Question:
Is getting a dog of your favorite breed really that tough or do some people on this section make a big deal?
Techerds.
2010-05-04 19:14:23 UTC
I have never owned a dog before and here is how my list started:

Husky
Great Pyrenees
Samoyed (final decision, have started looking)
German Shepherd
Great Dane
Newfoundland
and Alaskan Malamute

Well I have found two breeders who are willing to sell me a Samoyed, they interviewed me and were confident with me owning one. I went to a local shelter and they have two older Samoyeds I can buy.

Now none of those people have given me a tough time about it, they have told me that the dogs are generally not for the "novice" owners but they said that they believe I know what I am getting myself into (have researched the breed). The people or the "regulars" on this section think so otherwise, some think I have other accounts and that I am a troll which I have a tough time believing but I am going to be direct.

Is it really that tough to buy a dog from a breed you like? Like lets say you have never owned a dog before, would it be really tough for you to get a German Shepherd?
Nine answers:
Clif
2010-05-04 19:26:03 UTC
It is the latter, I just read your questions sometimes and the questions of others, the people on this section have issues and thank god they don't sell dogs in real life, at least not to me. I would much rather support a pet store than PETA freaks like them.



As for owning a dog, there are tons of places like Rescue groups and Shelters where you can easily buy your favorite breed and it will be in good condition. I don't recommend pet stores but I have seen people buy from Pet Stores and they ended up paying thousands in vet bills, they were rich people so it didn't matter to them and they got their favorite breed. As for breeders, they are human too and they need to make a living. If you pay them some extra cash or cut a deal with them, a lot will sell you a dog, it isn't that tough. Heck, I have seen first time owners with Huskies, though 60 percent of them ended up dropping the dog off at the shelter, the other 40 percent kept it.



The people on here give advice, some give good advice and know their facts but at the end of the day, they aren't deciding for you, it is your decision to make. I hope you get your Samoyed and enjoy it.
2010-05-04 22:56:44 UTC
no its not tough to by a dog from a breed you like but first you should decide on the breed you want. do some research on it before hand and get to know the problems that might come up with that breed. if money is no problem then i would suggest a newfoundland (big vet and food bills come with this breed) but are so loyal. great pyre is a good choice also but with these 2 breeds they need grooming daily. lots of hair ! this is my thoughts on the 2 breeds on your list as i have owned both. what ever you do decide since you will be a 1st time owner is you should take your puppy or dog to training school the people there will teach you so many things about your dog and how to train properly.

if you do get your pup from a breeder do some research on the BREEDER ! make sure its not a byb.

good luck
anne b
2010-05-05 08:39:33 UTC
Anyone who does their proper research and is willing to act on the advice of the breeder will not have issues purchasing a dog.

I own a very difficult breed for the first time. I did my research, joined a chat group, hired a trainer, and have the dog I wanted. However, I caution others to purchase my breed, as I happen to have 30 years of experience in dog ownership, and know when to hire a trainer and how to do my research. I take the advice of those who know what they are talking about, and that is why I was successful. Had it been 20 years earlier, the dog would have suffered the consequences of my ignorance.



No one here has given you a "tough time", and I have seen your other questions, along with the answers. You are very argumentative, and tend to exaggerate everything someone posts that is not what you want to hear. You give the impression that you are very young, and know everything, which behavior would cause me to think twice before giving you a dog.



There are some very knowledgeable people on this site, whose advice you should not complain about. Either take their advice or move on.
2010-05-04 19:25:05 UTC
These breeds are working breeds and they like to release A LOT of energy and take a lot of time to train. I suggest you get a dog from the shelter and get experience with about 3 dogs then think of these breeds. Especially a Husky which are stubborn and escape artists, Great Dane, Newfie, and Alaskan Malamute.



If you are looking into Samoyeds then good for you. I hope you don't live where it's deathly hot because as you know they have fluffy coats.







Oh and asking other people to answer your question when you answer theirs isn't a good idea. A lot of people don't know anything about dog breeds, or health problems and stuff like that.
Nedra E
2010-05-05 15:36:17 UTC
My dogs are Pyrs and I've known Newfies. They are foolers. They are wonderful, friendly and gentle, UNLESS they determine that you're a person with bad intention. That's strangers who might be a danger to you.



The diffuculty for YOU as owner, however, is different. If you don't know how to be a good, firm, loving but strong alpha pack leader, then you're not ready for any of those breeds. Dogs respect you if you are loving, but just, and firm in making THEM follow YOUR RULES.



You can learn it by attending obedience classes with a GOOD dog trainer and you learn how to train and control your dog. You should learn what resources are around, especially canine behavioral experts, in case the dog needs work overcoming an emotional problem.



You need to read all about the breed of dog you're going to get and then read some more. You need to buy books on the breed or breeds of your dog. You need to buy some good basic books on how to train your dog. You need a vet and can ask your vet for recommendations of books to read. You need to join a good Yahoo group that matches your dog's breed(s) and ASK QUESTIONS.



Only when you do your homework will you be capable of being a good enough owner of a large breed dog. Look at Cesar Milan's show and Victoria Stillwell's show. Most of those people had those severe problems because they didn't know how to be a good pack leader.



You can also buy videos of how to train your dog, and also probably how to be alpha pack leader. -!-
Michelle
2010-05-04 19:25:16 UTC
no, but it would be good to know how to properly train a dog or have had a dog before, some dog breeds you have to be naturally authoratative over like a german shepherd, as they can be very strong willed. It doesn't mean you cant learn though, you just cannot be a passive person and own a strong willed breed like a dobie, rottie, german shepherd or a pitbull. They will take over, just make sure you have had dogs before and can properly train the dog! good luck and hope i answered your question!
lees
2016-09-30 10:50:30 UTC
My favorites: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, customary Poodle, Rat Terrier, Border Collie, Beagle, Corgi, Dachshund, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog. sensible and comparatively person-friendly dogs Least Favorites: Rottweiler, great Dane, Bedlington Terrier, Greyhound, Borzoi. too extraordinary or too great.
Rogue Bullies
2010-05-04 21:10:20 UTC
I believe if you do your research and truly want the breed and it fits your life style then its fine. Working with the breed a head of time is also a plus.



Good luck!
2010-05-04 19:30:48 UTC
Out of the choices, a Samoyed and Newfoundland are most suitable for a NOVICE owner.



Really what you have to look at is rather your lifestyle, energy requirement, temperment and character-that the breed MATCHES you in these aspects, not because there your favourite breed. Simple because there your faviourites doesn't mean they be suitable for your lifestyle, most beginers owner simple choose a pup because OH so cute, so yes it can be tough if you find a good dog breeder would tell you straight out-Husky, German Shepherd, Great Pyreanese, German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute are much better for more experience owner's, there are exception though-if they really though that the breed suited them, then they would happily sell them a pup, as long as the owner agree to the terms of the contract-this is the breeder you really want, otherwise please support local animal shelter through adopting. There are bad dog breeder and pretty much any of them will simple hand over the dog as long as you have the cash, they don't care about the longterm home for the dog or where it is going, but MONEY, but this also means the dog will be riddled with health and temperment issues these are the breeder you do not want to deal with, and run far away.



Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is playful, good natured, friendly, gentle, athletic and independent and makes a good companion dog. Siberians get along well with older children but are not recommended for toddlers and small children unless raised with them from a puppy. However the Siberian is not a breed for everyone. Too many people are attracted to this handsome dog without realizing this is a working sled dog that needs a lot of physical activity. Siberians belong outside in an escape-proof large yard but get bored very easily if they have too little exercise. A bored Siberian can be nervous and destructive. Most Siberians are friendly with everyone and enjoy the company of other dogs. However many Sibes have a high prey drive and should be securely fenced or they will chase neighbours cats, chicken and livestock. Training Siberians is difficult and takes a lot of time and patience. Food reward-based training works best but owners must be firm and consistent or the Siberian will assume the alpha role. Training must be started when the Sibes are puppies and continued through to adulthood. Siberians don’t bark much (although they howl from time to time) and are too friendly to make good watchdogs. Siberians do best with an experienced owner.Siberians need lots of exercise beyond a daily long walk. They need to be able to romp and run in a large fenced area. This is not an apartment dog. The Sibe should be taken running, hiking, and/or biking as often as possible but always on-leash because of their high prey drive. Siberians enjoy cool weather but will adapt to most climatic conditions.



Great Pyrenees

The Pyr is a good-natured, gentle, loyal, affectionate, brave and intelligent dog. The Pyrenees will guard and aggressively defend its family against any threats. This large breed has a tendency to act independently and can also be somewhat stubborn. This means you must control your Pyrenees through extensive socialization and continuous obedience training while he is a puppy and adolescent. Get professional assistance by taking your Pyr o obedience training classes during the first few years of his life. Pyrenees are very good family dogs and are loving and very patient with children. Toddlers must be supervised because the potential for toddler knockdown is high with any young dog of this size. After the Pyrs mature, they become much calmer and will even turn into indoor couch-potatoes. Mature Pyrs can adapt to being left alone during the day if they are given lots of exercise and attention in the morning and evening. Pyrenees do best in the country but can adapt to large city yards. Yards should be well-fenced as Pyrs have a tendency to roam. Pyrenees like to be outdoors in cold weather. Pyrs will defend their territory and will be aggressive towards other large dogs but are fairly friendly with strangers. This breed does best with an experienced owner.The Pyrenees need regular daily exercise. Don’t exercise young dogs too vigorously while they are growing. After the Pyr matures, it has a tendency to become somewhat sedate and you should continue the long daily walks. Pyrs don’t like to play fetching games but give them a cart or sleigh to pull and they are happy



German Shepherd

German Shepherds are very adaptable, extremely intelligent and eager to learn. These Alsatians can be trained to an extremely high level as guide dogs, avalanche dogs, tracking dogs and police dogs, Alsatians regularly win advanced obedience and field trials. Most Shepherds are reliable, self-confident, loyal to a fault, protective, brave and even-tempered. Unfortunately some breeders are offering shy and nervous Alsatians for sale. These dogs should be avoided at all costs as they can be dangerous. Alsatians are good with children and should be socialized and obedience trained when they are puppies. Do not train Shepherds as guard dogs as they are already protective of their families. Shepherds need lots of attention and physical and mental activity to keep happy. Alsatians make excellent watchdogs. German Shepherds do better with experienced dog owners.

Shepherds need lots of physical and mental exercise. Some Shepherd breed lines are better adapted to field work and obedience competitions and some to conformation show dogs.



Great Dane

The Dane is gentle, quiet, well-mannered, loyal and affectionate towards its family. This breed is wonderfully devoted to its family and it would rather lean against you for a pat, than be aggressive towards anyone. The Dane is great with family children but small children must be supervised carefully. The Dane is so large that it must be socialized and trained to behave very cautiously around children and pets. Because the Dane is so large early obedience is essential to prevent it from exerting dominance. Young Danes, up to three years old, can be boisterous and need strict supervision. Danes make excellent watchdogs gut shouldn’t be trained to be guard dogs as they are too large to be aggressive. Great Danes are best suited for experienced dog owners. Danes are very adaptable and can even live in a large apartment if they have lots of daily running and exercise. This breed’s fast growth makes them prone to injuries – so exercise them carefully when they are young. Great Danes love to be warm and comfortable and need a very soft bed. They can adapt to being left alone during the day if they get lots of exercise and human companionship in the morning and evening.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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