What breed of dog would you recommend for a pet?

PRIYA · Oct 23rd, 2009, 19:06

I'm also for adopting a stray puppy. At least India will be in its genes, will give unconditional love and will be ever grateful for a home (and with a Beagle puppy for company?)

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a really large dog and wont be suitable for an apartment, if that's where you end up.

C'mon birds, where are you?

brishti · Oct 23rd, 2009, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRIYA

I'm also for adopting a stray puppy. At least India will be in its genes, will give unconditional love and will be ever grateful for a home (and with a Beagle puppy for company?)

my neighbour had a basset hound. as a pup, he kept tripping over his own ears

his name - 'mr bean'!
he could give a sloth a run for his money, where laziness was concerned.

:brishti

machadinha · Oct 23rd, 2009, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by TahitianPearl

I know that I DONT want a dog that sheds hair (alsatians)

Except for the naked ones perhaps, they all do; although a long- or frizzy-haired one might obviously not be your first choice. (You might be surprised at the loads of hair even some short-haired dogs -- your typical alsatian, for instance, the classical breeds of which aren't exactly long-haired -- can shed though. In a tropical climate, they may well do so pretty much year-round.)

Quote:

or barks incessently like the pomeranians

Most small breeds do; matter of over-compensation you'd think. They tend to make for good watchdogs. But then,

Quote:

or large dogs like a doberman

Yes, quite. Also seeing how

Quote:

after the love wears out, hubby and son will drop all responsibility on moi who never wanted a dog in the first place

My advice would be to not get a dog

If you still do (are hubby & kid holding a gun to your head?), I'd agree mongrels generally (but it tells you little about individual character, does it) tend to make for more pleasant dogs, and less prone to inbred diseases and neuroses than full breds, and you'll have helped another street or otherwise not-so wanted dog in the process; a puppy's behavior is easier to influence of course, but it will also require the appropriate attention to properly train it.

Again, given your wishes, I'd reconsider the idea altogether. Remember you'll be responsible for its wellbeing for the next fifteen years or so (small breeds tend to live longer than larger ones; as do mongrels again over full-breds); and an ill-trained dog is no fun at all.

Let alone giving it all it needs in terms of exercise and so on in an Indian urban environment. Labradors and golden retrievers classically make for great all-family pets yes, and (relatively) easy to train to boot; whether so greatly suited to the climate I'm not so sure. And certainly a retriever will need regular grooming. But then again all breeds will to some extent.

rsk11584 · Oct 23rd, 2009, 22:45

I also heard about the rajapalayam dogs

check out these here,

http://www.rajapalayamdogs.org/breeds.htm

http://www.dogsindia.com/rajapalayam.htm

gypsie,lotus · Oct 23rd, 2009, 23:44

MSCHADINHA!!!!!!!!!
You are so right, A puppy mill dog is over bred, they cost less and have all of the bad genes. If you go to the real dog breeders, then you pay way more money but you do not have the over breeding. They breed out the bad genes as much as possible and positively do not inner breed. The cheap puppy mills just breeds siblings and all the bad.
If you really want the unconditional love then "GO TO THE LOCAL SHELTER", and get the one that really looks at you as something special, and believe me you will pick one out. And they really do make the best of all.
I do not know where "BIRDS" is but if you wait a little while then "BIRDS" that lives in GOA will have the proper dog for you.
I am a little worried that you have expected too much from the dog, what do you have to "OFFER"? It seems that you have reservations like shedding etc:::::::: And will have to take care of the dog after the love wears off. Think it out, and make sure you teach your child resposibility and with the love that the appreciative pet will deserve.
Good luck in your endeavor. You are in the right direction for sure. India has an abundance of lovely, climatized to the Indian heat, and all of the antibiodies for local bugs. A "SHELTER DOG" is the way to go.
Sincerely, Gypsie

*jyoti* · Oct 23rd, 2009, 23:52

Just an encouragement on the kids taking care of it:

When I was young, I begged and begged and begged for a dog. For years! I could never have one until after college because my Mom said, "I'll end up being the one taking care of it." Once i had a dog I loved taking care of it. Granted, I was older, but I don't think it would have been different when I was young. My parents, on the other hand, have several hunting dogs now ... and when I am home, I am the one who generally takes care of them, makes sure they get to the vet, etc. Mom still does not like taking care of them (even though these are hers).

So perhaps this will teach your child not only responsibility but the fun of taking care of something else ... even if it's not something you want to do yourself. And if they both get bored with it, find it a new home! (Or threaten to, and they'll probably step up.)

gypsie,lotus · Oct 24th, 2009, 00:10

[quote=rsk11584;843966]I also heard about the rajapalayam dogs

check out these here,

http://www.rajapalayamdogs.org/breeds.htm

I checked out the site above and it looks like they have the front joints enlarged that is a mark of arthritis. And did they get unrelated dogs to breed? that is important. And I can assure you that any pet dog that is loved in your home will let you know when someone is outside even on the street. "A DOGS MAIN SECURITY" is not to fight

someone but to not let someone sneak up while you do not hear them approach. And also they make a lot of noise and burglars will not fool with all of the noise, it brings too much attention. That is a fact. Also remember that if your pet sounds the alarm , "BARKING", then do check it out, they very rarely bark for nothing.
they are the best protection money can buy, and the cheapest to have.
Sincerely, gypsie

Believe me no human can sneak up on a dog, they will hear and/or smell the person and of course sound the alarm, "BARKING".
Also I forgot to ask, do you have a yard and if not you DO NOT intend to put it on a rope. And will you are someone walk and exercise the animal.

It is really great that you are interested in getting a pet for your family, remember a home is only a HOUSE without a dog and/or cat.
Please wait for "BIRDS", she will have the answer for you.

livinhimalayas · Oct 24th, 2009, 00:19

Here are my suggestions - Pugs - they are cute, small enough to stay in an apartment, very cute, do not bark too much, and hardly have any hair to shed.
Next one is - Rampur hound, I have one and she is a darling, very gentle, very short and smooth coat that doesn't shed much, I can hardly notice any hair (half of her body is hairless actually. She is a big dog but can fold herself up so that she can curl up to become as tiny as a pug

. Playful and not overly energetic or active. Ours sleeps for 20 hours a day and is awake only four. Needs some exercise - a walk in the park would be nice where you can let her off to run.
http://www.dogsindia.com/rampur_hound.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rampur_Greyhound

esposabella · Oct 24th, 2009, 00:23

I have a mix of mini-pinscher/chihua and i guess i got lucky because she doesn't bark. i heard her the first time when she was 6months old. And she has short hair so not much shedding....i love her.....and very easy to train

TahitianPearl · Oct 24th, 2009, 00:23

Thank you all for your recommendations!

Hubby/kid are animal lovers and my hubby/kid have shown much responsibility with other pets we have had before, but the reality is that both might end up not having much time (hubby will travel a lot for work and child may end up attending a lot of tuitions/classes to get upto par in terms of education with local kids as we do not plan to put him in international schools. So that leaves me the mostly SAHM to care of the pooch most of the time.

Dogs shed, that is the reality so I want one that does not have long hairs that tend to cling to everything. The other reason is that Chennai is hot/hotter/hottest so a "hairy" dog does not make sense either!

Since we might live in an apartment I wanted a smaller dog that does not bark too much (neighbors may end up hating us) and it will not get much excercise hanging around the house and going on short walks around the neighborhood.

A mongrel/shelter dog may end up being our pet just because I'm not going to pay someone big money for a pure breed as I dont really care about its provenence!

As to the poster who wanted to know what I had to "offer" is that people who have had dogs/pets before knows that one *does* get attached to them and offers the best that can be afforded in terms of time, love and money to the other member of the household!

A beagle sounds like so much fun, thanks for the image he is really *cute*.......I could do with a pet that has a streak of nuttyness to relieve all the stress I'm going to gain on this relocation of ours!

birds · Oct 24th, 2009, 12:07

Do NOT take a so called pedigree dog because for every one sold another dies in the shelters. India has plenty of local dogs that are desperate for a home but waste away in shelters because few people are kind enough to take them in.

You get them in all colours, all sizes, all kinds of temperaments. Most shed very little and once vaccinated and sterilised do very rarely require vet care because they are so hardy. They tend to happily eat whatever you give so there is no need for expensive special dog food and supplements

On the contrary, most pedigrees are often a constant headache. Look into the clinic of any vet and you will see it is full with labradors, pugs and other pedigrees. Pedigree dogs are often so over-bred that have lots of inherited health problems.

And most importantly, local dogs tend to be the most loving and loyal companions you can imagine who are forever grateful that you took them in.

If you want a care-free and loving dog take a local!

With a pedigree you will always have blood on your hands.

gypsie,lotus · Oct 24th, 2009, 14:41

Birds,
you speak the truth.
Sincerely, Gypsie

Nattusbs · Oct 24th, 2009, 14:45

Quick suggestion.

Get a Daschund. Perfect for an apartment. My parents had 2 (one was called Elsa - guess why?).

Cheers

Nattusbs

lombrigao · Oct 24th, 2009, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRIYA

I'm also for adopting a stray puppy. At least India will be in its genes, will give unconditional love and will be ever grateful for a home (and with a Beagle puppy for company?)

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a really large dog and wont be suitable for an apartment, if that's where you end up.

C'mon birds, where are you?

I definitely agree with adopting a stray puppy, it's a dog that is saved from misfortune who will be as great as a companion as any other dog. I would advise against getting an adult stray dog if you are an unexperienced dog owner as these often show behaviours reflecting the abuse they once had.

However, "The Rodhesian Ridgeback is a really large dog"?! That's a complete misconception people have... RR are not much bigger than labradors. In fact a male labrador can be bigger than a female RR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by birds

Do NOT take a so called pedigree dog because for every one sold another dies in the shelters. India has plenty of local dogs that are desperate for a home but waste away in shelters because few people are kind enough to take them in.

You get them in all colours, all sizes, all kinds of temperaments. Most shed very little and once vaccinated and sterilised do very rarely require vet care because they are so hardy. They tend to happily eat whatever you give so there is no need for expensive special dog food and supplements

On the contrary, most pedigrees are often a constant headache. Look into the clinic of any vet and you will see it is full with labradors, pugs and other pedigrees. Pedigree dogs are often so over-bred that have lots of inherited health problems.

And most importantly, local dogs tend to be the most loving and loyal companions you can imagine who are forever grateful that you took them in.

If you want a care-free and loving dog take a local!

With a pedigree you will always have blood on your hands.

That is quite a radical view, no?! You always have blood on your hands?! Dogs are bred for different reasons and people decide to take them for different reasons too... saying that stray have better temperament or are better loving is not really right is it? I absolutely agree with taking a shelter dog in but lets not get over our heads here... also, you can get a pedigree dog from shelter, but often they will be difficult dogs whose owners did not manage to train properly, so not advised to whoever did not have a dog before.

gypsie,lotus · Oct 24th, 2009, 15:31

Birds,
It is a small world, I went in the site and found Friendicoes, it is the shelter under the flyover at friends colony. That is where I went to get two cats to bring back to Kashmir with me. And the guy that runs it is Gautam Grover, I always go and give him 1,000 rp when I am in Delhi. My vet Dr. Indra met me there and vacinated the cats on the spot for me. They were golden and became such beautiful cats to have. I named them Goldie and Foxie Lady. a stray was brought to me in Kashmir that had a infected paw and I treated him for one month and my helpers and I named him Lucky.
I saw by the web site they are doing great things for the stray animals, Kudoo for them. Also I lost touch since all of my contacts were lost in the flood. I will email Gautam now.
Sincerely, Gypsie

Oct 23rd, 2009, 19:06	#16
PRIYA Discombobulated Elsewherean! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Zimbabwe Posts: 1,180	I'm also for adopting a stray puppy. At least India will be in its genes, will give unconditional love and will be ever grateful for a home (and with a Beagle puppy for company?) The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a really large dog and wont be suitable for an apartment, if that's where you end up. C'mon birds, where are you? __________________ Happiness is for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. (Anon.)

Oct 24th, 2009, 00:10	#22
gypsie,lotus "LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NEW ORLEANS, USA Posts: 155	getting a dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [quote=rsk11584;843966]I also heard about the rajapalayam dogs check out these here, http://www.rajapalayamdogs.org/breeds.htm I checked out the site above and it looks like they have the front joints enlarged that is a mark of arthritis. And did they get unrelated dogs to breed? that is important. And I can assure you that any pet dog that is loved in your home will let you know when someone is outside even on the street. "A DOGS MAIN SECURITY" is not to fight someone but to not let someone sneak up while you do not hear them approach. And also they make a lot of noise and burglars will not fool with all of the noise, it brings too much attention. That is a fact. Also remember that if your pet sounds the alarm , "BARKING", then do check it out, they very rarely bark for nothing. they are the best protection money can buy, and the cheapest to have. Sincerely, gypsie Believe me no human can sneak up on a dog, they will hear and/or smell the person and of course sound the alarm, "BARKING". Also I forgot to ask, do you have a yard and if not you DO NOT intend to put it on a rope. And will you are someone walk and exercise the animal. It is really great that you are interested in getting a pet for your family, remember a home is only a HOUSE without a dog and/or cat. Please wait for "BIRDS", she will have the answer for you.

Oct 24th, 2009, 00:19	#23
livinhimalayas still learning Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Abode of Snow Posts: 3,342	Here are my suggestions - Pugs - they are cute, small enough to stay in an apartment, very cute, do not bark too much, and hardly have any hair to shed. Next one is - Rampur hound, I have one and she is a darling, very gentle, very short and smooth coat that doesn't shed much, I can hardly notice any hair (half of her body is hairless actually. She is a big dog but can fold herself up so that she can curl up to become as tiny as a pug . Playful and not overly energetic or active. Ours sleeps for 20 hours a day and is awake only four. Needs some exercise - a walk in the park would be nice where you can let her off to run. http://www.dogsindia.com/rampur_hound.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rampur_Greyhound __________________ He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows or all he sees. - Benjamin Franklin

Oct 24th, 2009, 12:07	#26
birds Adopt a stray Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Goa Posts: 1,063	Do NOT take a so called pedigree dog because for every one sold another dies in the shelters. India has plenty of local dogs that are desperate for a home but waste away in shelters because few people are kind enough to take them in. You get them in all colours, all sizes, all kinds of temperaments. Most shed very little and once vaccinated and sterilised do very rarely require vet care because they are so hardy. They tend to happily eat whatever you give so there is no need for expensive special dog food and supplements On the contrary, most pedigrees are often a constant headache. Look into the clinic of any vet and you will see it is full with labradors, pugs and other pedigrees. Pedigree dogs are often so over-bred that have lots of inherited health problems. And most importantly, local dogs tend to be the most loving and loyal companions you can imagine who are forever grateful that you took them in. If you want a care-free and loving dog take a local! With a pedigree you will always have blood on your hands. __________________ Of the estimated 500 million dogs in the world, approximately 75% are strays, of which about 25 million live in India.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Oct 23rd, 2009, 22:45	#19
rsk11584 CBCID ;-) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: then Aurangabad / now Chennai Posts: 265	I also heard about the rajapalayam dogs check out these here, http://www.rajapalayamdogs.org/breeds.htm http://www.dogsindia.com/rajapalayam.htm

Oct 23rd, 2009, 23:44	#20
gypsie,lotus "LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NEW ORLEANS, USA Posts: 155	MSCHADINHA!!!!!!!!! You are so right, A puppy mill dog is over bred, they cost less and have all of the bad genes. If you go to the real dog breeders, then you pay way more money but you do not have the over breeding. They breed out the bad genes as much as possible and positively do not inner breed. The cheap puppy mills just breeds siblings and all the bad. If you really want the unconditional love then "GO TO THE LOCAL SHELTER", and get the one that really looks at you as something special, and believe me you will pick one out. And they really do make the best of all. I do not know where "BIRDS" is but if you wait a little while then "BIRDS" that lives in GOA will have the proper dog for you. I am a little worried that you have expected too much from the dog, what do you have to "OFFER"? It seems that you have reservations like shedding etc:::::::: And will have to take care of the dog after the love wears off. Think it out, and make sure you teach your child resposibility and with the love that the appreciative pet will deserve. Good luck in your endeavor. You are in the right direction for sure. India has an abundance of lovely, climatized to the Indian heat, and all of the antibiodies for local bugs. A "SHELTER DOG" is the way to go. Sincerely, Gypsie

Oct 23rd, 2009, 23:52	#21
jyoti gauri firangi ladki Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 455	Just an encouragement on the kids taking care of it: When I was young, I begged and begged and begged for a dog. For years! I could never have one until after college because my Mom said, "I'll end up being the one taking care of it." Once i had a dog I loved taking care of it. Granted, I was older, but I don't think it would have been different when I was young. My parents, on the other hand, have several hunting dogs now ... and when I am home, I am the one who generally takes care of them, makes sure they get to the vet, etc. Mom still does not like taking care of them (even though these are hers). So perhaps this will teach your child not only responsibility but the fun of taking care of something else ... even if it's not something you want to do yourself. And if they both get bored with it, find it a new home! (Or threaten to, and they'll probably step up.)

Oct 24th, 2009, 00:23	#24
esposabella Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 31	I have a mix of mini-pinscher/chihua and i guess i got lucky because she doesn't bark. i heard her the first time when she was 6months old. And she has short hair so not much shedding....i love her.....and very easy to train

Oct 24th, 2009, 00:23	#25
TahitianPearl Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 13	Thank you all for your recommendations! Hubby/kid are animal lovers and my hubby/kid have shown much responsibility with other pets we have had before, but the reality is that both might end up not having much time (hubby will travel a lot for work and child may end up attending a lot of tuitions/classes to get upto par in terms of education with local kids as we do not plan to put him in international schools. So that leaves me the mostly SAHM to care of the pooch most of the time. Dogs shed, that is the reality so I want one that does not have long hairs that tend to cling to everything. The other reason is that Chennai is hot/hotter/hottest so a "hairy" dog does not make sense either! Since we might live in an apartment I wanted a smaller dog that does not bark too much (neighbors may end up hating us) and it will not get much excercise hanging around the house and going on short walks around the neighborhood. A mongrel/shelter dog may end up being our pet just because I'm not going to pay someone big money for a pure breed as I dont really care about its provenence! As to the poster who wanted to know what I had to "offer" is that people who have had dogs/pets before knows that one does get attached to them and offers the best that can be afforded in terms of time, love and money to the other member of the household! A beagle sounds like so much fun, thanks for the image he is really cute.......I could do with a pet that has a streak of nuttyness to relieve all the stress I'm going to gain on this relocation of ours!

Oct 24th, 2009, 14:41	#27
gypsie,lotus "LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NEW ORLEANS, USA Posts: 155	Birds, you speak the truth. Sincerely, Gypsie

Oct 24th, 2009, 14:45	#28
Nattusbs Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: IIT-Kharagpur Posts: 658	Quick suggestion. Get a Daschund. Perfect for an apartment. My parents had 2 (one was called Elsa - guess why?). Cheers Nattusbs

Oct 24th, 2009, 15:31	#30
gypsie,lotus "LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NEW ORLEANS, USA Posts: 155	Birds, It is a small world, I went in the site and found Friendicoes, it is the shelter under the flyover at friends colony. That is where I went to get two cats to bring back to Kashmir with me. And the guy that runs it is Gautam Grover, I always go and give him 1,000 rp when I am in Delhi. My vet Dr. Indra met me there and vacinated the cats on the spot for me. They were golden and became such beautiful cats to have. I named them Goldie and Foxie Lady. a stray was brought to me in Kashmir that had a infected paw and I treated him for one month and my helpers and I named him Lucky. I saw by the web site they are doing great things for the stray animals, Kudoo for them. Also I lost touch since all of my contacts were lost in the flood. I will email Gautam now. Sincerely, Gypsie

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Dog eat dog	Papaji	Chai and Chat	3	Apr 2nd, 2009 21:16
Pet Food scandal - beware of lethal pet food brands!	Noodle	Dogs, Cats, and Langurs	193	Oct 28th, 2008 18:02
HELP!! Passports dog-toothed not dog-eared	PaulB	Indian Visa and Passport Questions	11	May 23rd, 2008 20:12
Pet Problems II	capt_mahajan	India Expat Area	0	May 26th, 2006 08:37
Are samosa wallahs a dying breed??	cyberhippie	Indian Cooking and Cuisine	7	Nov 15th, 2003 06:00