Planning on adopting

[flpanther75]

I have started researching breeds and have taken multiple quizzes. On one website (K-9 country), I had multiple matches and picked a few of interest within those shown. The ones I had perfect matches for and liked are German Shepherd, Akita, Finnish Spitz, and Shiba Inu. I also scored pretty high with Siberian Husky. As you can already tell, I like the style of face and the pointy ears. Currently, I live in a huge apartment (800 sq. foot 1 bedroom). My fiance and I plan on moving to a bigger 2 bedroom apartment, condo or house. Possibly a 3 bedroom with yard. I lead a pretty active lifestyle and have a lot of time to devote to a dog. There is not a problem with grooming, I am willing to groom and vacuum as needed. I have no experience training a dog however my fiance has experience with German Shepherd mixes. We plan on having children 2-3 years down the road. I would like to know personal experiences with these breeds. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[anna84]

It depends what other characteristics your looking for in your dog. Of the ones you mentioned GSD's are probably the most trainable in my opinion. But all dogs can be trained if your willing to put in the time. I've heard from owners that Akitas are more cat like then most dog breeds very clean and can be aloof but very very loyal. I don't know enough about finnish spitz's to say much but i do think their gorgeous i love the color

 

[Zoom]

Well, Akitas take a firm hand, otherwise they will walk all over you. Good dogs, but not the best choice for a first time dog owner.

If you are willing to make sure any of those dogs gets good training by a professional trainer and lots of exercise, you should be ok. We're always willing to help as well!

 

[bubbatd]

With a future of children down the road... I'd stick to a children friendly breed. Not that all the above mentioned aren't. My husband wanted a GS too, but I had known some that weren't good around children., That's why I went with a Golden retriever.

 

[flpanther75]

I've heard mixed response about children with Germand Shepherds and Shiba Inus. I haven't hear many bad things about huskies, Finnish Spitz, or Akitas regarding children. I like retrievers but I like the pointy ears of the above breeds. I don't know why. Plus, I would worry my stepfather would try to steal a retriever, if I had one. He loves them so much.

 

[Zoom]

I would do LOTS and LOTS of research before choosing any breed. Not just the breed finders, but find some good breeders and talk to them for info. Find a breed specific forum and ask tons of questions. Look up more stuff in breed books.

 

[flpanther75]

I am buying a few breed specific books. I ordered some off of half.com I will try to talk to my neighbors when they go and walk their dogs. Maybe spend some time with them. I know of a few who have some of the breeds I am looking into. I will make sure I do lots of research. I don't plan on adopting until May which would be after moving to a larger place, so I have a good amount of time. Plus, I don't want to make a quick decision. The dog I will adopt I hope will be an addition to my family for 12-15 years. However, I don't mind adopting a dog over 3 years old. Also, I want to be situated before I worry about an addition to the family. I will still research and continue to do so up until I find the "perfect" dog for my family. I still have all those research skills obtained in college and I might as well use them.

 

[Fran27]

Well if you're willing to adopt an adult, rescues will help you finding the right dog for you. Definitely research the breed, but they will be able to tell you the personality of each dog, which is definitely helpful.

I have no experience with any of those breeds so I can't help much though.

 

[flpanther75]

I plan on adopting an adult. I will be looking into the SPCA, Humane Society, and Rescues. I know there are rescues in this area for German Shepherds, Huskies, Akitas, and some Shiba Inus. It will be more rare to find a Finnish Spitz.

 

[Zoom]

Panther, you sound like you will make an excellent owner!

 

[Fran27]

Seeing people wanting to adopt an adult right away make me feel fuzzy inside

 

[bubbatd]

Kudos !!! This way they can be evaluated for you too.

 

[EliNHunter]

I'll chime in with my KUDOS, too, Panther! Kudos to you for having such compassion and knowledge with rescue and breed types. You might not even rule out a mix from a shelter that's been fostered, so you know what personality traits are there... and hopefully background, too. I've had two rescues, and it's been VERY REWARDING!

 

[flpanther75]

Update: We have decided not to adopt a Husky, at least not until we are settled, know we have a fenced yard and that he/she has a friend to accompany them while my fiance and I are at work.

We will continue to research the other breeds specified and we will consider breed mixes.

My reasoning for adopting an adult dog consists of knowing behavioral patterns of the animal, personality traits, size, and possibly have some form of training, whether just potty training or some obedience commands as well.

 

[Mindy Miller]

You've got your stuff together, girl. I hate when people rush out and get a dog and then it becomes too much, and you know the rest....

 

[flpanther75]

Thanks, I want our adopted dog to be a member of our family for years to come. I felt that since we should wait until we settle into a new place, I can utilize this time and research as much as possible. My soon to be in-laws have lots of books on German Shepherds so I'll read up on them and I will go and buy a few others on breeds that I am considering. I don't mind a mix. Usually, with the shelters and SPCAs around here, they label these dogs pretty well. The dog displays dominant traits of a certain breed and that is what I will be looking for when I spend time with the dog.

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

Siberian Huskies are good dogs. But they like most working breeds need a job to do or they will become bored and destructive especially at a young age. They need their exercise as well and attention like any dog of course. Every husky I have been around that has been raised around children have been great with them even especially protective over them (our sibe is that way she loves babies). But of course like any dog they should never be left alone with a small child just in case.

Huskies also have a prey drive and unless raised around small animals they tend to go after just about anything little and fast. So I would say if you have cats or something like that look for a husky that is good with them (though it is hard to find an adult husky okay with cats in shelters). They take alot of grooming and Spring is the worst. Their not known for their guarding ability but that doesent mean there is no such thing as a protective husky (mine is very protective and sometimes wary of strangers).

Their also diggers and jumpers and are hard to train off lead. They are smart and sweet though and willing to please.

 

[flpanther75]

I was very interested in Sibes until I heard that they are all destructive indoors. I am not sure if it is true since there are so many of my neighbors have Sibes and this is an apartment complex. Granted, our 1 bedroom apartments have more square footage than most 2 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom apartments have the square footage of a house. I don't plan on adopting while we are in the apartment. But are all huskies destructive if left alone? How do you keep a husky occupied while at work? Our dog won't be home by himself all day. My fiance works 8 hours a day and comes home for lunch hour and I am unemployed currently but will only work 8 hours myself. I don't know if it is best to have 2 dogs to keep each other busy. Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated.

My fiance and I want a dog who will be great with kids since we plan on having kids in a few years. I have heard great things about Huskies and German Shepherds with kids. However, I have also read that Germand Shepherds are not the best with kids. I have read that Shibas aren't as great with kids, mainly because of their size and their personality. I'd consider a lab also but I really like the pointy ears of a husky or shepherd.

 

[Babyblue5290]

I think for huskies and their destructiveness a lot of excersize should do it. But then again 8 hours is a long time to be home alone. I think if you found an older adult that's past all the teenage and puppy business and you gave it plenty of excersize before you leave it alone and left plenty of toys (like kongs) to keep it busy it should be fine. But you can't really be sure of that until you get the dog.

Good luck and it's wonderful your looking into the shelters!!!

 

[thewhitewitchone]

Shiba Inus also have a high prey drive, they shed a ton and they are very independant and stubborn. They are cute but you'd better know what you're getting into!

Pam