What do you look for when choosing a new dog?

[Jstpssng]

Just a different subject, as I begin the search for a new companion. (Labrador retriever, of course) This is like asking what is the best tractor; each individual has different wants and needs. Some people want a low maintenance type; i.e., a lawn shadow. Somebody else might find the biggest requirement is that the dog needs a decent home (I won't mention SigArms by name )
My hat is off to them. Others want an animal to protect their home and property....That's fine so long as you know what you're doing.

I belong to the school of "Never mind the dog, worry about the owner."

 

[Mousefield]

After our Lab cross we had for about 10 years died we took a break on having a dog. After 13 months I got a purebred yellow Lab from a breeder who had finished with breeding her, she was almost 7 years old. I just wanted a friendly dog around, not some mean thing. Like our last dog she walks with the goats, chickens and calves. She is very mellow and does a nice job of retrieving tennis balls :laughing: :thumbsup:
Today she came out with me while walking the two baby goats I am bottle feeding, both goats are living in the house for a few days. One is an orphan as her mom that we had for about 11 years died. Nice to have a friendly dog you can trust with small animals or kids.

 

[nybirdman]

We had Labrador retrievers for thirty years...hard to beat for an all around dog.Recently there have been some health problems cropping up...need to research your breeding.English labs,rather than American Field trial stock may be better suited the home environment.

 

[brokenknee]

After our Lab cross we had for about 10 years died we took a break on having a dog. After 13 months I got a purebred yellow Lab from a breeder who had finished with breeding her, she was almost 7 years old. I just wanted a friendly dog around, not some mean thing. Like our last dog she walks with the goats, chickens and calves. She is very mellow and does a nice job of retrieving tennis balls :laughing: :thumbsup:
Today she came out with me while walking the two baby goats I am bottle feeding, both goats are living in the house for a few days. One is an orphan as her mom that we had for about 11 years died. Nice to have a friendly dog you can trust with small animals or kids.

We got a black lab / german short hair mix last July as a pup. The problem is she likes to "play" with the chickens, which has a very unfavorable result for the poor chickens.

She is a very pretty dog and full of energy, we should have gotten a bread of dog that was not so high strung. We only had three chickens last year but she killed them all. We plan on getting about seven more this spring to she how she acts with them. If anyone has any ideas how to stop a dog from killing the chickens please let me know.

I would suggest first to define the characteristics you want or require in a dog. Then do a little research on the breads to see which one fits most of your requirements by temperament.

I know I will hear training is a large part how a dog acts. I acknowledge that, however one would not normally pick a toy poodle to be a guard dog.

 

[ajmbonaire]

I have in the past had dogs that were given away for free and have paid large sums of money for purebred. I have to tell you that the best dogs I ever had were the runt of the litter and last to be chosen. Don't know why but expensive pets just don't cut it with me. By far the best dog I ever had was a puppy at a bar in a box behind the counter, the barmaid asked if I wanted a dog for free. She was a full blooded German Shepherd. Could type pages of how good a companion she was. I miss her a lot.

 

[Jstpssng]

We got a black lab / german short hair mix last July as a pup. The problem is she likes to "play" with the chickens, which has a very unfavorable result for the poor chickens.

She is a very pretty dog and full of energy, we should have gotten a bread of dog that was not so high strung. We only had three chickens last year but she killed them all. We plan on getting about seven more this spring to she how she acts with them. If anyone has any ideas how to stop a dog from killing the chickens please let me know.

I would suggest first to define the characteristics you want or require in a dog. Then do a little research on the breads to see which one fits most of your requirements by temperament.

I know I will hear training is a large part how a dog acts. I acknowledge that, however one would not normally pick a toy poodle to be a guard dog.

That's what I'm looking for, a 3-6 month old which someone finds is more than they can handle. My last lab was a true hunter; but when I brought baby chicks home and said "you be good to the babies" she knew to leave them alone. When 1 got out of the box she stood there licking it until I came over to see what she had.

 

[2manyrocks]

I look for a willing spirit. Some dogs want to interact with you. Some don't. Try to pick the one that wants to be your dog.

 

[DwightD123]

I checked the temperment of the sire and dam for a hard-running field dog that was also a relaxed inside dog. It worked well. HRCH Buddy is a great family dog that does not know stop when in the field.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I like pure breds but I don't see the need to buy one from a breeder (no offense). Plenty of them in shelters.

We took in four dogs this year. Three that were on "death row" due to not being adopted and their time was up. One (a black lab of some sort) that was dragging itself along the road after being beaten, shot and hit by a car. He is doing okay, won't never be perfect, but is a big lover boy.

Shelter dogs come with baggage but with some work and love, they usually (not always) work out.

 

[DABSGT]

Best dog over had was a 135 lb German shepard. He was my K-9 partner for 8 years big baby at home my children learned to walk by holding them self up on him gentle and calm. Now when he was at work different story. Had lots of fun and good memory's of him. But to answer your question just pick one that catches your eye, love and time spent with the dog it will come. I have had many dogs since none will replace him no 2 are alike, it is all in the bonding.
Best of luck finding your new BEST FRIEND.