Looking for a Dog

[Schriner]

I would suggest finding a dog at the humane society. It is cheaper, and you're doing a good service, because there are a lot of great homeless pets. The people that work there take really good care of the animals, so you won't get some crazy psycho animal either. Which is nice.

100% agree with this - the last two dogs we got (black lab, some kind of lab mix) came from a lab rescue organzation.

[TxCycloneFan]

I got a border collie for Father's day. He is the smartest dog I've ever been around.

I have a minature dachshund and a pit bull mix, I love them both but this Angus is going to be my favorite I think.

[isudoc03]

I would recommend that you talk to your veterinarian before making a final decision. He/She can tell you a lot about pros and cons of the breeds. Especially about dispositions or any potential medical problems related to each breed.

[throwittoblythe]

Anybody have experience with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers? I've read a little and sounds like they're a pretty good dog to have. On the Kennel Club site it said they even do well in apartments. Anybody have one or know of someone who has one?

[zach]

Well, as you can see to the left, I am a big German Shorthair fan. The avatar is of mine. He is 12 now and has been a great companion, although, this summer he has finally started to slow down a bit(Thank you God!). I read a lot about training pointers and also took him to specialist 3 times to work with him and myself. A terrific experience for us both. I would say I worked with him for 1 1/2 years nearly every day. Really all you are doing is perfecting what you want them to do and already is bread into them....

No matter how much you spend buying the dog, dogs are like people, some are smarter and better behaved than others. To improve your chances on getting the one you want, call and talk to breeders of all kinds…talk to people in the know and they can tell you what to look for when choosing. Also, just because they are smarter and better behaved then others, it doesn't mean they like the sound of a gun or like to hunt or even want to retrieve once the bird is dropped.

GSP are NOT good house dogs and for that matter 99% of hunting dogs are not...they are hunting dogs.i.e. they are bread to be relentless hunters.i.e. when you want to relax they don't and won’t! Anyway, be prepared for the cuteness of a puppy to wear off because you will be wanting to move the dog outside in a proper setting. Mine lives like a king with a heated hog mat, heated water for winter…and so on…..spoiled!

Things you should stay away from if you are planning to try and make it a house dog… go with a breed without a tail. Tails get in the way, smack your young children in the head and get bloody from hitting the furniture. Be careful of the labs due to their hips and make sure the bloodlines (papers) proves good hips and other. Stay away from Weimers in this area of the country as most are bread for their looks and not for their smarts or hunting ability….a fad dog unfortunately in most cases. Go with breeders that have been around no matter what you buy!

My GSP has been fortunate to hunt with seasoned and well trained pointers too, on land with lots of birds. Both of us have been fortunate in this respect and it is a BIG deal on the level of success of the dog and you! Never use a shock collar to train them. If you use a shock collar it is only for reinforcement of what you have taught them and what they know, NOT a teaching instrument.

Finally, read a book by Delmar Smith and Bill Tarrant, "Best Way to Train Your Gun Dog". And yes, my GSP is a terrific family dog!

[joefrog]

I got a border collie for Father's day. He is the smartest dog I've ever been around.

I have a minature dachshund and a pit bull mix, I love them both but this Angus is going to be my favorite I think.

I found this the other day. I have been sorta looking at dogs also:

Smartest Dog Breed - Dog Intelligence Ranking By Breeds

Interesting and useful guide. I posted it because Border Collies are on top, very observant of you. Shelties also make great family dogs. They play when you want to, make decent watch dogs, and like to nap. Great with kids also.

[Wesley]

The great with kids is the more important aspect than great hunter.

[cycloneML]

I've had a Brittany for 12 years. She's a member of the family. Can't imagine why you would choose another breed.

[JBone84]

Anybody have experience with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers? I've read a little and sounds like they're a pretty good dog to have. On the Kennel Club site it said they even do well in apartments. Anybody have one or know of someone who has one?

My father in law bred Chesapeakes and trained them (as well as other breeds) in the 70s/80s. I think he would agree that they are too intelligent and active, for apartment life. Even though they are superb all around hunting dogs (upland game like pheasants/quail, waterfowl like ducks and geese), their expertise would be the waterfowl due to hardy coats with the oily outer coat that repels water, webbed feet, etc.

I've hunted pheasants, quail, ducks, and geese with my father in law's current Chessie, and he's outshined the other dogs we've been with every time even though they belong to experienced hunters and dog trainers. There is no worry about lifting a Chessie over a fence, as they can jump just about anything or go through it instead (known to crush ice with their chest as they swim through icy water).

My experience with Chessies is that they are not for the inexperienced dog owner, as their intelligence and drive causes them to want to be the alpha dog, where they will constantly check to make sure you're still the one in charge. Also, it's practically impossible to cause them physical harm - they're built like a tank. They are very loyal to family members but wary of strangers; combine that trait with their strength/durability and you get a dog that can protect you and your family.

As you can see, I'm pretty partial to the Chesapeakes. I grew up hunting with Labs (family dogs), German Wiredhair Pointers (friend's dogs), and German Shorthair Pointers (friend's dogs) for reference. All were good hunting dogs and companions, but just aren't quite the dog that the Chessie is (IMO). Currently, I hunt with my Dad's lab and my father in law's Chessie.