Which dog to get?

[railer]

Dane's are cool.
Maybe too big.
Have their share of health problems too.
Also more $$$$....

 

[Mloot]

Originally posted by: crisscross

Originally posted by: vi_edit
If it's your first dog, I don't think an Akita is a good pick. A poorly trained Akita can be a very hard to control and very dangerous animal.

Just my $.02

What would you suggest then?

Vi_Edit makes a valid point. You mentioned that your parents would be keeping the dog. How much time and effort are they willing to put into the dog's training (since you won't be there), grooming, and such? Are your parents fairly active, and the type of people who take their dog(s) wherever they go and include them in family activities? Or are your parents more laid back, and tend to spend more or their time in a nice, quiet home environment? For example, my parents are definitely the latter, and I would never dream of getting them something like an Akita, Shepherd, or some other type of large dog that would be too much for them to handle. If your parents are anything like mine, you might have better luck getting a large dog that is potentially not as high maintenance as your first picks.

 

[datalink7]

German Shepherd is the best dog, IMO.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: chr6
akitas are very obedient; all the ones i've known have never bitten, but i have been barked at/almost bitten by a german shephard

I was bitten by a Dachsund when I was ~5yo. 🙁

Our Shepherd hasn't bit anyone..we went outside once and found the electric meter reader guy throwing the tennis ball for him..so much for scaryness..lol

Then again, some people have refused/been reluctant to get out of their car until we hold the dog.. 😛

 

[Futher]

I have a Japanese Akita. GREAT with people.... will kill any other animal that moves though. So if you have no other pets or don't mind walking far from other animals, Akita's are amazing.

 

[Halin]

german sheaperd beagle? wow, that must have been a funny pair.

 

[Miramonti]

If you are single, don't get an akita, and maybe not a shepherd. Its best to have a dog that is dog-friendly so you can be more social with the single women who are walking their dog. 🙂 Seriously. :thumbsup:

Only get a shepherd if it is going to be socialized with other dogs when its young so it will get along with other dogs. If not, get a dog that gets along with other dogs like lab, which are fantastic dogs (but often not good guard dogs).

 

[AreaCode707]

Originally posted by: railer
Dane's are cool.
Maybe too big.
Have their share of health problems too.
Also more $$$$....

:heart: danes!
Cairo
Athens

 

[kage69]

Anatolian shepards. Dogs that can run off cougars are sweet!