Poll: Thinking of getting a puppy (Advice & Breed Recognition)

[DannyBandicoot]

Hello, I have always loved dogs but unfortunately my mother was allergic.
I have recently moved in with my dad and he is up for us getting a puppy which I could not be more excited about.

However I'm very fussy about how things look whether I'm creating a character or buying clothes or..you guessed it! Buying a dog.
I'm hopefully looking to get a very specific breed(I don't know whether that is the right word considering the link will say 'Terrier Mix' but that is very unspecific. I'm just looking for a way of specifically looking for dogs that look like this) of dog but I don't know what it's called and I can't find it anywhere.

Anyway! Here is a link to a video with the dog in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucmsunDs3jE#t=1m52s
If you go to 1:51 then you should see it in a nice close up

I don't suppose anyone knows how I could find a dog that looks like this since it's beautiful!
Thank you in advance.

I'm also wondering if anyone has any advice for raising a dog? I mean I know the standard do's and don'ts but maybe something born out of experience?
Again, thanks!

 

[Falconsgyre]

Well, first, have you owned a dog before? I don't know if this counts as a standard piece of advice, but it's worth repeating in any case because of how incredibly important it is: taking care of a dog by yourself takes a lot of time and energy, and you need to carefully consider if you have that much time and energy to spare, especially if you're going to get a puppy. If you want a puppy, plan to take at least 2-3 weeks off work once you get it.

Other than that, if you're looking for a specific look in a mixed-breed dog, you're going to have a hard time finding it. Try shelters.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Okay, first, do your research. Google the breed you are looking for. Read as much as you can. Find out everything you can about the breed's typical temperament. How active the dog will likely be is crucial information. Do you need a big, fenced yard for the dog to run in? Will it need regular walks? Is the house dog-proofed? Will it be spending the day time (when most people are at school or work) alone, and will that be a problem (if it is an active breed, yes, that will be a problem.) Also, make yourself aware of any health issues the breed is likely to have.

You can actually do this sort of thing in reverse... Some Kennel Club/Canine Association sites let you put in what you're looking for in a dog regarding temperament and activity levels as well as some rough info on what you can offer the dog (family, space, daily time commitment) and suggest breeds that would be good matches.

Don't be afraid to ask any questions because a breeder who doesn't want you to ask questions is a breeder who doesn't care what home their animals get into and is therefore a breeder who doesn't care about their animals.

Also, asking relevent questions gives reputable breeders peace of mind that you're not some jackhole who has no idea on how to live with a dog. I've known breeders who've flatout refused to sell pups to people they didn't think would take good enough care of them.

 

[BrassButtons]

If your first consideration for which dog to get is how it looks, you are doing it wrong. Dogs are not fashion accessories. Appearance should be your absolute last concern.

Why do you want a dog? Do you want a guard animal? A playmate to wrestle with? Do you want a dog to go running with? Or just a companion around the house? If the dog's energy level doesn't match your own, you will both suffer.

How much room do you have? More is always better, but smaller breeds can make do with less. Depending on the dog's energy level you may need lots of room for them to run around and play.

How much time do you plan to spend with your dog? Do you intend to do a lot of focused training? Not just housebreaking, mind--some people turn dog training into a major hobby. If the breed is intelligent, this is practically a requirement. Smart dogs get bored if you aren't giving them new mental challenges, and bored dogs are destructive.

Do you plan on getting more than one dog? More than one pet? Does the dog need to be good with kids? Some breeds are more naturally social than others.

If the dog barks a lot, will that be a problem? Some breeds are very vocal.

Figure out how a dog would best fit your life, and then look for breeds that have the qualities that match. And THEN start fussing over looks.