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[–]offshore_coppertop 4 points5 points


Thoroughly advise against a puppy. There are plenty of great dogs in shelters who (a) need a home and (b) are already house trained.

Additionally, in the shelter, there are hundreds of other dogs barking and yapping; the noise is deafening and it's very sad. Admittedly, I've only adopted one dog (my fifth overall -- mom and dad generally liked purebreds), but as soon as we left the shelter, I swear he realized that he'd never have to go back there again and having had the experience of the shelter, he is grateful for his surroundings now, and is the perfect gentleman.

That was almost ten years ago. Half German Shepherd, half Great Dane, he's totally calm, at ease with other dogs, completely voice command (never needs a leash), just amazing. 110 pounds of pure teddy bear.

An older dog is more forgiving, so, if you've never had a dog before, go with an older mixed breed. IMO, it's a better choice.