bigger....
So vicious.
He's only a smidge more standoffish. He holds off on the "I love yous" until he gets the Pupperoni hahaha.
I agree that OP shouldn't have a dog.
OKAY STORY TIME.
1) Missy - Australian Shepherd/Border Collie cross. She was beautiful. She was a herding dog, but we didn't have cows at that point, so she herded our chickens off the garden all the time.
2) Jag - Rottweiler. We had him when we were little (got him when I was four, so C would have only been one). A dog bigger than their kids, and Mom & Dad trained him so well that I could have waved a piece of meat in front of his face and he wouldn't move. He was a big suck.
3) Bill the boxer, Mom & Dad's current dog. He's a fruit fiend. He LOVES oranges and strawberries, so if you're peeling citrus or cutting berries, he stands beside you and DROOLS SPIT BUBBLES until you give him some. He also gets pissy if he's tired and it's time for bed, but no one is going yet. He sits and whines at us until someone goes to bed. And when I say whine, I mean growl like Chewbacca. He's hysterical. He was already 4 when Mom & Dad got him, and the first time I met him, he was home alone. I walked in and said 'hi Bill!' and he was really worried, but really trying to like me, since I knew his name. Worst guard dog ever. Now he dances every time I come home.
4) Murphy the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog. This is probably the most gorgeous dog I've ever seen in my life. He comes up to my thigh, and is so gentle. My sister & BIL's niece is three now, and he's just a teddy bear to her.
5) Dirk the Great Pyrenees/Australian Shepherd. Looks like an Australian Shepherd, but is as big as a Great Pyrenees. Or at least, he will be. He's only 9 months old right now, but he's already as big as Murphy. He's a huge suck, too. He'll try and sneak under the table to put his head on your lap (sneaks because he's not supposed to be under the table), and then sighs and mopes when you tell him to get out from under there. He also thinks he's a lapdog, which is awkward when he's as tall as you on two feet.
Both Murphy and Dirk had never been around cats until I had to send my two cats (who had never been around dogs) to live with my sister. They ignore the cats, even though the cats themselves acted like dog food for the first little while and ran like the dickens anytime the dogs were let out. They never got chased, though.
Yes, ALL DOG BREEDS have the ability to be aggressive, have hunting instincts, be protective of their "pack," have watchdog instincts, etc. . .
. . . because ALL current dog breeds were domesticated from wolves. So ALL dog breeds will have the same basic instincts. The 1st bolded is just not true, I don't care what "professionals" you are getting information from. And if these professionals have good knowledge of basic biology, evolutionary behavior, and animal behavior, then they wouldn't be claiming the bolded because it's just not true.
Aggressive dogs are aggressive because they are either trained and mistreated into being so, or they are fucked in the head due to genetic issues. A lab or golden can be just as aggressive as a pitt bull.
2nd bolded- how a dog behaves IS mostly how you as the human train and treat it and then some basic instincts thrown in. There's a lot of shit that people allow their dogs to do which is just flat out wrong- such as allowing small dogs to jump up on ppl or snap at ppl because they are little and it's "cute" Or allowing larger dogs to chase cats and horses because "they are just having fun." Permitting those kinds of behaviors is what leads to fatal accidents. Dogs absolutely can be and should be trained not to chase other animals.
And dogs just randomly lashing out and killing something? Very rarely does this happen and it never just happens out of the blue. Same with people, behavior is predictable. . . even sociopathy. Highly inbred dogs can be mentally fucked, but you can typically tell right away because they exhibit aggressive or otherwise abnormal behaviors. This is one reason you need to be very, very careful about buying a purebred dog through a breeder.
OR the dog was permitted to engage in improper behavior by the humans who own it- such as chasing cats or other animals- which leads to a fatal accident.
Your friend's husky did NOT just kill the family cat out of the blue. That might be what they told you, and they might even believe it was just out of the blue, but I guarantee the dog was either fucked in the head and showed other abnormal behaviors, though not as severe, or it was permitted to chase or harass the cat.
You need to very carefully consider the temperament of the dog you are getting because you already have a cat, and I agree that getting a puppy that you can train how to behave with the cat is probably the best option.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
This bums me out, too. Certain breeds are more high energy than others and require more exercise.
This bums me out, too. Certain breeds are more high energy than others and require more exercise.
Lord, I live in a 2 bedroom house on 3 acres of land and I don't have the room or the time for a German Shorthair. They beautiful dogs and I love them (our neighbor has 3), but at least I'm smart enough to know that isn't the breed for me.
THIS pisses me off to no end! The complaints about "my dog destroys my house and doesn't do anything I say". How about you TRAIN the dog and ENTERTAIN it.. poor pup is bored and you are the reason for that!
------BOX-----
ETA Words and Box
I lived in a house with 5 cats and we did not tolerate fighting. If one cat started hissing at another, and the 2nd cat choose not to get the hint and back the fuck off the 1st cat, and they started posturing to fight. . . we physically stepped in and broke the two up and made them go their separate ways. Bad Kitty Juice- lemon water- and Nerf guns also work well on those days when you just can't be bothered to pause Netflix and get up off the couch.
Eventually the cats got to the point that if we heard their fuckery and told them to knock it off, they did. . . just like dogs and kids!
One day when we get a house, I really want a pair of Shepherds or Rotties. I like big dogs, if you couldn't tell I'm an Alpha and a bitch so I have no issues being a strong master :-P, I have experience working with and training a very stubborn, rescue horse and horse/dog social behaviors are actually quite similar, and since these breeds are stigmatized it will work well for me if I'm out walking alone. People should keep their distance and not try to approach me, which is what I want if you are sketch. And these dogs will know they are down the pack order from my beloved smoosh faced cats. . . but the cats will not be allowed to bully them.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
Also, I would stay away from the exceptionally smart breeds if you think you will be a pushover, if a border collie gets away with something from you, they are smart enough to know they can do it again and WILL try. Mine is part terrier and is terribly stubborn, if I give in once she will try again and is always pushing the limits of what she can get away with.
This. My aunt and uncle got a prison dog. Very well cared for and behaved dog.
Wait. Does your dog wear little snowshoes?! Is that a thing? Are there pictures? Because that sounds so freaking cute.