Much in the vein of the husky thread we are considering a Greyhound, Siberian husky or Doberman for a first family dog.

We were thinking Husky as my wife loves the look but I do not know if we do enough to really run one as much as they apparently need. We get out and do things but its not everyday for sure, maybe on the weekends. It's also been a while since we've had dogs and I've heard sibes are quite stubborn to train. I'm not looking for a show dog but the basic commands would be good.

Originally I wanted a Doberman as we've known a few people who've had dobies and they are clowns. Still might go this route, my wife prefers the husky look but I think she might balk at the fur everywhere thing. She likes Dobermans well enough to consider it. I'm also not sure we meet their energy requirements.

After some reading, I'm drawn to the lower reported maintenance of Greyhounds as just needing a good walk or run at a fenced dog park which we have reasonably nearby. I also like their apparent couch potato nature indoors and most of the other things I've read. It doesn't sound like a lot of shedding with Greyhounds. My wife seems to be on board with greyhounds as well.

We are at home a lot, someone is typically in the house. While I'm not against a guard dog I'm not specifically seeking one. We do have friends over pretty regularly who have a three year old and two ten year olds so I dont want a dog that cannot be trained out of nipping or herding as I've met folks with dogs like that, though likely this was a lack of socialization and more on the owners. My boys(8 and 10) do boy stuff so there typically a lot of running around the house and such, mostly on weekends. We have a fenced section on our property that is 6 ft tall or perhaps a bit more for a dog run. I'm not against getting out more or even just doing some neighborhood walks and such but I simply know our current routine is more homebody with occasional trips.

I know individual dogs are different from the generics of the breed but it seems reasonable. Any thoughts?

I will be the first. We have almost always had rescues. Everyone has been extra special. Don't discount going to a local shelter. You can generally go online to see what they have. There is no better thing than providing a loving home to a pet in need of one. Best of luck. Animals make a home.

We have a 18 month old doberman, what a joy, loves the family, but has bonded with my wife. He owns the street, low barks/growls at anyone/anything passing in front. Easy to train, but needs daily runs and longer walks. Extremely loyal, loves to ride in the car and look at all the sites. Great dogs! .

I'm going to suggest a German Shepherd. We just picked up a rescue (owner surrender) 2 1/2 year old long haired female. She is sweet, intelligent, and well socialized. Great with kids and other dogs. They make great family pets and only require moderate exercise for the most part. This is my third GSD and everyone I had has been great.


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lol, all of those dogs come with different challenges.

My friend has a greyhound track rescue, She was told to be careful not to let it off leash in the open. 0-40 in seconds and they can go for miles.

Dobies are great dogs if socialized well, it not can be a handful and somewhat snappy. Very protective.

You read the husky thread.

I have a Shepard husky mix rescue.

He was not socialized and was a handful for the first two years. A great dog, who always loved people, just did not allow any other dog to get close. A dog that came within 3 feet was growled and snapped at. And in the spring the coat is everywhere. Comes off in bucket fulls.

All of those are working dogs, need lots of exercise to be happy.

I used to walk mine miles a day, until he goe old and his back legs got weak.

Try to find a pup that matches your energy. I’d pay less attention to looks and more to picking a breed that works with your family’s lifestyle.

Huskies are super smart and super active. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They shed a bunch and don’t do well in the heat.

They are amazing dogs in the right household.

If shedding is an issue do not get a German Shephard. They are great dogs but the long hair gets everywhere, everywhere!

Don’t get an ACD, they are a puppy for 36 months!



I’ve always loved my friends Rhodesian Ridgebacks, kind of like non-retarded boxers in a way. Great family dogs and quite low maintenance.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

I agree, find one that matches your energy as well as one that fits your environment and lifestyle.
Every one we have had were truly special and you and they will adapt and come together with enough love and effort.
Our current rescue was a 10 month Boxer and his energy is more than we were used to ... but we have adjusted.

Just remember- what ever you decide on, please make it a rescue. There are plenty of breed specific ones.

You choose a dog breed based on realistic use. What are you going to do with it? If you aren’t super active, you do not want a super active dog. You never choose a dog breed based on looks. Use and temperament, then go from there.

My Doberman, Reuben, was the best dog to ever walk the earth. No offense to other dogs I have owned or own now or to yours.

Intuitive. Gentle. Protective. Sensitive. Athletic. Couch potato. Cuddler. Incredible problem solver. If my son were older at the time I swear I think he could have helped him with his multiplication tables. Better judge of character than most people. His worst trait was that he was saddled up to an idiot like me who eventually learned to trust his judgement. Easy to train, easy to groom. Eager to please. He was wonderful in every way. God bless Reuben and all dogs like him.

We have hunting Springers now and I love them too. I try not to compare them to Reuben but Dobermans are indeed wonderful. I’d like to have one more someday.

No worries, no matter the choice it will most likely be a rescue. I guess that was my big concern about a Siberian and us. I don't know that we would continuously meet it's energy level. Again we get out and do stuff but certainly not everyday. I'm mostly trying to make sure the personality matches our family.

Both dobes and greyhounds are awesome, and can be low key family pets. Greyhound can be quite a killer if loose and unmuzzled, but a retired racer has likely been thoroughly vetted. A rescue dobe is a better guardian imho, but may have serious health issues that are not known. Check out common health problems. Just a thought.