What kind of dog should we get?

[AreaCode707]

It's about a month before I could go out and get one, and yes, I do intend to hang out at the local SPCA for a while before going to look at any sort of purebred.

I want to get an adult dog, not a puppy from a breeder. My preference would be to get a dog from a rescue.

I've grown up with Great Danes, and would LOVE to have another one, but there's no way I could work that out with my current lease. I'm not a small yappy dog person AT ALL. The reason I'm thinking about getting a dog now is that the job I think I'm about to take would allow me to bring the dog to work with me, so I wouldn't be leaving the poor thing home all day.

Current breeds I'm thinking about:
- Corgi (smallest dog I'd consider)
- Basset hound
- Boxer
- Light greyhound (can I find one that squeezes under the 80 lb limit?)
- Your suggestion?

[edit] Not really interested in getting a lab, golden retriever or german shepherd, even though those are all awesome breeds.

[edit2]
Other suggestions for breeds? I think I've ruled out the boxer and basset, and probably the corgi too. Mutt or greyhound tops the list right now.

DANG I wish I could just go adopt a rescue Dane, but it's just not feasible right now.

[edit 3] I went to the Humane Society today and checked out the dogs. A 9 year old Catahoula Leopard Hound caught my eye. Poor little gal got left by her owners in favor of their other pets. Nice and calm in the kennel but she seemed to be looking for her family who left her there. She perked up a lot when I took her out to play for a little while. Does anybody else know anything about this breed, particularly life expectancy?

[edit 4] So I filled out a few greyhound rescue applications last night. Now I just need to clean and dog-proof my house in expectation for a home visit!

 

[her209]

Beagle... I love beagles.

 

[Wuffsunie]

Sheltie, FTW.

Otherwise, out of your list, I'd say Corgi.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: her209
Beagle... I love beagles.

I'm worried a beagle might be a little high-energy for our lifestyle. They seem to need a bit more exercise than some of the other breeds I have my eye on. Am I wrong? The beagles I know are delightful personalities..

 

[loup garou]

Adopt a greyhound! :thumbsup:

Shouldn't get over 80lbs unless you're really spoiling him/her.

 

[kedlav]

Something from the pound...

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Wuffsunie
Sheltie, FTW.

Otherwise, out of your list, I'd say Corgi.

I've known too many nervous and high-strung Shelties, so I don't have them on my list right now.

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: HotChic

Originally posted by: her209
Beagle... I love beagles.

I'm worried a beagle might be a little high-energy for our lifestyle. They seem to need a bit more exercise than some of the other breeds I have my eye on. Am I wrong? The beagles I know are delightful personalities..

Yeah, they're pretty hyper.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: loup garou
Adopt a greyhound! :thumbsup:

Shouldn't get over 80lbs unless you're really spoiling him/her.

Yeah? I thought they tended to be a bit heavier than that on average. Know any good rescue associations? I know they often are available as retired track dogs needing a home.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: kedlav
Something from the pound...

Even getting a mixed breed from the pound, it's good to have an idea of the dog type(s) you're looking for. It helps pick a pound dog that is a good fit for your life.

 

[Conky]

I'd say to check with the Humane Society and see what they have. I got my mutt there a while back and she may be the finest dog I've ever had and she came potty-trained.

My purebreed puppy(Rat Terrier) is still learning and driving me crazy.

P.S. My mutt is mostly pit bull but she is the sweetest and most gentle ~60lb mutt you ever saw. Little kids can pull on her tail and she doesn't even mind a little.

 

[hjo3]

I love my corgi (she's 14 now), but be warned: They shed like crazy. Don't plan on buying a pair of black slacks for a while.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: hjo3
I love my corgi (she's 14 now), but be warned: They shed like crazy. Don't plan on buying a pair of black slacks for a while.

Hm, very good to know since I work in a corporate environment and dog hair may not make the best professional statement.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: HotChic

Originally posted by: loup garou
Adopt a greyhound! :thumbsup:

Shouldn't get over 80lbs unless you're really spoiling him/her.

Yeah? I thought they tended to be a bit heavier than that on average. Know any good rescue associations? I know they often are available as retired track dogs needing a home.

Sorry, don't know of any national associations. The vet office I used to work at in New Orleans did adoptions through local breeders/track. We had one greyhound (Nike) who lived in the office. She was awesome. Definitely look for a retired track dog. All it will want to do is sleep on your couch and go for a run once or twice a day.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: HotChic

Originally posted by: loup garou
Adopt a greyhound! :thumbsup:

Shouldn't get over 80lbs unless you're really spoiling him/her.

Yeah? I thought they tended to be a bit heavier than that on average. Know any good rescue associations? I know they often are available as retired track dogs needing a home.

Sorry, don't know of any national associations. The vet office I used to work at in New Orleans did adoptions through local breeders/track. We had one greyhound (Nike) who lived in the office. She was awesome. Definitely look for a retired track dog. All it will want to do is sleep on your couch and go for a run once or twice a day.

That sounds pretty good. BRB while I go look up a rescue association. The only problem with most rescue associations is that they want to release the dog somewhere that has a yard. That's the case with the Dane rescue in my area - yard with a six foot fence.

 

[KarmaPolice]

If i had to pick a dog I would pick the dog I have now lol.

I always wanted a golden retriever but my parents wanted a smaller dog..

We have a Golden Retriever MIXED with a Standard Poodle... He is AWESOME...

pics.

dog1dog2dog3

 

[Tiamat]

One that is quiet, last thing you want is the next door neighbor calling the cops due to excessive barking.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice
If i had to pick a dog I would pick the dog I have now lol.

I always wanted a golden retriever but my parents wanted a smaller dog..

We have a Golden Retriever MIXED with a Standard Poodle... He is AWESOME...

pics.

Labradoodle! Awesome dogs.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
One that is quiet, last thing you want is the next door neighbor calling the cops due to excessive barking.

The dog would very rarely be home alone. Even our church is dog-friendly.

 

[AreaCode707]

On greyhounds - apparently Washington, where we live, is a non-racing state. Makes adoption a tad harder.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice
If i had to pick a dog I would pick the dog I have now lol.

I always wanted a golden retriever but my parents wanted a smaller dog..

We have a Golden Retriever MIXED with a Standard Poodle... He is AWESOME...

pics.
[

Goldendoodle really...but yes lol

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: HotChic

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: HotChic

Originally posted by: loup garou
Adopt a greyhound! :thumbsup:

Shouldn't get over 80lbs unless you're really spoiling him/her.

Yeah? I thought they tended to be a bit heavier than that on average. Know any good rescue associations? I know they often are available as retired track dogs needing a home.

Sorry, don't know of any national associations. The vet office I used to work at in New Orleans did adoptions through local breeders/track. We had one greyhound (Nike) who lived in the office. She was awesome. Definitely look for a retired track dog. All it will want to do is sleep on your couch and go for a run once or twice a day.

That sounds pretty good. BRB while I go look up a rescue association. The only problem with most rescue associations is that they want to release the dog somewhere that has a yard. That's the case with the Dane rescue in my area - yard with a six foot fence.

Yeah, sometimes you'd think it's easier to adopt a kid than a dog. Some rescue organizations are a bit over the top. Really, greyhounds make wonderful apartment dogs. They're quiet, don't shed much, don't need a backyard (except for daily walks/exercise wherever). You could also consider whippets or Italian greyhounds as you can usually buy them instead of adopt, but they're too jittery/bundle of nerves for my taste, plus I can never bring myself to buy a dog when there are so many wonderful ones out there needing to be adopted.

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: loup garou
Yeah, sometimes you'd think it's easier to adopt a kid than a dog. Some rescue organizations are a bit over the top. Really, greyhounds make wonderful apartment dogs. They're quiet, don't shed much, don't need a backyard (except for daily walks/exercise wherever). You could also consider whippets or Italian greyhounds as you can usually buy them instead of adopt, but they're too jittery/bundle of nerves for my taste, plus I can never bring myself to buy a dog when there are so many wonderful ones out there needing to be adopted.

Yeah, at this point in my life, I would definitely not get anything from a breeder. Whether I get a purebred or a mutt, it'll be from a rescue association. Whippets and italian greyhounds are off the list, just for the reasons you mentioned.

 

[Chaotic42]

French Poodles are good dogs, though they get yippy sometimes.

 

[CellarDoor]

I wouldn't worry about a Greyhound getting over 80 pounds. A male greyhound can get to be around 70 at most with a good diet. I would also recommend going to the Humane Society and seeing what they have. In my experience, those dogs tend to have great personalities and the mutts have less health problems.