Dog Hunting!

Canada
February 13, 2007 8:34pm CST
I am looking to purchase a dog for my family. I have two children aged 4 and 7, and need the dog to be well tempered. I have a decent sized 2 bedroom home, and a large yard, and I need a purebred. If you know a dog breed that is well tempered, could you please let me know what breed it is, what the approximate cost of the dogs are, and anything else that you know about that particular breed? Thank you all so much.
8 people like this
42 responses
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
14 Feb 07
You haven't said what you want to hunt. That's important. There are different breeds for different things. Waterfowl, upland game, rabbits. What would you like?
2 people like this
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Ooops, thought you wanted a "hunting dog". Sorry.
1 person likes this
• Canada
14 Feb 07
I think you severely misunderstood. I asked what type of dog to get, as in, I am hunting around to get a dog. Sorry for the confusion..lol.
1 person likes this
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Not a problem. My dad knows alot about hunting dogs..he breeds beagles and has a bird dog with a very strange german name. It's a kind of pointer anyways :P
@kiogie9 (38)
• Philippines
14 Feb 07
well for me boxer is a good one...they are playful and easy to train too. They are loyal and not irritable...The more you play with them the more they like it. I have 2 boxers. Boxers not like other dogs they have a very good temper. Also consider the golden retriever...
• Canada
14 Feb 07
My grandmother is a great fan of boxers. She wants me to get one because she already has a dog and wants to be able to be around one. Thanks for responding.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
14 Feb 07
Boxers are great dog. And based rom my research about dogs the best trait that boxers do have is that they can communicate with people...They can show some facial reactions. For my boxers I can see in their faces if they are lonely, happy or angry. And when you talk to them they do facial reactions too.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Feb 07
I think the best dog for a family is a Golden Retreiver. They are so smart and actually become part of the family. They love children and respect other pets you might have. And they are so much fun. You can run up and down the steps and they will chase you all day long. Lloyd
• Canada
14 Feb 07
LOL..I think I might keel over before the dog, sounds like fun though. Golden retreivers have been mentioned already, and it is making me think alot about that particular breed. If more than one person says that breed, there has to be some truth behind it. Thanks for responding :)
1 person likes this
@Sissygrl (10912)
• Canada
14 Feb 07
The Great Dane is a gentle giant. It is kind, sweet and affectionate. It is playful and patient with children. It loves everyone and needs to be around people. It does not bark much, and only becomes agressive when the circumstances require it, which in turn makes it an ideal watch dog.
2 people like this
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Thanks so much sissygrl! I have always liked the Great Dane, but it has a fierce look about it so I really didn't take the time to get to know about it. I will research this breed immediately and more than likely I will be getting a Great Dane now! Thanks again :)
2 people like this
@2aronic (18)
• United States
14 Feb 07
The labs are great family dogs. I prefer the yellow labs, myself, but there is the black labs and the chocolate labs. I have 2 dogs, both are rescue dogs (I wouldn't have it any other way). One is a lab/shepard mix and he is the greatest dog I have ever had. He is so gentle with kids.
2 people like this
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Chalk another up for labs! Thanks so much for responding. Happy Valentines :)
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Feb 07
If you don't mind me asking why exactly do you need a purebred dog? Muts generally tend to have better health. If you want a purebred that is well-tempered I would go with some kind of sheep or herding dog, they tend to be really friendly and good with kids. I have an Australian shepherd dog and he likes virtually everyone and is very submissive, which is good if you have kids. When I got him he cost around $150, but his original price was $200.
2 people like this
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Thanks for responding. I don't so much need a purebred as want one. Thanks for your advice :)
• United States
19 Feb 07
Cruise the shelters and let the dog pick you. When you see the right dog you will know it. I went looking for a German Shepard and ended up with two Siberian Huskies. I grew up with both but my Huskies picked me. When I saw them, there was no question. They needed to be with me. Look at it that way and you cannot go wrong. Also, if you are looking for medium sized dogs I love Australian Cattle Dogs and American Eskimos. Great breeds.
1 person likes this
• Canada
19 Feb 07
Thank you so much for your input. I will try your method for sure. Thanks again.
@destroyer (784)
• Pakistan
14 Feb 07
I will second whoever said that you should get a golden retriever! I have one for about 2 years now and found it to be very loving, eager to please and playful! its very well tempered around everyone! The second option would be to go for a German Shepherd, they are loyal, protective and good company! very nice around kids! but being large they would need a little extra caring and space! As for the price, i would suggest you go to your local animal shelters and try getting a dog from there, you would be saving your hard earned cash and providing a home to a homeless animal! Good luck with whatever dog you chose!
• United States
14 Feb 07
go to a shelter and let ur kids interact with some pups to see which one seems to be the best...there are purebred at pounds, too, and they certainly need to be adopted...
1 person likes this
• Canada
14 Feb 07
There was a really cute pup down at the local shelter here, but when I went to see about him the second time, he had been put to sleep. They are actually quite cruel to the animals at the "shelter" here, and I'd love to just let them all go..it makes me very sad to think of those poor animals there.
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Wow. Yeah, I will feel better knowing that one of the dogs won't be put to sleep for no good reason, but I'd really prefer a full breed dog.
14 Feb 07
I thought this was going to be about real "hunting" for a second you made me think of that van dam film where he's hunted and those street people are murdered for this sick sport. On to the topic. A german shepard(s) are very nice dogs for familys. they're well trained and are protective of those around 'em. I know a few people with one and there lovely dogs. this is coming from someone who doesn't really like dogs. =) ~Joey Goodluck and let us know what you choose. please?
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Thanks so much for responding. I will be sure to post what I decide on, along with photos of the new addition :)
• Canada
16 Feb 07
Thank you for your response cinnabunch.
• United States
14 Feb 07
I know from experience that Chow's and Dalmatian's are not good family dogs. They are temperamental around children. One dog breed that I know for a fact is good around children, and many are in need of homes, is Greyhound's. I have been around many Greyhound's that have been adopted and they are great dogs but, they do need room to run. If you have a spacious apartment but no yard, I would recommend looking into a smaller breed. Big dogs need room to run and exercise and unless your willing to spend time going to the park everyday, a smaller breed might best fit your situation. I know a couple of people that own Scottie's, and they seem to be well behaved but fun dogs.
• Canada
14 Feb 07
My house isn't huge, but it isn't overly small either, it's just a basic one level 2 bedroom home, as for yard space, I have a huge back and front yard for play time, and lots of walking trails nearby. We are even right by the ocean so the dog can go for a nice swim with us during the summer months :)
• Canada
15 Feb 07
The local shelter isn't the greatest, which makes me want to take more dogs from there, but the most of the dogs there are fully grown, and I'd rather have a younger dog that will grow with my children. They are also treated kinda crappy so alot of them are mean. It's so sad to see them all there and know that they aren't in the best care, but no one will do anything about it...I've reported them a few times so far.
• United States
15 Feb 07
COOL! Then get a BIG dog..Have you checked with your local animal shelter? The dog I have now, I got from there. He is an English Mastiff Mix. A well behaved dog that wants nothing more than to be pet 24/7..lol
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Feb 07
Based on the information you've given I think that one of the best dogs you could look into getting is a Golden Retriever. They are loving, even tempered, sweet, eager to please family dogs. My younger sister has had one for about seven years and he's probably the most friendly dog I've ever seen. Random strangers come up to pet him all the time and he has no problems with this at all. He's never snapped at a child - even while being sat on, his ears being pulled, etc. One thing I want to say is if you're considering getting a purebred look at the rescue organizations. There are some wonderful Golden Retrievers out there waiting to be adopted and the cost of adoption is often cheaper than the $500 - $600 you might pay from a breeder.
• United States
14 Feb 07
You are so right about Golden Retrievers. They are very even tempered dogs who love to be around people. We have one and he is a great pet.
• Canada
14 Feb 07
I will indeed be looking at rescue organizations for a dog. I am the same way with animals as I am with children, and there are so many of both out there with no one to love them...Thank you so much for your response. :)
• United States
15 Feb 07
Golden retrievers are great but very high energy dogs. A bit hyper. Labradors behave like puppies for about 3 years and then mellow. I have one and she is great with children. The only problem with retrievers is that they shed quite a bit..but the love they give is well worth it.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Feb 07
CHIHUAHUAS lol they are the best i have 2 as you can see by my pics they are fun energetic and love kids they are easy to keep in the house and most of the time the only thing they want is a warm lap and lots of love mine are 7 years old and 4 years old they are house train only had one accident all last year when we leave to go shopping etc we let them roam through the house and they never get into anything bad they dont tear up anything they are just SWEET dogs small but full of love. i highly recommend them. I would say they run about $250-$350 mine were $150 (discount because had a hernia and had to have surgery) and $275 both purebreeds.
2 people like this
• China
16 Feb 07
Do you like the dog in my head portait?
1 person likes this
• Canada
16 Feb 07
I believe that would be a pom...am I right? My grandparents have a blonde pom and she's just adorable!
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
15 Feb 07
I have a beagle. She's the sweetest dog you could ever own. My husband got her for me after our dalmation was stolen, but she's a daddy's dog. You probably can find a beagle at a really nice price. We paid 75 bucks from a beagle farm in MS. We got her when she was 6 months old and she will be turning 9 this May. I was able to house break her in about 2 wks, and she's never had a accident. Now when she was a pup, she had her chewing problems because of teething. You can give them a bone and they will be happy. Don't let the kids give them stuff animals to play with unless they want him or her to chew on all of them in the house. Beagle babies are so cute, I'm currently looking for another one myself. I also have a 4 year old and she wants a puppy, one that will play with her. Our's isn't young anymore and really doesn't like to play. If you get a male, you can always name him Snoopy. You might want to get a small dog with the 2 bdroom home. Before looking into getting a big dog, check around your area on pet laws. Some don't allow you to leave your dog chained up when your not home, or not having a dog house if you leave your pet outside. Even with a large yard, is it fenced and is the fence tall enough that the dog won't jump over it. I have seen a lot of dogs sitting on top of there houses and if they ever wanted to could easily jump over the fence, lol. Well, enjoy your pet search. Don't forget to have your kids help decide the dog with you and your wife if your married. Here are some links so you can sit and research it with your kids. www.PuppyFind.com www.puppylistings.com
• Canada
15 Feb 07
My dad breeds beagles, so there wouldn't be a cost for the dog, just for the shots etc. which is fine with me. And he actually has a male named Snoop..lol. And it would definitely be an indoor dog for the most part. I don't have a fence up at the moment, but I am putting one up this summer. My children are very much involved in choosing the pup that we get, and sorry, but I am the 'wife' in this situation..lol. But I'm not married, just the woman of the house, but no worries :)
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
15 Feb 07
We are a family of Dog Lovers, and have three children. Don't go for a large breed, they require a lot more walking, and, lets face it, do a lot more poos for you to clean up. Go for one of the small or medium breeds. My suggestion is either a miniature fox terrier, or a jack rusell. Both breeds are excellent with children. I don't know how much they cost where you live, but here they cost around $200.00, maybe a little more for Jack Russells. Both are cheap to feed, but like all dogs, require vaccinations and desexing, which can be expensive. I favour females, but that is just a personal thing. Good Luck.
• Canada
15 Feb 07
Thank you very much for your input. It's great to hear from those who love dogs and know a bit about them :)
• United States
15 Feb 07
I would say a collie they are good protectors and very loveable and they are big dogs
1 person likes this
• Canada
15 Feb 07
Thank you. I have no experience with collies, but I will be sure to check for some information on them :)
14 Feb 07
Go to your local pound, dog shelter, animal shelter. Not only will be giving a poor doggy a home, you will be assessed and they will place you and your family with the doggy that they think will suit your family, home and lifestyle best. Do not get a rottwelier, alsatian, bulldog, pitbull, foxterrier or jack russell, these are hunting dogs and can turn nasty on you or your children, dobermans are also a breed I would avoid. If you are going to be out of the house a lot don't get a nervous breed like a yorkshire terrier or a shitzu. If you go to a breeder or an animal shelter you'll get the dog that suits you. Go for a mongrel/cross breed, cute adorable, and in need of a loving home. UK PDSA RSPCA Canine Trust.
• Canada
14 Feb 07
Thank you so much for your input on this discussion :)
@jen0526 (82)
• United States
15 Feb 07
Border collies are good with children, and they are really intelligent dogs. When I was young a family friend had one, and she was so smart, she figured out how to open the doors in the house they lived in. She was also a very loyal pet, and watched the kids really well. One place you might want to search for a pet is www.petfinder.org, I am not sure what area you live in but you might be able to find a pet up for adoption near you.
• Canada
15 Feb 07
I am in Canada, but I will check out that link for sure to see if they can help me in any way. Thank you for responding.
• Canada
14 Feb 07
You might want to check out some of the sites where they have a questionnaire to determine what size & breed of dog would be best suited for you. I know there are some on the internet as I've taken them before. It's rather difficult for anyone to suggest a certain breed of dog to someone who may have other ideas. I've been around quite a number of different breeds of dogs, both big and small ones. I've also owned a number of different dogs myself.It also depends on how much time you have to spend with a dog, if you're looking for a high energy one, one that requires little or lots of grooming etc. Someone recommended a border collie. They are a beautiful, well behaved dog, usually good with children, obedient, and very devoted...but they usually need lots of exercise. A slightly smaller dog, but similar would be a Sheltie. They are friendly energetic, loving and devoted dogs as well. Both are long hair, double coats, that require a little more brushing to keep the tangles out. They also tend to be barkers..although that can be controlled to a certain amount. As I said...check out some of the sites for purebred dogs, and decide on a size, type of hair long or short, temperments, lifespan, etc. maintenance, and requirements.
1 person likes this