Because, among other things, a dog can help you get more exercise. And thinking about what kind of dog to get, I'd been focusing on poodles. Don't you think you could exercise with poodles?
ADDED: Some info on the video. The artist, Nagi Noda died last month, at the age of 35.
October 19, 2008
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Poor things!
As the video demonstrates, it's entirely possible to exercise with poodles! The clip didn't even get into water sports, where they're just terrific.
I'd suggest, though, that rather than poodles, whose exercise produces those unsightly bulges, you go with dalmatians. You'll only get spots as the result of a more vigorous workout.
Too, dalmatians provide more of a workout challenge because they're thick as a brick while being strong as bulls.
At least get one from the pound-please?
I have owned Dalmatians and they are freakin' crazy. They have unbelievable energy and are always on the go. They run and they run and they run. You do not want a Dalmatian. You do not have the energy to keep up with one. It would be very unfair to take one into your home.
Plus you have the problems with kids. Little kids just love to go up and poke or pull the tail of Dalmatians. They think they are cartoon dogs. They are in for big surprise.
Go for one of those fu-fu dogs. You do not have the patience or the interest to keep an energetic dog. Think a Paris Hilton/Joan Rivers dog. That's more your speed. Trust me.
I'm picturing Althouse freestyling with a poodle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oXuk4CCk9A
Seriously, they are the best dogs. They're smart, they don't shed, they're comedians, and they're long lived. We just lost our eldest of three: she was fourteen, and her passing seemed untimely.
Poodles are gross.
Get a Boston Terrier, the world's perfect dog.
You could always walk Simon on a leash. I bet he would be into that.
Plus he's housebroken.
I think?
We have a sheltie and we also have a mixed terrier mutt in our house. If you want a dog that you can exercise with a sheltie has boundless energy.
Some of us are still hoping to sell ou on a pitbull - of sorts. :p
Isn't it traditional for women who live alone to have cats?
If reader_iam was awake she would say that was a sexist comment.
1. Palladian, your dog is extremely cute and aesthetically pleasing, but I want a dog of size.
2. I thought of a border collie based on this.
3. "Isn't it traditional for women who live alone to have cats?" No, it's traditional for women to have a dog that can rip into spherical objects.
Beware of dogs with sleeping disorders, like Rusty the narcoleptic dachshund or Skeeter the narcoleptic poodle.
Trooper is right: Dalmations are not for the faint of heart. They're up and at you all the time. Not mean, generally, but just crazy on-the-go. You need a large property or a place you can run with them.
My aunt had Dalmations. They were perfect dogs when she was raising my twin boy cousins and her husband was alive. Rambunctious family with plenty of room in the LA of long ago.
She kept the last family Dalmation, who was a puppy when my uncle died and the boys moved out. She was an active person who sold real estate, etc., but she could not keep up with that crazy dog. He would occasionally tear the place apart for no other reason than he wasn't getting his daily run/romp. Wasn't vicious, just crazy.
Believe me, as a single woman who is not a Marathon runner, you do not want a Dalmation.
Boston Terriers aren't that small. They can get to be 25 pounds or so, depending on the size of the line.
Ann --
"Don't you think you could exercise with poodles?"
Yes. I suggest the hammer-throw.
Hey you are the third person today who called me a "spherical object."
I have been trying to cut down. I didn't put any cheese on my burger today. Jeeez.
If you're going with a poodle, get a standard poodle.
One of my Dalmatians ate an entire couch one day when she was cooped up by herself.
You would like border collies because they are highly intelligent and responsive to training. Our border collie, Angus, is so attentive and interactive that it's eerie. The downside is that they need a great deal of stimulation and exercise or they can get neurotic. That's why we sometimes call our border collie Anguish, instead of Angus. They are a big commitment, and not for novice dog owners, in my opinion.
Poodles are intelligent and sweet tempered.
On the down side you'll probably have a much higher vet bill than you would with a mutt.
You know the only person who I would really trust about this subject is RH Hardin. He is the one commenter who has a really really close relationship with dogs. I mean really really close.
You should get his input.
He's even closer to chickens.
You should buy two dogs. A dog needs another dog to be around while the owner is away. You won't become the sole source of entertainment.
An active dog needs a job, whether it is chasing squirrels out of the yard, herding livestock, protecting children or walking the owner several times daily. A dog that does not have a job will become destructive and tempermental. Have your dog job thought out before making the purchase, so you know what breed will best fit the job description.
I prefer 'used' dogs, dogs that can't remain where they are and need a new home. Families with new babies, kids with allergies, people moving from a house into an apartment are all good sources. Most species also have a rescue group that will place dogs with new owners.
I know ricpic but you can't have two hens in one household.
"And one of them a redhead."
(Obscure quote from the Quiet Man.)
I think this is a perfect little dog. It is a companion breed, so is happy with very little exercise. Yet it is capable of quite a lot, if needed. This Summer I took her on 6-mile morning jogs. Not that I am picturing Althouse jogging, but a walk or hike of any length would be fine.
They don't bark much, but will let out a few when a stranger comes to the door. This serves a security function--it gives you time to get your pistol (if needed).
If memory serves, this was WFB's favorite breed, though he favored the Blenheim's coloring.
As for large dogs, do you really want to pick-up his one pound leavings?
Plus RH is a great dog trainer. Just looking at his photo's you can tell.
You can learn a lot from him.
Especially if you want to dress up your doggie like Ava Gardner.
As you do travel a bit, I imagine you have already given thought as to who will mind the dog while you are away. If not, you should. If your idea is to take it with you, have you considered the fact that traveling with animals is not nearly as easy as traveling with small children?
Border collies need space. Lots. They're great dogs, but they need tons of exercise.
I think the standard poodle is a winner.
You could rescue a greyhound. They give them to you for nothing. They are extremely skinny regal looking dogs with big ears who don't do much of anything. Just stand around and look good.
You could name it Barack Hussien O'Doggie.
I am dying for a standard poodle. Also, they do come in huge.
"it's traditional for women to have a dog that can rip into spherical objects."
Let loose the dogs of war.
I still, though, heartily recommend a Lhasa Apso as a combination guard dog/house dog. They are quite intelligent. Can be active and engaging. Quite devoted to their particular master. Without being too big.
They were bred as guard dogs, so tend not to tear into the yard, bring home gifts of dead animals, or cheerfully greet robbers as other breeds are apt to do.
You could name it Barack Hussien O'Doggie.
I think some people in Madison are liable to get mad if she's outside saying things like, "Sit, Barack, sit! Good boy!"
The best dog training video I've used was made by the Monks of New Skete in upstate New York. They earn their funds by breeding, training and selling dogs and dog training videos. Very worthwhile.
The Monks of New Skete are allowed to marry, and they usually (but not always - civilians are also welcome) marry the Nuns of New Skete who bake and sell the most incredible cheesecakes. We usually order one to serve at Thanksgiving, no morsels ever remain.
She could call it by it's middle name and everyone will swear they don't know what you are talking about.
She could call it by it's middle name and everyone will swear they don't know what you are talking about.
Ha! Too true.
First, fix your face:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-rage19-2008oct19,0,691112.story
_____________________
You could name your dog Kevin Barret.
That way, when a doggy accident happens, you could say to any offended bystander/property owner: "I'm sorry, it looks like Kevin Barret just pooped in your yard."
Or "Kevin Barrett! Stop humping Nina's leg!"
Or "I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have to watch Kevin Barret lick his balls."
I don't particularly care for dogs, but they come with the wife. In the course of that particular journey I've discovered the Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael). These are absolutely beautiful black long-haired dogs, unbelievably smart, and quite sweet. Males top out at about 60-65 pounds, and the females are a bit smaller.
Belgians are delightfully interactive with their owner(s) and incredibly protective when that owner is genuinely threatened. They have enough smarts to cue off the owner's response to a situation.
I can put you in touch with people who breed for temperament, intellect and working ability. If you want a great dog with an On-Off switch, get a Belgian.
Avoid any Belgians coming out Texas and Oklahoma. They're big, blocky, and barely smarter than a fencepost.
"Hello, is this Dr. Palmstein? Yes, thanks, this is Professor Althouse, and I want to schedule an appointment to bring Kevin Barrett in next week sometime. I think he needs de-worming. And a distemper shot, too."
I had standard poodles growing up and they are wonderful dogs. They are big enough to wrestle and run around with at the park, but they are mellow enough that they won't be tearing up the furniture if you don't take them on a walk that day. They are smart, social, non-agressive and don't shed.
Only one real warning about poodles: Poodles that are poorly bred or mishandled can have a tendancy to be anxious. If you pick a reliable breeder and treat your dog well, this shouldn't be a problem. Also, be prepared for people to make fun of you forever for having a sissy dog.
(Obscure quote from the Quiet Man.)
I adore that movie.
If you simply must have the cache of a pure bred dog, poodles are great, especially the standard variety (hey, they've even run in the Iditarod). Border collies are great too, but they require a lot of work, or they get bored and destroy things.
Personally, I like rescued dogs. I have two of them, and they're fantastic. I say, save a dog. Dogs are individuals anyway, so picking them based on breed doesn't ensure you'll get the qualities you want.
Or "I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have to watch Kevin Barret lick his balls."
What makes you think the professor will let him keep his balls?
Ann may i recommend the english springer spaniel. They are great dogs...smart..very loving..great with kids..love to run and chase down just about anything you throw.
Here is who we spend a sunday afternoon!
http://limitedpartnerships.blogspot.com/2008/10/sunday-afternoon-of-football-and-nap.html
Standard poodles are great dogs.
Unless you have tons of time to exercise them, stay away from herding & sporting dogs.
The herding breeds (shelties, border collies, etc)are very high strung bordering on the obsessive and require constant exercise.
The same for sporting breeds minus the neuroses.
They're all great dogs but you'll be sorry if they don't get enough exercise.
A fenced yard is not a substitute for exercise. You have to interact with them in a variety of situations and locations.
And crate your dog. They like it and it will save your home when you can't be there.
There lots of great dogs at the pound.
The Bernese Mountain dog is your dog of choice!
A poodle - just like the Obama's.
How original.
One of my Dalmatians ate an entire couch one day when she was cooped up by herself.
Trooper: Exactly the same thing happened to my aunt, except that her neutered male dog ate the curtains for dessert.
If you go to the shelters and seek an adult dog with a specific temperament, you'll find an instant companion. Puppies are cute as a means of survival. Why else would we bring them home to destroy our property and keep us awake at night. It's a commitment either way, but a puppy is a big lifestyle change.
My mixed breed just turned nine. It's a joy to have her, but the first few years of trying to adapt to her working genes were madness.
A standard poodle is a wonderful breed and a great choice for an adult woman living on her own. Fast learners, easily trained, don't shed, great pesonality and disposition.
A new popular, and a little expensive choice is a Goldendoodle - a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever. Family members have gotten them with no regrets, say its the best sort of dog they ever had - umm, except for that "special one" they gre up with as a kid. Massively loyal, friendly, all the poodle's brainpower.
Black labs are great too, we got a mid-aged one out of a pound and got 10 years of love and great dog from our visits and phone calls. The dog got to avoid lethal injection. A pretty good deal all the way around. But we have an outdoorsy living situation and I think Labs do best with lots of people to "share the love" with and lots of "air time".
There are some excellent smaller breeds, but I wouldn't count miniature poodles amongst them. IMO, when they downsized the breed they downsized the normal poodle's level of brains, affability, discipline and augmented nervousness and nippy-ness.
As you know I love dogs. Dogs are much better than people.
I love going to the dog park. I sit on the ground and play with all the other dogs.
My dogs are of course the most rare and fabulous. The wait list is ridiculous and screening process excruciating. The reason I picked my dogs is because they are fairly lethargic in the house and do not require too much exercise. Also, they are beautiful. There isn't a day that goes by that someone smiles at them-they make people smile-how cool is that?
If I was rich and didn't have to work I would live on some farm somewhere and have tons of dogs. I would be happy. It would have to be near a large city though so when I needed to get a hog it could be convenient.
Some of the other breeds that I like though and that may be a fit are: french bull dogs, pugs, havanese, cocker (hee hee) spaniel, basenji, portugese water dog, brussels griffin cavalier king charles (which was WFB's dogs, as well as Barry Alvarez and the coach of the basketball team Bo Ryan). Cavaliers would be my recommendation. Good walking dog but also great at home. The liver and white, I think, are prettier, than the tri-color.
Poodles are really well behaved dogs and smart. I just don't like they way they look.
Also, there are many great doggy daycares in the Madison area if you need to travel. That should not be an impediment.
How long have we been hearing about you getting a dog? What's the hold up? Get moving.
I am having apple and rice soup for dindin that I got at the fabulous new cafe by my house.
Do you know I have never turned on my oven?
According to my vet med students, the ideal dog is a 30-40 pound mixed breed. Pure breeds, especially at the extremes of size are prone to expensive medical problems. They call pugs "practice builders". A mid-sized dog has plenty of bark and bite, and there are plenty of mixed breeds at the humane society.
You should search on Petfinder.
Many of the dogs at the park I go to are rescues.
For some reason most of them come from the south-big surprise.
Many of these dogs came from horrible homes. It actual breaks my heart to hear some of the stories. There is one dog who was kept in a crate for one year and pissed and shit in it and slept in hiw own piss and shit and now has arthritis. Another dog at the park was burned with cigarettes and has burn marks all over him. And there is another one who is blind because the previous owner poked something in the dogs eyes. There is a place in hell for those owners.
There are some hurricane katrina dogs as well as some dogs that came from Puerto Rico.
One of the interesting things for me about owning a dog is I am more social with strangers. All of the dogs owners at the park have become friends. I have gone to dinners (with the dogs) at their homes, celebrated birthdays, gone to movies, taken care of their dogs and had drinks with the other owners. It has been a nice benefit to having a dog.
Nagi Noda. Japanese artist. She died last month, or so I read on Tokyomango, one of the more cheerful sites I like to visit. Aside from this one, of course.
I think labradooles, combo of labrador and poodle are a fine breed combining the best of these breeds. Poodles are a little to skittish for me. Labs tend to calm down and to retain the loving temperment. They also have mini labradoodles so that you would have a twenty pound dog rather than a fifty pound breed which could be too much to handle.
Anyway, I hope you have sufficient free time as any dog is a significant investment of love and time.
Popeye called, he wants his forearms back.
I have a border collie and agree with what everyone here has said about them. They need constant mental and physical stimulation. The best thing I've heard said about them is "They need a job and if you don't give them one they'll make one up. And you probably won't like it." That pumpkin? Think: your sofa.
I awoke from a dream about my Belgian Groenendale.
Miniature Poodles are delightful: they are easy to handle, weighing in at about 15 to 20 pounds, and they can't surf for tibits on your kitchen counter. They also tend to be less destructive during puppyhood than Standards. It's unfortunate that people often confuse them with the smallest, often high-strung variety, Toy Poodles. If one acquires a Miniature from a good breeder (there are several in the Madison area), few health troubles arise. Standards have been more inbred in this country, and they have frequent troubles with epilepsy and bloat. Whatever you choose, I'd recommend pet health insurance (unless, of course, its provided at no cost by the government).
Although the Border Collie is the only breed that surpasses the Poodle in intelligence, they are for experienced handlers. Patricia McConnell refers to them as the Porsches of dog breeds: they need an experienced handler who can drive the dog around five acres for five hours per day.
Ann..
I would definitely recommend getting two dogs or a dog and a cat. Dogs do better when they aren't alone. My fox terrier had the company of a very sweet cat until I married and we ended up with six pets!!!
She's 13 now but she's so spry you would never guess; I'm hopeful I'll have her for another 5 years. A fox terrier isn't a huge dog but their big enough to run and big enough to make someone think twice.
On the other hand, if you want something bigger.. I would look at a labradoodle, a goldendoodle, or a greyhound!
But the bigger dogs don't live as long and if you are the kind of person who falls in love with your dog... look for a long lived breed.
Read two essays in Vicki Hearne's Adam's Task first.
The essay on Washoe, and ``How To Say Fetch!''
Quiz after the latter: why did I get a Doberman in 1986? Which paragraph, in other words.
Get the book "Paws to Consider"
http://www.amazon.com/Paws-Consider-Choosing-Right-Family/dp/0446521515
It goes over the pros and cons of every breed and how to choose a breeder.
As for those saying go to the pound, I have one three letter word: DON'T. You will have this dog for more than ten years. Do some serious research into a breeder. I wanted a black labrador which are wonderful if you get a good one, but quite a heartache if you don't. I researched and researched, called the local labrador retriever club and got recommendations, and found a breeder in WISCONSIN (40 miles east of Hudson) who bred beautiful champion Labradors for temperament. Mine is 2.5 years old and simply the calmest, best dog in the world.
If you want this breeder, I can refer, but my overall advice is DON'T BUY A POUND DOG. Carefully choose which breed you want, find a reputable breeder, spend a ton of money (which you will do anyway, even with a free dog), and then go to obedience classes. You will never regret the upfront costs of time and money.
If you only read one more thing about dogs, read "After I Was Thrown in the River and Before I Drowned," a short story by Dave Eggers. It's in the collection, "How Are We Hungry." It's one of my favorite short stories of all time and is a must read for anyone who ever owned a dog.
Now, here is my dog. Don't make fun of him because he's a chihuahua, please. He is amazing.
My newest dog is half Australian Cattle dog and half Border Collie. She is a constant trial, and needs disciplined walkies twice a day. So far, so good. Friends have suggested that I get a herd to give her something to do - cattle, sheep, whatever. The cats are not amenable to being herded.
Labs are much more docile and less demanding. They make great companion dogs. I had two, the old one died at 14, and she was an absolute dream. The 7 year old is a marvelous dog, too. The old one was half golden, half yellow lab. The young one is half chocolate lab and half something else.
All of my animals are rescue animals. I am troubled by the way this nation throws away animals, so I do what I can to rescue the ones I can. To each their own on this matter, but at as a minimum, get them neutered.
Ok, lecture mode off. I really like pets, and am very glad I have them.
One more thing - in order to train a dog and have a dog fit into your pack, with you as pack leader, you have to be smarter and more learned than the dog. Just sayin'...
Both of my dogs are right around 40 pounds. Getting a mixed breed puppy is a roll of the dice. They can grow to unusual size. I sit a neighbor's dog that is 100 pounds - they were told it would get to 50. Opps. My old dog was 70 pounds at her heaviest - that's about the largest dog I would like to have around. She might have been unmanagable at that size had she not been such a sweet dog.
At my place of work I interact with dozens of dogs every week - greyhounds, mutts, Bernase mountain dogs, Leonbergers, many small dogs, corgies, toy poodles, floor mops, standard poodles, many Labs and Lab mixes, bull dogs, pit bulls, Chows, Akitas and so on. I like standard poodles, but they need constant grooming. Greyhounds are surprisingly docile and can be quite nice. Large dogs, St. Bernards and Great Danes should probably be avoided as they are not long lived.
I really like dogs and have tried to educate myself on how best to provide for them. It is not always easy, but it is always informative and rewarding.
[....]but my overall advice is DON'T BUY A POUND DOG.
By all means, let the pound dogs languish and die. You certainly wouldn't to rescue a dog when they can be so easily put to death, or can be reserved for adoption by uneducated people who don't have connections to just the right breeder.
Ann, women with poodles are like men in shorts.
Dog, si!
Poodle dog, no!
Cute chihuahua.
I don't think a chihuahua (or a greyhound, mentioned above) belongs in Wisconsin. Too cold.
***
Sorry to hear that Nagi Noda (the woman in the video) died. Really sorry. I found the video incredibly charming and funny, and it had a weird effect on me. Something about it, the eeriness, left me feeling anxious and nauseated, but I put it up because I thought i was so amazing.
***
Why do I keep talking about getting a dog instead of actually getting a dog? Maybe I just like talking about a dog.
***
"Ann, women with poodles are like men in shorts."
Eh, if I was just trying to get men to like me, I would have kept my mouth shut about not liking them in shorts. But it's an interesting issue: What dog should a woman get if what she wants is to make herself as attractive as possible to men?
You have way too many posts on the subject already, but here's my 10 cents.
1. poodles smell. they may not shed, but they have this strange oily substance on their fur that stinks.
2. borders collies need, like, 20 acres too be happy. unless you want to watch it herd children at the park, skip them. they are still bred too close to their original purpose for them to be happy without sheep.
3. all labs, goldens, etc - any hunting dog - also smell. it's the oil on their coats to help keep them warm in water. i'm big on a dog not smelling, if you can't tell already.
4. boxers are the most perfect breed known to man. they have 1 coat and it's very short - they shed 1/10 as much as a lab (and 1/100 as much as a shepherd). they sleep a lot, and especially love to sleep with you. they look mean, so they're great crime deterrents. they will exercise with you whenever you want, but they'll also not mind if you stay home all day Sunday and sit on the couch with them, eating cheese and feeding them tidbits. i absolutely love them.
Zachary, your dog is adorable.
I love Labs, and have a Lab mix. Excellent, devoted companion.
Tari: Thanks for the bit about boxers! I think they're adorable, and that was my first choice, but we got this dog from a farm - my son fell in love with her.
May I ask if that is your name - Tari? If it is, we share the same name.
"and especially love to sleep with you"
Is that considered a plus? There is no way on earth I want to sleep with a dog (unless it's some sort of emergency freezing survival situation).
Either get one you can take with you to work, or get two.
Do NOT get a dog that will FORCE you to exercise, because if you are not already a dedicated runner and don't need more exercise, you probably will not suddenly become one.
A small fluffy dog (for cold winters) and a small fluffy dog-friend, will be happy in the house and not need a whole lot of additional exercise but on those days when you walk with your camera, will be a wonderful walking companion.
Poodles get a bad rap... the small (but not tiny ones) still have their brains and the silly hair cuts are optional (and they don't shed.)
As for sleeping arrangements...
A single little dog *needs* to be part of a group and making it sleep on the floor is mean.
But you should get two, anyway, and they can sleep together and not on you.
I'm a vet (doggie doc, not the military thing).
Bag the idea of dalmatians. They are the only mammal to excrete nitrogenous wastes as uric acid rather than urea. Not good for the grass. Dumb as posts as well.
Seems to me you are all over the country doing the legal/blog thing. Unless your little-darling-to-be is going with you, you should think about a dog without a tendency for separation anxiety.
A collie would be good. They don't really give a damn about anything.
Basset hound?
All the breeds I really like wouldn't be good if mom's out of town a lot.
Oh. Cut their balls off.
Darcy, I love Labs too. Best personalities ever.
I think a Boxer would be best for you Althouse. Not too big, not too small. Incredibly well behaved and loyal, and of course cute.
I don't know what kind of dog a woman would have to have in order for me to be attracted to her. Maybe a weiner dog?
(sorry)
What dog should a woman get if what she wants is to make herself as attractive as possible to men?
A lab. Nearly every man I know has a thing about labs, and the attitude toward the dog would probably largely transfer to the female owner of the dog. "She must be good-natured, a good sport, fun to have around, nice and amiable."
But really if the woman's goal is to be as attractive as possible, she shouldn't have a dog at all because then she won't scare off any dog-dislikers or men who already have dogs and don't want those dogs to share the dog spotlight.
Back to regular non-attractiveness related dog selection...
A Bichon Frise is a great dog if you like standard poodles but need a smaller dog that is easier to travel with. They're very intelligent and friendly. Plus, like poodles, they don't shed.
I once had an American Eskimo Dog and absolutely loved it, but I wouldn't recommend it if you will have to leave it in the yard very often. They are incredibly good at escaping fenced yards (digging). My dog was quite the escape artist and died as a result.
When buying a dog you should also think about the end game. The dog will eventually become very old, and its health will decline. A larger dog is harder to take care of in this state than a smaller dog. For example, say your dog periodically loses control of its bladder. If you have a small dog, that's a small, very manageable mess. If you have a German Shepard...
I write from experience.
"Seems to me you are all over the country doing the legal/blog thing. Unless your little-darling-to-be is going with you, you should think about a dog without a tendency for separation anxiety."
No. I'm very grounded in Madison, Wisconsin. Last year, I was flitting back and forth, living in NY and Madison, but that's over. I don't really like to travel. Maybe it would be bad to have a dog simply because it would cause me to indulge my resistance to travel.
"A lab. Nearly every man I know has a thing about labs, and the attitude toward the dog would probably largely transfer to the female owner of the dog. "She must be good-natured, a good sport, fun to have around, nice and amiable."""
Wow, seems like having a lab would be tantamount to lying!
I don't think a lab looks like the right dog for a woman, not for me anyway... maybe because I'm not good-natured, a good sport, fun to have around, or nice and amiable.
"What dog should a woman get if what she wants is to make herself as attractive as possible to men?"
That would be no dog. Men are not attracted to women with dogs. We want to BE your dog, not be WITH your dog.
At least you don't want to share your bed with a dog. So there is hope.
Wow, seems like having a lab would be tantamount to lying!
Ha. Well, yeah. We were going for "as attractive as possible" not "as representative of particular women as possible."
I'm not a lab fan. My lab fan friends call me heartless for it. They're too hyper, too in your face, too untempered dog for me.
Maybe I would appreciate them more if I liked to shoot ducks.
A dog in the bed means dog hair in the bed. Bleh.
A neighbor has a black standard poodle. They don't give it one of those funny haircuts. It's a very good looking dog, and seems very well behaved.
Friends have a pound dog with a lot of lab in her. She's a little smaller than a lab, and they keep her lean. They have neighbors who love her, so when they go on vacation, the dog goes next door. It's a very good arrangement.
Ann,
I think a good dog for you would be either a Pug or French Bulldog on the small side. They are easy to maintain and don't shed to much if at all. On the medium side a standard Schnauzer or Boxer would be good. Boxers can be high energy, but are fabulously loyal dogs and can be clowns. I have two. Great dogs. On the big dog side, I would say either a lab or golden retriever, an American Bulldog, or one of the Mastiff varieties. Good Luck.
OK, if you're just hanging around Madison all day and can pay close attention to your canine bud.....
and if you want to attract a man in the process........
Rottweiler.
I married a woman who had two Rotts when we met. Love at first sight. Her and the Rotts.
And you'll walk the streets without a care in the world.
Any man not made uneasy around a Rott doesn't have insecurity issues.
What dog to get to make men like you?
Well, Ann, men seem to like you fine already, but I'll venture some guidelines.
1. Remember, no poodles.
2. No small dogs that bark a lot.
3. No dogs with ribbons.
4. Dog must be of reasonable size--at least 30 pounds or so.
5. No need to have a "manly" dog. Pit Bulls or Dobermans would be counterproductive.
6. A good looking dog--men are pigs, you know. (Or an extraordinarily ugly dog--to contrast your beauty.)
Mainly, find a dog you like and would have fun with. If the man sees that you really like your dog, he will assume that you might really like him too.
Ann Althouse said...
"I don't think a lab looks like the right dog for a woman, not for me anyway... maybe because I'm not good-natured, a good sport, fun to have around, or nice and amiable."
You're nice enough, Ann.
Here's what you'll have if you get a Lab:
A shadow. He will follow you from room to room. It will drive you out of your beautiful mind. When you get up, he stands up. When you sit down, he will lie at your feet. Probably ON your feet. When you go to the kitchen for something to nibble on, he is right there with hangdog eyes saying, "Come ta thinkuvit, I'm hungry again too. May I have what you're having."
He will bring you anything and everything to pathetically try to please you - your slippers, your bra, your panties, your laptop. Sure, you say, wouldn't that be convenient? And it would be. IF you are the sort of ill-natured bad sport drag to have around mean and unfriendly person who likes her slippers, bra, panties, and laptop soaked in drool.
Believe me - a man can do all the things a Lab can do without bankrupting you with vet bills.
Poodles must be groomed. You want to get a dog that needs little grooming. Stay away from the sporting dogs, unless you are going to take up hunting as a hobby. Scotties are great dogs. My neighbir has two. They are loyal, small, and cute. The exception to the sporting dog is the beagle. They make good home dogs too and are short haired.
Dogs require a little work. You must walk them or have property to allow them to exercise. You have to clean up after them. Every now and then they they have their accidents in your house. Then there are thevet bills to consider.
Dogs are awesome, but a responsibility one must not take lightly. Unlike cats, dogs are not the lap dancers of the animal kingdom.
It would be weird to keep a man around to fetch things!
Standard Poodles are amazing dogs, beautiful, full of character and elegant. They have unbounded energy; talk to someone who has one before you get one. Their exercise requirements are very high. Expect an hour or more a day walking.
I've got a Portuguese Water Dog. Yes, the Teddy Kennedy's breed. Similar in size to Standard Poodles, same non shedding qualities. A bit more to handle than a poodle however. They are a true working dog and expect a job.
Either one, get to know a good trainer, get to know a good breeder and get to know a good groomer, or learn to do it yourself.
Oh, don't forget the substantial exercise requirements. Our PWD would eat the couch is she didn't get her exercise.
I walk every day with our dogs, and I swear it's kept me alive.
Derek
Meade speaks truth. Just to be clear, I am not advocating that Ann get a lab. In fact, I would advocate against it. My lab recommendation is to women desperate to attract men and who have set attractiveness to the opposite sex as the number one goal of dog selection. My assumption is that this is not in any way the case with Professor Althouse.
If I only had a nickel for every time smart attractive smart fashionably-dressed woman has stopped on the street and pointed at me, exclaiming, "Aw look at that sweet old dog. He's a LA-ab. Isn't he CYoot!?" I'd have enough nickels to pay my own vet bills.
Ann Althouse said...
"It would be weird to keep a man around to fetch things!"
Select wisely and it turns out they can do other things, too. ;)
We are on our second breed rescue and would never again consider a puppy. We raised a series of sweet Irish Setters from puppy hood, even bred a few litters, but with so many dogs in need we decided after our last setter died of old age that we would adopt. We decided on English Springer Spaniels and found a local rescue group online. However, Springers are NOT, I repeat, not for you Ann nor are any of the working or herding breeds.
As others have said if you must leave your dog during the day, get two as they are pack animals and will become unhappy neurotic creatures if left alone. We can take our dog to work with us so it isn't a problem and we also have two dog-loving cats so when we must leave the dog at home he has company.
The advantages of breed rescue vs the local shelter is that they foster the dogs with experienced dog owners, screen them for health issues and begin training if needed.
You also know if the dog has discipline/behavior issues, problems with cats, children or other dogs and best of all you are saving a dog's life. The dog knows this, really they do.
Miniature Schnauzers are terrific companions. Small but not frail with a big dog sensibility, are excellent watchdogs, easy to crate train, don't yap or shed and as a bonus they "mouse". I have friends who have owned them for years, we have dog-sat for them many times and they are a delight. Oh, and they "talk"...like a little old person grumbling sotto voce...it's the damn cutest thing.
We also dog-sit a sweet Cavalier King Charles...wonderful, clever little dogs...we call him the love sponge.
Yes, you MUST crate train. The dog crate is your best friend and your dog's sanctuary. Once a dog is crate trained you can safely take them anywhere under any circumstances.
Whatever you do, living in the northern climes, don't get a Siberian Husky. They are known as the "Peter Pan" of the dog world. Prone to break the leash and you'll find them 3 miles away. They like sofas, chairs, walls, and anything else that gets their attention. In whole or in part. I lost many a piece of furniture to that damned dog.
If they decide they want to go "over there" they will. I was 7 months pregnant and the dog decided chase a squirrel and I did a full flip and landed on my back when that dog decided to go on his adventure. No warning whatsoever, just vrooom... gone.
Now we have Shelties and Yorkies. Shelties are awesome, laid back, but the shedding is definitely a problem. Of course, birds love the shedded hair with which to build their nests, so it does have some "recycling" aspects to it.
Yorkies, are yappy, but awesome. I've had many, many and have never met a dumb one. Our female learned to beg on her own, and dances and spins in circles on two legs for treats. Yorkies don't shed and are hypoallergenic. We keep ours in puppy clips so the hair doesn't get too long and matted. Who wants a RastaYorkie anyways? We tend to get the larger Yorkies as they have less issues with health and such. The largest is about the size of a Lhasa.
We had a poodle when I was a young kid and that dog was passive aggressive. Didn't like kids and would snap at anyone who got too close to her bed.
Have fun with whatever you get.
"It would be weird to keep a man around to fetch things!"
Exactly. That's my point. A fetch-crazy Lab, you will be stuck with for a good ten or twelve years. An obsessed-to-please will-do-anything-just-to-hear-the-music-of-your-laughter man, you just show to the door when you can't take any more.
Actually, poodles are good dogs, in either the standard or miniature forms. Getting them from a good breeder, of course, is necessary.
Another dog you might consider is a Shiba Inu. Around 20 lbs and 15" at the shoulder. Exactly the right height to worry spherical objects when needed.
They are both guard and companion dogs, look great (particularly in the fox red), and 'naturally fastidious'.
On the down side, they're a little aggressive toward small animals and they do shed seasonally. The options to not shedding are pretty ugly, in my book, but poodles and bichon are not considered shedders.
Althouse, Nagi Noda was the artist who designed the costumes for the video. She was known for her animal hats with real fur mixed with the hair on a woman's head. A bit macabre, a bit whacky. She did some work for Coca Cola, and music videos and collaborated on her own line of toys. Google images gives a good idea of her work. It's all whimsical in the way Japanese do best.
Mariko Takahashi, the woman in the video, is a World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships gymnast and jazz musician. She's the one named in the video to be the ex-fat girl.
That video gets me. I can't tell if she used real dog heads or what. If they're fake heads, then they're really well done. Then, are the people children, it it a camera depth trick or what? I just can't figure it out exactly because their bodies appear to be proportionate, and yet convincingly K-9.
Ann is not going to get a dog. She is not a dog person. She will never make the necessary commitment. Real dog people like to feel needed and enjoy the unconditional love their dogs provide them. If Ann ever had a dog I bet someone else took care of it, her son, husband, father, someone else.
Here's a standard poodle with a no-nonsense cut.
I wish you the best of luck with your dog. There's a dog out there already lucky to get an owner like you.
among other things
The devil that is details finds its fork sticking in other things.
I gave my dogs snow baths. It was all a big game to them. I'd pet them vigorously and rub snow into their coats, push them down and rub snow on their tummies. Let 'em go and let 'em run around the yard then they come back for more. I'd push 'em down and drag them on their backs through the snow then let 'em go. They run around and circle back for more. Repeat. Rub snow on their heads, through their tails. They shake it out, run around, come back for more. Repeat. Extremely tactile. They think they're being petted and adored, and they are. Keeps them nice and fresh all through the winter. Cuts down on brushing.
The only poodle I know is an anxious, hyper, neurotic, irritating mess, in spite of his attentive and dog-savvy owners. A very unlikeable dog who has put me off the whole breed.
As for border collies, everything the commenters upthread have said about them is true. They are working dogs, made to be outside herding something herdable. It's not fair to them to trap them in a situation with nothing meaningful to do. They become as sad and bored and frustrated as you'd be in such a fix, and they'll make you sorry.
My vet-student son has a rescued greyhound and it's surprising what a sweet, funny beast he is, even though when he's not bounding through the dog park, mostly all he does is lie around looking languid and ornamental. He does get seriously cold, though, and as a result, my son has had to acquire, of all things, a wardrobe of dog coats.
I say, get a mix. That "hybrid vigor" thing is very real. Our dear, eager, funny lab/pointer mix just died of cancer after 11 years of such a healthy life that, until the cancer came, we never had to see the vet except for well-dog stuff. I am sorry to have to tell you that you have missed your chance to own the best dog ever, because that was my dog.
Ann, you are clearly a cat person. Embrace it. No one who talks about dogs the way that you do could possible enjoy actually living with one.
Spare yourself and some as yet unidentified pooch.
I had two lab mixes and neither of them would fetch anything, ever. Neither of them would follow me. One used to sleep beside my bed, but no dogs are allowed on or in the bet.
My Cattledog/Border Collie, however, wants to fetch and play catch, follows me around (I think she is trying to herd me) and sticks to me like a shadow. I don't mind.
Generalizations about a breed are just that - generalizations. Mixed breeds are different - you get what you get. But I will agree that dalmations are not known for their intelligence. Nice disposition, great coat, but not smart.
It is good to consider what type of dog to get before getting one, but all of mine have come to me unbidden and all have been great dogs. I think the owner/leader of the pack must act as a leader, and if you aren't willing to do that, then stick to cats.
Find a neighbor with a dog and volunteer to dog-sit for the weekend. If you can live through that -- make sure it's a very cold, or very wet, weekend -- then you are ready.
Tell your sons you want a dog for Christmas. Then when they get you something, you can blame it all on them if it is the wrong dog.
Or, visit a pound and let a dog choose you.
I'd say if you don't want the dog to sleep with you, you don't want a dog.
If you're looking for advice on getting a dog, I'd pick up a copy of "Lincoln's Doctor's Dog."
Published anonymously during the Civil War under the title "An Illinois Gentleman's Hound," fell out of print, discovered, and re-published by Bennett Cerf at Random House in 1956. You can probably get it on Ebay.
I think a boxer is the best dog for the purposes here. They are very smart and well-behaved, they really live up to their reputation.
Another choice is Golden Retriever, but be sure to get a good one. They tend to be over bred by puppy mills and there are a lot of very bad ones out there. The well-bred ones are the best dog you'd ever want. (That sentiment applies to cockers, too. The ones bred for hunting are superb animals, all the others are disasters.)
The woman in that video is beyond creepy. I couldn't contain my laughter when she started talking about how important strong arms are when she has scrawny arms herself. Really really creepy lady.
So the consensus seems to be that the professor should keep Simon and Meade as pets instead of a dog. She can leave them together if she has to go out. Sweet.
My Cattledog/Border Collie, however, wants to fetch and play catch, follows me around (I think she is trying to herd me) and sticks to me like a shadow.
My previous border collie was a shadow. At night when I can't sleep, I get up and pace the room. He'd be right behind me, nose to the back of my knee.
Goldens are sweet, but they can be hyper. And they're intelligence really varies. My parents had one that was very sharp, but the rest were ... not. They shed a lot, full stop.
Someone suggested pugs upthread. Now, I love pugs (we've had four; two are still living, one of whom just turned 16). But I wouldn't say they're active, in the sense that you can walk them miles and miles every day, and they are very sensitive to heat. Also, they really do ever so much better with company: I wouldn't adopt one as a solo.
After years of pugs, we are considering getting a slightly larger breed, one better equipped for the needs of an active little boy. Topping the list for consideration are, not necessarily in order, corgis, shelties and, yes, Palladian's favorite.
Trooper: Nah, I wouldn't call sexism. I am, in fact, a cat person, though I've been feline-free for five years now, ever since my 21-year-old cat abandoned me. (The nerve of him! And after all those years together! I'm still pissed.) I "married into" the whole dog ownership thing.
Corgis are awesome - I really like them a lot. A friend had one and right off the bat I was impressed at its ability to jump vertically - short little legs with lots of spring.
I see them at the market frequently and all the ones I have seen, whether pure bred or mixed breed, are well mannered, have an even temperment, and like being around humans.
As I wrote here some time ago, I worked on a cattle farm with the a dog whose grandfather was King Timahoe, Richard Nixon's Irish Setter. Those are dogs whose popularity waxed and waned. and when they were popular, they were overbred, inbred and a lot of bad examples were put on the market. A good one is about as good a dog as you can own, but these days you are not likely to get a good one.
A note on shedding - a woman who owns a collie told me that she burned up 3 vacuum cleaners before she bought one that had a lifetime replacement guarantee. A dog that sheds can be a real problem, if you like your domecile to remain clean. There are breeds and mixes that don't shed, much, (Kerry Blue terriers, anyone?) but the other side of that coin is those dogs need constant grooming. Either way, you are going to deal with a lot of fur.
This Sunday a woman came in to buy a dress for a cocktail party. She found a few pieces she could try on and we hung them in front of a dressing room while we waited for one to open up. She goes “Oh well I will go outside for a cigarette and to check on the dog while I wait for one to open up.” I go “What dog?” “Oh I have my dog tied to the lampposts.”
Anyway the room opens up and she comes in to try on the stuff. I figure I have to stand outside to keep an eye on the dog. You know it is tied up and can’t defend itself from other dogs that walk by. Yuppies with an over exaggerated sense of their own importance will demand to know whose dog it is. Crack heads might try and steal it. Who knows what the hell would happen.
The dog was remarkably well behaved. It just sat there. It was an older dog. I later found out that the girl got it from her ex-roommate who had gotten married and had kids and the dog bit the kids. So the roommate took it so it wouldn’t be destroyed.
Althouse would leave the dog tied up. Good intentions don’t mean diddly dick. You will either leave the dog tied up for two hours or you won’t. That is what should determine if you get a doggie.
Just sayn’
I love dog posts.
After 60 years of having dogs in the family, here's my take on some breeds.
Labs--Get a female. Males can be a load: very stubborn and dangerously rambunctious.
Goldens: I had two great Goldens over thirty years ago. Most Goldens I see today are insatiable--so affection starved that they become obnoxious.
Husky: One of the doggiest dogs, but not for everyone. Gentle and loyal (in their own manner) beyond belief. Handsome, independent, noble. But what they love most is the horizon--they simply want to roam, and even the best trained Husky must be caged and leashed, for its own protection. Prolific shedders.
Springer: My ex-wife's favorite dog. Her dogs (and they were her dogs) were pretty neurotic, but so was I in that circumstance.
Rottweiler: Gentle and friendly if well socialized, despite the aggressive reputation. Handsome and companionable. Doesn't shed too much.
German Shepard Dog: Know your breeder. Great dogs if you get a good one, but there are some strains that are nervous and unpredictable.
Corgi: I had a huge prejudice against Corgis because they were "royal" dogs until I got to know my brother in law's dog. A big dog personality in a small dog body. Very self-confident, curious, energetic, friendly and gentle. We took a long mountain hike with two of the little suckers and they climbed like sherpas on their short little legs.
Boxer: A good one is a great dog--they slobber a bit but don't shed much.
Border collie/Aussies: In my experience, not as difficult as their reputation. They do need exercise, but so do you. Very trainable, playful and joyful dogs who love human company.
Mixed breeds: My current dog is a sheepdog (probably Aussie) and beagle mix. Almost a perfect dog--good size, energetic, fun and playful, eager to please, dry mouth (no slobbering) and moderate shedding. The beagle blood makes her a bit barky but a bark collary fixes that. A lovely, gentle, funny, companionable dog.
A few tips: (1) never feed your dog table scraps or any other human food. It makes them into beggars and they get fat. Never means never, no exceptions; (2) you are always the boss and if you are consistent about that the dog will be happier and so will you; (3) when you travel kennel the dog with other dogs--it's not cruel and the dog will come to like it; (4) don't believe the sentimentalists who say that you must have multiple dogs. Most dogs are quite happy in human families: (5) train the dog on a leash from the moment you get it so the dog is used to restraint and obedience from the get go; (6) you need not sleep with your dog--we sometimes do, but mostly she is caged at night and happy and secure doing so.
Dogs are not furry four legged people. If you remember that and act accordingly, you will enjoy life with a dog.
I, too, was put off by the QoE tie to Corgies, but once I met one I was impressed. Very nice dogs. I guess they didn't get to chose who, in England, gets to own them.
Ceasar Milan really likes Rotties, too. There are 4 of them in my neighborhood, and I don't like them much. Their behavior is, no doubt, related to how their owners treat them.
Speaking of barking, however, one neighbor has a Plott hound - our state dog. What a remarkable animal - you can hear him baying all the way down the block. Not for the faint of heart, nope.
The one problem I had with my female golden retriever/lab mix was the horizon problem. She wanted to escape her whole life and would head for the hills, or swamp, and not come back for 8 hours. Very stressful for me, the owner, but I am sure those were some of her best days. Neither of the dogs I have now are interested, or at least, haven't shown an inclination to bolt.
A friend of mine once had a leggy German shepard mix - that dog would go - sometimes the owner would get a call from two states away saying "Found your dog, come get it." What a nut that dog was.
Chip Ahoy said..."That video gets me. I can't tell if she used real dog heads or what. If they're fake heads, then they're really well done. Then, are the people children, it it a camera depth trick or what? I just can't figure it out exactly because their bodies appear to be proportionate, and yet convincingly K-9."
That's what's so disturbing, but think about it. How could those be real dogs?! The heads are real, but it's just a great special effect.
All right, you dog people, besides poodles, which dog breeds don't shed? I don't remember that our childhood Airedale did much shedding, but perhaps I didn't notice, not being the one who had to vacuum.
if you don't want the dog to sleep with you, you don't want a dog.
There's some wisdom in that, and I speak as a lifetime dog owner and breeder. However, this should not dissuade you from getting a dog. You might consider dogs that are less emotionally needy, and more independent.
A couple of lists of independent breeds here:
http://www.dogluvers.com/independent-dog-breeds.html
http://www.dogluvers.com/independent-dogs.html
I don't think the above is conclusive, though. Poodles are fairly independent, and bright enough to learn what you want or don't want from them. Don't worry about looking silly with a standard poodle; if you let their hair grow and don't go for the poofy clip jobs, I doubt people would laugh at you.
If you don't mind a feisty scrappy smaller dog, the Jack Russell Terrier might win you over. They are bright as hell, and tend to be crazy, and they're content to be as independent as you want, or affectionate without being overly mushy.
There are pros and cons of raising puppies or adopting adults (I much prefer the former), but I would be skeptical of people who are trying to influence your decision based on their concerns for the general welfare of millions of unadopted or abused shelter dogs. Dogs live 10-20 years, so it's a serious decision only you can make.
Good luck.
Everybody has their favorite breed.
Dogs demand time and attention. Some kinds, more than others.
If you've got the time, like doing doggy hair care, and can walk the beast 3 miles a day, get a Bouvier des Flandres.
Upside: Big, imposing, attention getting dogs. Ones that aren't afraid to go down a dark alley and take out the trash (make sure you go to a working lines kennel for one of these). Poodles flee in terror.
Downside: coat maintenance (this is a big deal, as Bouvs don't shed, but their long coats mat easily), big, can be droooooley, can drag in incredible amounts of leaves, dirt, and snow in long coat. Can be fatal to cats.
Males can run 100 lbs., our female, Mystique, ran topped out around 95. The only time I ever saw her less than confident was when we ran across 4 Great Danes at a local pet a palooza.
I suspect that something from a working lines kennel is probably too much dog for you. Some of the show lines kennels can probably come up with something with a little less octane.
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