Derek and I are going to adopt

[+ Lucky]

What happened to your last dog? Incidentally, we have a new puppy. She is very cute, but a lot of work.

[Rick Munroe]

>What happened to your last dog?

 

We've never had any pets at all. This will be our first.

[Guest Dan]

I cannot stand by and keep my mouth closed. Think about it Rick: with yours and Derek's lifestyle, are you going to subject an innocent puppy to that? I implore you to forget about the dog. If you must have something to take care of, adopt a child instead!

 

Dan Dare

http://gaydar.co.uk/dandarela

[+ nycman]

>If you must have something to take care of, adopt a child instead!

 

Well said....lol

 

I vote: Male Lab

[Guest Love Bubble Butt]

I took his comment about adopting a child instead of a dog as a joke. You know, a sense of humor kind of thing.

[Guest Love Bubble Butt]

<< Why not stop analyzing what breed you should get and go to a shelter? If there's a dog there meant for you, he'll introduce himself. >>

 

When I was a kid, a neighbor's dog had a litter. Before I went to their house to pick out a puppy, my Mother advised me to select the one that showed the most interest in me as opposed to just picking out the cutest one.

 

When I got there, one stood out to me as the cutest of the whole litter. As soon as I saw him, I thought "please, please let this one show me the most attention" (because I had planned on following my Mother's advice). Anyway, this particular puppy ran up to me immediately. I was thrilled. He ended up being the best dog I EVER had. And the breed? He was a 100%, purebred, Mutt!

[Guest oncearound]

Westies are great. Smart dogs and good around people. They rarely get upset and when they do, they do a kind of modified clog dance, let out one stern yelp and then go back to what they were doing. They are also really cute.

 

Dogs are also great to maintain low blood pressure.

[Guest jwraustin]

I vote for the lab also. I am on my second black lab....nice breed, mellow, very people friendly, make good pets. Both I got from animal rescue....best friends I have ever had...barring none.

 

Jon Dean

http://www.manfuck.net

[Chuck50]

After you get a dog/pup in that one bedroom apt you will need a Maid. I vote just get the Maid. HUGS Chuck

[+ deej]

I've always thought of you as more the commando type than the boxer type. :+

 

You definitely want a "people" dog. The last thing you want is the sort of dog who gets really protective. (What's that sound? Oh, he's just trying to protect me.)

 

A golden retriever tends to be smaller than a lab but has the same people qualities. Loyal, faithful, loving, forgiving ... just like Derek.

 

Beware of retrievers in general, though. You just never know what they'll retrieve.

 

And don't be fooled into thinking that short-hairs shed less than long-hairs. Some of the short-hairs shed 100% of the time (which is why it stays short) but it's harder to vaccuum. (Go for the housekeeper!)

 

Living in NYC, I don't think you want one of the hunting breeds (boxer, terrier). They'd be difficult to take walkies. They'd always be on the chase.

 

Why not stop analyzing what breed you should get and go to a shelter? If there's a dog there meant for you, he'll introduce himself. It may take a few weeks, but sooner or later he'll be there. And when it happens you'll know.

[Huey]

Rick the perfect intelligent, non shedding, in shape dog is a German Schnowzer (not sure of the spelling). They are great dogs, check them out. If they have one downfall they tend to bark a lot. I have had two (Scamper & Clyde) and miss them both very much .

 

-----------

WAR IS OVER

if you want it

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

[Rick Munroe]

>I vote for the lab also.

 

I grew up with one & love them; they need a yard & open space. I wouldn't want to keep one in an apartment.

[Guest fukamarine]

>I cannot stand by and keep my mouth closed. Think about it

>Rick: with yours and Derek's lifestyle, are you going to

>subject an innocent puppy to that? I implore you to forget

>about the dog. If you must have something to take care of,

>adopt a child instead!

 

RIGHT! That REALLY makes sense! Don't subject a puppy to that, whatever "that" may be. But it's OK for a child???????????

 

What the hell are you smoking tonight?

 

fukamarine

[Guest fukamarine]

>Rick the perfect intelligent, non shedding, in shape dog is

>a German Schnowzer (not sure of the spelling). They are

>great dogs, check them out. If they have one downfall they

>tend to bark a lot.

 

I agree completly. Perfect dog for an apartment. They don't shed at all, don't need an overly large amount of grooming, are very attractive and look sorta butch - unlike poodles. They come in three sizes, Giant, Standard and Miniature. I sugest the latter for an apartment. In my experience they only bark when someone first comes to the door. Other than that they don't really bark at all.

 

>I have had two (Scamper & Clyde

 

Wasn't he the one who was married to J. Edgar? :-)

 

fukamarine

[Guest Traveler]

> We don't

>want a heavy shedder or a stinker. Loveable, muscular,

>short-hair, intelligent: these are traits we like in dogs

>(and in each other, I guess). And of course, he/she (that's

>another question: do we want male or female or does it

>matter?) has to love strangers (we get our share of them in

>here). I've done my homework but I'm still confused. Any

>suggestions?

 

If you want a mild-mannered dog, it's probably more important that the dog be spayed/neutered as opposed to male/female. I've had a few dogs over the years, and the one I liked the best was a Rhodesian Ridgeback. The dog is extremely loveable, muscular, short-haired, intelligent, and friendly with strangers and other dogs. It's certainly not much of a watchdog. Mine would wag her tail at anyone. Of course, she was used to my bringing my share of tricks in, so new men in the house was not an unusual thing for her.

The first few months I had her, she would give a single deep "Woof" when someone approached. I would just say "Quiet!" and eventually she would just run to the door and sit when she heard someone come. She clearly had full command of the English language, and would listen in and gather in on conversations. For example, if someone were to say in conversation "Is it time to take the dog for a walk?" she would suddenly bound up. I could also talk to her "Go to bed," or "Go upstairs" or "Do you have to take a pee?" or "Lie down" and so forth. I could even trick her by saying "Who's that coming?" (which would make her run to the front door). She never had any problem getting along with people or other dogs (As long as the other dog didn't growl at her first). Cats, racoons, and, unfortunately, skunks, were another matter.

That being said, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are larger dogs. They need ample exercise, although in between they are very quiet and are not jumping around. If I had company for dinner, I could tell her "Go to the living room and stay there," and she would go and peer downstairs.

If you really would like a smaller dog, I would recommend a Whippet. Harper's Illustrated Handbook of Dogs describes them: "Charming personality and highly intelligent. Extremely responsive and affectionate. Makes an outstanding house or apartment dog... A dog for all people.... remarkably clean and seldom needs more than a rubdown with a damp cloth... affectionate to a fault." Basenjis are also nice, quiet, intelligent, clean and muscular, although about average in terms of friendliness towards strangers. Greyhounds or Italian greyhounds are also possibilities (although they're not exactly muscular in the usual sense, though they can sure run fast).

[chrismac]

There's a formula somewhere which gives an idea of how large a dog one should have for the number of square feet in a house/apartment. Don't know where I saw that, though.

 

Growing up, my family had, at any given time, at least 6 Labrador Retrievers, 2 German Shepherds and 1 Australian Shepherd. Of course we had 3 acres as well. They need space.

 

I can't imagine having any dog over 40lbs in Manhattan. Unless you own your own private corner of Central Park. That knocks any kind of retriever off the list, as loveable as they are. I agree that you should just go to the shelter, keep an eye out for adult dogs in the mid-size range. And although all dogs shed, shorter hair is usually easier to manage.

 

Try to avoid dogs with aggressive, or overly possessive pedigrees in their mix (Rotweiler, Akita, German Shepherd, Doberman, Chow), unless you want to scare the bejeesus out of your guests.

 

Deej said it best when he said you'll know the right dog when you see him/her (gender shouldn't matter too much if they're spayed/neutered - but females tend to have more problems later in life) - and they look at you with their pleading, loveable brown eyes. Follow your heart there.

 

Please, just don't get a Jack Russell Terrier. That was SO two years ago. Like the white jeep and A&F T-shirts.

[chrismac]

Another thing to consider, once you do bring home your precious pup - if you have "in-call" clients, at some point in the communication you might want to discern whether the client is allergic to pets. Seems an inordinate number of inner city dwellers are. A study was done recently that pointed to the notion that children who grow up in non-pet households (with fur, that is) are more likely to be allergic to pet hair as they did not develop a resistance early on.

[Rick Munroe]

>Deej said it best when he said you'll know the right dog

>when you see him/her ... and they look at you with their

>pleading, loveable brown eyes. Follow your heart there.

 

That's another problem for this big-hearted person: I'll want to take them all home! And yes, hypoallergenic is another consideration. We have time, though...we want to do this in the spring. Thanks to all of you for your help.

[Rick Munroe]

>Basenjis are also nice, quiet, intelligent, clean and muscular

 

I had never seen one before...they're so cute! Derek sleeps like this, too (until he wakes up & starts to fuck). }>

 

http://www.basenji.org/2060005a.jpg

[Cooper]

What a wealth of information you guys have shared here. Wish I had posted that question before adopting...Rick, since you live in NY, take a trip to the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, (Long Island), phone # 516-883-7575. They have hundreds of dogs to choose from and will give you all the assistance you need to match you up with the perfect pup. Also, they will give you free puppy care for one year. This includes all shots and fixing. AND, if it doesn't work out, you can return "buster" and get another.

 

Let us know when you need help with names!

[+ imagooddog]

Hey Rick:

I certainly understand your wish to adopt a dog and am so proud that you are considering adopting rather than just going out and buying one. There are so many unwanted animals that need a good home.

Your not wanting a shedder will of course limit your choices. Also, be aware that some dogs become real barkers, which will not fit well into apartment living. Having a little one might also curtail your hours away from home at times, especially travel. Some potential in-call clients might also be allergic to dogs.

I have always had Shelties (some call them minature Collies). They are wonderful, intelligent, lovable, loyal, nice size, get a lot of attention from strangers when you walk them, but they do shed a lot.

Good luck and let us know what happens. :-)

[Will]

At this point I have to butt in. As it happens, I have owned and bred Standard Schnauzers for over ten years. And when I started, I started at what you might call "the top." I bought a three-month-old female puppy who is still the only European-born daughter in the U.S. of the only Standard Schnauzer ever to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club. A couple of years later I imported an International Champion male, and a year after that another female. Most of the Schnauzers I have bred have finished their championships; and one of them was the top-winning Standard Schnauzer in Europe two years ago, including Reserve Best-in-Show at the World Show in Helsinki. What's more, I live with three of them -- Ma Barker and Her Boys.

 

It's important to note that there are three SEPARATE BREEDS of Schnauzers. Unlike poodles and dachshunds, which are the same breeds but in different sizes or varieties, Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers are completely separate. And they are also very, very different in temperament. Minis are terriers; and they have all the charm of terriers, which includes a loud mouth. Giants are working dogs; and they have all the charm of working dogs, which means that they are super-intelligent and have more energy than a playground full of 12-year-olds. They are also huge. Standard Schnauzers -- which are the original breed -- are also working dogs, which means they are incredibly intelligent, curious, alert, playful and energetic. Unlike Giants, however, they are a nice sized dog, about as big as a Springer Spaniel, and they absolutely do not shed.

 

They are also very gregarious, and if they have other dogs to bond with, they will prefer that company to the company of humans. However, if you have only one, it will tattoo you right on its heart and that will be that. But they CANNOT be left alone for extended periods. They will get anxious and depressed, forget their house manners, chew everything in sight, and all the rest of it. Standard Schnauzers want to be included -- or at least present -- and will crack up if emotionally abandoned.

 

If you want a dog that is good-looking, butch, easy to care for, incredibly fun to live with, and will be good with people whom you invite into your house (but will be extremely annoyed if anybody tries to get in there uninvited), and if you want a dog that has -- frankly -- a little chic, get a black Standard Schnauzer male and neuter him before he's a year old.

 

The Standard Schnauzer Club of America has a Rescue Committee that places abandoned or unwanted dogs. They will do their best to match your needs and wants with what's available. They also make sure that the adopted dog has been to the vet, is healthy, etc., before they let you adopt it. If you're interested, send me a private message. I also know a breeder of VERY GOOD blacks who may know of a young adult (that's the best) for you to adopt.

 

Hope this helps.

[+ Charlie]

There is lots of good advice here, but I would suggest something slightly different. Almost all purebreed dog clubs have rescue committees (you can find them through the AKC website). Although most shelters do an admirable job, and I don't want to denigrate their good work or the possibility of finding a wonderful dog that way (I did, twice), they often know very little about the background of their dogs. The breed groups, on the other hand, take only their own breeds and often directly from an owner, so they know a lot more about their dogs, and are more likely to be careful about matching the individual dog to the prospective adopter. The downside is that they may take longer to find the right dog for you, but this is an animal that you may end up living with for many years, so don't rush into a choice like a dizzy queen trying to find Mr. Right on a Saturday night at the Lure.

 

As for particular breeds, there is none that is perfect for your situation. Small breeds are best, but if you like something big, try a Greyhound. The Greyhound rescue societies are generally well organized and the dogs are surprisingly good in the city, because the adults (who have been rescued from tracks, where they have worked their asses off for a couple of years) are calm and happy to just lay about the apartment; they're usually not aggressive toward strangers and are not barkers. They also have a classy image. Whippets are smaller and have many of the same attributes, but may be skittish, and are harder to find (there is a good network of Whippet rescuers in New Jersey).

 

As for smaller breeds, I think Pugs are incredible, although unfortunately they have become madly popular since Men in Black II. They are extremely friendly (mine stops to schmooze with every attractive male on the streets) and generally easy to keep in an apartment, but they are terrible shedders (that short coat is deceptive). Because they are so popular right now,there are usually waiting lists for adopters. French Bulldogs are much more rare, but they are similar to Pugs, and don't shed as much. Other possibilities are the Miniature Poodle and the Bichon Frisee, very smart dogs that shed very little if you are concerned about allergies, but they need a lot of grooming. They're easy to find, but you need to be sure that they haven't been given up to rescue because they're crazy hyper. Of course, there is always the image problem if you are at all insecure in your masculinity.

 

Finally, remember that dogs are individuals, so no matter what generalizations are made about breeds, sizes, gender, etc., your dog may turn out to be completely atypical--a vicious Pug, a stupid Golden Retriever, or a lethargic Jack Russell. That's one reason why I would try to get an adult, since what you see is more likely to be what you will get. Also, you don't want to interrupt a hot two hour session to attend to a howling puppy who needs a walk, and cleaning up doodoo in the living room can certainly break a romantic mood.

 

By the way, wait until Spring: any dog will need some toilet training outside, and doing it in snow and cold is a bitch. And clean up afterwards, like a responsible New Yorker!

[Guest usc1963]

Rick,

 

I bought a Greyhound puppy this summer and it has been the best pet! They are many Greyhounds that were racers that are searching for a good home. Good luck on becoming new parents. USC

[Bilbo]

My dog is a chow, and although I love Bard (named after Shakespeare) dearly, I am not sure if I would get another chow. For one, since you mentioned it, he is a champion shedder. For another, he is a barker. He barks the most at those he loves the most. So the friendlier he gets with my clients, the more he barks at them. This is not a problem with most of my repeat clients, but ... I don't think that he is overly agressive. Well, maybe in the morning when I have trouble getting him to stop licking my face, somethimes. However, his breed does have that reputation and many new clients are put a bit off of their game at first when faced at the door by a barking chow.

 

I don't have any experience with Standard Schnauzers, but my Cub had a wonderful Miniature Schnauzer, Schnickie, who had to be put to sleep at nearly 18 years old last Summer. I would heartily recommend that breed - small but doesn't feel like you could break his legs by walking clumsily across the room, etc. However, after the note from Will I'd be inclined to try a Regular size if it would fit into my space.

 

I doubt that I will be getting a new dog myself any time soon. Bard is only 9 or 10 and my cat, Phantom, only a year or so older. But if and when I do, my own inclination would be towards a Corgi. I've never lived with one, though, and would welcome comments from anyone who has.