Which breeds should I be looking for?

TMihm

Hello all.

My brother got a Boxer German Shepherd mix this winter as a pup, named her 'Cuda (Not after the fish, after the muscle car of course ). Unfortunately, Cuda and of lesser importance, my brother, are both leaving me in a few weeks. I've always loved dogs, and Cuda is a blast to have, I'll miss her a lot. Beings how I was the one that did a large portion of puppy training and re-training (My brother had a strange way of undoing what I did), I think I'm ready to have a dog of my own. I'm not familiar with many breeds, and I don't have a lot of money to go buy a purebred hands-down-hottie of a German Shepherd or something, I'm just looking for pointers. Here's a little more precise information about what I'm looking for in a dog.

I have an inclination towards larger dogs (Cuda is around 75lbs, and I love her size), but I'm not against having a small one either.

I'd prefer if it didn't shed a lot, and it will come to college with me, so it can't shed too much.

This dog doesn't have to be good with children, although that would be a plus, as my nieces and nephews are my pride and joy, and I'm sure if it lives past 15 years of age, I'll have my own kids.

I need it TRAINABLE. I'm sure that this is more of a dog-to-dog thing, but breeds do have a little influence on it.

It doesn't have to behave well around other animals/dogs. I just want it to listen, so I can be sure it doesn't go on the attack.

Beings how I will be going to college next year, I probably won't want a dog with a lot of energy. I'm a very calm, relaxed person, and my dog needs to reflect that. The only problem I have with Cuda is that she always has to be doing something. She might grow out of it, but... I doubt it. It's just her. I want a dog that's fine with chilling on the couch with me for the evening.

I have lots of property, and love being outside with Cuda, so exercise wont' be an issue at all.

Well, that was a long list, but for anyone who's made it all the way to here, my most heartfelt thanks, and any input is greatly appreciated.

-Travis

CheyAut

Greyhound

Mimi

Golden Retriever.

UnDeadKnight1

Bullmastiff...if you don't mind the drooling.

But anyway, if you don't mind about getting a mutt, and not a purebred dog, why not just go to the pound and see if there's a dog that suits your needs best that you can rescue?

bouvier and shepherd babe

bouvier des flanders hypoallergenic large protective very intelligent little to no shedding stands out in a crowd so cos no one knows much about them. very lazy in the house so needs little excercise hope this helps

TMihm

Thanks for all the contributions so far.

I NEVER thought of a greyhound. I'll be looking for those for sure. I think the Retrievers shed a little too much for me. The long hair is, well, annoying at the least. Never heard of that last dog, but I'm looking it up as we speak. Will be visiting a few animal shelters over the weekend.

I just looked up on pet finder a dog right by me at the local shelter actually. She's a Pit Bull / Boxer mix. Beautiful white dog with a brown eye patch, still young, says she has a very calm and loving demeanor. Gonna go see her today for sure.

Thanks again for the help so far, any other suggestions are much appreciated too!

-Travis

TMihm

The shelter's only open 9-11AM... Grrr...... Will be looking at her first thing Monday morning.

-Travis

Criosphynx

Lol...dont' shelter hours suck?

I say a mixed breed with a personality you like is the best way to go...but if I were to name a breed I second the greyhound suggestion.

Chaz

I also like the Greyhound suggestion, or really any large sighthound or sighthound mix

natalie265

That's so funny that people are saying greyhound because when i read your post, that was the first breed that came to mind. They love a daily walk/run, but are huge couch potatoes. Large, generally mellow and friendly. They aren't brilliant pupils like a doberman or german shephard, but also won't be as likely to get bored and cause trouble.