ENQUIRY - Page 1

HI EVERYONE. AM A DENTIST AND AM PLANNING TO BUY A PUPPY. BUT AM REALLY CONFUSED BETWEEN TWO DIFFERENT BREEDS.
            PLZ SOMEONE HELP ME OUT.   OTHER THAN MY CLINIC HOURS I HAVE ALMOST 7 HOURS OF FREE TIME I CAN ALLOT FOR MY DOG.
   MY KID AND WIFE VISIT ME EVERY WEEKEND. I AM LOOKING FOR A VERY LOYAL COMPANION AND A PROTECTION DOG TO A LIL EXTENT.
     SINCE AM LEFT HOME ALONE FOR 5 DAYS A WEEK I WANT A VERY DEPENDANT DOG BREED WHICH OFCOURSE TO A LIL EXTENT BE A PROTECTION DOG TOO.
      I WILL TAKE CARE OF THE DOG TO MY BEST FOR WHOM ELSE I HAVE.
      SO PEOPLE PLZ HELP ME TO SELECT ONE OF THE TWO BREEDS I MENTIONED.
      I LIVE IN A HOUSE WIT A SMALL YARD. BUT WILL TAKE MA DOG OUT FOR EX REGULARLY. A LAB OR GSD?

You forget to mention which two breeds you are considering! I'm thinking a Jack Russel terrier, the first to pop in my head.

Dentist, every dog's quite unique for it's breed but the gsd is extra-unique, varsatile and dependable. The gsd is the dog, anytime and infact it's my breed forever, except, may be, in the Kingdom of God.

My experience with Labs is that they are a high energy dog. They are intelligent, very trainable. It goes without saying they love the water. Be prepared for a Lab to be a 'puppy' for several years. As far as protection, don't expect the Lab to confront an intruder, unless it has a toy and wants to play. People tend to not fear a Lab, only be hesitant because if it's size, a black tends to be a more 'respected' color, what I like to think of as 'dark dog syndrome'. A lab is a very recognizable breed to most people.

German Shepherds are also high energy dogs, very intelligent and trainable. May or may not love the water. I have 4, 2 dive right in, the other 2 avoid even the wading pool. My older 2 are both under 2 yrs. Both are playful, but not puppy hyper. My younger 2 are under 7 months and still very much the puppy, however they are very focused while training. GSDs are also a very recognizable breed are well known for their protective nature, and will command respect, even if the dog is timid, by virtue of the breed.

Things to consider:

Ages of children, Labs often tend to overwelm small children, the puppy will grow very fast, and you stated that your wife/children are weekend visitors only, so will not interact as much during the training , developement months. Puppy jumping on small kids at 2 months, annoying. Puppy jumping on small kids at 6 month (and 50 or so pounds) traumatizing.... to the child. No matter how well trained, it is bound to happen.

How animal friendly are the wife/children. You should not ignore your puppy because your family is in to visit. Both are wonderful family dogs and will want to be 'in on the action'. Because you have just spent 5 days apart from your family, you will want to spend time with them, and the puppy will too.

Both breeds will require LOTS of exercise as they grow, and the dog will not care about the weather. I did not look to see where you are located, but both breeds are just fine with cold and snow. They will still want to go out for their 'daily constitutional' even if it is 10 and a blizzard.

Hip Displaysia is a concern for both breeds.  Look for reputable breeders that are screening their breeding stock, ask for references, and to see both parents if possible. I would not purchase any puppy unless your breeder can provide proof that several generations have been screened and are HD free.

Research your puppy's pedigree, BEFORE you go see it. Know what you are going to look at. You can eliminate trips by making sure in advance puppy has the breeding you find suitable for your needs. Most breeders are willing to provide info.

Not sure how bad Labs are, but GSD shed! They shed a lot, twice a year. Be prepared to provide regular grooming. Make sure you own a good vacuum cleaner.

If your puppy is more for companionship during your family's absence, you may want to consider something in the medium breed size. Check with local Veternarians, and maybe even dog trainers. There is also an article on Pedigree Database 'How to Choose the Right Breed for You" which may prove helpful. I have not read it, I know my breed (GSD), but you may find it helpful and informative.

One word of caution. DO NOT fall for the first puppy you see. It took several visits to find my Claire, I wouldn't be without her now. I would say I looked at probably 15-20 litters. Don't take cash or the checkbook. IF they puppy is "the one", you will be willing to go get the funds and come back.

-Sue

I suggest an older dog if you get either of these breeds.

wouldn't get a puppy unless you can bring it to work...