Dogs

[Soulpieced]

Now I'm not planning on getting one in the immediate immediate future, but I was wondering what all of your opinions are of dogs. What are good breeds, what do you have, post pictures, etc.

[Drew2]

I prefer cats.

My experiences with dogs have never been good. They leave a smell on your hands when you pet them. Cats don't. They are all slimy and gross and wet when they rub their nose and lick you and blech. It's gross.

Also cats do much cuter things than dogs do. They also don't go into the garbage, tear up pillows, etc.

In conclusion, get a cat.

It depends on where you live, how much time you have to devote, how much money you are willing to spend, and what type of personality you are looking for.

For instance, I have two boxers. Rex and Daisy. They are the most friendly dogs with two extremely different personalities. Unfortunately, boxers do tend to have high medical bills, but the companionship they give is unmatched.

They also do need pleanty of space. They love to run around and are extremely excited to see their owner. Not only that, but are an extremely safe breed. Boxers are not known to bite or attack people, but do get hyper active.

They'll jump on you to greet you and can claw the dogshit out of you if you don't cut their nails reguarly.

Great breeds though. Much better than labs or any of the other half-witted dogs. Go boxer.

- Arkans

Cats fucking suck. They are much messier, smellier, and annoying than any boxer.

- Arkans

[Brattt8525]

Two of my mini schnauzers, they are chocolate parti schnauzers. They are NOT yappy and are very smart non-shedding and portable!

Sammy and Mocha. Second picture is my chocolate labrador Diva, highly trainable, great with kids.

Labs are my number one favorite dogs, I have raised them for 10 years used them from just a friend to hunting to showing.

[Brattt8525]

Labs are NOT half witted!!!!!!!!!!! BASTARD!:bleh:

Mmmmhmmmmm

Your lab SO looks like it was sniffing glue not too long ago!

- Arkans

But that reminds me.. A friend of mine had this huge golden lab. Stupid thing kept walking in the same wall at least three times before getting through the door. Thing HAD to have been brain damaged.

- Arkans

[Soulpieced]

Mmmm, non-shedding mini schnauzer...

[Brattt8525]

My old hunting lab Winnie had a message for you Arkans!

[hectomaner]

Originally posted by Arkans
Mmmmhmmmmm

Your lab SO looks like it was sniffing glue not too long ago!

- Arkans

thats awesome

[Bobmuhthol]

Please tell me you photoshopped that and did not actually have a pet hold paper in its mouth.

[Brattt8525]

She held it in her mouth, she will hold anything I ask her too.

[Wezas]

http://members.cox.net/legendwezas/pennysnow2.jpg

[Latrinsorm]

I would get a cat if I didn't think cats were up to something. I guess I'm not much of a "pet" person. But if I was....

Ferrets, people. Ferrets.

[peam]

Schnauzers are the biggest fucking yap-boxes on the planet. I've encountered 5 and every single one has done nothing but yip and yap non-stop.

NUKE THE SCHNAUZERS.

I'd recommend going to your local shelter. I'm sure you could find something there that would suit whatever size you're looking for, and on top of that, you won't be supporting a puppy mill.

PWNED by a lab :(

- Arkans

[firegirl]

I have had a dog in my house since I was a child.. from a cocker spaniel, bischon, hound, doberman and now a Boxer. I have to agree with what Arkans says..boxers are amazing pets but very hyper and need constant exercise.... My Boxer goes for about three runs a day at the park and still has energy to play tug of war for the majority of night.

In regards to violence.. they make look fierce and but I find boxers to be one the most sweetest breeds that I have had, especially with children. Only problem I have noticed is that they do not know their own strength so they can jump up and just push you down in a second. They also can get very protective of the home enough to scare anyone that comes to the door.

Health wise.. From what I researched when I got Rizzo is that there is a vast majority of Interbreeding in bloodlines. Another factor is that the Boxers are prone to farting which if you do not feed them properly or keep them on a really strict diet.... make sure you got a window open. Hip Dysplaxia is common within Boxers as well since they have a heavy top usually. Weather climates is an issue……Too hot or too cold can cause breathing issues.

Training them is a breeze - very responsive to orders, even easier than when I had a Doberman.

Money…. me living in the city.. I spend about $120.00 a week just on him alone for a large bag of food, five walks with a dogwalker during the day and a couple of chew bones. Nothing serious yet thankfully has come up.

The bonus with boxers..… they love to be cuddled, watching them Box and jump around is hysterical. They give you a workout when you try to race them, great protectors, intimidating enough to scare away strangers if you want a guard dog feeling but not with the dangers, great at tricks and amazing listeners.

Hope that helps.. Good luck on your Dog search.

If you want to see a pic, let me know. I got it somewhere. Boxers are such cuties.

[Artha]

Boxers have giant heads.

[peam]

The bad thing about boxers, and other dogs with docked tails, is that their asshole and fuck-junk is always showin'.

[Snapp]

Originally posted by Brattt8525
Two of my mini schnauzers, they are chocolate parti schnauzers. They are NOT yappy and are very smart non-shedding and portable!

I want to second the mini schnauzer suggestion! I have two mini schnauzers at my mother's house and love them to pieces. And Peam, neither of them are yippy! They are also smart and very protective.

Downside: Schnauzers need to have their hair cut and tend to get matts if not brushed often enough.

At my apartment, I have a Pembroke Corgi which I also recommend if you don't mind shedding. He's adorable and is a great indoor dog if you don't have a yard.

Downside: Good amount of shedding, but no haircuts/matts.

[Snapp]

Originally posted by peam
The bad thing about boxers, and other dogs with docked tails, is that their asshole and fuck-junk is always showin'.

:lol: By the way, my Corgi has no tail whatsoever. It's so cute how he just shakes his ass when he's excited.

[Brattt8525]

Corgi's are awesome dogs, but with all short legged long backed dogs they can have back problems. I used to have 2 when I lived in NY, I took them to all the horse shows with me and they waddled around happy as hell.

People like to say schnauzers are yappy, but it is all in how you raise them just like any other breed of dog. Clipping them is easy as heck and saves taking them to the groomer every 6 weeks or less. I clip mine in about 15 minutes total, and I have 3.

[Hulkein]

Haha Bratt, I love that sign int he dog... My first dog was a mutt, mainly black lab though, they look similar.

I have a chocolate lab right now, and she's far from half-witted. She used to actually get my old dog in trouble by grabbing a sock with her front teeth (barely, thinking it'd be sneakier), and dropping it in the lap of my other dog who kept getting in trouble for stealing it.

There are more examples of her smarts, but no one really cares.

Don't have any pictures on my computer, my sister does though, maybe I'll get some when I see her on AIM.

[Jazuela]

Definitely get a mutt at the local shelter. Mutts don't have the same kinds of health problems that pure-breeds can have...like breathing problems for pug-faced dogs and hip problems for pure german shepards, for example.

Not all pures will have those issues, but they're the ones who are most prone to them.

You're better off with a mutt. They're cheaper to get, less cost *risk* overall for health maintenence, and don't support puppy mills as mentioned previously.

As for what kind, depends on where you live and your lifestyle. Personally I wouldn't get a dog at all if I live in an apartment. I'd wait til I had a house with a big yard. And then I'd get a big dog. But that's me - I just don't like small dogs, and believe firmly that dogs need room to run free - and safe.

[Soulpieced]

I've never heard the argument for mutts before. Interesting that the things like breathing and hip displaxia(sp) aren't as common.

[Brattt8525]

Mutts are always a good choice and it saves them from the threat of being put to sleep. As some have said it all depends on what you want in a dog. I myself prefer purebred dogs, I like to show my dogs hunt and have the option of breeding them. I also like the fact of knowing the genetics behind the dog I am going to have for the next 8 to 18 years <depending on the size as far as life span>

As far as puppy mills I think SP would be looking very closely at where the dog is going to come from. If you buy from a reputable breeder you have no worries as far as the hip problem. A good breeder has his animals OFA certified, and if not DO NOT buy from them. Also a good breeder has the eyes hips and in some breeds the elbows certified, it is all a matter of doing some reasearch and buying a well bred dog.

The initial purchase is the cheapest part of the dog, it is the food vet bills for shots worming heartworm flea control blah blah blah. So SP decide what size dog small medium or Wezas pony dog size. Contact breeders who will give a written guarantee and be able to show you the parents.

[peam]

People who breed dogs are assholes.

[Brattt8525]

Originally posted by peam
People who breed dogs are assholes.

Why is that Peam?

[AnticorRifling]

Best dog evah:
http://forum.gsplayers.com/image.php?iid=30

[Hulkein]

Originally posted by Soulpieced
I've never heard the argument for mutts before. Interesting that the things like breathing and hip displaxia(sp) aren't as common.

I've heard it.

I'd get a mutt if I was living on my own, and probably will when I get a house after school.

[Hulkein]

Originally posted by Brattt8525

Originally posted by peam
People who breed dogs are assholes.

Why is that Peam?

He's just saying that because he's working on acceptance to PETA.

He's on stage 4.

[Satira]

I have two maltese dogs. They're great... they don't shed which is a huge plus. They like to cuddle with you, and they're smart... Although, generally they aren't a guy's type of dog.

Here's a picture of Lola.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/ThisOtherKingdom/WormCam_03-04-2004_233814_06.bmp

[Wezas]

The one thing about newfoundlands is that they love the water.

http://www.almaden.ibm.com/cs/people/triblet/90BU29S.JPG

[Brattt8525]

I love that picture of your dog Wezas, how freaking adorable.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

I gotta ask, since my black lab is like a freaking hairball... does your dog shed like a bitch?

[Killer Kitten]

If you just want a pet that is relatively low-maintenance I'd recommend getting a cat. They're the best of both worlds, affectionate yet independent.

If your heart is set on a dog, I'd say go to a local shelter and give a home to one that desperately needs it. As far as breeds go, I'll take a muttski over a purebred dog any day. On average they seem to live longer and are less apt to be plagued by health and behavior issues than their purebred counterparts.

Also, be sure to have your pet spayed or neutered. Spaying prevents noisy, messy 'heat' cycles and spaying before first heat decreases the odds of your pet getting mammary cancer by a very high percentage. Neutering a male helps to prevent 'marking' with urine (a REALLY obnoxious habit). It also helps prevent many urinary, prostate and testicular issues that can cut your pets life span short. Many people who get a purepbred animal hold off on spaying or neutering because they harbor a notion of breeding their pet, selling the offspring and making back the money they spent on the animal. I disagree with this practice. Your pet should just be your pet, not an investment you are making. 'Backyard breeding' tends to be a great filler of shelter cages. Be a caring pet owner and have your pet spayed or neutered.

Whichever you choose, I wish you the best of luck with your new pet. There are few things more rewarding and enjoyable than sharing your home and life with a companion animal.

[firegirl]

Wezas,

I love your dog! it is soo cute. What is her/his name by chance?

Never cut your dogs balls off. Imagine going into a white room and waking up with part of your package. I'll never make Rex be less than a full man. No, I'm not going to breed him either.

- Arkans

[Killer Kitten]

Originally posted by Arkans
Never cut your dogs balls off. Imagine going into a white room and waking up with part of your package. I'll never make Rex be less than a full man. No, I'm not going to breed him either.

- Arkans

Not an uncommon reaction. When doing vaccination clinics one of my jobs was to see if the animal has been spayed or neutered. If still intact, I was supposed to remind the owners to make an appointment for the surgery.

When I broached the subject, the universal male reaction was to grab their own balls and wince. This did not happen with women and spaying. I think men tend to identify the dogs testicles with their own a bit too much. It would almost be amusing if not for the fact that keeping a male dog intact puts its health at risk and can shorten its lifespan by several years.

It really is a fact that removing a dogs testicles does not in any way affect the size or performance of the owners sexual equipment. All it does is allow the dog to live a longer, healthier life.

[Stealth]

I will agree on the purebred issue as well. My dad is vet, and after working with him for about 9 years the mutts definitely do not have the genetic problems purebreeds do. Most purebreeds were made via very close line breeding...breeding to close relatives to isolate traits. This does two things, it can indeed bring out desireable traits, but it also makes it much more susceptible to recessive negative traits.

With that being said you can usually do some research to find out what are the problems for a breed you want, then go and look at the parents of the puppy. I would offer the following tips:

- I personally would never get a dog without seeing at a minimum the father and mother and the place they were raised.

- Don't buy or get a puppy mill dog, get one raised by family.

- Get one that was raised in as close to the environment you will keep it in as possible. Ie, don't go to a farm and buy a puppy raised outside for several months and then take it to an apartment.

- Get one with shots and vet care, sure you can get shots yourself for it, but to me it bespeaks a lack of care for the puppy if the owner is not taking care of this.

- If you have the time, get them as young as you possibly can, I will even go so far as to say get one younger than 8 weeks...as close to weaned is you can or even only partially weened. This will allow the dog to bond a lot better with you. Disregard this if you can't spend time with the puppy to feed it and care for it.

- Crate train the puppy immediately. Ensure that it sleeps in the crate and that it equates the crate with a safe place to be that is not a bad thing. This will make your life a lot easier in the future and will make house training tons easier.

- Many puppies have worms, even from good breeders, even if they have been treated. Your best bet is to take the puppy for a checkup as soon as you get it and have them go ahead and worm him.

- Many puppies have mange as well. Two main types of mange, both caused by microscopic mites. One is generally caused by an immune problem, "red mange" and pretty much all dogs have it, some dogs' immune system can't control it and they need treatment. The other one is more common and usually what people associate mange with. It's easily treated with most dips and such. So be on the lookout when you get your puppy.

Now as far as which dog to get? I tend to prefer smaller dogs for manageability.

Small dog breeds I like:

- Jack Russel terriers. (not advised for most people though). JRTs are one of the most intelligent and stubborn dogs out there. Extremely curious, active and headstrong. These dogs weigh about 15-18 pounds and were bred to take on foxes and badgers and anything else they had to dig out of the ground. Stubborness is a bred in quality. (Terrier comes from latin meaning terrari or "digger", so be prepared if you get almost any terrier type to deal with holes in your yard or under your fence.

- Beagles. Beagles are a great small dog for both pets and outdoor hunting dogs. They are laid back, IMO not a very trainable dog along the lines of dogs like JRTs and Labs...but still a good pet.

Schnauzers or scotties. - I like both of these due to personality and size and minimal shedding.

Big dog breeds I like:

- Mixed breed "bull" dogs. After working for my dad for so long I am a firm believer that these dogs get a bad rap. Yes you will find some mean ones. You will find alot more mean chows, dobermans, shepherds and cocker spaniels (I detest cockers, one of the meanest dogs on the planet, luckily they are one good boot in the ass from trouble).

- Rottweilers. Again another breed who has a bad reputation for viciousness. Very smart dogs though.

- Boxers I really like boxers, good size...not huge, but not too little either. Smart dogs.

- Australian shepherds. Very smart and very active dogs.

- Labs. Great intelligent dogs. You have to be REALLY careful with their genetics though and research the parents and further back.

Stealth

[Wezas]

The wet pic was a goggle search - I didn't have all the pics on my laptop. Have a few puppy pics on my home PC I'll try to post.

She's now about 2 1/2 and 140 lbs.

The snow pic was her, though. And so is this one - with me teaching her to not eat the treat until I say "ok" when it's on her paw:

http://members.cox.net/legendwezas/Penny.jpeg

[DeV]

Originally posted by Suppa Hobbit Mage
I gotta ask, since my black lab is like a freaking hairball... does your dog shed like a bitch? Mine did. Her hair would be everywhere no matter how much we'd brush her.

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by DeV

Originally posted by Suppa Hobbit Mage
I gotta ask, since my black lab is like a freaking hairball... does your dog shed like a bitch? Mine did. Her hair would be everywhere no matter how much we'd brush her.

I had black labs growing up. They always shed a ridiculous amount of hair.

Of course, one of them also chewed electrical cords. Dumbest dog ever, but so sweet :)

Jorddyn

[DeV]

omg... I thought I had the dumbest dog ever. He was actually a yellow lab mix and he chewed any and everything including his favorite treat: batteries. I think that attributed to his eventual demise following a nasty bout with stomach problems.

So, I'm sitting here, kinda bored. Day off. Probably going to shower and I just realized one thing that I tend to forget now and then.

My dogs really kick ass. There is nothing better in the world than Rex and Daisy. This is Rex in his younger days. He's a bit more gray now. Enjoy.

- Arkans

PS: To keep my usual tone and not to soften up, this dog is better and will amount to more than any of you ever will :P:P:P

[Warriorbird]

It'll also have an uglier ass.

We had a blue tick coon hound collie cross and then a Golden retriever when I was growing up. Both were great dogs. The golden took longer to settle down, but when she did she was wonderful. She was also very good with children.

Lots of breeds are good. Just don't get a dalmation.

:hates on them:

My grandfather and aunt have each had a ton of rescue dalmations. 90% have been incredibly annoying, violent, and or stupid.

[Brattt8525]

Handsome dog Arkans, where is apicture of Daisy? The bandana is a nice touch!

Looking for one right now.

- Arkans

[Brattt8525]

Here is my cool looking mini schnauzer sporting a jean jacket.

[DeV]

Originally posted by Brattt8525
Handsome dog ArkansYeah that.

Heh, that bandana is pimp.

My computer sucks, so Daisy alone.

- Arkans

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by Arkans]