Spec me a dog?

[howdydoody]

Just dont get a yappy little rat for the sake of your manliness and sanity. I dont recommend jack Russell or collie, nor pekinese or smaller members of the hound class.

I can understand most of that however do you realise how many dogs you cover with the word collie??

here, have a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collie

That will show you a list of collie breeds an the majority of them are perfectly suitable for a home environement and children.

Traits are general to a breed. However, dogs are individuals and you can end up with one that's totally the opposite to what you thought you were getting. They also pick up a lot more than you'd think by the way they are treated by their owners. Generally, I'd say a lab, shepherd or a staffy could be the breed for you.

Really, the only way you'll know exactly what you're getting is by going to a smaller rescue who often place dogs in foster homes. Any dog that's going to be around children (imo) MUST have training from a reputable source. Please ignore all the 'pack' training rubbish. It's outdated and even the people who've written books about it in that past have admitted it's not based entirely in fact.

Some of what you say is spot on, however I wouldn't say a german shephard would be an ideal dog for a first time owner. They are lovely dogs but can be quite forceful in getting what they want and the OP might not have the strength of character to deal with a powerful dog.

As for 'pack' training, what exactly do you class as pack training?

 

[bobby]

Get a jack russell - female though. Their awesome and so cute. They are known to be snappy dogs but ive got one that is 10 years old now and she's not snappy at all. She very affectionate and loves cuddles. Most dogs would be fine around kids if you get a pup, most dogs arent naturally snappy or aggressive, its the influences on them that make them so. If you have a calm household then you wont have a problem with most breeds. Jack Russell's are traditionally farming dogs and rat catchers, thats why they are snappy. My woof goes to work with my dad on a farm and often catches rats/rabbits etc and she's still not snappy at home.

 

[jonesy]

golden retriever has to be , really good around kids. Good family dog.

 

[Hyper]

Why not get yourself to a cat and dog shelter and pick one, these dogs are truely in need rather than being brought into this world by an owner who is just wanting to make cash.