breed suggestions for future

[Formula86]

hi there all. in the future i want to get a bigger dog and i am not too informed about them. i thought i could post some requirements i have and some info on my living conditions and you guys could suggest breeds. thanks!!

Requirements and info:
1. needs little exercise - this is pretty important. i walk my current 2 dogs about twice a day. the walks last about 15 min. each. but i have a house with a large, fenced yard and can play fetch with the dog.
2. i have two other dogs it would have to get along with. they are small (under 12 lbs).
3. no history of serious injury.
4. must be easy to train and listen well.
5. must travel well (don't know if this has anything to do with breed)
6. is ok to be left at home for a few hrs w/two other dogs.
7. is NOT dominant...will listen to me. (did i say that already? haha!)

btw- i would want to adopt from a rescue/foster situation. i would also want a dog that is already done with puberty/adolescence (about 3 yrs old). so apply the things above to a 3 yr. old dog.

thanks guys!!!!!!!

[DirtySouthChins]

Hmmm well that is a toughie, there are so many great breeds out there, my personal favorite's are Rotties and Great Danes, although I have always heard that Rotties don't do well with other dogs unless they are introduced at a young age (but I'm sure that isn't always the case), Great Danes are very well tempermented, towards other dogs, people, and especially children. There are Labs, and Golden Retrievers (which tend to be great family dogs as well), Huskies are also wonderful dogs, but they can be a bit on the hyper side if not trained properly from the beginning (as with most I suppose), German Shepherds are great dogs as well, but again I've heard that they can carry a dominant trait if not introduced to other animals at a young age. Those are just a few ideas, I know I haven't helped much, but I'm sure other's will be responding as well.....like Deja for example lol I hope you truly find the dog that you are looking for, and you can always research certain breeds in more detail online as well.

[Brittney]

I would say a German Shepherd but you say needs little exercise. If you have a big yard for them to run around then I wouldn't see the problem. If you want to get an older dog I believe it would really depend on the dog and how it was raised about those things (dominance, trainability, getting along with your dogs). We got our one Shepherd at 2 and she got along with our other dog, listened well, was good left at home for hours, and was just really good. But then I know someone who ended up with a mean one who was the opposite. :\ Well, goodluck!

[Chinchilla_Girl]

A Newfoundland would be awsome! They are like huge gentle bears and are pretty big couch potatoes! LOL! I want a Newfie so bad, but I don't have a big enough bed for me, Shane, two pitties AND a newfie too! LOL!

[Jodi]

I would say German Shepherd too.

[primabella]

*cough* Shelties *cough*

I think all the suggestions were pretty good but as I read your requirements I tried matching Sheltie to each one and it worked. What size of dog are you looking for exactly? (small, medium, large)

[elfomatic]

If it wasn't for the exercise part I'd say Labs. But they tend to be energetic ... I don't know how they'd compare to other breeds their size so maybe someone else could tell you that but they are very gentle and would do great with smaller dogs. They are easy to train and very sweet as well. Since you have a big, fenced yard a lab might do just fine.

[Chinchilla_Girl]

I second the lab over the German Shepherd. You said you didn't want the dog to be too dominant. My final suggestions are still Newfies, but labs and Golden Retrievers are wonderful too...all 3 seem to fit your needs pretty well

[Scarlette]

I have heard that Greyhounds are smart, get along with other dogs, and are big couch potatoes.

[Kathy74]

I definately agree with lab! (Since I have 2 lab mutts of course!!) If you adopt from a shelter or foster situation, you should be able to bring in your dogs for introductions and they should also be able to tell you how they are with other dogs. We also have a fenced area in our yard, and the girls spend alot of time just running around after each other out there, or playing ball with us. They are very adaptable!

[Chrisanne]

Well, you've gotten some great suggestions so far. But since I happen to have almost every breed suggested... let me throw some stuff out there.

Shepards, labs, newfies, and rotties all need exercise. The rottie could go with the least. If you choose a rott or a shepard you would want to go to a very respected breeder and get the right temperment. The breeder should be able to help in that department.

Newfies and Shepards are HIGH maintenance. Lots of grooming. All of the breeds indicated also have high risk for hip dysplacia. Newfies have a lot of possible genetic defects if not bought from a responsible breeder. Cysturnia, dysplacia, heart defects, and the list goes on.

Honestly, in that situation I would not recommend a rott, lab, newf, or shepard. I would seriously consider a greyhound. They are not high maintenance, they do require exercise but not as much as you would think. and they do love the couch. Retired racers are wonderful.

Also... just a side note. From my experience dominance is not always breed specific, but personality specific. You establish yourself as the pack leader from early on and that should avoid dominance issues.

just my 2 cents

[Deja]

Quote: Originally Posted by Chrisanne Also... just a side note. From my experience dominance is not always breed specific, but personality specific. You establish yourself as the pack leader from early on and that should avoid dominance issues.

You took the words right outta my mouth. Great post Chrisanne

I'm with Scarlette. Greyhounds are gorgeous - don't require much grooming. They tend to be soft temperamented and can be real couch potatoes!

Since you want to rescue - there are many "retired grayhound rescue" organizations. The dogs they take aren't old - just past their prime as far as racing. They are usually well bred and just awesome dogs. So, so sweet.

Also, something to thing to keep in mind. If a dog that met all the requirements you listed existed - wow - I think we'd all have one! The dog you end up with is going to be the dog you mold and shape into the dog you want. Asking the questions and doing your homework is a great start! I know you'll find the right dog when you are ready

[Pure14K]

Quote: Originally Posted by Chrisanne If you choose a rott or a shepard you would want to go to a very respected breeder and get the right temperment. The breeder should be able to help in that department

Very good point & extremly important. If you intend on adopting from a shelter, I'd suggest neither of these breeds.

[Formula86]

thanks for all the suggestions guys! i am really confused now! haha! i have thought about greyhounds, but i am not too keen on that idea. no offense! i like primabella's idea of a sheltie. i love rotties but they need so much exercise. i'm soo lazy! thanks again guys. like i said, this is for the far away future.

[RSbunny]

I was going to suggest a great dane cause they are just big couch potatoes!! They can be a bit dopey though (from what I've been told) so you might need to re-inforce some training on that one!