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.
Well, I don't do biking/hiking/running even by myself, so go ahead and be sad. My dogs exercise plenty, though.
I also hope to get the dog trained to be a therapy dog. We have an all inclusive resort for families with children suffering terminal illnesses that I volunteer at and would love to get him/her trained to go with me.
@RussianCinderella no she does not, we wear them, she jumps from foot print to foot print with us. I have had people buy her jackets and stuff because they know we take her to do these things and she's small, she will NOT wear anything! I also thought of some little hiking boots because I don't want her feet to hurt but that's a no go as well.
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.
Wait, did the owners themselves admit that they don't exercise their dogs? Or is this just anecdotal evidence from other people who only see them taking their dog to do things "once a month"? This all sounds like hearsay. Keep your sadness for something real..
Also, even if this is the owners saying they don't "do things" with them- taking your dog for a substantial walk 2-3 times a day is still sufficient exercise. Just because someone doesn't take their big dog on hikes every day doesn't make them a bad owner.
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.
Well, I don't do biking/hiking/running even by myself, so go ahead and be sad. My dogs exercise plenty, though.
If your dog is getting the excerise, great! The owners I know are gone for 10 hours a day for work and go home and relax. No dog walker in the middle of the day, just pee pads on the floor. Rarely any excerise. That's what makes me sad. They wanted the breed, not taking care of it well makes me sad. Your dogs sound like they're in good hands, not these huskies in the city that I know about.
We are in the process of buying a house and it has a lovely fenced yard and H will take it running and we will snuggle and love it. But I have to wait until we move into said house. Sigh.
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.
Wait, did the owners themselves admit that they don't exercise their dogs? Or is this just anecdotal evidence from other people who only see them taking their dog to do things "once a month"? This all sounds like hearsay. Keep your sadness for something real..
Yes. Granted, it's only 2 people that I know, but they have said they've wanted husky since forever and went out and bought them from a store, but don't do activities or excerise them. I heard one has started tearing up furniture and made a hole in the wall while the owner at work. I don't talk to them much anymore.
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.
Well, I don't do biking/hiking/running even by myself, so go ahead and be sad. My dogs exercise plenty, though.
You my friend are a good dog owner. The kind of activity doesn't matter, as long as you are doing something with your fury friend! I have seen it so many times though especially in college where people wanted a "cool" dog but didn't understand the time commitment or responsibility of having one. I got mine when I was still in school and didn't have the time to do all the hikes etc that we do now, but she got her fair share of walks and attended many a college party because I refused to lock her up when people were over because it's her house too!
OK, I didn't read most of the 65+ new posts when I came back from a meeting, but love all the puppy pics!
Our dog and son have been best buds since day 1! We always supervise them together, but they've always been snuggle buddies. These were all when our son was just a babe, but they still are really close (and hilarious together). He can tell him to sit, and lay down and then will call him a good boy and give him rubs and petting
Hm. Well, I don't think it's totally unfair to say that X dogs take an experienced handler. I have a friend that owns a Maremma cross- a livestock guardian breed (abbreviated as LGD). Incredible sweet dog, but she's the first to tell you that they aren't for everyone. They're bred to be willful and independent and territorial. Favorite college story- she lived near the pig barn on campus, her dog decided she owned it, so one day she got out and made sure that the pig barn manager's kid climbed up onto the roof and stayed there.
She's also involved in wolf dogs. She thought one of her rescues might have been part wolf and it turned out not to be, but I'm sure you can imagine the frustration when someone wants A SUPER KOOL WOLFDOG. Or claims their malamute is part wolf which ends in automatic euthanization should it be surrendered.
I have a Border Collie and I love him but he would be the worst dog in the world if I couldnt spend the majority of my day with him. I personally am not a fan of hounds or terriers because I like my needy herding dogs, but they're great for some people.
So anyway. It's good to have knowledge of different breeds. I think the whole purebred thing gets pushed a bit too hard, and it's important to remember that dogs are still individuals and they are still very strongly shaped by socialization, training, and attention. Still, my Border Collie would never be cool with being a couch potato or being yelled at and my friend's Maremma will never give a shit and my sister's husky thing will always greatly enjoy killing things (though never cats. Many a rabbit, though).
Ok, yeah. Your pup is way cuter. When you Google daschund/pit mix, the dog I posted is pretty much the only thing that shows up on the first page. I think it's the weirdest-looking dog I've ever seen. (The google one, not yours)
Ok, yeah. Your pup is way cuter. When you Google daschund/pit mix, the dog I posted is pretty much the only thing that shows up on the first page. I think it's the weirdest-looking dog I've ever seen. (The google one, not yours)
I fostered a funny lookin' dog that appeared to be a pit-corgi mix!
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....
Maybe if we ever move somewhere bigger....
Cousi stays outside just about 24/7. He comes in only when it's extremely cold, and he really hates being inside, so even then we usually let him be outside as much as possible. His hair isn't great for Alabama summers, but his hair is designed to keep him cool in the summers and warm in the winters, and we usually keep a kiddie pool filled with cool water and he loves it. He's a nutball.
Pyrs are actually supposed to be outside whenever the sheep are. Cous doesn't have sheepies to guard, so he guards the cats, but the whole reason Pyrs are all white like that is so they blend in with their flock and can protect them efficiently. (Cous still has his badger marks. Not sure why; all his siblings lost them.)
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....
Maybe if we ever move somewhere bigger....
Cousi stays outside just about 24/7. He comes in only when it's extremely cold, and he really hates being inside, so even then we usually let him be outside as much as possible. His hair isn't great for Alabama summers, but his hair is designed to keep him cool in the summers and warm in the winters, and we usually keep a kiddie pool filled with cool water and he loves it. He's a nutball.
Pyrs are actually supposed to be outside whenever the sheep are. Cous doesn't have sheepies to guard, so he guards the cats, but the whole reason Pyrs are all white like that is so they blend in with their flock and can protect them efficiently. (Cous still has his badger marks. Not sure why; all his siblings lost them.)
I wish we could do that. We don't like leaving him outside unattended for long periods of time. The fence (neighbor's property not ours, so we can't fix it) is rickety so we worry about him getting out. Also, we keep hearing warnings about dogs getting stolen.
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....
Maybe if we ever move somewhere bigger....
Cousi stays outside just about 24/7. He comes in only when it's extremely cold, and he really hates being inside, so even then we usually let him be outside as much as possible. His hair isn't great for Alabama summers, but his hair is designed to keep him cool in the summers and warm in the winters, and we usually keep a kiddie pool filled with cool water and he loves it. He's a nutball.
Pyrs are actually supposed to be outside whenever the sheep are. Cous doesn't have sheepies to guard, so he guards the cats, but the whole reason Pyrs are all white like that is so they blend in with their flock and can protect them efficiently. (Cous still has his badger marks. Not sure why; all his siblings lost them.)
I wish we could do that. We don't like leaving him outside unattended for long periods of time. The fence (neighbor's property not ours, so we can't fix it) is rickety so we worry about him getting out. Also, we keep hearing warnings about dogs getting stolen.
They sound so sweet though!
Oooh, yeah, that would be a problem. Our fence is not rickety, and when we got him he had free run of ten acres. And I don't think I've ever heard of a dog being truly stolen in our area (like, within 30 miles). They get out and go missing, sure, but I can't think of a single time I've heard of a dog being stolen.
All the ones I've interacted with are absolute angels. But - they're BIG. So even if you get a complete pushover, you gotta be sure s/he knows you're boss. They do extremely well with it though. I don't think we've ever had to take Cous past a good sharp "no". He's fantastic on a leash, he's good about waiting patiently for doors to open / close. The only issue is he's always excited to go to the old land and get to run around in his happy place, and so any time the gate opens he wants to go too. He goes right to my dad's truck.
Also - he loves his kiddie pool, but bring out the soap without two or three helpers, and you're better off just bathing yourself. He won't get bathed at all, but you'll be soaked.
Since everyone else is posting them.... Here is my sweet pup! She's a rescue, about 4 years old. We think some sort of Great Pyrenees/St Bernard/Bernese mix, but we can't be sure. She is such a sweetie pie.
These are the dogs I grew up with. On the left is my Sheltie Geena, in the middle is my sister's husky thing (she looks a lot like a Kishu, but the likelihood of finding one at a shelter is basically nonexistent) and on the right is my allegedly Samoyed/Australian shepherd mix. I suspect she was just a badly bred Aussie, but best dog ever. They've all since passed.
Current baby, Pippin, 1-year-old Border Collie.
Also, have a video of puppies that my herding instructor bred. We really want another Border Collie but it'll have to wait until we have our own place. Until then, I snuggle puppies vicariously.
These are the dogs I grew up with. On the left is my Sheltie Geena, in the middle is my sister's husky thing (she looks a lot like a Kishu, but the likelihood of finding one at a shelter is basically nonexistent) and on the right is my allegedly Samoyed/Australian shepherd mix. I suspect she was just a badly bred Aussie, but best dog ever. They've all since passed.
Current baby, Pippin, 1-year-old Border Collie.
Also, have a video of puppies that my herding instructor bred. We really want another Border Collie but it'll have to wait until we have our own place. Until then, I snuggle puppies vicariously.
My westie (who loves forgetting to put her tongue back into her mouth after grooming herself):
and my foxwire terrier and my bother's westie:
Awww I love them. I used to have a Westie/Maltese (we think anyway, he was from the pound), looked just like yours except he had floppy ears instead of pointy. My mom ended up with him when I moved away and she just had him put to sleep not too long ago, he was 15 and had some kind of fast moving mouth cancer. Sweet doggies, although vicious killers too, Oliver loved to find mice/birds/rats and bring them to my mom.
Re: Need Advice About Getting A Dog
Wait, did the owners themselves admit that they don't exercise their dogs? Or is this just anecdotal evidence from other people who only see them taking their dog to do things "once a month"? This all sounds like hearsay. Keep your sadness for something real..
Also, even if this is the owners saying they don't "do things" with them- taking your dog for a substantial walk 2-3 times a day is still sufficient exercise. Just because someone doesn't take their big dog on hikes every day doesn't make them a bad owner.
Formerly martha1818
I fostered a funny lookin' dog that appeared to be a pit-corgi mix!
ETA thing that didn't paste right
They sound so sweet though!
Ooooh I love the fluffy ears and skinny butt!!
Can you believe there's no BC in this girl??