Thread: Thinking about getting a dog...

A Staffy would be ideal for you. Keep an eye out in the trading posts or similar. They do come up sometimes as people want to get rid of them. We got ours in WA for $200 and was a pedigree with papers and only 7 months old. The people had reasons for getting rid of them but non of them pertained to the dog itself. It may take a while though.
Also ring all refuges and council pounds and let them know what you are looking for and maybe explain that you dont have the $ to go and buy pedigree. Also ring the local association of whatever breed you set on and they will be able to help and may even know of some good buys.
Anyway good luck and some links :
====WELCOME TO THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER CLUB OF QLD INC. ====
- Home
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society of NSW inc
HOME
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Western Australia
Home

If your not in a hurry, have a read on some dogs breeds! find out what sort of breed of dog suits your life style and personality....

everyone on here will tell you how great there breed of dog is which will help you to a degree but only you will really know what breed of dog is going to suit you and your day to day life

Dog Breeds A to Z, - Breeds that begin with A

if your really that stuck the perhaps have a look narrow a few breeds down that you like then perhaps ask peoples opinions........just a thought!

Hi Newbs.
As db said do some research into different breeds and lifestyle but also give the pound a visit as there will be plenty of loyal dogs that just like you are also wanting a companion. cheers JP

Just remember a dog isn't for Christmas, a dog is for life.

They are a big responsibility.

If you want to travel to national parks a dog can't come along.

If you want to rent a house one day, a dog will make it very hard to find a house.

If you go away someone will have to look after it, feed it, walk it, etc.

Having said that, I have a kelpie / blue heeler cross and he is great.
Good fun to have around, although his ball / stick obssession can get tiring.
They also inspire you to excercise and I believe pet owners live longer and make better lovers .

Hi Newbs.Four years ago i was given a collie/pig cross bitch. Of all the dogs i`ve owned this one is the best.Totally loyal & blindingly perceptive/intuitive.On the 25/5/07 i retired for the night & instead of her curling up on the end of the bed as usual,she looked at me & nuzzled beside my shoulder.I figured being a cool night she`d move when she was ready.2.30am i woke suffering a heart attack.She was still there but her head on my shoulder.I was lucky.I was able to call the ambo. Two further attacks in hospital & quad bypass i returned home 2 weeks later to the best greeting i could ever have.And at 30 kilos (b/w collie coloured/pig dog stature) she`s no pushover even when playing games with. Walks? Ha,she takes me. But for you, the choice has to be yours.Some dogs require plenty of space/exercise,others not.Then there`s the grooming etc.Mine sheds a fair bit of hair.So this too is something you`d have to consider.I keep one of those battery op hand vacs around.Also all dogs have to be registered & chipped (maybe desexed if you choose).Does work out cheaper to get chipped/nuked at the same time) Plus cheaper registration. Big plus:keep your dog interested if left in the yard during the day.Tennis balls,chewy things & a good size bowl of water.The more the dog has interest in the less it`ll dig up the garden.Oh & make sure your fences/gates are in good repair.Don`t want it wandering or a surprise a few months later!! Good luck & keep us all informed. cheers gordon

When you are ready go to the dogs home and get a mixed breed dog. The last one we got was a lovely little King charles cavaleer cross, that was 18 and half years ago, hoping she is still alive when we get home, she now has noisy lungs and a heart murmer and has only been to the vet 4 times in her life. I feel with a lot of pure bred dogs have genetic faults bred into them.
Just my thoughts
cheers
blaze

Thanks for the advice guys - definatly something to think about.

I haven't made the decision as to if I want it to be an 'inside' dog or purely outside. Couple of my mates have dogs which are allowed inside and to be honest, their houses are a bit 'on the nose'... Anyone have any tips on this. I would feel bad keeping a 10 week old pup outside in winter. I find it cold at 7deg here in Brisvegas so dunno how a lil dog would cope - custom insulated doghouse?

I'm not in a hurry yet, as everyone has said I want to make an informed choice. How do I find out about the local pound? do they have puppies?

Couple of my mates are on the look out for good pups, one of which is in a similar situtation as me - we were thinking of each getting one from the same litter. And yea - will be a good excuse to get in shape again, most likely running in the morning. If I go running regularly could I get away with a more energitic breed? - saw some kelpie x staffy pups recently but thought they would need a bit more space that our suburban block even though they would occationally get out to the property and other mates places with land.

Originally Posted by bblaze

When you are ready go to the dogs home and get a mixed breed dog. The last one we got was a lovely little King charles cavaleer cross, that was 18 and half years ago, hoping she is still alive when we get home, she now has noisy lungs and a heart murmer and has only been to the vet 4 times in her life. I feel with a lot of pure bred dogs have genetic faults bred into them.
Just my thoughts
cheers
blaze

I was thinking to steer away from purebreeds first time round, more for the cost than anything else. Just want a good dog