Breed suggestions please?

[Georgygirl]

Thanks everyone! I'm glad people are recommending breeds I didn't think about. I know a very sweet chi/terrier mix. Does a Rat terrier have a similar personality to a chi or are they completely different? Whenever I see one I think of chi's but they're probably completely different. I've never really had a chance to meet one.

 

[Georgygirl]

I just found out that there is a flyball team in my town. I think that would be a lot of fun to get involved in. Is that something that most breeds would have a lot of fun with?

 

[Balto]

Ever think of a Clumber Spaniel?

just search google for more pics and info.

They are the largest type of spaniel and small but sturdy dog

 

[Toller_08]

I've met a few Brittany Spaniels. Personally, I love them and I know they suit my lifestyle and if it weren't for my love for Tollers, the Brittany is what I'd have. They're friendly, outgoing, intelligent, etc. I know 2 Brittanys that excel in agility, one of them tried Flyball also. The dog loved it, but the owner didn't which is the only reason they didn't continure with that sport. They're extremely devoted dogs. Energetic, but not hyper/high strung. The ones I know are very eager to please and are highly trainable, but just like any breed, they do need consistancy. By the description you gave, it sounds like the Brittany may suit you. I don't really have any other breed suggestions and no nothing about Springers, so I can't help you there. Good luck deciding on a breed though!

 

[mjb]

How about a Boston Terrier? They're a nice size. They have squishy face like a Boxer, but not as squished in as a pug's. They're active. Some of them do agility, etc. They have that love-of-life, happy-go-lucky terrier attitude, but they're one of the few terrier breeds that the breed books I looked at recommended for first-time dog owners.

 

[Georgygirl]

Balto, I showed the pics of clumbers to my bf and he said they were UGLY! What does he know? lol! I did a quick search for breeders in my area and couldn't find any. I love all spaniels, but I guess since my bf will be living with the dog too he should at least like the breed.

Thanks Toller, it's nice to know more about the personality of brittanys from people who have met the breed.

mjb- My mom had a boston as a kid and I think she'd steal him if I ever got a boston, lol! I've heard that they really like to play with tennis balls, that's definitely a good suggestion. I guess I could hide him from my mom.

 

[MomOf7]

Why not keep an eye out for a rescue dog on Petfinder.com?
Plenty of young dogs who need good homes. Sometimes are pure sometimes are a mix.
The smartest dog I have ever owned was a cocker spaniel mix. She was put down at the ripe old age of 17 or 18 years old.

Just a thought
Also not having a fenced area will make it harder to adopt or buy from a reputable breeder as most adoption agencies and reputable breeders will require a fenced in area for the dog. Might look into getting a kennel run. That will be all you need if you plan on keeping your dog primarily inside and doing the exercise you plan on giving it. The kennel is just in case
Whatever you choose remember that the initial cost is the smallest amount of money you will pay for your dog.
I wish you the best
Kristine

 

[ihartgonzo]

Georgygirl, I was also thinking of a Boston Terrier! I love them, and I've seen a lot of young Bostons (1-3 years old) in rescue around the Midwest, on Petfinder.com. Might as well check it out? I have 2 Bostons on my Flyball team, they are awesome height dogs and they just love playing! They're both quiet, great with all people, and all other animals. They're also pretty much the cutest things known to man. =)

 

[dogsbestfriend]

You can take this quiz to help you out:

www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

or pick the perfect "mixed breed" at your local shelter.

 

[BlackDog]

 

[BlackDog]

Well, I'm guess I'm going to be the one to swim against the current.

You are in college? How much longer will you be in college for? If it is more than a year I wouldn't recommend getting any dog at this point. I speak from experience, having seen too many college students get rid of their dogs because of this or that and I'm in college myself. A college student's life is one of the least stable life styles of any group of people. Things change from semester to semester. You might have enough time right now but a year down the line something could change and than you'd have to re-home your dog. There is also the fact that most college students are severely lacking two things that every dog requires: time and money. Even right after college, this is the time people are just getting into their career, buying a house, getting married, having kids, moving, etc...Can you honestly say you will be able to keep the dog through all of this and your college years? Let's say you are 20. Assuming the dog lives to be 15, you will have him/her until you're 35. Alot of major life changes take place during this time. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it is highly unlikely, at best.

If you're a part-time college student, or just finishing up your degree, that may be another story. It would cut out atleast most of the college drama, but it is no small undertaking for a college student.

 

[Georgygirl]

I appreciate your advice blackdog, but I am putting a lot of thought into getting a dog. I realize a dog is a full time commitment and I'm not like most college students. I'm not a partier and I don't plan on having kids in the future. There are a lot of activites for me to get involved with in my town such as flyball and agility. My dog will never be lacking attention or something to do. I have two cats and I'm just as commited to them.