Dog suggestions?

[{lava]

I'm thinking about a pitbull or cane corso. Do any of you have one or know a lot about them to share facts and stuff?

Pitbull is not an actual breed, but a name used for a range large selection of terrier type dogs. Wiki

If you are talking about the American Pitbull Terrier, it is not a recognized breed by the AKC. So getting a quality bred dog, with parents who are health tested and titled is practically impossible. Ignore the retarded BYB tags of, Red Nose, Blue nose, Ghotti, Colby, etc lines. Those prove nothing except that the person is not a reputable breeder.

If you are talking about the American Staffordshire Terrier, that's a different story. That is a recognized breed by the AKC. Reputable breeders health test and show their dogs. Prove their lines and quality. And that's what you should be looking for. Don't assume just because the dog can be registered with AKC paperwork, that it is a quality bred dog.

If you are looking to adopt a 'pitbull' then please, research research research. It is a very head strong, and hard willed dog. They have known dog aggression, which can be extremely difficult to control for an inexperienced owner. They are very tenacious and tend to have a high prey drive, meaning any small animal (including small dogs) can be seen as prey that they want to chase and kill. Owning one of these dogs takes a very dedicated person to make sure it doesn't become the next pitbull labeled as 'vicious' for attacking and killing the neighbors dog, or god forbid, for attacking and possibly killing another human. If you are serious about owning this dog, and aren't out to get one because of their look and how they can make you look tough, then prepare to find a good dog trainer immediately and make sure if you rescue that you find out EVERYTHING you can about said dog before you bring it home.

Cane Corso's are in the same boat as pitbulls. Wiki. And the same precautions with a pitbull/staffie needs to be taken for the corso. Everything I said up there is the same. Do your research.

Neither one of these 'breeds' would I recommend for a novice dog owner. They are so poorly bred because people want a dog that's tough looking dog to improve their image. And due to that demand, you get dogs who are severely unstable. Who show signs of illness, human aggression, and numerous other things that should not show up in the breed. If you aren't going to take the time to do y our due diligence for these breeds, to become an advocate of how the breed should be, and to refuse to become another owner who's dog is labeled because of the horrible actions it's committed, then please do not get either of these breeds.

They get a bad enough reputation from irresponsible owners. Don't think you can just bring one home, shower it with love, and it's going to be this perfect dog. Because it's not. Sure, giving the dog a loving and caring home is what you should do, but it should also include training and proper socialization for the dog. If you dog begins to exhibit dog aggression(which tends to happen around maturity, so about 2 years of age) then find a trainer/behaviorist to work with you to get it under control.

Now, I'm not saying all pitbulls, or cane corso's are going to be these huge, troublesome, dog aggressive dogs. I'm just saying to do you complete research on them before you bring one home. Be prepared, your dog may never develop these issues, but be ready for if it does.

I currently own a 5-6 year old boxer/'pitbull' mix. He was abused and under-fed before we got him, but now he is healthy and well-treated. He does try to attack the guy who checks the water meter, but otherwise he is pretty good. I know pitbulls have a reputation of being 'aggresive' when they mature, but I am thinking about getting one (if I do) from Villalobos pitbull rescue center. There I would get one that is already 2 or older. But, do you know if its only at 2 that pitbulls may be aggresive, or is it 2+?

[Pastry]

I currently own a 5-6 year old boxer/'pitbull' mix. He was abused and under-fed before we got him, but now he is healthy and well-treated. He does try to attack the guy who checks the water meter, but otherwise he is pretty good. I know pitbulls have a reputation of being 'aggresive' when they mature, but I am thinking about getting one (if I do) from Villalobos pitbull rescue center. There I would get one that is already 2 or older. But, do you know if its only at 2 that pitbulls may be aggresive, or is it 2+?

Most reach maturity at that age. Some younger, some older. It's not a set in stone time. I've seen some pitbulls who started exhibiting DA around 5. After a vet check up to make sure it wasn't a medical condition causing the sudden aggression, my friend just resigned to working with a behaviorist to get the aggression under control. Her dog can never be 100% trusted around other dogs, even ones she's played with just fine beforehand. When on walks, she has the dog trained that at the sight of another dog, to move to the side and sit and stare at her until the other has passed. She doesn't take her dog into pet stores, and refuses to let stranger dogs come up and 'meet' her dog on a walk. But my friend is completely happy with all of it. Sure she wishes her dog could go to dog parks and run around an play, to meet new friends on walks, and enjoy going 'shopping' at the dog stores. But she also knows that she owns Staffie(who is incorrectly always labeled as a pitbull), which have a reputation and she refuses to set her dog up for failure by placing her in situations she's clearly uncomfortable with. Sure she's done great at times when a loose dog has run up to them on a walk, but my friend isn't naive enough to know that's going to be the case every single time.

My own two dogs, are completely different. I own a 'dangerous' Doberman, and a Dog Aggressive Alaskan Malamute. My Mal started showing signs of DA when she became a senior at 8 years old. She's now going on 13. She has her good days and her bad ones, but I'm always ready to remove her from situations that could cause her to attack another dog. Most often, I just avoid the situations all together. My Dobe is a big dope. He'd play with anything that moved. Sure I wouldn't recommend breaking into my house/car/etc with either of them, but my Dobe has been attacked at a dog park by a dog who clearly shouldn't have been there. But he's still just as bouncy and as playful as ever. When he see's other dogs on our walks(I always walk my dogs separately, unless we go on hike/bike rides, to make sure I can give my full attention to my Mal in certain situations), he immediately thinks that they are going to play with him. He play barks and bows and gets this little hop in his step. He's quite comical actually.

But you honestly wouldn't believe how dense some people are. With my Dobe, all they see is his breed and assume he's going to rip his leash from my hands and run over to attack them/their dog/their children/their toaster. And most avoid him at all costs on our walks. But with my Mal, all people see is this huge fluffy white dog, and assume she's the most friendliest thing in the world. And with people and kids she is, but due to her old age, she startles easily, so I'm constantly telling peoples kids to not run up on her when she's not paying attention. And some people, with their dogs dragging them on their leashes, will just let their dogs come up and shove their rude little noses all in her business. I've been called lots of rude names because I demand they take they dog away from mine. No matter how friendly he may be, because my dog is not.

[{lava]

I currently own a 5-6 year old boxer/'pitbull' mix. He was abused and under-fed before we got him, but now he is healthy and well-treated. He does try to attack the guy who checks the water meter, but otherwise he is pretty good. I know pitbulls have a reputation of being 'aggresive' when they mature, but I am thinking about getting one (if I do) from Villalobos pitbull rescue center. There I would get one that is already 2 or older. But, do you know if its only at 2 that pitbulls may be aggresive, or is it 2+?

Most reach maturity at that age. Some younger, some older. It's not a set in stone time. I've seen some pitbulls who started exhibiting DA around 5. After a vet check up to make sure it wasn't a medical condition causing the sudden aggression, my friend just resigned to working with a behaviorist to get the aggression under control. Her dog can never be 100% trusted around other dogs, even ones she's played with just fine beforehand. When on walks, she has the dog trained that at the sight of another dog, to move to the side and sit and stare at her until the other has passed. She doesn't take her dog into pet stores, and refuses to let stranger dogs come up and 'meet' her dog on a walk. But my friend is completely happy with all of it. Sure she wishes her dog could go to dog parks and run around an play, to meet new friends on walks, and enjoy going 'shopping' at the dog stores. But she also knows that she owns Staffie(who is incorrectly always labeled as a pitbull), which have a reputation and she refuses to set her dog up for failure by placing her in situations she's clearly uncomfortable with. Sure she's done great at times when a loose dog has run up to them on a walk, but my friend isn't naive enough to know that's going to be the case every single time.

My own two dogs, are completely different. I own a 'dangerous' Doberman, and a Dog Aggressive Alaskan Malamute. My Mal started showing signs of DA when she became a senior at 8 years old. She's now going on 13. She has her good days and her bad ones, but I'm always ready to remove her from situations that could cause her to attack another dog. Most often, I just avoid the situations all together. My Dobe is a big dope. He'd play with anything that moved. Sure I wouldn't recommend breaking into my house/car/etc with either of them, but my Dobe has been attacked at a dog park by a dog who clearly shouldn't have been there. But he's still just as bouncy and as playful as ever. When he see's other dogs on our walks(I always walk my dogs separately, unless we go on hike/bike rides, to make sure I can give my full attention to my Mal in certain situations), he immediately thinks that they are going to play with him. He play barks and bows and gets this little hop in his step. He's quite comical actually.

But you honestly wouldn't believe how dense some people are. With my Dobe, all they see is his breed and assume he's going to rip his leash from my hands and run over to attack them/their dog/their children/their toaster. And most avoid him at all costs on our walks. But with my Mal, all people see is this huge fluffy white dog, and assume she's the most friendliest thing in the world. And with people and kids she is, but due to her old age, she startles easily, so I'm constantly telling peoples kids to not run up on her when she's not paying attention. And some people, with their dogs dragging them on their leashes, will just let their dogs come up and shove their rude little noses all in her business. I've been called lots of rude names because I demand they take they dog away from mine. No matter how friendly he may be, because my dog is not.

N'aaaw I love Dobies! My friend has a redish brownish one and it is beautiful! She bounces around their house all the time and shes really hyper and playful...The only thing is that when we are walking her and my other friend's havenese, she chews on their tails thinking they are chew toys. Otherwise, she is an amazing dog!

Plus, when I get my dog, it will most likely be when my current dog gets old or passes away because when we are gone, I don't want them getting into a fight or anything (just being prepared incase the worst could happen). But If I am allowed to get a dog before my dog passes away, I will most likely get a bedlington terrier.

[Ourpawprints]

What's wrong with dachshunds. I have one and she is so cute and sweet and lovable.
Here's Baci

[Imzadi83]

There is no guantree a dog will get alone with other dogs or cats let alone yours specifically so be sure to read up on introducations. Most shelters and rescues will help you introduce the pets but your probably on your own if you buy from a breeder. You might want to make sure the breeder will take it back (and if they will refund you) if the pets don't get along. Rescued animals are often already known to be good with other animals and that way you'll be saving a dogs life. Also if you want a specific breed or mix you can often leave your contact information and they'll get in touch with you when they have what your looking for. They can often do this with the traits your describing too.

Here are some search engines to help you look http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/choosing-a-dog-breed.html

[{lava]

What's wrong with dachshunds. I have one and she is so cute and sweet and lovable.
Here's Baci

Sorry I don't like little dogs....they usually yap too much :(

[psychodrama]

I have a Kerry Blue/Irish Blue terrior. But I heard somewhere that they are Demon Dogs. Buut my Shannon is an angel and excellent with other dogs too. Sh's 4 years old now.