[Sariss]

Just for the record, a Pitbulls bite force isn't as high as other breeds such as Rottweilers, GSDs, Mastiffs, etc etc.

[shazamataz]

Dogs are like people, all have different personalities and all personalities are a product of environment

Nope, sorry. Genetics plays a big part in a dogs temperament and personality.

Mums Great Dane is definitely NOT your typical Dane, he is basically a contradiction of what Danes should be like. This is almost solely based on his genetics.. that whole line of dogs are nuttier than a bowl of peanuts.
She has owned 5 other Danes before who were all very much the same as what a 'typical' Dane should be, they were all from a different kennel, all dogs have been raised the same.

Which is why I don't get 'certain' arguments about 'certain' breeds... but that is another discussion entirely.

[Aurora_Bell]

I think it has to do with genetics AND environmental. I have three "aggressive" breeds, all three rescues, all three treated like total crap their whole lives. All three are kind, gentle and make amazing family pets. Hell I allow my three year old around them.

I had a pup from 8 weeks, was properly socialized, raised like king. Was aggressive as hell. Went through obedience, behavior mod, you name it we tried it. We ended up having to put him down. Just something in his genetics that made him that way.

I have seen dogs come from fight rings, they would never make a family pet. They could have had the best blood lines out there. But after being abused, starved, beaten, something just snaps in side of them, and their natural instinct to live comes through, and it's you or them. I have also seen them be adopted into the right home, and excel as a family pet in a single dog, no children environment.

I have also seen dogs surrendered because they had gone "mad" from the neighbor kids poking them with sticks and throwing rocks at them. Was a seemingly well behaved dog, family pet, but because of years of abuse, became a liability.

[JudyKayTee]

[QUOTE=JudyKayTee;2352388]You've been warned before about dictating who can and cannot answer you - and you're about to be warned again.

Vipers are high performance cars. People don't buy them to look "cool." People who can afford Vipers don't have a need to look "cool." They already are.

So how about worrying that buying a poodle will make people think you and your roommate are gay?

What about this dog, "your dog," a dog you've had for a period, a dog obviously attached to you? You're going to leave that dog behind because it doesn't fit your "life style"? https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/d...ge-467986.html

[Lucky098]

I think Larken needs to move out on his own first before he decides on a dog, or even if he's going to have time for a dog.

Living in an apartment, Larken, you're going to be that dogs soul provider. You're going to have to take it out daily, even in bad weather. You're going to have to constantly entertain that dog and fulfill its day.

A lot of rescues and some shelters won't even adopt to apartment dwellers, let alone a young one with a roommate.

I have a feeling your mom is not going to let you take your dog. And she is probably right by that choice.

Poodles and other small dogs are not "I'm a gay man" status dog. A lot of the smaller dogs are actually working dogs. It's the owners that turn them into foo-foo dogs. Poodles are utility dogs. The standard poodles were, and probably still are, being used for hunting. They have a lot of energy and can go the distance. I understand that you don't want a dog that you can put bows in its hair, but like I said, that's by the owners choice.

I think that you need to slow down and get your life together. Dogs don't do very good in apartments. Especially a high powered, energetic dog that I think you're looking for.

If you insist on asking for assistence in searching for a breed that best suits you, please don't start slamming the breed and saying its going to make you look gay. People are offering their favorite breed. Its kind of insulting when you tell that person that their breed of dog makes them look gay. If you don't want a poodle, yorkie or any other type of smaller dog, just say you're not into that type of breed.

Why can't you just swing by and pick up your dog from your moms house? Its your dog.. I'm sure your dog will miss you when you leave and would enjoy spending a weekend with you. Take her hiking. Just because she can't stay with you 24/7 doesn't mean you need to move on to the next dog. That's kind of abandoning your dog, don't you think? I know that's what I would do if I couldn't take my dog with me to live forever. Id make time for her and have her come stay with me on days I'm not busy... Because don't forget, moving out on your own is going to party central for you for a very long time. You're going to forget about your dog.. which is understandable, you're young. You're going to WANT to go out.

Please rethink getting a dog. Hold off for a very long while.

[simoneaugie]

Sure is a lot of irritation connected with this thread...

I have a Chihuahua, a Boston Terrier, a Basenji and a Min Pin. Based on your lifestyle, a Basenji would be a good choice, maybe. They need an incredible amount of exercise and they dislike rain, puddles and most other activities involving water.

Chihuahuas are too small for long hikes. Boston terriers can weigh up to 30 pounds and they would need to be carried some. So, a Min Pin is probably the best choice except that apartment life may cause boredom and destructive behavior, depending on the dog.

Not that I need any more dogs, I've been researching the Italian Greyhound. They do well in apartments and could be easily carried if needed, on a hike. Their hair is super short too.

A shelter or rescue dog is optimal. Contact a rescue organization in your area and let them know what you're looking for. When a puppy comes through they can call you.