[Duchess_007]

So I was thinking about this while I was reading the APBT/Pit Bull/Prey Drives & Perceptions thread. I don't think any breed is for everyone and different breeds do better in different situations.

Personally with Charley's breed....

You shouldn't own a Russian Tsvetnaya IFFFFF..

- You don't like an affectionate dog. He constantly wants to be close to people and give kisses and cuddle.

- You don't want a lively active dog. He's small enough to be at home in an apartment BUT he needs daily walks to keep him happy and out of trouble. They are pretty sturdy and active little clowns.

- You don't want to spend alot of time grooming a dog. Tsvetnaya's hair is PROOOFUSE and usually has alot of waves or curls and being as active as they are it tangles up and mats up pretty quickly. And being so little they easily pick up burrs and leaves and sticks that get stuck in their hair. You also have to pay alot of attention to goopers and eye boogers. If their eyes aren't cleaned daily it can cause alot of problems with mats, leading to eye infections. A minimum of 10-15 minutes a day for a dog with a full coat.

You shouldn't own a Great Pyrenees IFFFFFFF...

- You are a clean freak and love gardening. Ralph totally blows coat twice a year. Our house in the fall and spring looks like the Old West, completely with dog hair tumbleweeds. He digs incideously. We've actually had parts of our retaining walls collapse because of his digging. We have simple and cheap livestock fencing with T-posts surrounding 3/4s of our yard which works fine but luckily our perimeter is concreted in, otherwise he would have escaped by digging under LOOOONG ago.

- You are an apartment dweller. This breed needs a fair amount of space and are barkers and natural guardians. They need room to patrol and will bark. Because of their size their barks are deep and booming and a legit complaint for neighbors.

- You are meek, mild mannered, or get frustrated easily or want a dog who respond to your commands instantly. Pyr's can be manipulative and will/can make it their mission to challenge/ignore your wishes. They were bred to think for themselves, don't easily take direction and can be difficult to manage with some other dogs because of their strong-willed nature.

- You are shy/uncomfortable around other people and strangers. The Pyrenees being a guardian dog needs to be really well-socialized with people and other animals or else they can become hyper-sensitive to their surroundings. Because of the Pyrenees' size and appearance they often attract children and strangers who want to pet them or comment on their handsomeness. If you tend to shy away from those people you might elicit a protective response from your strong-willed Pyr who were bred to pick up on nervous tendancies from livestock they are guarding to identify threats.

What about your breeds or breed mixes??

well, Casey is a border collie x greyhound...soooooo just for the sake of joining in!

YOU shouldn't have a CASEY if... (lol)

1. you don't have a lot of patience. he is stubborn and will try to manipulate you! because he apparently thinks he is smarter than everyone else (well, he is really smart though!). he WILL take advantage of you given the chance.

2. you aren't social. he LOVES to meet new people, places and other doggy friends.

3. you aren't committed to daily exercise. while he is one of the laziest dogs in existence indoors and is pretty low maintenance...he is not manageable if his energy is pent up at all.

4. you are looking for a guard dog. casey is scared of everything. and doesn't bark.

5. you want a 'velcro' dog that is awesome off leash. can you say woah prey drive. he sure knows what come means in most situations but forget it if there is a bird, squirrel etc to chase.

6. you want minimal shedding. twice. a. year. shed-o-rama.

7. you don't like snuggling. casey likes to sleep with you, sit with you...and pretty much hang out with you all the time.

[Duchess_007]

I was wondering what kind of mix Casey was. I totally see the Greyhound now in his long legs and in his face.

I forgot to mention.. You shouldn't get a Ralph if you like knick-knacks or delicate, refined furniture and decor. When Ralph was a 20 lb puppy it wasn't so bad, but now at 8 months, weighing in at 90 lbs he can easily clear a coffee table or a TV bench with one swoop of his big tail. And with his running/sliding on our hardwood floors he's almost caused Christmas tree death more than once.

[StarfishSaving]

I don't like the condemnation in the phrase "you shouldn't own..." so I'm going to flip it.

You might consider owning an English Setter if:



-*You want an affectionate dog that will want to climb in your lap, sleep with you and just generally want to be stuck to you like glue.

-*You do not use harsh techniques when working with your dog. These dogs are SOFT temperament wise, I've never met a breed that is so consistently sensitive. They will often shut down completely if you simply raise your voice in a grizzly tone.

-*You don't mind that you might never be able to allow your dog off leash, or at least without a lot of training and supervision. While a well trained setter can certainly be off-leash capable, setters adopted later in life and dogs that are not exercised enough and need to get out more will often take off after birds and small animals while out hiking, even if you've had them since puppyhood. While some of the show (usually called "bench") bred setters are less "birdy" overall, many still have the basic instincts that can get these dogs into trouble!

-*You have a big yard, preferably, but are still willing to go for a walk. These dogs need to get outside. They're okay being couch potatoes when they have to be inside, but it's cruel to deprive them of the outdoors. On the other side of the spectrum, they should NOT be forced to live outside permanently (many hunters will tell you they do fine living in kennels their whole lives but refer back to my first bullet point as to why that's not a good idea.) Bench setters are more laid back overall but still have ample energy and desire to run and field setters especially are quite active in their young and adult years.

-*You don't mind grooming. While field bred setters are a lot less hairy than their bench setter relatives, they have long feathers on their legs, tails, behind their ears, and sometimes the underside of the chest and these tangle, collect burs and need brushed regularly.

-*You're not squeamish around drool. While most of the field bred setters don't have too much of an issue, some of them still have heavy flews (lip flaps) that make it difficult to keep their drool in their mouths. They tend to drool more when excited or stressed. Bench setters are worse because they have heavier lips.

-You like quiet dogs. These guys are not big barkers!

-You are looking for a medium (female, some male field) to large (some male field, bench) dog.

-*You have other dogs or may someday get another dog. Generally speaking (individuals are just that, though- individual!) English setters are great with dogs and even cats!

__________________


The points noted for English setter above with a (*) are also included for IRISH setters. The major differences are below:

-Irish setters have a "rollicking personality" per standard, which can be defined in dog owner terms as "mischievous clown." They are very intelligent, but goof off pretty much all the time. They are a fun-loving dog that is fun to have around if you can handle their total lack of all seriousness. They are less sensitive than English setters but still require a gentle approach.

-Irish setters are more active than English setters, generally speaking, and need even more exercise. They are extremely agile and highly trainable.

-Irish setters are larger dogs, standing taller and having a heavier bone structure- even the smallest Irish generally setter fits into the "large" category, weighing from 60 to sometimes 90 lbs between field and bench types.


Toby, who is on the small side for an Irish setter, sits at around 70 lbs. Dover, who is large for a field-type ES, is about 64lbs

[kayli_lilly]

I like how you flipped it, it sounds much better!

You should consider owning a westie/cavalier mix if:

1. You know how to harness their prey drive if you have other small critters in the house and when you are outside.

2. If you are not a hard voiced and use strict training methods. These dogs can turn into very skiddish and nervous dogs quickly if you use any force physically or mentally (as with many dog breeds).Positive reinforcement a must!

3. If you like wirey haired dogs with very minimal grooming, although there are some out there that look more benji-like and have longer hair like a cavalier so with them they may need a bit more grooming. And yes they do shed their wirey hair A LOT!

4. If you want a dog that loves human interaction, especially from kids. They need to be socialized at a young age or you will have a nervous dog. They also love other dogs, so hopefully you like playdates or have another playmate already.

5. If you like to go for walks and romp around the yard because these guys need the energy burnt off and just plain need the exercize.

6. They are diggers, so be prepared!!

7. Lastily if you in general want a very good natured dog that learns easily, loves keeping you company and cuddling, likes hangin with your kiddos and has a fair amount of energy you may consider one of these mixes.

You may consider getting a sheltie mix if:

1. You enjoy a laid back dog with a super sweet personality that will go around the world several times just to please you.

2. You are prepared to do grooming regularly (especially around those ears and bum!!).

3. If you like dogs that are fast learners, but yet again need a soft training method. Instead of getting real nervous to stricter training, they just won't respond to you.

4. You like a constant companion that likes to cuddle when you want to cuddle, but is still happy just lying on the floor or dog bed.

5. If you like the idea of a dog that does not mind the winter because they have a double coat and sometimes don't even want to come back inside!

You may consider owning a doberman if:
1. You are ready to start socialization and training at the earliest age possible, this makes a whole world of difference.

2. You want a dog that will gaurd you when it REALLY counts but other than that will try to smother anyone who comes in your door with love .

3. If you are prepared to put up with a lot of whining (Piper is a major drama queen).

4. You like dogs that need to be at your feet, or think they are overgrown lap dogs 24/7.

5. If you want a dog who excels beyond wonderful with kids!

6. You enjoy a large dog with a higher energy level that you can take for walk, play outside with etc...

7. If you know that these dogs do not do well with cold weather, they should have a doggie coat or blanket when put outside because they get cold very quick and look pretty sad out there shaking .

8. Basically if you want a dog that is just one big, sweet teddy bear and is very misunderstood but a dog that you do need to train and socialize...

I have to tell you this is probably one of the hardest things to write up because even though the above is how my dogs are, every dog even if they are that particular breed is different! My Charlie who was Busters (the westie mix) sister was COMPLETELY different than him. She was more like my Sheltie mix- laid back, never really got into a while lot of trouble and was super easy to train- when Buster has a different energy level, likes to steal food on occasion (we are working on), chews on kids toys like crazy (also working on lol), and does train easy but takes a few more times before he gets it (he can also get selective hearing). So in all reality you can go by what you read for the most part with personality and temperment but what does not change is the risk of the health problems that come with the breeds- in which both of my mixes are very healthy so far and when they came into my house the most important thing to me was their health! Of course I can only go by looking at shelties with Bailey because I have no idea what her mother was, but with Charlie and Buster I researched both breeds A LOT to get a basic idea of what I may be looking at with his health and temperment through the future.

[Halo]

You should not own a wolf hybrid if:

You want a guard dog.
You have never owned a dog.
You live in the city.
You want to train it like a dog.
You think watching people hike on tv is enough exercise.
You want a dog that obeys w/o question.
You want a couch potato dog.
You want tons of doggy kisses.
You want to hug your dog.
You cannot stand handling raw meat.
You would be upset if your dog killed and ate a rabbit, squirrel, etc...
You want a dog that is good with small children.
You don't want a dog that thinks for itself and will challenge you to keep it occupied, exercised, contained (They are good climbers), socialized and stimulated.
You especially value your furniture and other belongings. (Chances are, a wolfdog will teach you that house broken does not have anything to do with going potty and has everything to to with the condition of your furniture, curtains, coffee table, pictures and anything else it can get to either from the floor or by climbing to it.)

They are amazing animals, but not for everyone. I like to think of them as being the worst possible "pet" A top predator with no fear of humans or our world that is only in control due to training and it's will to please it's handler/owner and remain a member of that pack. Basically a wolf with water soluble dog varnish on it. A wonderful companion but, much more independent and mature than a dog. (Most dogs are six year olds as adults, wolfdogs are 16 year olds in human terms.)

[StarfishSaving]

Originally Posted by Halo

You should not own a wolf hybrid if:

You want a guard dog.
You have never owned a dog.
You live in the city.
You want to train it like a dog.
You think watching people hike on tv is enough exercise.
You want a dog that obeys w/o question.
You want a couch potato dog.
You want tons of doggy kisses.
You want to hug your dog.
You cannot stand handling raw meat.
You would be upset if your dog killed and ate a rabbit, squirrel, etc...
You want a dog that is good with small children.
You don't want a dog that thinks for itself and will challenge you to keep it occupied, exercised, contained (They are good climbers), socialized and stimulated.
You especially value your furniture and other belongings. (Chances are, a wolfdog will teach you that house broken does not have anything to do with going potty and has everything to to with the condition of your furniture, curtains, coffee table, pictures and anything else it can get to either from the floor or by climbing to it.)
)

I would add to that list, "You are not prohibited by law from having one as a pet." Wolfdogs aren't allowed where I am, and in many other places as far as I know! Doesn't upset me at all! Too many irrepsonsible people out there.

[organictroll]

We found out our dog dna test results today! Layla is half Australian Shepherd, one quarter complete mutt, and one quarter Rottweiler. She only weighs 31 lbs at 10 months so the mutt grandparent must have been pretty small.

I am hoping we should own our dog, she is working out well for two people who haven't had a dog in decades! I know that she really loves attention, so having us dote on her is her cup of tea. She wouldn't do well with two inactive people, not pointing fingers here, LOL, but I have been into daily exercise for most of my adulthood so I just switched from an indoor machine to walking (now running) every morning once Layla got big enough and leash trained. She would get lonely without anyone around for great lengths of time, and our schedules keep her from getting too lonely. She would have done well with a family with kids, considering the love she shows my little nieces, but they would have had to be patient with her mouthy-ness we had to work and work to get to stop. If someone doesn't want to play with a dog after work, she wouldn't be for them; she loves a good round of ball in the evenings. If you don't want a furry shadow following you from room to room, not for you, she will even lie on the landing of the stairs if I am on one floor and my husband the other to split the difference between us. She thrives on doggie play dates, so it is good that we have friends and neighbors with nice dogs.

[Tippy]

I'm late to this party but I had to join in.

You shouldn't own a Saint Bernard if:

• You're afraid to a encounter large, bear-like creature wandering around at night.
• You can't stand a little drool on your britches.
• You don't have time to tickle a mountain of a tummy at least once a day.
• You think 2 cups of dog food is enough for one feeding.
• You can't stand the sound of floor-shaking snoring.
• You're not ready to share your love with a creature who will love you forever.

[Britknee]

Siberian Huskies are not for you if:
You are a couch potato.
You have no yard.
You hate walking/running.
You have no fenced in area.
You are allergic, they shed... a LOT.
You do not like talkative dogs.
You are lax in training.
You are a first time dog owner.
You live in an apartment.
You are looking for a guard dog. Shes friendly with everyone.



Great Pyrenees are not for you if:
You are allergic, he sheds a LOT.
You do not enjoy filling in holes. He digs a LOT.
You want a small dog. Mine is 90lbs and that's SMALL.
You live in an apartment.
You do not have land.
Mine is not small child-friendly. He's good with my infant. But a little girl ran up and threw her arms around him once and he was not okay with this.
You are looking for a guard dog.


Ill think of more I am sure. I'd do pit bull, but most people are terrified of them any way. Why bother?