I had been looking for a Standard Poodle for adoption. I did all the research, posted a thread on here, but I ended up not being able to find anything under the age of 6-7 to adopt. I don’t have a problem with old dogs, or adopting an old dog, but this is a companion for me, so I want the dog around for a while.
I’ve noticed that there are TONS of Pit Bulls for adoption in my area, in all colors, and a nice size range. I realize these dogs are nothing like Poodles, but I thought they may fit my life anyway?
My two major requirements are that the dog must get along with other animals, from dogs, horses, cats, etc, and that he must be able to stay off leash without bolting at every chance he gets.
I’d like a larger sized dog, high energy, and lots of fun. Trainability is also big for me, I don’t want a dog that will “ignore” me all the time.
Originally I was looking for a non-shedding dog, but if Pit Bulls don’t shed horrendously it should be fine. I’m up for daily grooming/de-shedding.
I don’t know much about Pit Bulls, other than they don’t deserve the reputation they have.
So is this dog a possibility for me? Or am I completely off my mark…
It will all depend on the individual dog, how its bred and how it has been handled. I have a rescue pit, Tiger, who wandered up to my house right before Christmas about 4 years ago. I joke that Santa brought him. He isn’t dog aggressive but will defend himself, ignores the horses and cows but will go with me on a trail ride. He stays close to me or the truck when we are at the corrals. But he is death on cats and I wouldn’t really trust him around a very small dog. He is not aggressive toward people at all and is a horrible watch dog in that he never even barks if a stranger comes in the yard. I’ve never really formally trained Tiger but the impression I get is that Pit Bulls are like most other terriers, smart but very independent so they will be a bit challenging to train. They can be agressive to other dogs, especially of the same sex and small animals. I would look for a puppy or very young dog that you could bring up around cats and other dogs.
Well, short haired dogs shed A LOT.
The difference is that those are little hairs, not dust bunny, bird nesting material type.
Why do they shed so much?
Because the hair grows about the same rate in all dogs and those that have short hair, well, the hair just sheds shorter, so more of them, a trade-off there.
Now, there are different dog hair types, guard hairs, that is what we are talking here and down coat, that many breeds also have.
I assume you don’t want a dog with any down coat, so no to labs, rotties or collies of any kind.
On a dog that is not going to run off, well, that is really the training you put in the dog as much as any one breed characteristic, except in a few more independent breeds, like, say, beagles, that really were bred to first, follow their nose.
Then, I have known the rare beagle that doesn’t.
As for getting a dog, since you want “a dog”, not any specific dog for a purpose the dog was bred for, like retriever or herding, why not look at “dogs”, any and all, of any breed or mixes and temperaments, until you find that “one dog”, not any specific breed, that will be your companion?
You may surprise yourself.
Just go by the shelters and see what is there, as many times as it takes, until you find one that you can’t leave without and make it work for both of you.
I have three Pit bulls currently and have trained many more–some are great with other animals, some, true to what they were bred for are not other animal friendly.
my guys live with two horses, a chicken and I usually have an extra dog in training here–anything from a maltese to right now I have a bernese mt. dog-- so they get along with everyone.
if you have smaller animals or dogs-- often times the pits are too strong and powerful of players for a little dog to tolerate–
I have found that most are very trainable and handler/owner oriented and of the ones I’ve had around horses all were good with them—with boundaries of course–my guys are not allowed in the pasture, and not allowed to mill about the horses–more for their safety than anything.
If you have them on good food, there should be very little shedding-- my husband sheds more than my three;)
establishing a bond, with leadership and boundaries is very important-- once you establish that most are big softies–but if you let them think they are in charge, most will take advantage of that–they are a large terrier and can sometimes display the toughness of the terriers just in a much larger package–
in my experience laid back females tend to be a little easier to deal with than a male–especially if he was neutered late-- but I have a neutered male who is the biggest wimp you could ever meet—
So my suggestion is to look at some rescues with pits in foster homes, they usually have a good idea of temp with other dogs etc.
And then go with your gut reaction-- if the dog gives you pause for any reason-- then move on. it may take a little while to find one that has a temp. that gels with your situation.
I’m happy you are considering this breed–there are so many nice dogs in need of good homes— forgot to mention my daughter is 5, all of my guys are excellent with kids and actually trust them more than some other breeds we have had around–they seem to truly enjoy spending time with her-- they also let her play trainer which is pretty cute-- my guys have also done dog bite prevention in local schools, and visited in nursing homes–and traveled all over the US with me they love to go with me, even if it is just for the sheer joy of a car ride:)
There are lots of pit bulls out there that get along great with other animals, and then there are some that do not get along with other animals. If you could get one from a rescue agency so that how the dog interacts with other animals, that would be your best bet. Also, the volunteers would have had a chance to evaluate the dogs ‘trainability’ meaning aptitude for picking up new things.
They do not shed that much. Our dane sheds handfuls more hair than our pit bulls.
[QUOTE=SAcres;6222190]
So is this dog a possibility for me? Or am I completely off my mark…[/QUOTE]
Absolutely this type of dog could be a great match for you, you just need to find the right one! From what I have seen, all the ones that have been treated as valued family pets are wonderful, loving dogs. They are definitely trainable and can be crazily athletic. I have two and these two show the scale of how different pit bulls can be.
One is a dominant, alpha dog. He can be a major pain in the you know what as a result. He requires structured exercise nearly everyday of the week, is always looking for an opening as far as hierarchy in the house, requires a structured home life, and is not taken to dog parks. On the other hand, he loves to play with you, loves to go out for a run and is the best jogging buddy ever (does not pull at all), loves to go camping. He is not a cuddly dog though, I mean if you are going to give him attention, wouldn’t ‘you’ rather play after all?!? Also loose dogs when we are out running make a beeline for him, apparently the other dogs can sense the dominance in him. However, he has learned to let me deal with the nasty loose dogs. Doggy football anyone? He is extremely smart, and picks up new things fast. He would be a good candidate for doggy agility if I took the time as he is extremely athletic and picks up things fast. He loves people and is fine with most dogs and fine with cats and horses. He is my little buddy.
The other one is just a happy go lucky dog. He is an absolute cuddle bug who loves attention in the form of pets, pats, hugs, you name it. He is not very smart, seriously. I love him to death, but he is just slow. Teaching him things takes forever, and sometimes he just can’t figure out what you want. “Shake” I swear is like multivariable calculus for him (no, he still has not learned this). All dogs who have met him immediately want to play with him and he wants to play with them. He loves people, but is not good around horses because if he gets scared he just stops. He once just stopped in the middle of a horse paddock with a frisky horse, and we had to run in to save him. He ignores cats.
So you can see from my two, pit bulls are across the board as far as just about everything! My farrier has one and she is a wonderful, easy to train, cuddle-bug dog. I think that you can find one to match your lifestyle, just take your time! You will need to have a thick skin when having one of these dogs though. I get dirty looks, nasty comments, people crossing the road to get away from me… Good luck! I hope you find the perfect dog for you!
There is nothing wrong with a socialized, well-trained pit, but many insurance companies won’t insure you. The last two companies I’ve been with (I have had Min. Schnauzers) either won’t insure you with certain breeds, or won’t cover claims for anything the dog might do. And where I lived a few years ago ban pits (and others) from ownership in certain cities, and the dogs (even mixes) make you uninsurable. It’s sad, but true that Military families that want to live on base are restricted from certain breeds because of the privatization of Military housing makes insurance a problem, so there are restricted lists that have been made universal. Also for Military or others that move internationally some countries also have breed restrictions, so that limits certain breeds too.
A topic near and dear to my heart.
Pit bulls from a good rescue will come with temperament testing which will tell you if they are good with other animals etc. My current pit bull DID chase the cat out a window the first day she moved in. BUT NOW, the cat sleeps on her head every night. I have a ton of pictures of them sleeping together.
Scarlett is a snuggle bug. LOVES to sit with her people (or on them). In my experience, pit bulls love to please their owners and really work hard to do that.
Scarlett wants to be with her people all the time. So, if we are outside and active, so is she. If we are being quiet, so is she.
You are absolutely correct that there are always a ton of pit bulls needing homes. And in my experience, the rescued dogs appreciate you all the more for it. I don’t know where you are but I’d be more than willing to help you in your search in you are in the Northeast.
I own 2.5 pits (one is a mutt!). My advice is found out the bloodlines if possible. My mutt’s dam was a fighting dog we picked up off the side of the road skinny and prego. However, my mutt is the best damn dog I have ever known outside my dearly departed GSD. She is fine around my horses, terrified of the geese and sheep, and loves to help round up the chickens. Most of the time she is fine around other dogs. Loves cats in a good way. (partly because her first playmate was a cat) hates squrriels with a passion. She will turn 9 this year and is still learning new tricks.
My next pit was a show dog (conformation). She is terrified of horses (was napping when a loose horse ran over her, came out with a little scratch). Terrified of cats (they attack her). Loves little dogs and is leery around bigger dogs. Hasn’t met a stranger she doesn’t love. Not a mean bone in her body unless you are a sweet potato! Quite easy to train too.
Her son is my 3rd. Neutered late (got out of showing). Half game bred. He gets along with our pack, has even accepted our rescue dog. But I would not trust him around other dogs. Cats are self propelled squeaky toys. Terrified of horses. Goes for the geese, chickens, and sheep. Barn visits are not allowed for him anymore. He is more independent but still trainable.
IMO some of the best things about this breed are their hardiness. Very few health problems, energetic, low-shedding, and playfulness. Worst things: they have a high pain tolerance. High prey drive Usually you won’t know they are hurting till it’s either too late or almost too late. Going in public means dealing for the sterotype.
If you can find out about possible bloodlines on certain dogs I can help you determine if they are more game than others. Game in this breed can be a fighting term. The gameness of the dog was tested in the pit. However, some breeders today test/breed for gameness on weight pull tracts, hog hunting, and other approved sports. And like you did for the standard poodle, research and study this breed! Ultimately remember this breed was created by cross bulldogs and terriers. They are NOT the type of dog for everyone.
I love my 3 to death and wouldn’t trade them for the world. They have all changed someone’s opinion about the breed for better and that males me happy.
I have met some real sweet ones but my friend has a sweetie pie of one but he is terrified of storms and will play with his toys till he drops, she has had to take away his toy balls b/c they have rubbed his nose raw, infact he is missing his wiskers from rolling it and chasing it around
I had been looking for a Standard Poodle for adoption. I did all the research, posted a thread on here, but I ended up not being able to find anything under the age of 6-7 to adopt. I don’t have a problem with old dogs, or adopting an old dog, but this is a companion for me, so I want the dog around for a while.
did you just do a search on petfinder? I just did one and got quite a list of “young standard poodles” in need of homes. Try Georgia poodle rescue- they are listed as having picked up a bunch of 2-year-old poodles recently. Yes, many rescues will ship long distances.
Pit bulls aren’t noted for getting along with other dogs, and many have a high prey drive (aka don’t get along with certain other animals) so be cautious there if you go that route.
I adopted a PB mix six months ago and we are totally in love with her. She is also Basset and maybe JRT, though. Loves everyone she meets, fantastic with my kids and lets the cats rule. She is very good with dogs she knows but not so much with strange dogs. History is unknown and it didn’t seem like she understood the play signals from other dogs when I first got her, but she is getting it now. I believe she’d never been around other dogs until she ended up at the shelter. I have a recent thread about her dog aggression here.
Trainability is excellent. I’ve put less work into her than any other dog in my life and we already have that “unspoken language”. Even though I haven’t officially worked on stay, down, etc., she does it when I need her to because she is smart and wants to please me. She has a Basset nose but her recall is great and she only tunes me out for a second, and only when the scent is hard to resist. :lol: Shedding is almost non-existent but I feed a raw diet and find none of my animals shed more than a few days in the spring and fall anyway.
I had a wonderful Basset for 13 years and was around enough Jack Russells to know they weren’t for me. So, I know enough to know it’s not those breeds that I’m especially enamored with in her. The chewing (at 2 years old) is worse than any dog, including Dobes and Rotties, I’ve ever had so you might want to figure expensive and hard to find toys into your budget, but that’s the worst thing I can say.
I think going to the shelters, visiting some adults and trusting your instincts is going to be the best move. To be honest, the cages and cages of otherwise lovely PBs with that “stare” used to scare the crap out of me so I kept moving. Now, after having one do it to me and my kids in our own house because she’s pondering her life (???), I realize the look is just part of their nature and has nothing to do with having bad thoughts. I would highly suggest you get an adult if you are going to adopt, though. Soooo many puppies are bred for the wrong reasons and their real temperament won’t be apparent until they’ve matured.
That’s my experience from someone who wouldn’t have considered the breed less than a year ago, and now believes I’ll be pursuing it for all my future dogs.
Well… we have a Boxer that we completely adore. We wanted to adopt another one out of a rescue but we don’t qualify We live on a 200 acre ranch, don’t have a fenced yard (no real way to do that) and live out in the boonies so they can’t do a home visit. Upsetting.
A friend of mine fosters for a Pit Bull rescue and she took in a lovely, very pregnant bitch. Seven puppies came last week and we are getting one of the little girls. We were accepted as “adopters” based on her recommendation.
My all time favorite is a collie. High energy…pretty easy to train to not chase horses (especially once they’re about 4 to 5 years old). My old collie was the best farm dog ever. My new girl is in barn training, but she’s an A/C seizure and tends to be fearful…still, she’s coming right along.
You have a choice of rough and smooth. I love both.
[QUOTE=SAcres;6222190]
My two major requirements are that the dog must get along with other animals, from dogs, horses, cats, etc, and that he must be able to stay off leash without bolting at every chance he gets…I don’t know much about Pit Bulls, other than they don’t deserve the reputation they have.[/QUOTE]
Well, much of the pit bull’s reputation is deserved. The breeds/types that are commonly called pit bull generally have great physical strength, high dog-aggression and a biting style that essentially entails grabbing something and grinding down until it dies. The pit bull population in shelters is utterly tragic, but you can’t fix it by taking on a dog who doesn’t suit your lifestyle and needs. It’s one thing if it just meant a little adjustment, like from wanting a short-haired to accepted a medium-haired dog. But when you want a dog who can basically get along in company, be dependable off-leash and basically be relied upon to stay out of trouble? That’s a lot to ask of many dogs. With the pit bulls, I think it’s expecting too much. Between the genetic tendencies and the reality that virtually every pit bull was produced by morons/monsters who were breeding for aggression, it’s a hell of a longshot that you’d end up with something suitable.
My pit us the most smart, loving, loyal little girls ever. I do how ever have a healthy respect for her ability to kick the ass of a dog (or person) that she perceives as a threat and manage her acordingly. She is good indoors with cats but will chase sometimes if encountered outdoors.
IME they do not shed much, their hair is more terrier like and seems to stay put. My liver/white pointer is another story:rolleyes:
I have met pits that fit your requirements, but many that won’t. They are not labs or golden but I wouldn’t trade mine for anything.
What a negative post… FWIW, two of my dogs are from BYB’s and they have no issues with any animal, are reliable off leash, one is a therapy dog, and both are CGC’s. My Amstaff from a breeder is all of those things as well (CGC & therapy dog).
Anyway.
I think some Pit Bulls would meet your requirements just fine, some wouldn’t. But then again, MOST breeds wouldn’t fit ALL of those requirements.
The off leash thing is a training issue. If you want a dog to be good off leash, you have to work extensively with the dog to get it there (most dogs anyway). All of my dogs are extremely reliable off leash.
My guys shed, but not much. I grew up with Labs (and my entire family has them)… I love Labs, but I will never own one. OMG the hair. All 3 of mine combined shed less than any of the Labs that are in my family! Shedding can be a food issue as well… you feed crap food, your dogs more than likely are going to shed a lot. All white dogs tend to shed more as well… something I’ve noticed (my friend has a white American Bulldog and that dogs sheds A LOT).
The getting along with animals requirement would not suit every Pit Bull out there, but there are many who do just fine with dogs, cats, horses, etc. All 3 of my dogs love other dogs, and sleep with my cats. They didn’t even try to hurt the baby birds that fell out of the nest last Spring. BUT, I work hard with my dogs, they all have great “leave its” and they respect me. This is key with any breed, but especially Terriers, who are known to be bull-headed.
My advice to you would be to search out a rescue who has dogs in foster homes. That way, you’ll know if the dog does well with other animals, and any other little quirks the dog may have. Most rescues know their dogs inside and out and should be able to match you with the right dog from the start.
I have to agree with Kady- my pit bull was an “impulse decision” after a close, long time friend who was a city shelter volunteer called me and begged me to come get her the day she was scheduled to be euthanized. I planned on getting her adjusted to a home situation and finding her the right forever home, but she’s still with me 2 years later and will live with me the rest of her life. She is truly the best dog I’ve ever owned.
Because of her (and the other pit bulls I’ve met through having her- I’ve found she’s really gotten me involved with “the community”), I’ve decided I will always have at least one rescue pit in my home. This is what I’ve learned: when you’re willing to take on a pit bull, you get your pick of the litter, so to speak. Sure, you can walk into a city shelter and walk out with an iffy dog on a whim- animal aggression/high prey drive is more common amongst pits than a lot of other breeds/mixes. That being said, my dog was in 4 different foster homes and went home with 3 different shelter volunteers over the course of 6 months before I adopted her. This meant I had 7 different people willing and able to discuss her long-term, in-home behavior the minute I walked in the door. I knew immediately how she was with kids, dogs, cats, strangers, etc. Everyone was willing to attest to that because they’d lived with her before I took her home. The same shelter probably had 15 or 20 other dogs they were rotating in the same fashion- because so many GREAT DOGS are unlucky enough to be born into the “wrong breed” and suffer because of it.
If you’re serious about adopting a pit, go to your shelter and sit down with an adoption counselor. Explain EXACTLY what you need in a dog, and ask to ONLY see the dogs they’ve had in foster situations that are as similar to your home lifestyle as possible. If they don’t have a dog that fits the bill, go to the next shelter. You WILL find a dog that suits you if you’re patient enough.
My dog has fulfilled every requirement I’ve ever had in a dog- she’s super with kids, awesome with strangers, great with other dogs, leaves cats completely alone, and acted like she didn’t even notice the horses when I first took her to the farm. She’s been a piece of cake to train, and is just as pleasant as can be. I don’t tout her as the breed standard, but I have met plenty of people that have adopted dogs of similar temperament to know that they are out there, and get euthanized in shelters more often than they get adopted. For the exact stereotypes that vaction1 posted.
[QUOTE=vacation1;6223511]
Well, much of the pit bull’s reputation is deserved. The breeds/types that are commonly called pit bull generally have great physical strength, high dog-aggression and a biting style that essentially entails grabbing something and grinding down until it dies. The pit bull population in shelters is utterly tragic, but you can’t fix it by taking on a dog who doesn’t suit your lifestyle and needs. It’s one thing if it just meant a little adjustment, like from wanting a short-haired to accepted a medium-haired dog. But when you want a dog who can basically get along in company, be dependable off-leash and basically be relied upon to stay out of trouble? That’s a lot to ask of many dogs. With the pit bulls, I think it’s expecting too much. Between the genetic tendencies and the reality that virtually every pit bull was produced by morons/monsters who were breeding for aggression, it’s a hell of a longshot that you’d end up with something suitable.[/QUOTE]
Complete and utter BS.
Genetic tendencies? really? SEVERAL of Michael Vick’s fighting dogs are now therapy dogs. So, they were bred by one of the most heinous human beings alive and yet, they are now good family pets and solid citizens.
“We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them”
I currently have a rescue pit bull in my house who gets along with other dogs and the cat sleeps on her head! We have no idea of her breeding and she is a solid citizen.
My first pit bull was backyard bred and was a model citizen.
Pit bulls have an incredible desire to please. So, if you want your dog to be a solid citizen they will be. If you want them to fight, they will.
I have been going to our local shelter lately and the number of pits is so sad. They are beautiful, too.
I looked long and hard at one yesterday, but opted for another dog. it broke my heart to leave her there, but the worse dog experience I ever had was with a pit. I have a wonderful half-pit that is the easiest thing in the world, but another one I rescued had to be rehomed after a year and it killed me to do that. I found him a great home, but he was not good with people. Loved me, but nipped at others.
I think they required a higher rate of supervision than some dogs. but if you can do it, you can find about 20 at our shelter alone.
We live on a 200 acre ranch, don’t have a fenced yard (no real way to do that) and live out in the boonies so they can’t do a home visit. Upsetting.