[Dawg62]

Love both of these breeds, but can't make up my mind and I am a first time Dog Owner. Both could be a handful Rottweiler in perticular. Only other breed I'd consider is the Beagle.

What do you guys think?

 

[miniaturehorse]

I don't know that anyone here could tell you which would be easier for you, that depends on your own knowledge and experience, as well as the specific dog you'd get. But people here could tell you if either of those breeds would fit into your life in general.
What's your life style like? How much training are you able to do? What do you want a dog for(companionship, jogging partner, sports dog)? Those things would help people figure out which would be better for you.

 

[Lucillle]

The addition of the Beagle varies your short list. Nothing wrong with that, this is the time to get advice. I agree with Miniaturehorse, there are a lot of factors to consider. You say you live in an apartment, and a beagle is fairly small but needs quite a bit of exercise to be happy and out of mischief.

http://www.dogforum.com/new-additions/dog-should-i-get-out-my-284562/


My suggestion is to get with your friends that are local who have dogs and spend some time with them, or to volunteer at a shelter. That is a way you can become more familiar with various kinds of dogs prior to making a decision. Good for you, for asking first.

 

[Sabina88]

Have you ever owned a dog before or had dog experience? rotties can be a lot of dog for a first time dog. I only have limited experience with bull terriers, one of my aunts used to have one that I met only once. He was very sweet (mind as far as I know my aunt nor my cousins did any training with him, and the entire time we were visiting he was tied outside on a zip line (or what ever there called) away from people (not his fault)) and very energetic. I know they can be a little on the stuborn though.
Going off of what others have mentioned, can you tell us a little more about what your looking for in a dog, are you willing to do lots of training or are you looking for more of a companion?
As for beagle's they are great dogs and very sweet, I just hesitate to recommend them for a apartment because being a hound they are known to bay/bark which may bother your neighbors. And as mentioned they are pretty energetic dogs. I know @patronizingrabbits, @charliedadog and I think a couple others have beagles on here and would be great resources for first hand beagle experience.

 

[ChessaQ]

I would say a bull terrier would be more difficult. They have a tendency towards aggression, and are very strong willed. I don't think I would recommend them as a first dog.

Rotties can actually be pretty easy dogs, but some are harder and can be more difficult to train. And of course, they're incredibly strong. Of the three, I think I'd pick a beagle for a first time dog owner. No dog is easy, but they're probably the best to start with.

 

[akodo1]

I would say a bull terrier would be more difficult. They have a tendency towards aggression, and are very strong willed. I don't think I would recommend them as a first dog.

Rotties can actually be pretty easy dogs, but some are harder and can be more difficult to train. And of course, they're incredibly strong. Of the three, I think I'd pick a beagle for a first time dog owner. No dog is easy, but they're probably the best to start with.

ChessaQ, are you perhaps thinking of pitbulls rather than bull terriers?

I agree that some, in fact many, Rotts can be pretty easy dogs. But I'd put the Bull Terrier as easier. Note this is the Bull Terrier and the Miniature Bull Terrier, but NOT American Pit Bull Terrier, NOT the Staffordshire terrier (American or otherwise) and not a generic bully mix.

 

[traciek88]

I think as a first time dog owner you should not get a Rottweiler or a Bull Terrier. Rotties are very large, powerful dogs that need experienced owners. Bull Terriers are smaller but also powerful and very high energy, as well as prone to neurological disorders.

I do actually think ChessaQ was talking about Bull Terriers, not Pits.

I think for a first time pet owner a Beagle would be a much better choice. They're smaller, typically sweet tempered and fairly easy dogs. They can be a bit stubborn and follow their nose but in general they are great dogs. What is it about all of these breeds that made them appeal to you? Have you spent any time with any in real life or is it just the look and description that you like?

Once you decide on a breed we can help you find a good rescue or breeder for your new dog! Let us know what happens.

 

[kelly528]

I have known rotties to be "medium" in the easiness scale because although they are powerful, they are quite laid back and incredibly food motivated. Bull terriers in my limited experience are more independent-minded and a lot less influenced by the possibility of a milk-bone.

Beagles again are extremely food-motivated... Loud lil buggers to be sure, but if you have treats on you, your wish is their command

 

[Lsnrhodes]

Think it's difficult to generalize all terriers and all rotties... Different dogs of the same breeds can have such different temperaments. I think with both, you're going to need to dedicate a lot of time to training, and making sure you have a balanced dog that is obedient. If you're unsure, or don't think you're going to be able to dedicate the time necessary to ensure proper training (for you and the dog), then I would go with the beagle. Both rotties and terriers may be a handful for anyone, no matter their experience.

 

[woof823]

First time owner

I'm afraid as a first time owner it'll be safer for you to have the Beagle first before taking a chance to go with the Bull Terrier or Rottweiler. Aside from the Beagle's size which a lot smaller than the other two, they're gentle and intelligent dog.