The quest for the perfect family dog

re: The quest for the perfect family dog

Lisa — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:16:26 GMT

Like you, I have two hopelessly disobedient dogs, and have often wondered if I would do better if I had another dog in the future. At least your dog made it through obedience school, Bubba was kicked out of his "charm" school for intimidating a German shepherd three times his size. Sometimes all we can do is give them our love and a good home...and stock up on paper towels.

re: The quest for the perfect family dog

MidLifeMama — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:10:10 GMT

That is a handsome dog. Aside from what I imagine is a load of hair, he DOES seem like the perfect dog. We went with Schnauzers, which are only one step down from the high level energy of the JRT. We know that because we have two living in our neighborhood who lose their ever lovin' minds when we encounter them. They make our dogs look like model citizens. We also have a third dog, a beagle, a breed I cannot recommend. Ever. At all. Some day when we have no more dogs, we might have to give a Great Peyrenees a go.

re: The quest for the perfect family dog

Laura — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:15:26 GMT

What a handsome boy Leo is! I love that photo of your niece sitting on him. Pippa has spent years reading up on dogs and desperately wants a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They do seem ideal for us in so many ways except for not being home enough most of the year. It wouldn't be fair to the dog. But reading this made me so wistful...

re: The quest for the perfect family dog

LouAnn — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:39:35 GMT

Cute pics. Leo sounds like a great dog. I'm glad you did the research and carefully chose the right dog. So many people don't. However, your statement about Newfs not making good watchdogs cause they love everyone is off just a little. They generally do love everyone, but they have kind of a sixth sense about who's a bad person, which makes them even better as a watchdog, since you don't have to worry about them 'watchdogging' on a friend who comes over to feed them or pick up the mail. They do need more attention than a GP, though, so Leo was obviously the perfect choice for your family. But for anyone else considering a dog, Newfs are very patient with being sat upon, etc. by little kids. Sorry, adoring "Newf person" here couldn't help chiming in. One really funny thing about our current Newf is that she barked at the garbage men for a long time because she thought they were stealing from us. She finally figured it out.

re: The quest for the perfect family dog

Margie — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:08:46 GMT

I love reading about how people found or chose their pets. Leo is beautiful, and he sounds perfect for your family!

re: The quest for the perfect family dog

Dewi — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:37:04 GMT

What a nice story about Leo, he sounds terrific.

I read aloud to my husband about Fiat being called "mentally unstable" and a "special needs dog".

I never thought of it that way. My dear dog Lola(Labrador Retriever) has obsessive compulsive disorder.

She is nuts!