Breed recomendations?

Rachel

I am insanely excited about getting my first puppy, but I'm having a difficult time deciding on a breed. I live in a spacious apartment, with an average sized fenced yard, no children, and I'm hoping to find a medium/large sized dog who has a good disposition, who is friendly and active, but would protect the property if needed. I know there are a lot of breeders on these forums. Does anyone have a recomendation?

GSDSRULE

Well, there are so many variables.
Do you have any dog experience at all?
Long hair ok?
How much exercise can you give everyday?

Rachel

I would prefer a coat that doesn't require too much maintainence. I've been raised with dogs but have never raised one myself, and I don't want to adopt a breed that won't be suited for apartment life. I only work part time, so I can walk twice daily.

Dulce

I would search for a dog at your local humane society

Something short haired obvioul,s but almost anyhing since you wor part time, and can provide modeate mounts of exercise.

i woldnt recomenm a hunting dog though

skelaki

Some possible breeds would be Smooth Collies, Corgis (both breeds), Whippets and Greyhounds (check into retired racing Greyhounds). Go to www.k9country.com and click on the breed selector. If you answer all the questions honestly, it will give you a pretty good idea as to breeds/mixes that would most likely be a successful match for you.

pamperedpups

Don't forget to search for a dog at www.PetFinder.com

My recommendation is that you look for an "older" dog who is already trained and go more by the individual dog and it's suitability to your lifestyle, rather than breed generalizations. Don't forget that mix breeds can be absolutely WONDERFUL, too, and should not be overlooked.

Good luck!

cujo3269

Personally I have a mixed breed, (german shepard,husky,keeshhound,rottweiler,collie) hes strong, agile, alert. He's got the best of every breed. In my opinion mutts are best.For example just rott is strong, protective and very loyal, but no agility, more independent than most, can't take the cold etc. I'll never get anything other than a mixed breed, truly sensational. My mutt has out muscled pit bulls, can run faster than a collie, and agility to rival a monkey. god i love my dog, can u tell?

blackrose

Only you know your personality and your living situation so only you can truely decide what breed is best for you. We can, however, show you a few breeds that you may want to research. I plugged in your criteria to the k9county breed selector (I did have to guess on a few variables), but this is what I came up with:
Welsh Corgis (This sounds good for you. They do like to bark though, and they shed a BUCNH.)
Basset Hounds (although the guarding might be a little off. lol)
Dachshunds (the size is small, but they are very good watchdogs. We call my cousin's Doxen a "Brottweiler". )
Boston Terriers (yet another good match, although they are small...and I don't think they'd guard...)
Bulldog (not so active, but "scary" looking. A nice sized dog.)
Chesapeake Bay Retriever (like a Lab, only more aloof and dominant)
Manchester Terriers (on the small size, but sound pretty good.)


I'd also look into mutts. You get a little bit of everything with them!

nick59101

Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in, I just found this group and love it, but have studied and read about dogs fairly seriously for years..(yeh, A little bit of a dork over here) going by what you've said I would look at Shiba Inus, Canaan Dogs, Clumber Spaniels (Longer Hair), if you can walk them religiously, maybe a soft coated wheaten?...I'll keep checking back and good luck!
P.S. I own 3 dogs, 2 purebred and "Ceaser" our abused rescue in the picture...It's gonna hurt the most losing our little rescue..hint,hint.