[seveneels]

I know it doesn't look like it but here's an extremely simplified summary of what I need help with:

I am planning on getting my first ever canine within this year, as I am going to be graduating from high school soon. I am prepared to take on the added responsibilities of owning a dog during college, though I will be attending a junior college for a year or two until I transfer to an 'actual' college, so I will be living at home until then, but I do have a place to live when I go there that will allow for me to take my buddy with me.

I and my mother have to agree on either what breed or mix of breeds we would like in a canine companion.

Currently what's been agreed upon with myself and my mother is we'd prefer a medium to medium large sized dog, at least fairly easy to train, not known to be stubborn or really independent, and with moderate exercise needs.

Mom would prefer minimal shedding and grooming requirements, and though I concur with this, I would not mind a dog with longer fur as long as it is manageable. She also has issues with barking, so a breed not known for being talkative is preferred to her. Mom is afraid of dogs with aggression issues, so keep that in mind as well.

I don't really like excitable, always energetic dogs. I'd prefer a calm, collected, emotionally stable dog, maybe even a bit reserved, but still have a desire to please. I'm fine with some independence but I want to be able to get their attention easily. One who comes to the door wagging his tail when I get home but isn't all over me. I would like to go hiking on weekends and camping during the summer with my canine buddy to accompany me and to warn of dangerous animals or people, which mother agrees with.

Here's the problem: We can't agree. A mother and her teenage daughter can't agree. Big surprise I know. Mom doesn't know much about dog breeds, and I've been looking through them quite a bit lately. She's naturally drawn to the dogs of her childhood, (such as labs) and I'm drawn to various different breeds, from the xolo to the keeshond.

Any advice is extremely helpful. Essentially what I need is a relatively calm and quiet, easily trainable, adaptable dog with a manageable coat that can travel well and is loyal but in a collected manner, that can act as a good watchdog.

If you managed to get through all that text and still want to help me, thank you so much for your time and assistance. I could seriously use some sound examples to show to mum!

 

[inkii]

Have you considered a greyhound? They sound like they'd fit the bill.

 

[ZoesMom]

Ditto on the greyhound!

 

[patronizingrabbits]

I agree, a retired racing greyhound sounds like the exact thing you're looking for.

 

[SusanLynn]

Hi Seveneels,

Welcome to the Forum! It's great to see that you are doing some research before bringing home a new dog.

Are you planning to bring home a puppy or adopt an adult dog? I would like to suggest that you consider an adult dog around the ages of 2 or 3. There are wonderful adult dogs looking for homes, and bringing home a dog of this age can be a really rewarding experience. You'll bypass the craziness of a new puppy and still have many, many years to enjoy your new canine friend.

 

[harleyboysmom]

^^ all of these answers, plus you would be saving a life.

 

[jbibiza]

Much of what you're looking for is achieved by training. I love the greyhound recommendation... that's going to be my next dog. I really recommend rescue dogs from 18 months and up. Spend some time going around the different shelters and rescues in your area, look for a dog that shows an interest in you but isn't barking and leaping at the door. I find that dogs that are a little bit reserved at first turn out to be the most loyal.

 

[SusanLynn]

Obviously, retired greyhounds are pretty popular around here, but you don't have to limit yourself!

There are a lot of breed selection quizzes on-line. Also, I'd suggest going to places where there are lots of dogs (e.g. dog parks, your local pet store) and observing dogs in action. Also, talk to dog owners. I find that nearly dog owner enjoys talking about his pooch. I've had terrific conversations with people just walking their dogs in my neighborhood and in the local park.

A book I have enjoyed consulting about different breeds is "The Encyclopedia of the Dog" by Bruce Fogle. It has lots of photos and groups dogs by categories such as "livestock guarding dogs," "gundogs," "companion dogs," and so on. Narrowing down the type of dog you want will help you focus your search. For example, I recently adopted two rescue dogs and decided what I wanted most of all were "companion dogs." With that in mind, I brought home a Long-haired Dachshund mix and a Pekingese. Here are my dogs:

http://www.dogforum.com/new-additions/meet-miles-jesses-new-best-buddy-134010/

 

[kelly528]

I'd recommend adopting an adult dog unless either yourself or your mother is willing to pull out at all the stops a puppy requires: waking up around the clock to take them to the bathroom and still getting your carpets consistently wrecked for the first six months.

As the others mentioned, I already had 'retired greyhound' in mind for you before I had gotten to the bottom of the O.P. They are fantastic, easygoing dogs ,highly trainable (especially house-training wise) and will have received some training and socialization from a foster-parent prior to adoption.

The rest of the sighthound group is similar in their personality and energy requirements. Retired whippets and Borzoi can be had as well from greyhound rescue groups; they are usually brought overseas from Korea where they are more popular on the track. Again, very low-keyed, cuddly fellows who would like nothing more than a nice spot to lounge nearby their owners. Though they aren't usually raced, Salukis and Afghan Hounds again have a similar temperament. Those two you would have to look into a breed rescue or a breeder for.

 

[natenqen]

Yeah, a lot of what you described is all going to be on training for your part. Unless you get a pet dog that a family can't afford to keep anymore. You might want to look into retired show dogs too. There are a lot of good breeders out there who have retired show dogs that they will sell to you. They aren't as drivey and they have good training already instilled into them.

Another place is what others here have mentioned. You could go for a retired greyhound, but you can also look into rescue groups who do foster care for dogs. You can give them this list you mentioned and they will be able to help you pick out the right pup for you.

I also agree that you should go for a dog who is older vs a puppy. Oh and Welcome to the forum.

 

[seveneels]

Thank you all for your answers! I already had planned on adopting an adult dog and realize that training is a big part of molding my canine into the companion that I would like for him to be.

I honestly would adore a retired greyhound, they're so slender and regal. I asked her about her opinion on greyhounds and she made it clear that she dislikes the greyhound's shape and appearance. (which is a shame but she's the one paying for the adoption fees)

Are there other sighthounds that have a body shape less like that of a greyhound?

 

[kelly528]

Salukis. And afghans.

 

[Savage Destiny]

A whippet might fit the bill. They are generally more rounded in shape than a Greyhound, so while they're sleek and lean like a Grey, they don't have the sharp features a lot of people dislike about Greys.

 

[BullyGirl80]

The Basenji is a nice looking sighthound.

 

[cybavilla]

Your new pet

I would tend to agree with your mom about a lab. I don't think a greyhound would be the best since you are looking for a dog that doesn't require too much exercise. If the idea of a rescue sounds appealing, you can find a rescue at the local animal shelter. You can tell a lot about a dog's personality by observing the dog either in the dog shelter or if you are looking for a pup, in the home environment. Although there are breed characteristics, you will find a lot of variations in individuals. For example you might consider most of us American but we all act different.

 

[seveneels]

Again, I appreciate all your help! It's really interesting seeing what you all have to say. I actually sat down with mom today and we looked at some breeds together. She likes labs and pointers, which is what she had as a kid. (which makes sense) She also likes the looks of the hound group, such as beagles, foxhounds, redbone coonhounds, and black and tan coonhounds.

I like the looks of them too, but I'm not certain about pointers or hounds, as they have higher exercise needs do they not? What are you lovely people's opinions on those two groups? Would you recommend these for a first time owner?

 

[SusanLynn]

It's very good that you're considering the exercise needs of various breeds. In your first post, you mentioned wanting to go hiking with your new dog on weekends. How much time and how often do you plan to take your dog out for exercise on a regular weekday? Also, what kinds of physical exercise do you plan to provide - only walks? daily jogs? throwing balls? agility training?.....

 

[TinyGhosts]

First, I wish more people would educate themselves about breeds before ending up getting a dog which doesnt fit their lifestyle - so you did a very good first step towards being a good future dog owner! :thumbsup:

Its important to know how much time you are willing to spend on a normal day for your dog excluding feeding and potty time. All dogs need exercise - some more, some less, but you will have to walk your dog, even if you have a yard. Its important for your dogs mental health being AND physical training. Most people tend to forget that daily walks are required to have a balanced, happy dog.

Many of the things you mentioned will come with proper training. Now, you can have a well behaved dog but that doesnt mean he will "just be there". You will need to play with him, care for him and walk him every day, no matter what.

As for breed suggestions I think a greyhound would fit, too bad your mom doesnt like them. Maybe you can find a greyhound mix (with a low energy breed)?

I would suggest you NOT to get a dog if you and your mom cant agree and she is only okay with working type dogs like you mentioned (labs, pointer etc). Those breeds need a lot of mental and physical work to stay healthy and happy. Choosing a breed only based on looks is never a good idea.

Maybe other users can come up with another breed suggestion? Maybe theres more options if you tell us a little more about how much time you can and actually realistically want to spend on a regular day for your future dog

 

[jbibiza]

I would be a bit careful of some of the hounds... especially Beagles. I love Beagles, I think they're adorable but once they get on an interesting scent they can be really difficult to recall, so lots of training is required. I'm not saying all Beagles are like this...

I really do recommend visiting some rescue centers... when I went I was expecting to get a scruffy terrier mix. I left with a lab/collie mix. There was just something about Bo and we bonded instantly, I've never regretted that decision as he's the best companion I could have imagined.

 

[SusanLynn]

She likes labs and pointers, which is what she had as a kid.

Oftentimes, when we look back at the wonderful dogs our families had when we were kids, we're remembering those dogs as they've matured and settled down over the years. In general, a two-year-old lab is going to be a lot more active and require a lot more exercise than a six-year-old lab.

Also, is your mother interested and/or willing to take on some of the responsibility of daily exercise and training?

It seems to me that while you're both gravitating to the looks of larger, working dogs, a smaller, "companion" dog might better suit your lifestyle. What about a smaller Spaniel or terrier?