I'm thinking about getting a dog

[2kchevy 3]

So I've been wanting to get a dog for a few weeks now and trying to really decide on what kind to get. I really really really wanted a malamute, it was seriously my first pick but after much discussion with friends online and my family it was said that the weather here in arkansas would make that dog a bad pick. So I have narrowed it down to either a golden retriever(I've had 2 in my life growing up, awesome dog) or a beagle. I've never owned a beagle but I had a friend who used to have one and it was a very very loving dog. It's really a tough call and I'm just wondering what you guys think.

Thx for all replies!!!

[Godsmack 361]

Retriever or a lab IMO.

J

[topgun 262]

This dog just for a pet or is it also going to be a part time hunting dog??

[2kchevy 3]

as a pet....i'm not really into hunting. I've only been on hunting trips with a good friend of mine maybe....3 times.

[topgun 262]

I'm a huge fan of Lab's so thats where my vote goes. I've a little experience with Beagles but from what I have had I wouldn't hesistate to get one.

[2kchevy 3]

well, my family and I owned a lab whenever I was younger and the impression I got from the dog was this. The dog was a good dog but very very out of control in a sense. It was ungodly strong for a dog, it was able to pull my dad up hills whenever they would rollerblade in the morning. It would also be very aggressive whenever you'd play with it, it would bite and not really know when to not bite(like my parents golden retriever). So I'm a little skeptical to even think about a lab again honestly.

[topgun 262]

Then go with the Beagle then

[Godsmack 361]

Dad owns a yellow lab.

Labs are smart dogs. Slightly aggressive by nature and protective as all hell.

Teach them from pups to be protective, not to bite the owners, and give them PLENTY of exercise (ie fetch) and they are kick ass dogs.

I think you'd really enjoy it.

J

[2kchevy 3]

well I'm pretty sure we gave the lab plenty of exercise...lol b/c out of any dog we have ever had it was the strongest easily. mehhh I dunno it's really a tough call, I think I'll just flip a coin or something.

[Godsmack 361]

poll???

J

[2kchevy 3]

well I found a breeder for labs and beagles closer to little rock but he is asking close to a 1000 dollars for labs? What the fu** I srsly do not remember labs being that much. The beagle is only 300 so I may give them a call and see what's up.

[Godsmack 361]

They probobly AKC blood lines. dual papers, and show labs.

A Lab IMO shouldn't be over 500.

J

[///M5 2,833]

1000 is absurd. Strange two dogs to compare if you ask me. You have chosen a normal size dog in the lab and a little bitty bark machine in the beagle. Of course to me I have a hard time with dogs if they don't weigh at least 50lbs.

[2kchevy 3]

1000 is absurd. Strange two dogs to compare if you ask me. You have chosen a normal size dog in the lab and a little bitty bark machine in the beagle. Of course to me I have a hard time with dogs if they don't weigh at least 50lbs.

lol I knew someone would bring the size difference up. Well while I was looking at dogs I kept a few things in mind. The dog has to be very well behaved and friendly around people because a lot of people come through this house. Second, it needs to go well with having another dog in the house because my room mate has a border collie that's about a year old. Last I at least wanted a dog that I had a little bit of experience with, thus why I am keeping a lab and golden in mind but the beagle just looks like such an awesome dog and I could possibly be up for the challenge.

Yes I know how beagles can bark and it can be annoying but a dog barking in general over a period of time can bother me, regardless of how it sounds.

J - like I said I'll have to call and ask why the lab would be that much. I'd put a poll up if I knew how. How can I put a poll up once my thread is all ready created?

Thx for all the replies guys keep em coming. I know we've got more dog lovers than this =p

[2kchevy 3]

no comments all day? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[///M5 2,833]

If you are single, I might look for a dog that women find cuter than either of those...

[helotaxi 46]

Love my Lab. Papered. Champion lines on both sides both show and trials. $400.

The lack of bite inibition is usually an indication that the dog was removed from the litter too early. That is something that is learned, not instinctive, and it's learned through play with the rest of the litter. Vinnie was hyper as hell for his first 2.5 years, then he settled down a good bit. Had a Lab growing up and she was similar but mellowed quicker. Really smart dogs and eager to please.

[DevilDriver 28]

Really smart dogs and eager to please.

Couldn't agree more. I have had chocolate and golden labs, loved em both.

[2kchevy 3]

Love my Lab. Papered. Champion lines on both sides both show and trials. $400.

The lack of bite inibition is usually an indication that the dog was removed from the litter too early. That is something that is learned, not instinctive, and it's learned through play with the rest of the litter. Vinnie was hyper as hell for his first 2.5 years, then he settled down a good bit. Had a Lab growing up and she was similar but mellowed quicker. Really smart dogs and eager to please.

hmmmm, that makes sense I spose. Thank you, you usually have good info.

[Goddyd4me 0]

me personally, i'd take a great dane.

[Godsmack 361]

I apperantly had bad luck with labs...........we had a black one growing up........no papers cause she may of been cause by a neighboring dog.........wild all day long, never calmed down........never could take her running, cause she'd open the back door or sneak out and run on her own..........

I think mom being lazy and me being too young to train her added up alot.

J